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Pray for our Country

The Good Shepherd in a Divided World

November 05, 20244 min read

The Good Shepherd in a Divided World

John 10:14-21 - “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

Today, as we witness another pivotal moment in our nation's history, the importance of unity has never felt more urgent. On this election day, as the United States votes for its next president, the reality of division is starkly clear. Politics and social issues have created a rift in our nation, but what cuts even deeper is the division we see in the church. And it’s here, in these words of Jesus, that we find an answer to the unity we so deeply crave.

Jesus, Our True Shepherd

In John 10:14-21, Jesus speaks to the heart of the believer’s relationship with Him, using the powerful metaphor of a shepherd and his flock. He describes Himself as the “good shepherd” who knows His sheep intimately, laying down His life for them. Jesus’ role as the shepherd transcends every earthly authority and institution. He doesn’t just watch over His people; He knows us by name, leading us with love, compassion, and sacrifice. Unlike any leader or candidate, Jesus is the one true Shepherd, who does not seek power or position but lays down His life for us.

His words here remind us of the unity that’s possible within His flock. “There shall be one flock and one shepherd,” Jesus says. He envisions a day when all of His followers will be united under His guidance, bound together by His love and truth. This vision of unity should inspire us, especially on a day like today. Jesus didn’t say we’d be united by politics or preferences, but rather by following the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Unity Begins with Us

As a nation, we often talk about unity. But how can we achieve unity in the country when we’re struggling with it in the church? Today, our churches are fractured by disagreements over preferences, practices, and political affiliations. Just like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day, who criticized and doubted Him because He didn’t fit their expectations, we can sometimes let our own agendas cloud our purpose as the body of Christ. Instead of being the beacon of unity and love that Jesus intended, we risk becoming like those who divided the church with self-interest.

In his book, Christians in the Age of Outrage, Ed Stetzer explores the impact of cultural and political divisions on the church, noting that often, our anger toward society bleeds into the way we treat fellow believers. We’ve let the world’s way of division seep into the church. And yet, Jesus’ words remind us that the church’s unity shouldn’t depend on worldly matters but on our shared allegiance to Him.

A Challenge to the Church

As we consider the call for unity, let’s remember that Jesus didn’t call us to be united for unity’s sake; He called us to be united in Him, grounded in God’s truth. The apostle Paul emphasized this in Ephesians 4:4-6, where he writes, “There is one body and one Spirit...one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.” The unity Paul describes isn’t achieved by ignoring our differences but by rallying around the essential truths of our faith.

Today’s divisions are stark, but we need to ask ourselves, "Are we divided over things that truly matter?” In the church, there are battles worth fighting—God versus evil, light versus darkness. But many of our divisions are more about "me versus me" than "God versus the world." If we’re ever to be an example of hope and unity in this world, we need to refocus on what matters: following our Good Shepherd and guiding others to Him.

A Prayer for Our Nation

As we head to the polls, let us not lose sight of the One who ultimately leads us. We know that no candidate or president can unify the nation as Jesus can unite His church. He is the good shepherd, who calls us to be one flock under His care. Today, I’m praying that our focus wouldn’t be on earthly leaders or temporary divisions, but on the eternal unity we have in Jesus. If we as the church are truly united under His voice, imagine the light we could bring to our divided world.

Let’s pray together for our country and for our churches to be a shining example of unity in Christ. Let’s let Him shepherd us through these turbulent times, with our eyes fixed on His truth and His voice guiding us every step of the way.

UnityChurchNationVoting
blog author image

Chip Nightingale

Chip Nightingale, a dynamic and experienced leader with a passion for transforming lives. As an executive, gifted speaker, author, entrepreneur, and Life & Leadership Coach, Chip brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His mission is clear: to guide individuals in unlocking their potential and understanding the intricacies of leadership. Chip's journey includes success in various domains, from spearheading start-ups to coaching high school and college sports. His commitment to volunteerism and church growth has left a lasting impact, while his role in fundraising showcases a unique ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

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Donor Development

Pray for our Country

The Good Shepherd in a Divided World

November 05, 20244 min read

The Good Shepherd in a Divided World

John 10:14-21 - “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

Today, as we witness another pivotal moment in our nation's history, the importance of unity has never felt more urgent. On this election day, as the United States votes for its next president, the reality of division is starkly clear. Politics and social issues have created a rift in our nation, but what cuts even deeper is the division we see in the church. And it’s here, in these words of Jesus, that we find an answer to the unity we so deeply crave.

Jesus, Our True Shepherd

In John 10:14-21, Jesus speaks to the heart of the believer’s relationship with Him, using the powerful metaphor of a shepherd and his flock. He describes Himself as the “good shepherd” who knows His sheep intimately, laying down His life for them. Jesus’ role as the shepherd transcends every earthly authority and institution. He doesn’t just watch over His people; He knows us by name, leading us with love, compassion, and sacrifice. Unlike any leader or candidate, Jesus is the one true Shepherd, who does not seek power or position but lays down His life for us.

His words here remind us of the unity that’s possible within His flock. “There shall be one flock and one shepherd,” Jesus says. He envisions a day when all of His followers will be united under His guidance, bound together by His love and truth. This vision of unity should inspire us, especially on a day like today. Jesus didn’t say we’d be united by politics or preferences, but rather by following the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Unity Begins with Us

As a nation, we often talk about unity. But how can we achieve unity in the country when we’re struggling with it in the church? Today, our churches are fractured by disagreements over preferences, practices, and political affiliations. Just like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day, who criticized and doubted Him because He didn’t fit their expectations, we can sometimes let our own agendas cloud our purpose as the body of Christ. Instead of being the beacon of unity and love that Jesus intended, we risk becoming like those who divided the church with self-interest.

In his book, Christians in the Age of Outrage, Ed Stetzer explores the impact of cultural and political divisions on the church, noting that often, our anger toward society bleeds into the way we treat fellow believers. We’ve let the world’s way of division seep into the church. And yet, Jesus’ words remind us that the church’s unity shouldn’t depend on worldly matters but on our shared allegiance to Him.

A Challenge to the Church

As we consider the call for unity, let’s remember that Jesus didn’t call us to be united for unity’s sake; He called us to be united in Him, grounded in God’s truth. The apostle Paul emphasized this in Ephesians 4:4-6, where he writes, “There is one body and one Spirit...one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.” The unity Paul describes isn’t achieved by ignoring our differences but by rallying around the essential truths of our faith.

Today’s divisions are stark, but we need to ask ourselves, "Are we divided over things that truly matter?” In the church, there are battles worth fighting—God versus evil, light versus darkness. But many of our divisions are more about "me versus me" than "God versus the world." If we’re ever to be an example of hope and unity in this world, we need to refocus on what matters: following our Good Shepherd and guiding others to Him.

A Prayer for Our Nation

As we head to the polls, let us not lose sight of the One who ultimately leads us. We know that no candidate or president can unify the nation as Jesus can unite His church. He is the good shepherd, who calls us to be one flock under His care. Today, I’m praying that our focus wouldn’t be on earthly leaders or temporary divisions, but on the eternal unity we have in Jesus. If we as the church are truly united under His voice, imagine the light we could bring to our divided world.

Let’s pray together for our country and for our churches to be a shining example of unity in Christ. Let’s let Him shepherd us through these turbulent times, with our eyes fixed on His truth and His voice guiding us every step of the way.

UnityChurchNationVoting
blog author image

Chip Nightingale

Chip Nightingale, a dynamic and experienced leader with a passion for transforming lives. As an executive, gifted speaker, author, entrepreneur, and Life & Leadership Coach, Chip brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His mission is clear: to guide individuals in unlocking their potential and understanding the intricacies of leadership. Chip's journey includes success in various domains, from spearheading start-ups to coaching high school and college sports. His commitment to volunteerism and church growth has left a lasting impact, while his role in fundraising showcases a unique ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

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Devotionals

Pray for our Country

The Good Shepherd in a Divided World

November 05, 20244 min read

The Good Shepherd in a Divided World

John 10:14-21 - “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

Today, as we witness another pivotal moment in our nation's history, the importance of unity has never felt more urgent. On this election day, as the United States votes for its next president, the reality of division is starkly clear. Politics and social issues have created a rift in our nation, but what cuts even deeper is the division we see in the church. And it’s here, in these words of Jesus, that we find an answer to the unity we so deeply crave.

Jesus, Our True Shepherd

In John 10:14-21, Jesus speaks to the heart of the believer’s relationship with Him, using the powerful metaphor of a shepherd and his flock. He describes Himself as the “good shepherd” who knows His sheep intimately, laying down His life for them. Jesus’ role as the shepherd transcends every earthly authority and institution. He doesn’t just watch over His people; He knows us by name, leading us with love, compassion, and sacrifice. Unlike any leader or candidate, Jesus is the one true Shepherd, who does not seek power or position but lays down His life for us.

His words here remind us of the unity that’s possible within His flock. “There shall be one flock and one shepherd,” Jesus says. He envisions a day when all of His followers will be united under His guidance, bound together by His love and truth. This vision of unity should inspire us, especially on a day like today. Jesus didn’t say we’d be united by politics or preferences, but rather by following the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Unity Begins with Us

As a nation, we often talk about unity. But how can we achieve unity in the country when we’re struggling with it in the church? Today, our churches are fractured by disagreements over preferences, practices, and political affiliations. Just like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day, who criticized and doubted Him because He didn’t fit their expectations, we can sometimes let our own agendas cloud our purpose as the body of Christ. Instead of being the beacon of unity and love that Jesus intended, we risk becoming like those who divided the church with self-interest.

In his book, Christians in the Age of Outrage, Ed Stetzer explores the impact of cultural and political divisions on the church, noting that often, our anger toward society bleeds into the way we treat fellow believers. We’ve let the world’s way of division seep into the church. And yet, Jesus’ words remind us that the church’s unity shouldn’t depend on worldly matters but on our shared allegiance to Him.

A Challenge to the Church

As we consider the call for unity, let’s remember that Jesus didn’t call us to be united for unity’s sake; He called us to be united in Him, grounded in God’s truth. The apostle Paul emphasized this in Ephesians 4:4-6, where he writes, “There is one body and one Spirit...one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.” The unity Paul describes isn’t achieved by ignoring our differences but by rallying around the essential truths of our faith.

Today’s divisions are stark, but we need to ask ourselves, "Are we divided over things that truly matter?” In the church, there are battles worth fighting—God versus evil, light versus darkness. But many of our divisions are more about "me versus me" than "God versus the world." If we’re ever to be an example of hope and unity in this world, we need to refocus on what matters: following our Good Shepherd and guiding others to Him.

A Prayer for Our Nation

As we head to the polls, let us not lose sight of the One who ultimately leads us. We know that no candidate or president can unify the nation as Jesus can unite His church. He is the good shepherd, who calls us to be one flock under His care. Today, I’m praying that our focus wouldn’t be on earthly leaders or temporary divisions, but on the eternal unity we have in Jesus. If we as the church are truly united under His voice, imagine the light we could bring to our divided world.

Let’s pray together for our country and for our churches to be a shining example of unity in Christ. Let’s let Him shepherd us through these turbulent times, with our eyes fixed on His truth and His voice guiding us every step of the way.

UnityChurchNationVoting
blog author image

Chip Nightingale

Chip Nightingale, a dynamic and experienced leader with a passion for transforming lives. As an executive, gifted speaker, author, entrepreneur, and Life & Leadership Coach, Chip brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His mission is clear: to guide individuals in unlocking their potential and understanding the intricacies of leadership. Chip's journey includes success in various domains, from spearheading start-ups to coaching high school and college sports. His commitment to volunteerism and church growth has left a lasting impact, while his role in fundraising showcases a unique ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

Back to Blog