Who Are You In Partnership With?

“For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”1 Corinthians 3:9

A few weeks ago I heard a great message at my church on partnership. Anyway got me to thinking about who my partner really was.

Yes of course my husband is my partner but my Heavenly Father is my main partner. When you are in partnership with a person or group you follow the guidelines set up and seek to be a team player.

You can have ‘earthly’ partners at your job or school but ultimately you answer to the one true God who created Heaven and Earth and all that is in them.

PRAYER: Lord thank you for guiding me daily and lifting me up when I feel beat down. I am thankful to be a partner 100% with you and pray for those in these volatile times we live in who are angry and pray they come to a saving knowledge of Jesus’ Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: I have attached several verses on spiritual partnership-

Bible Verses about Partnership

1 Corinthians 3:9, “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”

2 Thessalonians 2:15, “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”

Matthew 12:50, “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

1 Corinthians 1:10, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

John 17:21, “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Ezekiel 37:17, “And join them one to another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand.”

Ephesians 4:1-6, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, …”

Amos 3:3, “Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?”

Ephesians 5:11, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Acts 2:47, “Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

A Higher Power? The Man Upstairs?

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.Psalm 116:15

I don’t get on Facebook trolling very much and at times an upset person might say “Didn’t  you see it on Facebook?😂”and I say no. A couple days ago I was on and happened to learn of the untimely passing of a 58 year old friend and Army veteran who used to be in our small group back in Madison, Alabama.He died of a heart attack while out for a run. 

This got me to thinking about how some when asked “do you believe in God“ answer something like they believe in a higher power or being or the man upstairs. Fact is if you are faced with sudden death like my friend was do you know you will be in Heaven?Our friend was a firm outspoken believer and is in the presence of Jesus right now. 

Don’t go by what your denomination or religion says but do you truly beyond a shadow of a doubt know that if you took your last breath while much younger than you expect that the next moment you would be ushered into glory. 

PRAYER: Lord it pains my heart that so many play around with their salvation living only for this world and the fun they perceive they have. I pray for any I may know that need to have you in their heart. It is not just church or baptism but to truly be hungering for you and loving the thought of eternity more than this present world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Lost Remotes And Other Blessings

 

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Whether it is age, being spaced out, just in too big of a hurry everyone loses things. Popular items are cell phone, portable phone, keys, glasses, add to the list. There is a joke I heard once that said “Why don’t women over 50 have babies?” Answer: “Because they would put them down and forget where.”

When you do misplace something did you first pray? Even though I wear a wristband that reads ‘Pray First’ often my emotions take over and I forget. Even though you might not instantly find the item you are basically releasing it and your minor stress over it to God. Let him have it.

When I said ‘Other Blessings’ in my title I simply mean sometimes it is a blessing in a way to get away from things that take us away from God. Think of that and go enjoy your day.

PRAYER: Father you are so good. You blessed me with the ability to think and to do things. Sometimes a hurried spirit causes me to misplace things. I choose calmness and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Oh Say Can You See!

“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Proverbs 11:14

These wonderful United States of America often referred to as an experiment in democracy and freedom, turns 246 years old today! Hard fought and often misunderstood this country is a country like none other founded with liberty and justice for all. 

This nation is shaped by the word of God from everything from selection of the Supreme Court to those in public office. This nation was formed when emigrants came from many European nations primarily Great Britain for freedom from tyranny and freedom of religion.

Little by little if we are not wise and careful ‘we the people’ can be overtaken by tyrants again. Stand firm, pray, reject lies, be grateful for the Founding Fathers and what they intended for this great nation. 

PRAYER: Each Independence Day I stop and reflect on the courage of many brave men and women who served in our military to maintain the freedoms we enjoy. Shield us from tyranny and lies and help anyone trying to ditch this wonderful democracy be silenced and dealt with. Help all come to a saving knowledge of Jesus’ because tyranny is from the devil. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Have To Apply It

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.John 15:4

Whether it is makeup, ointment, weed killer, or skin lotion, it is necessary to pick up the container it is in and apply it if you expect to get results. Similarly the word of God, the Bible, has to be read and ‘applied’ to situations in life if you expect a victory or breakthrough.

There are days I have all the best intentions of doing the right thing and having a quality time alone with God then other stuff gets in the way and before I know it, it is time for lunch. Do you have similar intentions or sign up for a daily Bible study online and you are determined to stay on track and then a week goes by and you are behind?

First don’t beat yourself up. God knows your heart. Maybe what you need instead is a day to just sit and ponder reflecting on scripture you read. For instance reflect on todays verse and continue then reading the entire chapter. Think what it means. Then pray and go about your day looking for opportunities to serve him.

PRAYER: Lord I want to remain in you each day and have your thoughts be my thoughts. This takes discipline and dedication to growing to more like you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Shortcuts Not Always Wise

 

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.Psalm 37:7

You get in a hurry and think you know a quicker way and end up lost. It can be driving, snow skiing, riding a bike, cooking, working on a project.

Shortcuts are not always what they are cracked up to be.Simply it is self getting in the way and using poor judgment. How many have tried to not meddle in something you are writing for an answer to prayer but alas impatience overtakes you and you end up messing up God’s plan in other words you tried for a shortcut.

Be still. Think. Pray. Don’t try to be in charge. Rest. Know that God and the Holy Spirit are the only ones who orchestrate any shortcuts the right way.

PRAYER: I am ever so grateful for all the blessings in my life Father and I need your help and guidance to be still and wait and not get ahead of your plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Comparison Is Poison

 

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”Hebrews 13:5

Everyone is on a different journey in life and when you hear stories about so and so’s good fortune and then start to feel bad that you can’t be like that person or couple look out. Stay off Facebook for one! 

Envy and comparing are not fruits of the spirit. Satan has a way of stirring up the pot in so many areas of life as he likes you to get upset, depressed, unhappy, unsatisfied, and so much more. Do you feel less than a person if you haven’t been to Hawaii or Europe when others are sharing their stories? Watch out. 

I decided I want to see my own US of A first. Maybe you were in the military and got stationed overseas. Our family remained stateside 28 years. Grateful for all the friends I met along the way

and experiences I had. When you start to wish for something watch out and start thanking God for the life He has provided you with. You’ve got Him right? So be happy. 

PRAYER: I am grateful Lord for how you have showered blessings on me and forgive me for ever being ungrateful or wishing for more just because someone else has it. I choose joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.