Canyon Ridge Christian Church Podcast

Do you have people in your life who tell you the things you NEED to hear but don't necessarily WANT to hear? You need partners who hold up a mirror and let you see yourself. You need partners who will tell you the truth. This is what Jesus has in mind for us. In 2 Samuel, Nathan was a court prophet who served the King by connecting with God on behalf of David and by speaking for God to David when it was needed. He was there to help David stay right with God. To walk meaningfully in the direction of Jesus, we need to be shoulder to shoulder with these kinds of partners. Who have you invited to be your Nathan?

Who is someone that you know is becoming closer to God because of your contribution to their life? Partners don’t just get together, they go together. Partners go together and see what God is doing, commit at cost, and offer honor that lasts. In the book of Samuel, David and Jonathan form an unexpected connection and commit to each other at all costs. When you welcome these kinds of partnerships, they are life-shaping. Take a moment to reflect: Who are the people in your life that you honor? Who would honor you deeply?

Do you find yourself feeling alone and without community? God created us to be relational people who walk shoulder-to-shoulder in His direction. Joshua and Rahab find themselves going together and bringing the best of each other on the way! Great partners are different than us, bringing something that we can't, and keeping their promises! Where and with who is God inviting you to patient endurance that will shape your character?

Have you ever noticed how God places people in your life who will strengthen you and partner with you to move in God's direction when you need it most? Numbers 13 tells the story of Joshua and Caleb partnering during a challenging time, exposing how meaningful their relationship is to walking in what God had planned for them. Who will partner with you in a great adventure to explore what God has for your life? Who will you support and strengthen to move in the direction God points you to? 

Do you feel like you have a purpose in your life? God provides you with identity and purpose through partnership! Going together with His people reveals what God has in your life. Moses and Joshua sought God by leading the Israelites to freedom and were shaped by each other in God's image by supporting, creating space, commissioning, and echoing the word of God to each other. How can you better disciple those around you closer to God like Moses? Who in your life is like Joshua, who will push you closer to what God has planned for your life?

D.L. Moody says, “Moses spent 40 years thinking he was somebody, 40 years learning he was nobody, and 40 discovering what God can do with a nobody." Moses is a rich story in the Bible of someone discovering what partnership is: going after God's purpose with God's people.Like Moses, have you known what God has called you to do, but have let your fears or limits keep you from it? The joy of partnership is realizing you have something to bring, and the freedom of partnership is realizing you don't have to bring it all on your own.

Does it feel like life is lonelier and lonelier? Even though the world is more connected than ever? Everyone craves meaningful, life-giving relationships in today's technology-driven era that breeds loneliness. Pursuing a common goal with those around you gets you shoulder-to-shoulder with people who can become great friends! Following Jesus was always meant to be done with others. Embrace the challenge and beauty of journeying together, and find the abundant life God has destined for you! This series will help you discover the people who will help you step forward with others into the life-changing possibilities God has in mind.

Have you ever told yourself, "I know better?". Every regret starts with these three words. Too often, people hold on to things they think are better or yield to what they want. In Philippians 3:7-9, Paul shares how he pursued success according to what he once thought mattered most and who he's becoming as he yields to Jesus! When you say yes to God, you say yes to something better! Prayer is the place to practice saying to God, "Your way is better." Imagine how different your life, family, neighborhood, and city would be if God's Kingdom would actually come? Jesus told his people this would happen through pausing, rejoicing, asking, and yielding. 

Have you ever thought about prayer as a way to love others? Theologian and author Richard Foster says, "If we truly love people, we will desire for them far more than it is within our power to give them, and this will lead us to prayer: Intercession is a way of loving others." Loving others like Jesus may involve more than praying for them, but it will never involve less. Therefore, pray about what you care about, and care about what you pray about! This week, start a prayer list as you practice persisting in prayer for others!