Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Friends and Associates”
Our Bible verse for today: “Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to your Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:9-10 (NIV)
Our thought for today: “A lot can be accomplished when we work together.”
Ezra and Nehemiah were partners in God’s work. Nehemiah was an organizer, administrator, and worksite boss. He led the Jews in rebuilding the city of Jerusalem. Ezra was a religious leader – a priest and a scribe. While Nehemiah organized and supervised the workers, Ezra’s primary responsibility was for the spiritual health of the people. Working together, Ezra and Nehemiah were able to accomplish great things for the sake of God’s people.
This is a common scenario we see all throughout scripture. Moses and Aaron worked together; so did Moses and Joshua. David and Jonathan made a pretty good team; so did Paul and Barnabas. Billy Graham had Cliff Barrows as a partner. Towards the end of his life Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, teamed-up with a Pastor friend of mine by the name of Jack Cavanaugh to write a series of books about great Christian leaders. They are good books which teach powerful lessons about important people in Christian history.
The point is that God frequently brings people together into partnerships for the cause of Christ, and we all benefit from it. I think back over my own years of ministry in the three churches I’ve been the pastor of. I wonder how in the world I could have accomplished anything worthwhile had it not been for the partners in ministry God had graciously provided me with. I think of the Youth Pastors, Music Ministers, Sunday school teachers, Deacons, and other leaders who have been such a help and blessing.
We need each other. None of us can do it alone. The more independent and the more of a Lone Ranger you are, the less you will accomplish. If God has brought a key person, or a group of key individuals to work with you, treat them as valued partners.
It really is true – a lot can be accomplished when we work together. I encourage you to acknowledge your partners, thank God for them, and make sure they know how much you appreciate the contribution they make.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 