The theme of 40 Days of Community is learning to love. Part of learning to love means helping each other grow. How do we do that? First of all, we have to be willing to commit to each other - above and beyond our own self interests. Once we are at that place, we can do a few things to help each other grow. For instance, we can be more about affirming each other’s worth by accepting each other, giving attention to each other and appreciating each other. It’s easy to criticize, hold grudges or withhold forgiveness. But that’s not what God calls us to. We’re to uplift each other, keep short accounts with each other and forgive - just as God has forgiven us. Why not try affirming specific things on your mate, co-worker, friend or relative the next time you see them. You’ll be amazed at how they will respond back to you.

Community isn’t easy. It’s hard work. If we’ve been hurt, let down or put down too many times, we may think - why bother? Genesis 2:18 says, Then the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him. We weren’t made to live in isolation - even if relationships are hard sometimes. We were made for relationship. We can’t grow any other way. How else can we learn patience, love, forgiveness, kindness or gentleness?

One of our high school students brought his 40 Days Journal to school and was able to share with other students about what the Bible says about love and more. One student may come to a Sunday service and/or visit the Thursday night group.

If you have a 40 Days story — please email me at dan@upcounty.org and we’ll post it here on this blog.

It’s been a great start this week with the new 40 Days small groups! The focus has been on loving one another and the passage of Scripture on love in 1 Corinthians 13.

A number of people have been touched already by the Daily 40 Days Journal. As we shared in our Tuesday group this past week, we focused on the simple truth that love is a command - not a feeling. That’s a simple, basic truth that’s often overlooked in our daily lives. God asks us to choose to love others and the feelings will follow.

As we grappled with that simple truth, we realized that there are people in our lives that we may not love the way God wants us to love them. Human love falls short, is often conditional and selfish. It’s God’s love that really connects with people.

Our prayer is for God to help us examine our lives and relationships to see if we truly love people the way that 1 Corinthians exhorts us to love. Learning to love is one of the greatest pursuits that we can engage in.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing (I Thes. 5:16-17)

… do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6-7 (ESV)

PRAYER ITEMS

1. Our own hearts and lives with God, family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

2. For the many children that are part of The Church Upcounty and what we can do to encourage them during the 40 Days of Community.

3. Our readiness for what God wants to do through us during the 40 Days and beyond.

4. For all of the people that we have touched as a church who have come since the Grand Opening.

5. For us to continue to create a guest-friendly environment for visitors during the 40 Days.

6. Reaching out and caring for people in our community who need Christ.

7. For even more people to catch the vision and participate in the 40 Days small groups and outreaches.

8. For the 40 Days new small groups that will start the week of November 11th.

9. For the families and people in need in our community.

10. For the Sunday worship service time and people that we will touch over the 40 Days.

11. For the 40 Days outreaches during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

12. For people to grow spiritually by understanding and applying the Bible in their relationships: family life, work life and with their neighbors.

13. For our all of the volunteers and teams that make The Church Upcounty possible.

14. To glorify God in all that we do and celebrate what He does through us!