John 17:14-19
I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Reflection – Dee Dee Lyon
I grew up in a very small town in Mississippi in a conservative church that believed that if you did not believe what they did, then you were going straight to hell! It scared me to death! It was hard to find a loving God there.
Eventually I came to Birmingham, discovered Cahaba Valley Church and the grace of God, and a loving Savior and Father. After Cahaba Valley dissolved, we have been to several other churches and I’ve learned that the family of God is everywhere. Jesus sacrificed himself for all of us – all of us who believe in Him. Just believe, have faith, and love each other. As we recall the many ways the presence of God shows up in communities, may we be guided by these lyrics.
“A Common Love”
A common love for each other,
A common gift to the Saviour,
A common bond holding us to the Lord;
A common strength when we’re weary,
A common hope for tomorrow,
A common joy in the truth of God’s Word.