verseoftheday

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV How often do we pray for our pastors, church leaders and our teachers & preachers, worship leaders? No matter who they are they need our prayers...Paul, after all he has done and experienced still asks for prayer that he'll have no fear. Being up front makes you vulnerable, exposed... Fearless in sharing the gospel. Maybe we all need that... I'm gonna find out who is preaching at my church today and pray that they'll be fearless in sharing God's word today. Will you do that too? #sunday #fearless #loveyourchurch

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16 NIV What we believe is critical when attacks, trouble, doubts come our way, and they will... Faith here is like a shield so that those things that would bring us down bounce off. "Flaming arrows" are scary but they can be put out. What we believe about God, who He is, is important. Shields in those days were locked together to protect the whole group and allow them to advance. Faith is often stronger in community...so if u move town or country getting into a faith community is critical. Get locked in #inthistogether #loveyourchurch #faith #getyourarmouron

Romans 1.11-12.ESV For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you - that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. We need each other. Paul is hanging out to reconnect with the church in Rome, he's got things he wants to share, but he also wants to know what's been happening in their lives, how God has been at work, because this mutual building each other up is important. We need to hear each others stories of faith, struggle, doubt, challenge,  joy, victory, heartache, discouragement, love...and hope. That's what our christian community is about, not something we consume, but somewhere we are mutually encouraged. #loveyourchurch #inthistogether

Philippians 1.27.niv Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel Standing firm, striving together as one...is that a picture of my church? It's so easy to see church as something we consume...we pick and choose what we like...we're critical...complaining...but Paul is saying here your christian community is important, the pressure is going to come on you as individuals or as a community and you're going to need each other. If you're not committed to a small group or to a local church...jump in :) #loveyourchurch #inthistogether

Philippians 1.6-11.nlt And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you... I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return... Good things happen in community. Good work is done for those around us. Out of community our love should spill out, overflow out to those around us... Our knowledge should grow. We should be learning from our church. Understand what really matters...not just to gain knowledge, but to live it out...be authentic in our faith...living it out...this all happens in community #inthistogether #getconnected

Philippians 1.5-7.nlt ...you have been my partners in spreading the Good News...You share with me the special favour of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. Partnership Sharing This life was designed to be lived in community When we all share our gifts talents skills and resources, when we partner in tasks and mission, when we look out for those who need support and a hand up...the church, our church, should be a model to the world... #inthistogether #loveyourchurch

Philippians 1.4-8.nlt Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy...So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart...God knows how much I love you and long for you... Paul is in prison. But when he thinks about his church community, it makes him smile :) When I think about mine, about the people in my small group, about those who invest so much into the life of the community, about those who give so much for the needs of others, of those who have responsibility to lead, to teach...it makes me smile too... Maybe I need to thank them a bit more, encourage them a bit more, pray for and with them a bit more... #inthistogether #loveyourchurch