Blueberry story

 

Why do we keep showing up for battle single-handedly? 

 

Genesis 2:18

 

 

The first thing Jesus did when we started his ministry is to go and find his people.  He gathered his disciples, his team, his community.  He met with others, but he had his core. Matthew 4:18-22

 

Hebrews 10:24-25

 

 James 5:16 MSG

 

 From Daniel plan

 

*Oxford research showed increased happy hormones and decreased pain reported when working out together.

 

 *Harvard physician discovered that relationships, love, intimacy etc had more impact on our health than anything!

 

 

 

*Koinonia - we usually translate as fellowship, but it was bigger than that.  It was love, intimacy, and joyful participation in deep communion with one another- putting others’ needs before your own.

 

 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 read

 

 Story of the man lowered in - saw THEIR faith. Luke 5:17-39

 

 The Faith Train – we pour into each other.  Sometimes we are in the engine and sometimes the caboose.

 

 The harder I tried to be independent, the more I was put in places I couldn’t do anything but rely on others.

 

Why we struggle:

 

1. Mistrust of others

 

2. We don’t want to feel vulnerable or exposed

 

 

 

Romans 12:9-19

 

Notes

 

Verse 9 - stay away from the gossip, cling to the good, focus on the good, be sincere and honest.

 

Verse 10- devoted to each other in love is huge and you can also read devoted to loving others.  Honor others before yourself - don’t build yourself up or worry about your appearance to others but build up others, focus on loving others (and “others” are not perfect)

 

Verse 11 - don’t lack the zeal, you must stay pumped up.  You must keep that cup filled with the Holy Spirit, church time, bible time, prayer time, etc.  *Serving the Lord.  Sometimes you are going to breathe in the love of the Lord and breathe out the Lord *like a pipeline. It can help you to put up with things.

 

Verse 12 - This is almost like a math equation for having a community- being positive and joyful and hopeful plus patient in the rough times plus faithful prayer

 

Verse 13 - practice generosity and hospitality without thought of reward, kudos, etc.

 

Verse 14 - Bless those that aren’t so nice or worse and don’t curse them

 

Verse 15 - rejoice when it’s time to rejoice and mourn when it's time to mourn *together

 

Verse 16 - Focus on harmony *blending of different voices, let go of the pride which is honestly the most often “hurt” issues or causes, don’t worry about status or positions of others (or yourself).  Lots of humility and setting aside your feelings

 

Verse 17 - don’t participate in vengeance or just repay one bad deed with another plus do what is right basically all the time for everyone

 

Verse 18 - live at peace with everyone *sometimes that means more space but sometimes it means putting aside pride, etc.

 

Verse 19 - Let God fight your battles

 

 

 

The big thing also when it comes to hurts is why are you hurt? 

 

 

 

When building relationships

 

Pray

 

Observe/listen

 

Offer

 

Show up

 

 

 

Givers and takers - shouldn’t be always one or the other

 

 Abram and lot example Genesis 13

 

 

 The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Lifebook by Daniel Amen, Mark Hyman, and Rick Warren

Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World by Jennie Allen