Two are better than one

Daily Reading:  Ecclesiastes 3-4

Scripture Focus: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4.9-10)

Devotional Thought: God has created us to be in relationship and community.  The wise man of Ecclesiastes saw the advantages of community and the disadvantage of being alone.  Two are better than one because...

They have a good reward for their labor. 

·        Attain. When two people work together on a task, they are able to more than double their output.  First of all, every job has an 'escape velocity.'  That is the amount of energy needed to get the job started.  One person may not be able to achieve that on her own.  But two working together can!  We need to attain momentum.  I recently started Momentum Ministries and it took a lot of work and encouragement from family and friends to get started! 

·        Maintain. when two are working together, they can maintain momentum better.  I have learned over the past 8 years of writing this devotional how important it is to have someone alongside me to write when I rest.  My daughter Jenny has served in that roll primarily, but many of you also have helped me when I needed to rest.  Uninterrupted movement is so important to progress!

They can pick each other up. 

·        Regain.  Inevitably things come along to trip us up.  There are times we can pick ourselves up and go on.  There are situations, however, when we are so broken and wounded that we are unable to do so.  If we are alone in such a time, then we will be disabled for extended periods, perhaps indefinitely. 

There is an adage that says wolves run in packs.  I don't think it is stretching the metaphor too much to say, "Christians run in packs..."  We need to stay together to stay productive and safe.  With whom are you running?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for those whom you have given me that travel with me on this journey.  Help us to help each other attain, maintain and regain spiritual momentum!

Psalm of the Day:  21 But you, O GOD my Lord, deal on my behalf for your name's sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me! 22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is stricken within me. 23 I am gone like a shadow at evening; I am shaken off like a locust. 24 My knees are weak through fasting; my body has become gaunt, with no fat. 25 I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they wag their heads. (Psalms 109:21-25)