Read
Philippians 1:1-6
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6

Reflect
One of my lifelong weaknesses is that I think I can get the job done alone and I don’t need to ask for help. What I have learned over the years is that even if I could do it alone, I will always miss out on the joy that comes from working as a team and winning as a team.

I wonder sometimes if the apostle Paul may have felt that he was often doing it alone. Paul’s own testimony is that he was an apostle born out of step or out of time with the birth of the Gospel. He was not an eyewitness to the resurrection but encountered Jesus in a vision after the fact.

However, Paul knew he couldn’t fulfill his mission alone. So, he built teams of fellow workers in every city he visited. While you and I often give thanks for the things God gives us, Paul gave thanks for the people God gave him to further his mission! In our text, Paul acknowledges that the teamwork of the first century involved not only himself and a gifted preacher, Apollos, but also another indispensable partner: God himself. God is the master gardener who brings about the incredible growth of his church!

The work that has been accomplished over the years at Stouffville Missionary Church and now EastRidge Church could never have been done by one or two people. There have been teams of people at every turn, at every event, at every connection with our community, even at every extension of our church’s work to the developing world, there are our missionaries and our work teams hard at work. Those teams of people are responsible for so many coming to faith and many of those teams involved you, who are reading this devotional. I am so thankful for everyone who has participated, prayed, and supported the ministry of our church. THANK YOU!

There is still lots of work to be done. Ask yourself today, “What team has God put me on? With whom am I working to further the gospel?” Pray that God connects you with other believers so that in using your gifts together, you may be used of Jesus.

Pray
Lord make me a team player and help me to find a team where I can use my gifts and talents to assist in building the kingdom. We will be pleased to see you make the church grow. Amen.