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Key Bible Verse: "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them" (John 17:23, NIV). Bonus Reading: John 17:20–23

Heard the one about the Anglican vicar, the Presbyterian pastor, and the Pentecostal preacher? Guess what. It's not a joke. These were my prayer partners while I served as a pastor in Pakistan.

Strange bedfellows? Proponents of a one-world religion? How about an intentional fulfillment of Jesus' prayer for unity from John 17?

Being an oppressed minority in a Muslim culture, we easily put aside our differences and focused on encouraging one another in the Lord. As we spent time together, we discovered that we weren't so different. Each brought something of value to building Christ's Kingdom.

We focused on unity. We didn't throw our convictions out the window. We didn't stop challenging each other. But we began with prayer. We realized that our kingdoms must be subservient to Christ's, and that He will build that Kingdom. God honored these small faith steps. When we chose to speak well of each other, He established a formidable defense that the enemy couldn't overcome.

If I were to return to this arena of battle, these would be the men I'd choose to go with me. And that's no joke!

—Jim Killgore in ACMC Mobilizer

My Response: What does the way I relate to other believers tell others about God's love?

Thought to Apply: We've come here in different ships, but we're in the same boat now. —Martin Luther King

Adapted from ACMC Mobilizer (Winter 02-03) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, turn my critical eyes inward so I may grow in grace. Transform my snap judgments of other Christians into prayer, understanding, and service.

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