Triple-Braided Cord

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." - Ephesians 4:16

 I need you. It's true.  ​I am not complete without you, the body of Christ.

If I'm an ear (which I'm pretty sure I am), then I need some feet!  I need feet to walk me to where I need to go use my gifts. I also need a mouth. Only a mouth can better communicate the things that I hear and take in. We each need the whole body of Christ to be healthy and growing and full of love.

Our current You Version devotion called "Better Together" is challenging us to press in to what God really has available to us with a community of believers. It is challenging us to allow others to really know us in deeper relationships and also to love others well.  
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I was reading recently in Ecclesiastes where the writer portrays the sobering reality of life - that although we "toil under the sun" to find happiness and satisfaction, we will only ever be really satisfied with Jesus. Chapter 4 talks about the advantages of companionship: 

7 I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun. 8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 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.

We are meant to live in community with one another​, like a braided cord that can't be broken.  We are meant to be the hands of Jesus when our friend has fallen. We are meant to be the eyes of Jesus when our friend's vision is blurry. We are meant to be the heart of Jesus serving and loving others.

In a recent Jennie Allen message, she said we have powerful weapons in the Word of God (the Truth of the Bible), the Spirit of God (through surrender and prayer), and the People of God (followers of Jesus Christ).  We want to encourage you to surround yourself with each one of these.
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We are not perfect, but we sure will welcome you with open arms. Our next gathering is March 4th at 6:30. Hope you will join us.