Better Together Devo

Relationships are incredible-- incredibly hard and incredibly satisfying, full of challenges and rewards. No matter what types of relationships you’re in- be it marriage, dating, friendships, parent, or child, the way you relate to those around you is an invitation to adventure into the heart of God.

Let’s talk about the challenges first. So often it seems that from the outside looking in, other people have it easy and breezy. Their marriages, friendships, and relationships seem healthy and strong with what seems to be very little work. We end up thinking that “it” is working for everyone else but not me. When in fact, some things are easy and some things are definitely not easy, not quick or even painless.

Everyone is in a struggle of some sort and in some area. Jesus said: “In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”(John 16:33) We could have put in your relationships you shall have tribulation! The challenges you face will not go away simply because you want them to. The good news is if you are reading this, you are still in the fight. The best news is that Jesus, the one who overcame the world is in the fight with you. You are not alone. He said: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) Start this devotion with the thought of putting Jesus first in your life and in your relationships. You will overcome.

The rewards of healthy, godly relationships are many if we continue to grow through the process, so don't get stuck! One of the keys to receiving the is to keep growing!

Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NKJV) says, "Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor."

The rewards are many-- partnership, family, intimacy, accomplishment, peace, trust, dependence etc. We want to see you reap the rewards of a great relationships.

So keep growing by using this devotional as a tool, the podcasts as another, then the Better Together Sermon Series on the weekend as another – use them all to their fullest. And don’t forget when you look at the relationships around you, you only see from the surface. Jesus wants to help you have relationships that are real, rewarding and life-giving.

-Pastor Dan Stallbaum

At the very heart of "Better Together" is our call to live life alongside each other. Jesus told us to go into all the world and make disciples. We simply cannot do that without making room for one another in our daily lives and choosing to stick together through thick or thin. We pray your understanding of who you were created to be within your community grows as we dig into the Word together this week.

One of the most central aspects to relationships is connection. In order to grow and flourish with the people around us, we must make staying connected to them a priority. This week, let's take an honest assessment of the quality of the connections in our relationships.

What are relationships without communication? Good communication requires intention and forethought yet pays richly in strengthening and helping relationships stand the test of time.

Godly relationships stand the test of time. Because we have been loved deeply by the Father, we live on mission to bring that pursuing love to each of our relationships. Compassion in relationships allows us to meet people wherever they are on the journey and walk with them side-by-side to the next destination.

God set us in relationships not only to grow us personally, but also to spur others on in their growth and calling in Christ. Let's learn together what it means to know our Creator so well that it colors our perspective and the way we see everyone around us- that we might link arms and press on toward the unique call God has placed on each of our lives.