JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is turning burdens into blessings.

One example of this is Nehemiah, who heard the report from Jerusalem, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

Nehemiah responded to this news with weeping. Then he prayed and fasted before God. After that, he took action by building a wall in Jerusalem. It was finished in just 52 days. His story is found in the book of Nehemiah in the Bible.

Sometimes, God puts burdens in our heart, which stir us to action when we see someone in trouble. An orphan or widow in distress, a marriage that is falling apart, the homeless, the sick, or a family who suffered loss from a storm. We can take those burdens to God and ask for opportunities to reach out with the love of Jesus.

Turning our burdens into blessings is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Cooperation.

This is the process of working together toward the same end. A common purpose brings people together to serve shoulder to shoulder, side by side.

This is what we see happening in Nehemiah chapter 3. The wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt as the Israelites worked on the section where they were assigned. Nehemiah 4:6 says, “So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.” That required a spirit of cooperation under the leadership of Nehemiah.

Families, churches, and any other organizations that function well have a spirit of cooperation among its members. Ephesians 4:16 shows how cooperation strengthens the church community. Jesus is the uniting force for the body of Christ. From him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Cooperation is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com