Grateful for Relationships

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:1-3)
  Passage: Psalm 103:1-6

         Oscar Thompson was a beloved professor of evangelism at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the 1970’s. He wrote a book, Concentric Circles of Concern, that has become a classic in helping people understand the importance of evangelism flowing through our relationships. In the opening of the book, Thompson wrote, “The most important word in the English language is relationships.” I believe he is right. The happiest times in our lives involve relationships. The saddest and most hurtful times in our lives involve relationships.

God designed us for relationships. The Apostle Paul was grateful for relationships. In all of his letters he began with a greeting that shared his gratitude for relationships and his desire for God to bless believers in the churches. He often ended his letters by naming special relationships he had with people and he shared some personal hurts he had from relationships. In all those relationships, high and low, he understood that God was in control. God is in control of your life. Relationships are vital in life and you can be grateful for how God uses them in you.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)