July 22, 2013 Partners

Read Philippians 1:3-5 Thankful for Partners Phil 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. PARTNERS are good to have, aren’t they? I think of the old Roy Rogers television shows and Roy’s partner Gabby Hayes. Tonto and the Lone Ranger come to mind, too. Partners helped each other in the battle against evil. Partners rejoice in being with one another. What do you think when someone calls you, “partner”? You feel honored, don’t you? You feel you want to help them because you love them. Partners work side-by-side to help each other achieve things they couldn’t achieve on their own. That’s why Paul wants the church at Philippi to know he rejoices to have them as his partners. Paul knows how difficult the work for the gospel is and will be, and it is essential the church works with him and each other to do the good hard work required. Amid the hard work, amid the challenges, and even amid conflict, partners know they must set their mind to Jesus and the great work he calls them to do. If a partner gets sidetracked as his mind may go to on another purpose or feels his purpose alone must prevail, the partnership will disappear into conflict. How do partners stay together? They focus on their purpose. Partners in the church must pray. And partners must know the joy – the deep inner emotion that all is well as they set their mind on Jesus as their Lord. Do you have a gospel partner? Join with another to seek Jesus. Join together to care for one another in the great work he has called you. A Moment’s Thought: Partners protect.