verseoftheday

...four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus... Mark 2:3-4 NLT Great account of inventiveness and determination to get their friend to see Jesus. Love this. Do you wonder about the back story? Are these the same 4 people who bring this man food? Take him to the toilet every day. Clean him up. Does he live with one of them? Are they family? Are there whole families or groups of people in the background who have supported and cared for this man? A group of children who grew up seeing their parents love in action? Probably. Healing Help Hope These things are found in community. These 4 guys are the heroes here. The upfront people. One day it will be interesting to see who the background heroes are. #loveinaction #community #inthistogether #walkingeachotherhome #gospelofmark

While he was preaching God's word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. Mark 2:3 NLT Today, I am that person lying on the mat, and someone I can't see is holding one corner and carrying me. The sun is behind them, and all I can't make out who it is, and without saying a word, they are carrying me... This week an envelope arrived with tickets to a church conference. Generously & anonymously paid for. In the context of this story I saw this as someone walking alongside me, carrying, sharing the load, but God has prompted me to see this differently. He has said that I am the one in need, and this is someone carrying me. Taking me towards Jesus. Healing, help and hope are found in community, as we walk towards, and at times are carried, towards, Jesus. #loveinaction #community #towards #inthistogether #walkingeachotherhome #gospelofmark

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Philippians 4:13-14 NIV Even though Paul had this contentment thing sorted, he was not alone. Others shared in his trouble. The next few verses show the church has sent him financial support and they sent people. They helped with his practical needs. And they sent people to walk with him in his trouble. Isn't that the same for us today in our times of "trouble", what we need: 1. Eyes on Jesus I can lose sight of God in my trouble and need you to hope for me, to lead me back 2. Practical help I might need help with a task, money. Food. A visit. 3. People to walk with me We aren't designed to do this life alone. Lean into others. It's OK. It's OK to ask :) We may be on the receiving end like Paul, or the giving end like the Philippians, or maybe  both at the same time. #community #lovepeople

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble... ...Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT Having God woven into our lives like a rope isn't just for marriage - it also about the strength of community. The colour and vibrancy that comes when people from different backgrounds & cultures get together with shared values - & when those values are God's heart of love for one another it's a strong braided rope. We all need people & strong relationships that will stand any test. So invest in one another, build one another up, put courage into one another and become that 3 stranded rope. #community #church #lovepeople #sunday #worship