Rubbing Shoulders in Unity

[S] Zephaniah 3:9 --
    ⁹"For then I will give to the peoples purified lips,
         That all of them may call on the name of the LORD,
         To serve Him shoulder to shoulder.

[O] I journaled on this passage five years ago and today as I read it again, it moves my heart again because the picture of God consecrating His people for His works is simply beautiful and so full of hope.  God will display His justice because that's who is is with respect to corruption and sin.  But to the remnant of His people He will restore the purified lips, ability to call on His name, and to serve shoulder to shoulder with others in unity.  In fact, the serving shoulder to shoulder puts an awesome picture of our church coming together rubbing shoulders with other members in order to carry out the ministry charged for our church.  In the recently months God's been continuously sending new members seeking to be connected with God and it's just exciting to see these new people but wouldn't it too wonderful to see them settle in and begin to serve God shoulder to should with the rest of us?

[A] Five years ago, I journaled on this passage dreaming of one day serving God shoulder to shoulder with many brothers and sisters in the Lord.  Today, God has placed us in this home church and is beginning to gather His people to literally rub shoulder to shoulder in His service.  This does not mean things will just click all of a sudden because we still have to work out our differences and discipline ourselves to be aligned with His purposes in humility.  But I am so thankful to God for granting the vision to come true thus far and I am so encouraged to move forward in this direction.

[P] Dear Father, it's been an exciting journey thus far and what a privilege to serve You shoulder to shoulder with others in Christ.  Lately, though, I've been feeling physically tired and would like to ask for your protection and empowerment to carry on the small group ministry.  I also lift up our pastor who is also being swamped with a super high load of responsibilities -- please send Your angels to surround his household and fight off any attacks from the enemy forces.  In these challenges I continuously strive to serve in unity and humility in Christ.  May Your name be lifted up high at all times.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.