Are you a team player?

Today's affirmation:
#teamwork

Two is better than one because they have a good return on their labor (Eccl. 4:9-12)

Good Morning! - God Don't Need Your Praise

Good Morning! - Fanatic For Christ

Being like Andrew – the first disciple

                                     

photo: Morgue File

Read: John 1: 34-42

the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that win souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

The introduction of Jesus

The most significant action a Christian can do is introducing a friend to Jesus.  The masses typically justify and find reason as to why they should not.  It is politically incorrect to discuss religion at work; we shun from inviting neighbors to church or fear retribution from family members.

In contrast, I think of Andrew the fisher man. His passion, zeal, and lack of fear was very instrumental in building Christ’s ministry.  Andrew was the most interesting disciple. Though he was one of the elite twelve, his presence was limited in the bible, but several miraculous encounters would have never transpired without him.

Andrews Ministry – Presence

Andrew was a follower of John the Baptist and believed in John’s message of the Messiah coming.  And when Andrew was introduced to Jesus he instantly fell in love. The first thing Andrew did was go tell his brother Simon Peter. And he took him to meet Jesus.  Before you can lead someone to God you got to believe in him. Andrew confirmed his belief when he addressed Jesus as “Rabbi” (which means Master.) To believe in God one has to confess him as Lord, study, know, and trust His word.  

When you think about Andrew, without his presence would we know of the great preacher Peter (John 1:41)? Would the feeding of five thousand occurred (John 6:9), or would the Greek Gentiles come to Christ if it was not for Andrew telling Jesus (John 12:20-22)?

Today’s message

Each of us has a calling on our life. We may not be eloquent speakers, preachers, teachers, singers, or leaders. But we still have work to do in building God's kingdom. There is a friend, family member or stranger we can lead to Christ.

The things we see as insurmountable are often the things God can use for the benefit of the kingdom.  Stop placing limitations on what you can or cannot do for Christ. What ever your calling use it in glory and honor of God. Trust and try God at his word. Put the word into action. How much more could the church accomplish if we all were a little more like Andrew.

Prayer

Sovereign Father in heaven, thank you for your son Jesus Christ.  Thank you for salvation and the opportunity for repentance.  Father, increase my faith so that I can boldly take on a spirit like Andrew. Give me the ability to profess and speak your word to others and not be fearful to lead others to you. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!  Amen.

Team Jesus – are you wearing the jersey?

You are on a team!

READ: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two is better than one because they have a good return on their labor Eccl. 4:9

You are on a team

Realize it our not, we all are members of a team – work, school, organizations, and church.  A team is “a number of persons associated in some joint action.” The downside, everyone is not full participants. They love the fringe benefits, even winning, but don’t care for the work and effort required to win.

Wearing your team jersey

Surprising to some, marriage is a team. One way to win or make this union (team) successful is by supporting a spouse’s dreams. This means jointing their “dream team” and also wearing their jersey.  Recently on OWN TV program - Iyanla, Fix My Life - retired NFL player Bob Whitfield stated his ex-wife was never on his team. She was not his cheerleader nor did she support him. During home games she was just there – never adorning his jersey or dreaming any of his dreams.

Upholding a spouse’s jersey is a form of solidarity. It also encourages, uplifts and motivates. Especially during the times when it don’t make sense and when the team is loosing! When these components are missing it raises the question are you own my team or just a fair-weather fan waiting to receive the accolades?

Team Jesus

The most important team is Team Jesus – where everyone has a significant role to perform. Jesus Team is no different than any other.  There is an expectation from us all.  It is not just praying, asking, seeking, and knocking for self fulfillment it requires being fully committed to Team Jesus.  Questionable team members typically call on The Lord when in need oppose to being in the trenches working (training) through the pain, when life is hard (loosing) and appears to be unfair.  Working (faith) during the hard times is defines you as a team player. So what team are you on? Are you just a half-hearted team member showing up when things are great?

Team practice

It requires practice (faith) to win with families and Team Jesus.

• Families – Two is better than one because they have a good return on their labor. You have to workout (supporting one another) even when it is not fun.

• Team Jesus – The training is not easy. You will face trials and tribulations as you train but continue praising and praying. This race is not for the swift Eccl 9:11 nor the faint at heart.

Throughout your life training you will grow tired, weary stumble and fall.  But continue pressing forward supporting one another and you will come out victorious.

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