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\ud83d\udd16English QT\n(April 23)<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd16English QT
\n(April 23)<\/p>\n
The Saddest Goose<\/p>\n
Bible in a Year:
\n2 Samuel 16\u201318 Luke 17:20\u201337
\nThough one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.<\/p>\n
Ecclesiastes 4:12
\nToday’s Scripture & Insight:<\/p>\n
Ecclesiastes 4:9\u201312
\nWhy is there a football in the parking lot? I wondered. But as I got closer, I realized the greyish lump wasn\u2019t a football: it was a goose\u2014the saddest Canada goose I\u2019d ever seen.<\/p>\n
Geese often congregate on the lawn near my workplace in the spring and fall. But today there was only one, its neck arced back and its head tucked beneath a wing. Where are your buddies? I thought. Poor thing was all alone. It looked so lonely, I wanted to give it a hug. (Note: don\u2019t try this.)<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve rarely seen a goose completely alone like my lonesome feathered friend. Geese are notably communal, flying in a V-formation to deflect the wind. They\u2019re made to be together.<\/p>\n
As human beings, we were created for community too (see Genesis 2:18). And in Ecclesiastes 4:10, Solomon describes how vulnerable we are when we\u2019re alone: \u201cPity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.\u201d There\u2019s strength in numbers, he added, for \u201cthough one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken\u201d (v. 12).<\/p>\n
This is just as true for us spiritually as it is physically. God never intended for us to \u201cfly\u201d alone, vulnerably isolated. We need relationships with each other for encouragement, refreshment, and growth (see also 1 Corinthians 12:21). During these extraordinary days, due to the Covid-19 virus many of us have needed to practice physical distancing to help contain the disease. But how we look forward to the time we can meet face-to-face with our local church families again!<\/p>\n
Together, we can stand firm when life\u2019s headwinds gust our way. Together.<\/p>\n
By: Adam R. Holz<\/p>\n
You can make an impact today.<\/p>\n
GIVE
\nReflect & Pray
\nWhat kinds of circumstances tempt you to go it alone? Who do you know who could use a word of encouragement from you?<\/p>\n
Loving God, help us to remember that You never meant us to fly solo, but together with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, help us to see and support someone in need of encouragement. In Jesus Name<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\ud83d\udd16English QT (April 23) The Saddest Goose Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 16\u201318 Luke 17:20\u201337 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 Today’s Scripture & Insight: … Continue reading