Bonded

'Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.' Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,12

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  This silly rhyme from our childhoods couldn’t be more of a lie.  Lately it seems like everywhere I turn bonds are being broken, hurtful words are spoken carelessly, friendships are lost, and doubt and mistrust rage all around us.  Even here inside the church it can happen, and is happening.

God is on the move!  We can feel God’s presence here inside our church.  From the record number of children giving their hearts to Jesus to the auditorium bursting in attendance resulting the need for a 4th service, God is drawing his people closer to Him, and the enemy is scared!  Anytime that God begins to fiercely work inside his people the enemy uses our weaknesses and the weaknesses of others around us to attack.  Our frustrations boil over, we say things we don’t mean, we become overly sensitive to things that are said to us, pain and doubt creep in and do damage to our relationships.

Almost every person I know is under attack right now in some way, from financial hardships, separations, job losses, depression, sickness and death.  The enemy is doing everything he can to break down what God is doing inside of us and in our church, and the battle is real.

In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 it states “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” As the enemy attacks his goal is to divide and conquer us.  When we are united and bonded to each other and to God the enemy cannot win.  But if we allow him to divide us though our words of frustration, our doubts of acceptance and our own insecurities he will do everything he can to break us apart, ruin our relationships and make us feel alone. 

Friends we are better off together, and we must help each other to succeed.  Not one of us should feel alone.  Ecclesiastes 4:12 goes on to say; “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”.  Remember that the enemy is trying to get us alone.  Let’s guard ourselves and each other from standing alone and being defeated.  The verse says two can stand back-to-back and conquer!  If you do not have someone that you are close to here at the church, you need to find someone to connect with.  “Three are even better” join a small group.  I know that we are constantly pushing small groups, but I promise you there is no better way inside the church to build lasing bonds with other Christians as well as grow in your faith and draw closer to God.

Right now we all need to be united and bonded to each other.  Our words and our actions toward each other must be in love and kindness, and if one of us stumbles we must pick each other back up.  A triple-braided cord is not easily broken and in Ekidz we have over 160 braids to withstand the enemy’s attack. 

If you are hurt by someone’s words or actions, I encourage you to talk to them, make things right between you and offer forgiveness.  If you have said or done something that you shouldn’t have, then go to the person and ask for their forgiveness.  Lift each other up in prayer and let love be our battle cry.  The enemy is strong, but our God is stronger.  Guard your words and your actions and may our bonds be strong. 

'There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. You are my friends if you do what I command. ' John 15:12-14