Judges 4:1-14
I've always liked the story of Deborah and Barak because ... well ... Deborah's a girl. :) But putting that aside, I like this story because It reinforces the importance of working together with fellow Christ-followers. Judges 4:1-14 shows us that working together has its benefits--keeping each other accountable, encouraging one another, getting things done. Having like-minded people around you is a good thing when you're a Christian whose desire is to serve the Lord.
So what are some things you can do to get more involved with others as you're working for the Lord? If you're not already, how can you be part of a Christian "support" team? Tami W.
I love this passage because i found that there are many Christian not only in our own community that need each other, but also on the inter-net. I find many sites that have Christians looking for words of encouragement from other Christians. I know that the Lord has a smile on his face when we help each other. I have also found that when you are not among other Christians, things start to go hay wire very fast. It is a blessing to help each other and when you come upon a non- believer it is a better testimony to that non-believer.
I suspect most great men have a women behind them supporting them or in front of them sometimes to lead them.
To your question: how to be apart of a Christian support team.
We can ask probing questions to make leaders think about what they could do or should do. We can help leaders by faithfully praying for them and vocializing encouragement to them. We can stand physically with leaders who have heavy responisibilities and serve along side of them without complaining. We can offer thanks to God first for victories publicly, and point out leaders roll in following God. We can give of our money to support the cause of Christ.
Tami, I can't tell you how much of a blessing this daily broadcast/devotional/blog site has been to me...seeking daily the heart of God and relying on the Holy Spirit to enlighten me and direct my thoughts and responses. Much has been gleaned from the comments of others here, and the interaction between readers rewarding as well.
I'm learning that step one to being part of a Christian "support" team is to first get on board with the ultimate "support" team member, the "Helper" that Jesus speaks of in the book of John. As I learn to "live by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16), I find a sense of deep satisfaction in all that I do, no matter how insignificant, and complete contentment no matter what the situation. When difficulties arise that, in the past, would have bothered me, I see it as God leading, speaking, molding, shaping, preparing, strengthening....me and pray that the Spirit would work to accomplish His purposes in me. All frustration and disappointment vanish. What I'm really trying to say is, to maximize your experience of being part of a Christian support team, you must first be supported by Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The great thing about being part of a support team is that the support comes right back at me, too.
I find it interesting that Barak said he would not go if Debra didn't go with him. I wonder how many times we have asked others to 'go with us' to face a particualar situation and how that bolstering was enough to handle the situation.
I thank god for the creators and contributors of this blog. Its nice to have honest and untainted christian conversations with my fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Let us look to him daily so we will have something good to contribute to the site so that we can continue to encourage each other.
May the lord bless you all.