Nan's Calendar

by   Nan Forehand, Statesville, NC

What do we live for; if it is not to make life less difficult to each other?  
T. S. Eliot (1888-1965)

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 
Romans 12:6-8

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.  Hebrews 3:13

Charles Wesley (1707-1788) wrote approximately 6,000 hymns, usually writing three hymns a week.  Many are still being sung in churches around the world.  One in particular speaks of a spirit of unity.  This hymn is entitled Blest Be The Dear Uniting Love.  Mr. Wesley penned the lyrics in 1742.  Today I want to share the lyrics with you and also a poem I wrote  regarding a spirit of unity.  I hope you don't tire of Nan's Calendar messages when, at times, they are a bit lengthy, as is the one today.  When the Spirit moves me, I must respond accordingly. 
1.
Blest be the dear uniting love
that will not let us part;
our bodies may far off remove,
we still are one in heart.
2.
Joined in one spirit to our Head,
where he appoints we go,
and still in Jesus' footsteps tread,
and do his work below.
3.
O may we ever walk in him,
and nothing know beside,
nothing desire, nothing esteem,
but Jesus crucified!
4.
We all are one who him receive,
and each with each agree,
in him the One, the Truth, we live;
blest point of unity!
5.
Partakers of the Savior's grace,
the same in mind and heart,
nor joy, nor grief, nor time, nor place,
nor life, nor death can part.
 
Spirit of Unity

written by Nan Forehand
March 26, 2006

the whole of God's universe
consists of peoples vastly diverse
millions on the face of the Earth
every one meek and mild at birth
somehow learned to fight
God's desire is that we unite
all for one and one for all
unisonant voices whatever befall
this talk of unity is nothing new
Charles Wesley wrote of it in 1742
oh what joy from deep within
set free from the entrapment of sin
freedom from sin is God's gift of immunity
go now and live in a spirit of unity

Romans 15:4-6

For everything that was written (in the Bible) in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.