verseoftheday

"I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:2-3 NIV Who gets to say this to someone? Who has the right? Not me, and no one I know. But God can...and he did. Maybe though we could all bless someone else, pray for them, pray with them,  encourage someone. Be on someone's side, fight with them, fight for them...use what we've been blessed with to bless others... Who could do with hearing a word of blessing, or courage, or strength from you today? Who needs to know you're on their team? #onyourteam

Then the Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you..." Joshua 8:1 NIV We like to think we can do it all ourselves...one of our cultural values in NZ is individual resilience and strength. But there's gonna be times when you need the whole army with you...when things that are in front of (or inside) you that going it alone just won't cut it... Share your need, your heart, fears, hurts...challenges... it may not be with a big army but we all need people on our team, people we can trust, who will stand with us... If Jesus needed a team then we do too. So reach out and recruit if you're in need of an army today... you might be surprised who will join you :) And if you're committed to walking with someone thru whatever they're going thru...stay the course. Don't give up just because it's getting tough or messy... #inthistogether #inthebattle #onyourteam

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.. Philippians 2:25 NIV Epaphroditus pt2 He was a brother. Not his blood brother but the relationship was how brothers (& sisters) should be...someone who is always on your side. Co-worker - someone who works with you towards common goals, brings their own skills, talents, temperament - often complementing ours Fellow soldier. Someone who is always on your team, no matter what, will even face death with you... Messenger - got some info to add. A mentor? Sent to take care...sent to love E was sent for a season in Paul's life, we can all be that person for someone #lovepeople #onyourteam

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus... For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died... to spare me sorrow upon sorrow... I may have less anxiety... Philippians 2:25-30 NIV There's a long passage about Epaphroditus, but it's the emotions that struck me... Homesick Distressed Sick Almost died Sorrowful Anxious The heroes of the faith don't have it all together all the time. They're just like us. And the same for our church leaders, pastors, worship leaders, missionaries...they need our support, prayer, contact, love, they need to know we're on their team when all is good and when  it's tough. Just like us Who can you & I support today? #sendsomelove #onyourteam

...I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up... I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus..? Philippians 2:19-21 NLT I imagined Paul as a powerful figure surrounded by supporters and people eager to hear him...but...Paul is in jail, feeling down, & with only one person who really gets it, only one who is really on his team - Tim. We can be Tim. Everyone needs to have someone on their team, gets their passion for the things of God...but esp our church leaders, pastors, worship teams etc but everyone really... Who can you and I be Tim for? #iamTim #onyourteam

...Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven" Matthew 9:1-3 NLT Paralyzed. What paralyzes us? What stops us, holds us back? Keeps us in our comfort zone? Lord use me...but I'm too afraid to introduce myself to someone new at church...or help because it might get difficult... or...or... Jesus gently says Be Encouraged. In the big picture you're forgiven, you're OK with God, there's nothing to be afraid of...so don't let fear hold you back In this case the paralyzed guy had a team. Having people on your side and being there for others is important...who's team are you on? #forgiven #dearlyloved #nofear #inthistogether #onyourteam

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven...  standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies... you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. Philippians 1:27-30 NLT We've all got our battles. Paul had a big perspective of his and calls us to do the same - look up - citizens of heaven - look out - we're not alone #inthistogether #onyourteam #jesusatthecentre

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge... I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me... Psalms 16:1, 7-8 NLT In the midst of trouble David kept the faith. Verse 1 he's seeking refuge, safety...when all seems lost...when disappointment reins, when hurt overwhelms, when we can't see purpose or reason... But he chooses to bless God anyway He listens to the storehouse of truth God has placed in his heart, & he keeps faith in the God who is there...regardless of his circumstances... #choose #faith #hope #inthistogether #onyourteam

So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:7-8 NLT Thanks. Thanks for sticking with me even when it was tough. Thanks for being on my team in ministry I appreciate you, love you. Who are the people that you and I need to say that to? On the other side of this letter are the faithful people who supported Paul thru thick & thin. When the going gets tough for people in our lives...stick by them #bethankful #lovepeople #inthistogether #onyourteam

Romans 5.6-8.niv ...though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Have you ever given up a lot to help someone? Maybe invested in a relationship, helped someone with a project or assignment...given money...out of love & for no other reward...if  you're a parent then you certainly have...& as a result you really want that person to succeed...you're on their side... But God. Demonstrates his love for us by Jesus investing everything,  giving it all up for us He's on our side. God For Us. #thisislove #nogreaterlove #youaredearlyloved #onyourteam