teamwork

 Monday, November 28, 2022 (5:16 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

Thank You! There was a lot of teamwork yesterday. A couple of church services. Lots of outstanding organ/choir music. And sleep. Occasionally interrupted, good quality sleep. Restful, restorative, reparative sleep. Mm. Thank You God!

You’ve done this in us Lord. Continuing to teach us how to work together as one whole unit. Rather than several separate entities. I truly cannot thank You enough.

Thank You for teaching us to pay attention and learn to play to one another’s strengths. Rather than wasting Your precious resources doing battle over who is in control You are teaching us to love, respect and listen to the other. Thank You Father. Praise You Lord.

(6:18 a.m.)

Different people. Each with our own ideas, wants and perceived needs working together as one whole. Thank You again Dear God. Keep working in each of us as You know is best. Rooting out all that You know is unnecessary.

Words I’ve been reading concerning teamwork are many. And varied. Foundation. Expectations. Truth. Love. Excellence. Forgiveness. Ooh! That’s huge! Yes Father. We ask for unlimited, unconditional forgiveness with and of one another as we work together through this Advent season.

It’s because of You working in, with, by, through and for us that we are becoming more loving. Toward ourselves. And one another.

The apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians to strengthen their relationships with You and with each other. Thank You that we still have such ready access to his teachings.

Reading Your Truth in The Life Recovery Bible I am again encouraged over Paul’s assertion that we can change! We can “break with our former way of life and depend on God’s power to help us change.”

Living as Children of Light… oh this time with You just keeps getting better. And better! THANK YOU LORD!

Knowing that I need to be very aware of the words that I use and the thoughts I have, I didn’t see this coming! Directed originally to Ephesians 4:31 and 32, it’s verse 29 that has me paying particular attention.

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Oh yes please dear Lord!

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (vs. 31-32).

And how do we stand any chance of making such changes in our behaviors? Sheer will and self-determination? No! Only through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Leading. Guiding. Empowering us. Thank You. Praise You.

Use us Dear Lord. Exactly as You know is best. We love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(487 words ~ 7:08 a.m.)