A Ministry of Harmony

Open Your Bible

Matthew 8:11-12, John 10:16, Acts 10:1-48, Ephesians 2:10-15, Galatians 6:15, Galatians 3:27-28

In light of the day’s reading, pause to reflect on the specific areas you long to see made new and how Jesus’s ministry calls us to join in that restoration. Let these shape your prayers today.

Jesus brought together sinful people. His ministry tore down dividing walls of hostility between people groups. So we continue His work of reconciliation, toward the promised end when God’s people are one, a multicultural people united in Christ to sing His praises. 

After you’ve read, spend some time in prayer about pursuing harmony with other people. Comment/share with the community anything that stood out to you or encouraged you from the reading or your time in prayer.

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49 thoughts on "A Ministry of Harmony"

  1. Jennifer Broussard says:

    God accepts and loves us all! Hallelujah!❤️

  2. Katherine Herrington says:

    There is no barrier between God and those who wish to follow Him!

  3. Chris Unander says:

    Amen Terri Baldwin. Imagine if the church universal was know for the love of all people!

  4. Terri Baldwin says:

    Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, He is our salvation our peace who tore down the dividing wall of hostility. For circumcision and uncircumcision mean nothing; what matters is new creation. Those who have been baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is no Jew or Greek, no slave or free, no male or female; since we are all one in Jesus Christ.

    Scriptures make us to understand that though the real barriers are unseen, but they can be handled and this is by removing or clearing them off our path Matt. 13:27-28. The good news is that by redemption, every child of God has the authority to clear whatever barrier off his path in life 1Jn. 4:4.

  5. Alayna P. says:

    Jesus’ ministry was all about bringing together sinful people and breaking down the walls of hostility that divided different groups. Inspired by his example, I strive to continue his work of reconciliation, fostering unity among all people.

    As we journey forward, I await the promised end when God’s people will be united as one, a diverse and multicultural community singing praises to His name. It’s a vision that fuels my commitment to embodying the love and unity of Christ in a world that often seeks to divide us.

  6. Karen Breaux says:

  7. Susie H says:

    I enjoy seeing Peter’s journey from devout Jew to the Christian that God wants him to be. He is already on that path, staying with a tanner (dead animals, so ceremonially unclean) then God stretches his thinking further with Cornelius. I love how God keeps lovingly teaching us!

  8. Victoria E says:

    I really loved reading everyone’s comments here throughout the study! I wish we could “heart” or “like” comments!

  9. Afua Tobigah says:

    What stood out for me was your prayers and ALMS , I read the other topic ministry of abundance not long ago . I believe God is impressing on heart to help people in need. His encouraging me to add to my faith works , and the works is sharing with others what He has freely given me with the aim of bringing the other sheep into the flock

  10. Wanda Woehlert says:

    ❤️

  11. Adrianne says:

    It is so awesome that as a gentile I’m welcome in the Lord’s Kingdom. That everyone is welcomed both then and now. That all we need is faith and love. How sizable and significant is that gift? Our God and Jesus are so great that we only need to bring our faith and love to the table to be received in Their light and goodness. To be accepted even though we don’t always listen and sin. That’s what stood out to me today, that no matter our circumstances of birth or status or current situation, we are welcome.

  12. Teresa Donley says:

    I join the chorus singing the praises of this study. It comforts, informed and. Halle bed me each day. I gained so much from all of your comments and thoughts on what we were reading. I can say that this has been my favorite of all the SET studies I’ve done.

    Please join me in praying for my sister, Karen. She is an Alcoholic who has never shown any real interest in jotting drinking until recently. The doctor put her on Ana use, the drug that makes the person taking it violently ill if they have even a drop of alcohol. She found out today that she has cirrhosis. She’s going to have to have additional tests to see if it is effecting her stomach, pancreas, spleen and gallbladder, and esophagus. Please pray that Karen can continue to take her medication, and quit drinking forever , and hopefully start reversing some of the damage already done.
    I’m praying for all of your requests.

    1. Victoria E says:

      Teresa Donley, I’m praying for your sister.

  13. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I love that God chose Peter to bring the gospel to these gentiles. God could have used that angel to bring the truth to this man, but he chose Peter. I pray that I would have the right words to say if anyone were to ask me about my faith in Christ and the gospel.

  14. Mercy says:

    The fear of the Lord was stirred up in me because of this verse “the sons of the Kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12). There is a certain attribute of God that we have to revere, to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. The fear of the Lord might be lacking, which causes such comfort for waddling in sin. God is love and He is a righteous and jealous God as well.
    Thank you @SEARCHING, @SHARON JERSEY GIRLS and other she’s who have prayed and will pray for my parents’ marriage. I really appreciate you guys. It has been a long time spiritual warfare for us.

    @SEARCHING, I agree with you 50/50 relationships do not always work, I was surprised when hearing this from a relationship coach, he explained that a lot of the time, it is 80/20, or even 0/100, since our talents and capacities vary. He pointed out that when we bear 50/50 rule in our mind, this pre-determined concept going into marriage, we can fault the other spouse very easily the moment they fall short below the 50 mark, often because of their weakness and limitation, and not their intention. That hurts the relationship greatly.
    @CINDY HANNA: love the breakdowns you share. We are definitely very powerful individuals more than we realize with the Spirit of God within us. One can put a thousand to flight, and two put ten thousands to flight, talking about the power of unity of just two. When two unites, it’s not just two thousands to flight like basic math, but ten thousands- this is a compound effect. Hence the wall of hostility needs to end, like the theme of today, for harmony and unity to rise with a compound power/dynamite, to bring transformational results into the nations, trump over the spreading of dark forces in societies, even in churches, for the glory of God. In a short time too by this principle :) It can totally be done. I am so hopeful lol.
    I hope you all have a lovely weekend she’s with your beautiful families.
    Be blessed dear sisters.

  15. Cindy Hanna says:

    In the subscription book we have an exercise “to consider specific areas to intentionally and practically bring the hope of everything made new into where God has placed us.” The book provides 3 categories to do this.
    The Heavens and the Earth made New:
    Time Made New:
    Life Made New:
    I struggled with this exercise (especially the Heaven and Earth part! How can any action on my part possibly have an impact on such a large scale!) then I went back to Day 4 and re-read the Isaiah 35 passage. I started to get a glimpse of things that I could do with God to participate actively. I will sum it up with the word: ENGAGE.
    ENGAGE by praying (Just like Cornelius)
    ENGAGE by giving service (so many areas and opportunities in this category!)
    ENGAGE by lovingly speaking words of encouragement, affirmation, gratitude, praise, hope and peace.
    ENGAGE by sharing the gospel in words and actions
    I could go on and on but you She’s all get the point. We get stuck thinking we are so small and insignificant and forget we can do amazing things…anything that aligns with who we are in Christ Jesus.
    I love how this study has been challenging me.

  16. Gayle Craik says:

    Amen

  17. Cindy Hanna says:

    Oh my heart! ❤️ @ Kelly (NEO) beautifully and poignantly put. As an alto I find joy in doing my part to serve the melody and bring richness to a song

  18. Gloria D says:

    So grateful for God loving ALL. What a great reminder that through Jesus anyone can accept the free gift of salvation. Only people make division. Lord help me remember that Jesus made a way for all to come to Him. Every person is valuable to Him.

  19. Cee Gee says:

    Oh, SHARON, JERSEY GIRL, Thanks so much for the prayers! We met with him this morning (the reason I am late posting) and my husband was impressed to go with him. ❤
    Now, just praying there are no surprises! He estimates work will star next week or the following week.

  20. Cee Gee says:

    KELLY NEO – Yes! I am an alto so I totally get what true harmony looks (and sounds!) like! If I sang my notes without the lead singer the song would not be complete. ❤

    SEARCHING – Amen to everything you said – advice to our single sisters/ marriage issues. When I was a teen, I heard a friend’s dad say exactly that about the 100% and I have never forgotten it! It is hard, though, when one person in the couple hears and obeys and the other doesn’t seem to give that 100%. Joining you in prayer for all! ❤

    The verses that stood out to me today: Ephesians 2:14, Acts 13-15, and 34-36, especially 36b:
    “there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”

    DANIELLE B – well said! ❤

    ADRIENNE – Team BELIEVERS! Love that! ❤

    TAYLOR – Praying your service at the Night to Shine will bless you out of your anxiety!
    Praying all attendees will feel how special they are to God. ❤

    THANK YOU, SRT STAFF for challenging us beyond our comfort zones with the study prompts provided. Outstanding study!

    Prayers, dear sisters! ❤

  21. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    Peter’s statement in Acts 10:43 causes me to stop, to pause, and thank God that He shows no favoritism, He is not partial – and as few other ladies have mentioned, we are all on level ground at the foot of the cross. Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. Hallelujah, that includes me!! Praising God that He chose to include me in His wonderful plan of salvation and that Jesus was sent to be a light for the Gentiles, of which I am one. (Isaiah 42:6-7) My prayer is that I see everyone as equal and do not judge or show favoritism. I am a pastor’s wife – 30 years in ministry. It is very easy to let it happen in the church and I’m sure I have been guilty in the past, but going forward – I pray it never happens again. ~ This has been a good study and it’s been wonderful to see so many new names in the comments!

    @Michelle P. @Sarah D @Kimberly Z @Taylor – I pray for each of you regularly. My prayer is that God will bring the perfect Godly man into your life, at just the right time – His appointed time, and that in the meantime – while you’re in the “waiting room”, that you will remain patient and continue trusting in His will.

    @Cee Gee – May God give you the wisdom to choose just the right person to complete the work on your home.

    @Mercy – Prayers for your parents marriage, that God would work in each of their hearts and that they would both be willing to forgive, forget and move forward.

    @Taylor – What a wonderful event to be a part of! Pray that all goes well, everything smoothly and that each one would know and feel the love of God.

    Blessings to each of my SRT sisters and as Rachel and Amanda always remind us – “Keep opening your Bibles”.

  22. Cheryl Blow says:

    ”for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.“
    ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬
    https://bible.com/bible/111/gal.3.27-28.NIV

    I love these two verses! There is no division when we are in Christ. I pray that I can show His reconciliation to others regardless of who they are or what they look like. We are all just sinners. Some saved by grace and some not yet! They will know us by our love. There should be no competition between churches but pray for each other to keep reaching the lost. It’s not about me, it’s about more changed lives!

  23. Michelle Patire says:

    Great message @Lanie H ❤️ love what you posted.

    Thank you @Searching & @Mercy for your prayers ❤️
    And to what you said, Searching, I refuse to let the enemy win. I will hold the Lord’s standards and wait on Him. Nothing is worth taking the enemy’s bait. It is fleeting pleasure. Lol I get fired up about it, but it is still hard nonetheless, when the enemy tries to attack you in your weakness. We triumph in Christ though, single ladies, and others who need to know they have the victory ❤️

    Happy Friday. May God be near to you all, in your being and in your doing. He loves you, always! ❤️

  24. Donna Wolcott says:

    Good morning sisters. Kris – Amen! Traci – “division within the Christian community”, may we all look within our churches and neighboring community to help break the division and serve as one. Danielle – Amen Karyn – Amen Searching -❤️. Kelly – ❤️. Prayers for your needs and your family’s. Prayers for serenity, courage and peace.

  25. Lanie Hefferly says:

    Y’all. I love the Acts 10 passage so much. I love how specific God is with Peter. He tells him 3x kill and eat, and it is a clap back to when he told him 3x to feed and take care of his sheep, which was a clap back to the 3x he denied him. In that same scenario, Jesus has them catch 153 fish, which I have read was the amount of diverse species in the sea, which was a clap back to the first time Jesus called Peter, saying he would make him a fisherman of men. I can’t get over how specific each scene was. God uses peters original job, his mistakes, his present hunger to reveal his future promise. I always worry I am missing God’s calling and this is just a reminder that God was working before I knew him, in my mistakes after I knew him, in my career, and in my present weaknesses to bring his glory. Oh and if he has the will send an angel or another person to make sure I don’t miss it. Our God is so kind☺️

    1. Macie Mae says:

      Love your comment!! Thank you for sharing it. He truly does work ALL things!

    2. Julie Gates says:

      Thank you for this! I am in a different stage of life right now, not sure what God wants me to do. This really encourages me. I love what you said that He will even send an angel if necessary, so I won’t miss what He has for me!

    3. Victoria E says:

      Amen Lanie Hefferly! Thanks for sharing !

  26. Allison Bentley says:

    Galatians 6:15 “What matters instead is a new creation” can I get an AMEN!!! Lord I pray that You continue to make us new everyday- keep molding our hearts, help us to obey Your commands (which God prepared ahead of time for us to do- Ephesians 2:10), and love as You love! Amen! Happy Friday sisters! So grateful for each and everyone of you ladies!!

  27. Kris says:

    I think this study can be summed up in the verse from Acts 10:34 Peter began to speak: “Now I truly understand that God doesn’t show favoritism”.
    In a culture where there is so much prejudice, so much competition, so much comparison, so much drive to be better than someone else or accomplish more than someone else, we have a Father God who looks at each one of us equally. He sees us all the same in value. He sees us all as His image bearers, all welcome into His kingdom. I think back to some of my comments about “the less desirable” people that God has called me to love. Who am I to say anyone is less desirable? Who am I to say anyone is “too messy” for God’s love? I pray, Lord Jesus, that You would open my eyes and my heart to love everyone equally. As I walk thru my day, I pray I will look at people with new eyes, with Your eyes, not the outward appearance or the mess they might be in, but to see each person as Your creation, someone You died for just like me.

    1. Carol Burlew says:

      ❤️Amen

  28. Traci Gendron says:

    Ephesians 2:14 For He is our PEACE who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility.

    We are so divided, even in the christian community. I pray God will break down that wall and restore us to one another.

    This has been a great study! I look forward to combing back over the pages.

    Kelly (NEO) – I liked your comment about harmony.

  29. Danielle B says:

    Yes @Erb what a study this has been! I’ve truly enjoyed the way it was arranged to encourage us to dig in deeper and see what we understand and believe. By the way I was singing along to the lyrics you posted.

    Oh harmony, so often when I’ve heard these scriptures taught it has been about Jews and Gentiles and that God’s gospel is for all. One area I wish there was less division and more unity is church denomination divides. Sadly at times I’ve heard negative comments about churches that are of a different denomination or their church service looks different. Many years ago I began to understand if we believe the same gospel and that the only way to salvation is Christ then how church looks is ok. Those differences in my opinion are not based on the source of our salvation. I’ve attended two different multi site churches in my area, but began to wonder rather than opening more campus why don’t we unite with one of the many churches in our area? Why don’t we work together? I think this is one reason I’ve enjoyed SRT studies so much. We are women from around the globe who attend various churches and denominations and we are united by our likeminded faith! Thank you ladies for sharing every morning and for praying for each other! We are uniting and bringing harmony to Church!

  30. Adrienne says:

    Your comment about musical harmony is so true, KELLY (NEO), Differences in notes do make things sound so much more beautiful. It’s good that we all are not the same! It reinforced the meaning of Acts 10:45 that had jumped out at me today. We are told the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. (Hey, that’s me, and I’m so glad!)

    Have a beautiful Friday, sweet sisters. Play ball on that leveled playing field. (Thanks for that juxtaposition, KRYSTAL LORENZO…and KARYN JUSTICE made a similar comment).We are ALL (and as I often say… emphasis mine!) His, standing on the same level ground at the foot of the cross… and all on the same team. Go, team believers!

  31. Taylor says:

    Hi ladies! I’ve been having a hard time waking up this past week and have been fighting some anxiety impacting my ability to meet with you here each morning. Tonight my church is hosting a Night to Shine special needs prom and I will be volunteering as a buddy. Please pray for this event that it will go smoothly and these kids will know just how much their Savior loves them!

    I hope everyone has a blessed weekend <3

  32. Searching says:

    Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
    So convicting as thoughts about certain people run through my mind.

    KIMBERLY Z – praying for you and any coworkers that seem difficult, and that you have the best time on your trip. Swap out the nervousness for excitement :)

    ERB – yesterday & today – thank you

    MIA FAITH – your church seat story reminded me of when we visit another church, we always wonder whose seats we’re sitting in :)

    RHONDA J – praising the Lord for His work in the jail ministry

    DONNA WOLCOTT – the gift of prayer, so good. may praying be our “go to” rather than last resort

    CEE GEE ❤️ the strength of childlike faith!!

    MARI V – what a lesson learned from that church member, reminder to look on the inside and not the outside

    THEBESTISYETTOCOME – safe travels!

    MUNCHKIN, CAROLINE BRIDGES – one thing I do is try to be aware of opportunities to mention Bible study or church in a conversation and sometimes that leads to being able to share. It may start with something as simple as someone mentioning they had to get up early, and me chiming in about starting my days with Bible study

    KELLY (NEO) love the connection to music ❤️

    Praying for:
    MERCY – your parents marriage. Your comments on love and forgiveness- thank you. There are 2 marriages I’m also praying for – in both I see/hear a lot of “it’s not fair” and one or both spouses looking for 50/50 give and take, while in my experience it’s more 100/100 of putting their needs first, showing love and forgiveness.
    LINDAK – recovery from eye procedure
    MICHELLE PATIRE and our other singles ❤️- wisdom, guidance and patience in the waiting for each of you as I think of the poor choices I made (sins committed, keeping it real) when I let impatience cloud (obliterate) good judgment.
    TRACI GENDRON – guidance on best way to help

  33. Jane Butler says:

    The world promotes peace at all costs- even to cutting out family members. While sometimes this is necessary, we need to make every effort to live in harmony with those who are different than us and need Christ. God will help us.

  34. Karyn Justice says:

    The ground is level at the foot of the cross. Praise God for His love for all.

  35. Stephanie Wilsey says:

    I was just reflecting on these things last night! Of those who think they will enter the kingdom, many will not. But God will graft in His sheep from a variety of places, all around the world. Formerly there was a line of hostility between Jews and Greeks. Now I think there are other lines. But God knows His people.

  36. Aimee D-R says:

    Father use me to bring unity where there is strife and contempt. Let Your light shine in the darkness and testify to Your saving Grace and Love. In Jesus name, Amen

  37. Jessica Hertzog says:

    Usually when I think about Jesus as the Prince of Peace, I tend to think about the peace He brings me. Today I was reminded HE is the prince of peace of the nations. HE unites peoples of every tribe and tongue.

  38. Karen B says:

    Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. That was me! As a gentile I was far away. God, thank you for bringing me near through the blood of Jesus. May I remember that grace and love and extend it to others.

  39. Krystal Lorenzo says:

    The Gospel levels the playing field. We are all equal in the eyes of God. We can celebrate, with Holy Spirit’s help, our unique qualities and gifts, learning to complement one another as we go. A worthwhile process.

  40. Kelly (NEO) says:

    I think of harmony in musical terms. It cannot happen if the notes are the same. It only happens when three or more different notes are played simultaneously.

    Lord help to join with the different personalities You have put in my world to bring harmony

    ERB ❤️

    praying for your requests

  41. Ada McCloud says:

    I truly wish unity wasn’t so difficult. I pray for real unity for all.

  42. Kim Lamgo says:

    I’m so thankful that Jesus died for all.

  43. ERB says:

    Wow!! What an incredible study this has been!! (I know we still have tomorrow and Sunday) but SO much has been gleaned!!! God has grown and challenged me in so many ways and revealed SO much!!! I feel beyond encouraged!!! I hope you do too!!! May He be our focus, our only focus!! And may we love and see as He loves and sees!! Amen.

    Galatians 6:15
    *this says it all!!! The ONLY thing that matters is GOD!!! God above ALL else!! He covers EVERYTHING!!! We just need to listen and obey!! Let us love as He loves and become the new creations He desires us to be!!! Amen.

    I also have DC Talk’s song BE THE LIGHT running through my head this morning, so thought I’d share the lyrics. Be Blessed today dear sisters!! Such a gift it has been reconnecting in the comments!! And connecting on Facebook too!! Xoxo

    “I keep trying to find a life
    On my own, apart from you
    I am the king of excuses
    I’ve got one for every selfish thing I do

    What’s going on inside of me?
    I despise my own behavior
    This only serves to confirm my suspicions
    That I’m still a man in need of a savior

    I wanna be in the Light as you are in the light
    I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens
    Oh, Lord, be my light and be my salvation
    ‘Cause all I want is to be in the light
    All I want is to be in the light

    The disease of self runs through my blood
    It’s a cancer fatal to my soul
    Every attempt on my behalf has failed
    To bring this sickness under control

    Ooh, tell me, what’s going on inside of me? (What’s going on?)
    I despise my own behavior (I despise my own behavior)
    This only serves to confirm my suspicions
    That I’m still a man in need of a savior (ooh, yeah)

    I wanna be in the light as you are in the light
    I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens
    Oh, Lord, be my light and be my salvation
    ‘Cause all I want is to be in the light (yeah)
    All I want is to be in the light

    Honesty becomes me (there’s nothing left to lose)
    The secrets that did run me (in Your presence are defused)
    Pride has no position (and riches have no worth)
    The fame that once did cover me (has been sentenced to this Earth)
    Has been sentenced to this Earth

    Oh, tell me, what’s going on inside of me? (Oh, what’s going on?)
    I despise my own behavior (I despise my own behavior)
    This only serves to confirm my suspicions
    That I’m still a man in need of a savior (oh, yeah, oh)

    I wanna be in the light as you are in the light
    I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens (yeah)
    Oh, Lord, be my light and be my salvation
    ‘Cause all I want is to be in the light (oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah)
    All I want is to be in the light (ooh)

    I wanna be in the light as you are in the light
    I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens (oh, oh)
    Oh, Lord, be my light and be my salvation
    ‘Cause all I want is to be in the light (all I want)
    All I want is to be in the light (all I want, all I want)
    All I want is to be in the light

    In the light, in the light (ooh)
    In the light, in the light (I want to be, I want to be)
    In the light, in the light (I want to be, I want to be)
    In the light, in the light
    In the light, in the light (I want to be, I want to be)
    (In the light) in the light (I want to be, I want to be)
    In the light (in the light) (I want to be, I want to be)
    In the light, in the light (I want to be, I want to be)
    In the light

    There’s no other place I want to be
    No other place that I can see
    A place to be that’s just right for me
    It’s gonna be, it’s gonna be in the light
    Oh, You are in the light
    That’s where I need to be
    Oh, that’s right where I need to be”

  44. Mary Ann Graves says:

    Praise be to God