There is No “I” in TEAM

Romans 12:1-2, 9-21

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012%3A1-2%2C%20Romans%2012%3A9-21&version=NIV;NLT

 

 

“There is no “I” in TEAM”. It’s a nice platitude, but is it practical; is it realistic?

 

I love college football and am a huge fan of my alma mater, Michigan State. This year they have three running backs, and all three are very talented. In fact, they have all started in years past and have had great games.

 

Gerald Holmes is a senior, but he isn’t the feature back. Yet he stands out to me because he’s willing to do the dirty work that doesn’t gain headlines. He is probably the best blocker of the three. And, when he’s on the bench, and there’s a big play by one of the other backs, he’s right there cheering them on. He believes, “There is no “I” in TEAM.

 

Although he didn’t use this saying, Paul urged the Romans to live by it.

 

⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.       NIV

 

Any coach could quote these verses to motivate their team to play as a team and not a bunch of individuals. Any boss could encourage their employees with the same message to work as a team. Any parent could remind their children that being a family means sharing. Any pastor could preach about using your gifts for the good of the body of Christ.

 

However, human nature trends in the opposite direction. If left to their own devices, players competing for playing time do what’s best for them, not for the team. Employees bicker and backbite instead of encourage. Children argue and fight. Churches gossip and divide.

 

But God has called us to work together as a team in all of our circumstances. God has called us to love with sincerity for the good of the team; to use the gifts He has given us, for the good of the team; to sacrifice what might benefit us most, for the good of the

team.

 

It is true that there is no “I” in TEAM. However, there is a “U” in the body of Christ when “you” offer yourself as a living sacrifice.

 

Therefore, I urge YOU, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.        NIV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compassion Without Comparison

Galatians 6:1-5

While reading today's passage, four words stood out…restore, carry, compare, share. As a parent, I try to set a good example and “gently restore” those who veer off track. I try to teach that we are each responsible for our own faith, but should also look out for others.

I hope my kids offer to “carry each other's burdens” and share the Word, guiding others along the path to God’s kingdom. This means that we are called to be and make disciples of Jesus Christ. (Shoutout to the UALC mission!)

The downfall comes with compare. I can't tell you how many times I’ve said “I don’t care what anyone else is doing!” When in reality, I'm constantly comparing myself and my family to others. Am I as good a mom as…?? Why can’t my husband be handy like…?? (Sorry Corey.) Are my kids as smart as..., as athletic as…, as social as…??

I need God to nudge me back to v. 4  “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”

It's not what Joe Schmo is doing that’s important. The greatest lesson I can teach my kids is to test their actions against the only thing that truly matters, the Word of God.  In that you can never go wrong.

Lord, help me live in the Word and guide others to you. Show me how to restore, carry and share, but not compare myself to others. You are the only true measuring stick I need.  Amen

Now, Go and tell!

Mark 6:7-9 (MSG)  Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority and power to deal with the evil opposition.  He sent them off with these instructions: "Don't think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it simple.  

Jesus sent his followers out in pairs. He knew they would need the support and encouragement a partner could provide.  While singly the disciples could cover more territory, as pairs they could give prayer cover while the other was dealing with a situation.  When one stumbled or despaired, the other could provide support or wisdom when faced with new problems. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work (Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)

Keep it simple.  What a great way to approach ministry.  Keep it simple; how much more could be accomplished if we did this, if we kept things simple so our work could be easily duplicated. There is wisdom in these verses. It is simple to talk to a neighbor, to invite them over for a meal or to help with a chore. It is simple to ask if you could pray for them.

The relationship that is being formed will eventually allow you to take the next step and share your faith story. Keep it simple. Make friends, enjoy each other, develop trust and share your life. This is how we share the Good News, by sharing our lives, by opening our homes and keeping it simple.

It is good to remember too, when we feel inadequate and so very unprepared for what lies ahead, He (Jesus) gave them (and us) authority and power to deal with evil opposition," so we can know that we have truly been equipped. WE ARE CALLED! YOU ARE CALLED!

Mark 6:7-13

Love Cares

John 13:34-45 "A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are my disciples; If you love one another."

This love shares cares and dares. When we love as Jesus loved, there is change--a heart change. This love which Jesus commands states: "All the Believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone a he had need." (Acts 2:44)

There was a time in my life when sharing anything with anyone was the farthest thing from my mind, unless it was a piece of my mind that needed sharing. I did not particularly like people and I did not want to hang around anyone.  I was a loner and I liked it that way. There are many reasons for my 'heart-condition', but that is for another time.

This love exampled by Jesus cares.  This care is done out of love. When a fellow believer, a neighbor has a need, we care for them by helping with that need.

Some new people entered my life, church people no less. These folks took to heart Jesus message and His new command. In many differing ways, these Christians gently came alongside and cared for me. They recognized my brokenness and they dared to care as they shared their faith walk.

The love of Jesus dares to go the extra mile. This love hugs tight, walks alongside, protects and even dies. Daring love shares the story of Jesus and then shares a personal testimony of His love in their own life. Discipleship is love and love cares.

The Word of Life – Walking in the Light

1 John 1-10

If it makes us happy, we want to share it! When it fills our heart with joy, we want to share it! When it gives us hope, we want to share it! When it brings us such love and peace we can handle anything, we have to share it!

John shared the message of the Lord because as he stated in 1 John 1:4; “We write this to make our joy complete.”

As John and many others of that time did, we have not seen, touched or heard Jesus in person, so we cannot truly fathom how a man with such greatness could walk this earth in genuine humility. It’s a beautiful story, yet quite difficult to comprehend.

Getting this account straight from those who experienced it first hand is exciting! “The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the father and has appeared to us.” 1 John 1:2

John continues by telling us; "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1 John 1:9

Walking in the light is an expression used to give us an honest look at ourselves. In the light all of our flaws are revealed. Standing strong in the Lord, admitting our wrongs and asking for forgiveness is walking in the light WITH the Lord. Pretending we have no sin is walking in darkness, and we cannot walk with God in that place, for he is not there.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, the blood of Jesus, his Son purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1: 7

I love the lyric; "The more broke we are the more the light gets through." in a song by
Jason Gray called Glow in the Dark. This dark world needs his light! 

Walking in the light with our God keeps us light hearted, as we are not weighted down by earthly things. As Ken Davis says at the end of his daily radio segment:

“Lighten up, and live!” 

Read/Listen to 1 John 1:1-10

Life on Mission – Grow

Romans 12:1-13 (Transformed)

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)

---Learn what God’s will is, and following through with it. You will change. You will grow.

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and those members do not have all the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:4-5)

---When all of us in Christ work toward the same goal of bringing others to the Lord, each using our own gifts according to the grace given us, we grow together.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:9-10)

---Be selfless in word and deed. Live genuinely, displaying love toward all others.

This “Life on Mission” journey we are on has thus far focused on connecting, serving, sharing, and now growing. It is important that we as Christ followers remain focused on growing our own understanding of the word, and deepening our relationship with the Father. As we mentor others through their own journey however, there are things we need to do to help them grow as well.

We would never leave the side of a child just as they were beginning to balance on a two wheeled bicycle. In the same way, we must not lead someone to our God and then leave them on their own. It is essential to help them learn how to continue to grow by feeding themselves with the fruit of the vine. Time, patience, materials, groups and prayer are all important to offer them on a regular basis, yet walking along side of them and being a model, a friend and an encourager is truly what they will need.

(Romans 12:12-13) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

We all have needs of some sort, yet helping others to grow and fulfill their spiritual need has far greater impact than any other need ........indeed!

Romans 12:1-13

Life on Mission - SHARE

Psalm 49:1-3, 7

Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in the world, both low and high, rich and poor alike: My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding…No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him—the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough—that he should live on forever and not see decay.

I can't really remember the day someone shared Jesus with me. I know that I heard about Him in religion classes at the Catholic School I attended.  I knew all the interesting stories that children's picture Bibles illustrated. But, I was well into adulthood before it started to mean something to me. And even then, it was a slow process. 

Perhaps it is that way with most of us.  The happenings of life begin to shape us, they instill an attitude of rebellion or repentance. Usually rebellion happens before repentance - at least in my case it worked that way. 

The way I encountered Jesus tells me that perhaps I am not alone. I mentioned that it was a slow process. I had to experience pain and tragedy before I thought that maybe there was something to the concept of pursuing a personal relationship with Jesus.  It was for certain the relationships I formed to that point weren't helping me find peace or hope.

Psalm 49:15

But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.

I cannot point to the specific day or date when it all began to make sense, but I do know it all began because someone cared enough to challenge my stubborn way of thinking. This person, a woman I did not even like to be around, invited me to church and kept after me until I went. That was all she had to do. The Holy Spirit took over and the rest is history.

God redeemed my life from the grave, all because one woman had the courage to SHARE, then she moved into the background of my life and allowed the Holy Spirit to take over.

Next Step: Share Your Hope

1 Peter 3: 13-16

You don't have to be a biblical scholar or even good at memorizing scripture in order to talk with others about your journey in this world. Just be yourself. Having a heart for the Lord will be evident in your actions and interactions. But go ahead, pray for Him to use you as a vehicle for His words.

Provided you can be patient and don't put the cart before the horse, your Life on Mission will likely be a natural progression. Remember though, that with some, the process will be somewhat swift and with others, painfully slow, but take heart, our God is near.

Just as with any friendship, the process of connecting and getting to know one another to the point of trust is not simple. It requires sincere interest, time and love. Once connected, serving can be anything your friend needs like offering transportation, childcare, food, money, time, etc.

Upon feeling connected and having settled into a comfortable service for each of you, a time will come for you to share your story. That doesn't mean you talk all about your church and try to convince them to go with you, but conversation about YOU. The story of how you came to be so at peace. Genuine dialogue about where you came from and how you got to be where you are now. Generally when people see something they like, they want to know how to get it for themselves.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect... 1 Peter 3:15

If you have a testimony, go ahead and share it, but be cautious to proceed with gentleness and respect. Nothing worse than an over-the-top Christian. Be sure to meet them where they are. If you don't really have a specific event or experience to share, or you feel that general and low key is best, how about something like; Well, I don't know a lot about the specifics of things like which king did what when, and there's books in the Bible I can't even pronounce, but one thing I do know is that my life has never been better since I made the decision to be a Christ follower. From there conversation will continue, perhaps not that day, but it will. You will have opportunities to expand on that if you watch for them.

What will your response be when you are asked to give a reason for the hope people see in you?

Read/Listen to 1 Peter 3:13-16 

Life on Mission

Today we begin a new journey together. For the next six weeks each of your Blog writers will follow the book and study called “Life on Mission” (God’s people finding God’s heart for the world) by Tim Harlow.

Tim is the Senior Pastor at Parkview Christian Church in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.

As Christ followers, we certainly recognize the tragic state of affairs of this country and the rest of the world. We cannot stand still. Tim offers us real, biblically based insight and direction regarding God’s heart and His intended purpose for us. Each week will focus on one of the following;

Witness          Connect           Serve          Share          Grow          Pray

This day I offer you an overview of Pastor Tim’s passionate and sincere message. In Matthew 9:36 Jesus is described as having compassion on the crowds because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Our challenge is not only to personally live the life of a Christ follower, but to look at others through the eyes of the Lord. Each of us was created in the Image of God, and there is no denying that Satan is intensely interfering with our peace, love and happiness. This world is filled with lost sheep. 

When entertaining the idea of witnessing to others many of us become insecure in our ability to accurately and confidently share the Word. In Acts 1:8 Jesus explained to the apostles; “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Relax, and be at peace for the Holy Spirit is with us as well. You CAN do this! Pastor Harlow simply summarizes witnessing this way;

First: Connect Just hanging out and building relationships: 

Next: Serve Giving of your gifts or resources without complaint or judgment.

Later: Share the story of how God has affected your life in order to help those without God understand why you are so alive and content in Him.

Later still: Grow them in their faith walk and show them how to continue to grow on their own.

Finally: Pray! Be strong in the Lord.

This study also includes a DVD, which strengthens the message and offers pastor Harlow’s personal touch. Please join us for “Life on Mission.” Together we can make a difference!

Also, if you have not yet seen the movie War Room by the Kendrick Brothers, we highly recommend it.

Click here to view the trailer:
WAR ROOM 

Here is a journal to record your journey this week. Page down to Life on Mission. Each week a new journal will be posted.

1 John 1:1-2:2

               The Word of Life

With great anticipation and excitement we await the birth of our new grandson. He will be born somewhere around the 4^th of July. Another grandchild is expected to be born in December. Because I have experienced the miracle of birth first hand, and have seen the beauty of our God in those tiny hands and feet, I KNOW what joy this new infant will bring.

I also understand the challenges and heartache that accompany the commitment of being a parent yet would not discourage our children from the experience because the pleasure and love far outweigh the pain. The promise of what is to come as the baby grows and changes each day brings constant eagerness for what is next.

In the same way, Christ Followers go through periods of joy, excitement, transformation, peace, etc. as well as pain and heartbreak. 

Having never gone through child rearing before, it is impossible for new parents to wrap their head and heart around what is to come, but get them together with a another couple with their newborn and watch as the smiles grow, eyes widen, and questions flow. This impending new life has them consumed.

John's love for the Lord drove him to tell all who would listen of Jesus' life on earth and the promise of eternal life. Like a couple with a newborn sharing the sweet, innocent growth and changes in their baby, the experiences John had with Jesus were so awesome and consuming he had to share. His wish for others to feel the same joy and excitement drove John to reach out, write this book, and invite us all into fellowship with him, others, the Father and his son Jesus Christ. John knew along with this joy there would be suffering, but that is part of this meaningful journey.

Speaking of Jesus, in John 1:2-4 John writes; The life appeared; we have seen it 

and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father 

and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you

 also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his 

Son Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.”

As the new life of an infant becomes more precious when shared, John’s joy was not complete without sharing the message of God's Love and the promise of new life....eternal life. Amen!

Read/Listen to 1 John1:1-2:2

Colossians 3:1-17

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

The school year has just ended. I am a special education teacher. Sometimes I take student teachers into my classroom and work with them on honing their skills to prepare them for managing their own classroom. I finished this school year with a lovely young lady named Morgan.

Morgan entered my classroom well prepared for a regular education classroom, but not one such as mine. These students, though beautiful, have many challenges cognitively as well as behaviorally and physically. She was hesitant and uncertain at the beginning. As our time together continued, she experienced a change. Through observation, study and trial and error she evolved into a confident and passionate teacher ready to take on new challenges. I could see the love in her eyes as she worked with my students. I had the opportunity to observe an awesome transformation. She left at peace with herself and her abilities.

In a thank you card she gave me on our last day together she wrote: “In the short nine weeks we were together I learned more about myself and my faith than I would have imagined.”

As I modeled my instruction and interactions with both students and staff, I was hopeful I was instilling the importance of some of the things noted in Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” 

Times when the adults we were dealing with did not follow through as I hoped they would I attempted to demonstrate the importance of Colossians 3:13-15 “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

I was extremely happy and humbled that she took away much more than teaching strategies and classroom management approaches. She got it!

I thank God for those opportunities. The occasions to make a difference in the lives of others are ever present. Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another...”  

Read/Listen to Colossians 3:1-7

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

My dad died about 6 months ago. Since then, I occasionally reflect back on some of the things he said that had an impact on me. There were many, but one in particular that served me well in life was, “Actions speak louder than words.”

 

Sometimes as a teenager I would not always get my chores done on time. One time I was supposed to mow the lawn on a Thursday, and for (certainly valid!) reasons that currently escape me, I didn’t get the job done Thursday afternoon.

 

My dad came home for work and didn’t say a thing. I brought the topic up at dinner, positing a (certainly lame!) excuse for not getting my job done. Dad cut me off, saying, “I don’t want to hear your excuses. Just get the job done tomorrow. Actions speak louder than words.”

 

I mowed the lawn Thursday night, right after dinner!

 

The Psalmist Loves His Lord

Today’s reading is Psalm 116:1-11. The psalmist is proclaiming his love of the Lord because of all God did for him, probably getting him out of a very difficult predicament. The psalmist goes beyond that however, proclaiming, “For you my Lord have delivered my soul from death.”

 

We have a lot in common with the psalmist. Jesus died on the cross so that we can be delivered from death. That is a lot to be thankful for. It should, like the psalmist, motivate us to love our Lord.

 

How can we demonstrate our love of the Lord? Words alone are sometimes insufficient. There are things, however, that we can do.

 

First, we can worship our Lord, thinking of him on a daily basis. We can also let Christ’s love shine through us by loving our neighbors as ourselves. Not just another a Bible verse, we should help and serve our neighbor when they are in need.

 

Most importantly we show our love by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ to our friends, our neighbors and even to those we do not know.

 

Yes, sometimes words alone are insufficient. We need to demonstrate our love by our actions.

 

As my dad taught me, actions speak louder than words!

Reality - real or contrived?

2 Corinthians 8:13-15 (NIV)  Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.  At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality,  as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." 

Reality programming is here to stay.  When the first show hit the airwaves many years ago, it was unique and exciting to watch.  It was like we were peeping toms, peering at our neighbors as they played a game.  The fun would begin as we were able to witness the personalities as they began to clash.  We saw firsthand the differences in people.  We could tell who was loving and generous, always willing to share and work in harmony.

We could also see those who were driven to win, the professional competitors in the crowd who were participating for only one reason--personal gain.  While the show was only that, a show, true colors were revealed. This still is true today.  Reality TV brings out the worst in us, and only once in a while do we see good.  Is this reality?  Is this type of viewing actually reality?  Have we become so 'me' oriented that are colors are tainted; always grabbing for more fame and fortune?

This is nothing new.  The Israelites were given all they could eat, manna which provided for all their physical needs and nourishment, but some wanted to grab more than their fair share. Fair Share are the key words, these are words to live well together.  We are not called to be equal or to give half of everything we have to others - our needs all vary.  We are called to help, to care and to love as Jesus did.

Exodus 16:18 (NIV) And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed. 
2 Corinthians 8

Joshua 19:1-9

Joshua 19:9 (NIV)
"The inheritance of the Simeonites was taken from the share of Judah, because Judah's portion was more than they needed. So the Simeonites received their inheritance within the territory of Judah."

I have been struggling once again to glean the message from all the official declarations pertaining to allotments and boundaries and more.  Yesterday it was obvious to me God was telling about the importance of the details of my life and how he wants to be included in them.

Today, I am sensing he is encouraging me to share my 'stuff' with those who do not have near as much as I, or near enough to live life with a portion of comfort.  I heard the Lord's Pray in my heart and the words, "Give us this day, our daily bread," and realized one of the ways God provides for each and every one of us is through the obedience of one another.

We are to love each other as we love ourselves.  That means I am to share my bounty with others.  I may think I don't have enough for me, how can I share with someone else?  This will look different from person to person because our needs and our possessions are different.  But, God is making himself clear, the details and important and one of the details is taking care of each other.  We are our brothers keeper!

Read Joshua 19:1-9 here


Listen to Joshua 19:1-9 here

Acts 4:23-37

What is your idea of a perfect world?  Would it be filled with brotherly love?  Would there be no hunger or thirst.  Would everyone have all they needed to survive each day?  A perfect world would look very much like this; do you think we will experience this in the future?  Do you think we ever did in the past?

The Believers in the first Church experienced all this and more.  Reading the text for today is very heart-warming.  To think, these people loved one another so much they sold their belongings and gave to the disciples to distribute to those who needed help.  This wasn't something they were forced to do, like in Communism, but they volunteered their offerings.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. (Acts 4:32)

As I am reading these passages, I asked myself if I could or would respond to the needs of others in this manner and I have to be honest and admit that I don't know.  And if I were really honest I would say probably not.  I don't think I could give until it hurt.  This reading is an impressive testimony and a convicting one too.  Sounds like I have some work to do on my heart.  What about yours?

Read Acts 4:23-37, the text for today.

Day of Judgment - Matthew 25:31-46

As I was reading the text for today I was surprised to read in a commentary, "If Christians who have resources, would help needy fellow Christians, non-Christians would be totally persuaded of the reality of Christian love."  I guess my surprise stemmed from the fact I was looking at giving and serving in a totally different light.  For some reason I equated helping the needy with helping the non-believer, but this makes so much more sense.

There is a song I remember singing with the line, "They will know we are Christians by our love."  The basis of our judgment will be how we cared for and loved God's people.  Jesus wants to invite us to join Him in Heaven, but if we don't know Him, we can't expect to receive an invitation.  It seems a key phase is God's people, for aren't we all His people?  Doesn't He want a relationship with each of us?

Giving of our time and our gifts to others, serves God.  Sharing our 'things' with others, serves God.  Touching the lives of others, serves God.  These all build our relationship with one another and with God.  Our generosity with God's people will result in God's generosity with us.  He will know we are Christian, followers of His Son, by our love.  We will hear the words, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." (Matthew 25:34)

To read the complete text for today click here .  To return to this posting hit the back arrow.