PARTNERS

There is something I’ve got to celebrate.  In fact I have had several conversations this week about the difficulties in our community.  We need more jobs.  People are hurting and struggling.  Families have been torn a part by so many different things.

Turn the other direction and see the great things that God is doing.  Also this week I sat at the table with people who represent several agencies around our community, and our desire is to help people that are having a tough time supporting themselves.  When we give a little or offer support, lives will begin to change.

What we have to admit is that God is always at work.  We are not alone.

Philippians 1:3-6 NLT

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.”

We have partnered with many people, but we have also partnered with God.  Partners can be defined in many different ways. Some people think of business partners or teammates while others think about family members or neighbors that are always helping. What we all need are partners.

Paul wrote to his friends.  These verses are for people cared for deeply in Philippi and what God is doing. Notice how Paul felt about the people he wrote this letter to. Further, notice how he was partnering with them.  This partnership was formed around God.

These verses share that they were… Partners in prayer … “every time I think of you…always pray for you” he was praying for them.

These verses share that they were… Partners in the gospel … “spreading the Good News” is what this partnership is all about.

These verses share that they were… Partners always … “from the time you first heard” and beyond we continue to work together, grow in God and share with others.

These verses share that they were… Partners with God …. “continue His work until” His purposes come about in your life.

Life really is all about God. It is time now to be partners in these ways and especially in prayer for the purpose of sharing the Gospel every chance we get. Join your life and effort with the partners God has given you!

John 17:21 MSG

Jesus prayed: “The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind— Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.”

We are gearing up for our back2school outreach 2014, and the partnership around this work make me so proud of our community, of our churches and of the great people willing to serve or go the extra mile.  More partners and more resources are needed. 

The people we have partnered with are making us stronger.  They make us sharper and better.

Allow God and others to help you be all God created you to be!

Proverbs 27:17  NLT

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

back2school:

Pray for the beginning of our back2school outreach 2014 with registration from 9 till noon Saturday at all 5 churches.  It is the same time as our free community meal and clothes closet.  Please pray for those who serve and those who will be served through this year’s outreach.  If you would like to give to the back2school outreach, click this LINK and select “back2school”.  Thank you for your prayers and help.