Strength in Numbers
by Darren Hewer
Feeling alone? Talk to a mentor and gain strength in numbers. http://thelife.com/interactive/ask.html
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25.
The Royal Gorge Bridge in Cañon City, Colorado was completed in 1929 at a cost of $350,000. (The relative cost today would be approximately $15 million dollars.) The bridge spans 1,260 feet and stands 150 feet above the ground below.
As the bridge approaches its 100 year anniversary, it seems to be holding up quite well: There are no signs of it collapsing. The bridge is held together by 2,100 strands of galvanized wire. Individually, each wire could easily be snapped. But working together in tandem with each other, they are able to support the entire weight of the bridge, plus much more. This allows the bridge to remain a significant tourist attraction for hundreds of tourists every year, even though it is nearly a century old.
By working together, we can achieve much more than we can on our own. The author of Hebrews exhorts us to "not give up meeting together … but let us encourage one another" (Hebrews 10:25). In Acts we read about the early church, and how they would meet together in order to encourage each other (ex. Acts 2:42-48).
This often will be difficult, since our churches are sadly sometimes filled with strife and argument instead of encouragement and fellowship. This is why Paul teaches us to "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13)
Our work with our fellow Christians is too important to ignore. We as frail individuals are like thin strands of wire: Weak individually, but when mutually supporting one another, enabled to do so and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are strong.
Questions: Do you find it hard to meet with other believers? Do you need to get re-connected or encourage someone else who might need to be drawn in to your circle.
About the Author: http://thelife.com/experience/devotionalforwomen/authors/darren-hewer/
35 Responses to “Strength in Numbers”
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Thank you, Sharon and God bless you.
judy d will be praying for your mom and you
sharon b
Thank you, precious sisters in Christ for your prayers for my father, family, and myself. They certainly girded me up.
I am home now and exhausted. I have been gone for about 10 days. I feel like it has been a month or more. (My birch trees have leafed out, other plants have sprouted, grown, or blossomed.)
My dad was in the hospital and passed away early in the morning on April 27. He was 85. His service was on May 3. It was packed. The firemen were there ushering since Dad used to be a fireman. They kept setting up more and more chairs. It was easily 200 plus. It was a great tribute to my dad, plus witness to the Lord, since I lead Dad to the Lord 3 years ago and that was shared at the service. As I told people, Dad would have enjoyed it. He loved to have friends and family around. My nephew did a power point of pictures of Dad (or as the grandkids called him “Poppy) with friends and family and at different ages through out his life. It played continuously through out the service and also before the service while people were waiting. People were arriving 30 to 40 minutes BEFORE the start of the service to get seats. He was a purple heart receipent in WWII. Dad didn’t talk much, but he was a giver. People didn’t leave Dad without something, whether it was the latest print out of a joke, or meat from his freezer, or vegetables or fruit from the ranch. He also was known for his humor and jokes.
Thank you, again, for your prayers and, please, keep holding up my mother, Helen, as it will start getting lonely for her, since we have gone back home. God Bless you. Love in Christ, Judy
Today’s devotional really hits home with me. I don’t get enough encouragement and I’m sure I don’t give enough encouragement. I am so aware of how powerful it is when a fellow believer encourages me. As a stay at home mom of 2 toddlers, this fellowship and encouragement is paramount. I can not count the magnitude that a simple phone call or visit with a friend has been in aiding me to stop and take a breath and realize there are others going through the same problems I am and that there is one person, God, who knows, hears, and answers the cries of my heart. Thank you God for the gift of fellowship with you and with other people. Continue to work in your believers hearts to encourage and reach out to one another. Thank you for all of your blessings and your love and grace, in Jesus Name, Amen.
DonnaL and Judy D can we please have an update on your dad/stepdad? Thanks.
donna, I know how hard it is to be SO far away from family at times like this. May HE under-gird you w/HIS peace and grace even more.
Chris T how goes the Stop Smoking Campaign? Praying God does ‘release you quickly!’
Romel, that is some great teaching you passed on to us. Thank you!
Margaret, it’s really amazing how God uses our physical limitations to open new ways for us to ‘minister to others’ isn’t it? It proves the passage of ‘HIS ways are not our ways,’ and many others. IF I had full health I would no-doubt be focused on a job and would miss out on ‘ministry’ HE has opened up for me; miss the quieter, contemplative life that HE has allowed me to have; and I would not be in the process of becoming a woman of prayer and many other things I dare not put into words just now. By the illness HE has transformed my & our entire life/lives. I would not miss the blessings and joys as a result of the illness and pain. Some do not understand but many do…….and it sounds as if you understand. Be blessed as HE opens more doors for you as HE uses this pain and illness for “HIS honour and glory!’ Amen
judy d i am praying for you,your dad,and all of your family,may the drs find out through God what to do for your dad. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
sharon b
chris t
joining linda r in prayer for you MAY GOD BLESS YOU
sharon b
Dear Heavenly Father I just bring Judy’s dad to you right now, just minister your healing hand upon him I pray. Be with the Doctors Lord give them wisdom as to what is wrong with him & how to treat him. Comfort Judy’s Mom , her sister and Judy during this time. Just be close to them and help them to be an encouragement to each other. I just pray that They will feel & know that You are present with them. I just pray these things in Your Holy Name In Faith Believing, Amen! Hugs
Linda!!!
JudyD,
Praying from here about your Dad, Mom,wisdom for the doctors and safe travel….In the strong name of Jesus!!
chris t
i am praying for you
sharon b
I have a prayer request, please: My dad is in the hospital (has been since Monday receiving transfusions) and has been getting worse and worse. I received a phone call late Friday night at 11:00 pm from my sister. Dad is now not talking, eating or taking his medications. We are heading out this morning to see him. It is a five hour drive. Please pray for my dad, my mom, wisdom for the doctors, and safe traveling mercies for us.
Thank you for your prayers.
God Bless you, Judy D.
Diane mine come later in the day and in the junk mail! I’ll pray for you right now!
Dear Lord Jesus I pray for Diane as she is having trouble with her devotional coming! I pray that you will help Diane as she moves and it will go smoothly! In jesus name Amen
Hope your devotions come through soon! I hope that your move will go smoothly and I look forward to hearing how it went!
What on earth is going on? I haven’t gotten e-mail devos for 3 days, and now the links on the right hand side of the page are taking me to devos from August 2006. Is this a site revision again?
I am going to be moving in a couple of hours and will probably be without the internet for several days–maybe even a week so, ladies, if I don’t see you for a while bless you all. Pray for us, and I’ll pray for you :-}.
Love, Dianne
Chris and Debra I will be joing everyone else in prayer. God is faithful dear sisters in Christ. Hi to everyone
Joining LindaR, Romel and all the others in prayer for you Chris and Debra…..will be praying in the mighty name of Jesus.
Dear Jesus I just bring Chris to you tonight, I ask that you will be with her as she is going to start to quit smoking. Lord we know that this is a very hard thing to do but we also know that With You All Things Are Possible and Chris has You on her side so I just pray that You will be with her and help her to be able to stick with this and totally be able to quit. Also dear Lord we pray that she will be able to have the surgery soon after she sees the surgeon, don’t let them put her on a long waiting list but put her near the top so she can finally have this surgery done. Then Dear Lord I just bring Heather to you and I pray that she will have dinner with Debra next week. Be with Debra as she shares your love with her and I just pray that Heather will be so open to You and ready and willing to accept You as her personal Savior that very same night. Jesus I just pray all these things In Your Holy Name In Faith Believing Amen! Hugs, Linda!!!
Andi:
“I’ve been reminded of the verse, from Ecclesiasties 4: 11-13, in which the writer speaks of a ‘cord of 3 strands not being easily broken.’”
Also my favorite that I frequently used when I had a prayer group for many years. I mean, Satan better watch out when 3 believing prayer warriors face him and resist him for all his activities against us all. He just cannot walk doing his stuff. He must run letting go what belong to us because GOD’s word is true and when we take GOD’s word as truth in our lives, many miracles can happen. Any prayer answered is a miracle!
Remember the story of the Tower of Babel?Genesis Chapter 11: 1-9.
God had to disrupt their attempt in building a tower that will reach heaven. They are not only speaking the same language (speaking the word of GOD in unity in our time), but they were all united in their hearts on building a city and a tower reaching heaven. What did GOD say?
“Let’s stop them for nothing is impossible for a united group of people on what they propose to do.”
Nothing is impossible to accomplish for a Church who are unitedly using and believing GOD’s word. Even just 3 believers who are united in fighting the evil one can drive 10,000. That’s why Matthew 18:19 is also a powerful verse. If GOD can find two hearts and lives sincerely asking same thing without a trace of doubt or hesitancy, GOD will give it to them. JESUS only took 3 disciples who were less than perfect but at least they believed WHO JESUS was while JESUS ministered to the sick and the needy at that time. We must be careful with whom we have a soul-ties because we either will progress or be pulled down.
There are 3 powers on earth worth remembering and are biblically true:
1. the power of unity- well discussed in our devotional today by Darren Hewer.
2. the power of spoken words- It was thru spoken words the whole earth were created; in the words we speak, we can bring life or death so we must be careful with what we say.
3. the power of surrender- it was thru the complete surrender of the LORD JESUS to the mission on earth given by the FATHER that brought as back to HIM; it is thru surrender that we will be lifted up and obtain blessings unspeakable from GOD.
I will pray for you Chris for your complete deliverance from smoking; you can also pray a simple prayer like”Father I loose the cause, the reason, the desire to smoke. Thank YOU LORD that is already done in heaven (Matthew 16:19; 18:18), DonnaL your step-dad and Debra, that girl you share the love of GOD with, Heather, I pray that she will accept Christ the next time you get together. GOD is in control in all these situations, praise GOD. May we continue to unitedly pray for each other and unitedly pray for opportunities to share the gospel of CHRIST. May all our homes and families be protected from the works of the evil ones. May all the physical and spiritual possessions that belong to us be not easily taken over by the evil ones but we must fight for them by telling the enemy to take his hands off our possessions in JESUS name. Only through the name of JESUS things will be accomplished. HE said it in HIS word to ask it thru HIS name, then we will have it.
Chris I will be praying for you! Keep us posted how you are doing.
Let me pray for you right now.
Dear Lord Jesus I pray for Chris as she is starting a long road towards being free from Nicotine. I pray that the surgery will be successful and that you will encourage Chris during her recovery period. Amen.
TODAY, I CHECKED WITH THE BONE DOCTOR TO SEE HOW LONG IT WOULD BE BEFOREE I SAW A SURGERN. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE 5-6 WEEKS BEFORE I WOULD BE REFAIRED.
GOD WILLING I WILL GET THROU THIS WHOLE SURGERY WITH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT GOD WANT OF ME. I HAVE JUST STARTED QUITINH SMOKING. WILL PICK UP THE PATCH NEXT WEDNESDAY TO HELP ME GET THROU THE SIDE AFFRCT. AND CHANGES ARE GOOD THAT I WILL EVEN MUNCH ON NICTTORCETE GUM. GOD WILL I WILL GRT THROUGH THIS LONG ENOUGH TO HAVE THE SURGERY DONE. I KNOW I CAN COUNT ON MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY YO SUPPORT ME AN BE THERE WITH AND FOR ME. THAT AND GODS LOVE AND WILL IS WHAT I NEED TO GET THROUGH THIS WHOLE THING
I attend Tuesday morning Bible study! I have been going for 9 years!
Right now I am able to go out to church and be with other Christians. There are times when pain and my legs giving out makes it difficult. I than try to be in contact with people over the phone and i send cards to those who are sick or beareaved.
I just had to share how God used me in a mighty way today as I sat next to a girl at a conference. I asked God to place me where I needed to be today and use me. This girl I later found as I found her in the restroom crying needed to know God’s love. I wrapped my arms around her and prayed for her. I told her God placed me there for her. She is not a Christian so I shared how she can become one. She is going to contact me to go to dinner as she is interested in the field my husband is in. Pray for her. Her name is Heather. Amazing how God uses us when we are willing.
Thank you Jesus for this blessing today of meeting Heather and ministering to her. Let her heart hear your call and I pray she responds to your call for her salvation.
In Jesus Name Amen.
My dear friend LindaR,
I must have been typing when your prayer came through…..Thank you so much Linda for your faithfulness. I am so encouraged by your prayer….I am encouraged by all of you daily. I praise the Lord for you girls and may He richly bless each and everyone on this site. Love, Donna
Thanks Andi and sharonb,
Where two or more are gathered (I like to think even spiritually) I will be there….Matthew 18:19,20
Dear Heavenly Father I just bring Donna’s step-dad to you right now, Lord you see how sick he is and all what is going on in his body, I just pray that You would minister to him right now Lord just touch him and help him to feel Your presence with him and Your arms of love wrapped tightly around him. Jesus I just pray that you would give the Doctors wisdom on what they should do in different decisions that they might have to make, just guide them I pray. Also Dear Lord I ask that you would please be with Donna’s sister Darla right now comfort her, also help her to feel Your peace within her and know that You are in full control of this situation. Jesus please be with Donna too as she is so far away I just pray that Your Love & Peace would surround her and just help her to feel so relaxed about the whole situation because she knows that You are in total control of everything that is going on in California with her step-dad and I such pray all these things In Your Name In Faith Believing. Amen! Hugs, Linda!!!
donna l i am praying for your step dad
sharon b
Donna, I’ll pray. Breathing problems are familiar to me so once again……I will pray [every time I reach for my ‘puffer’ for the asthma.
Terra, Isn’t it awesome how God uses us to speak to each other. That’s what the cord is all about I think? LOL and praising HIM!
Great devotional and encouragement today. My husband and I meet weekly with a small group from our church. It is one place that we can spend time with others in bible study, share God’s goodness, encourage one another and pray. In a large church, like ours, sometimes the only way people can connect is through these small groups.
I have a request for prayer please….some of you may remember my step-dad, Roger(he lives in California)who has recently been in treatment for prostate cancer. Yesterday he woke up disoriented, apparently not recognizing anyone and unable to breath properly. His wife, Mariyln took him to the emergency room and they admitted him. Later in the day he began to remember everyone. The doctors don’t think that he had a stroke but feel fairly certain that he has pneumonia. A few years ago he had by-pass surgery to correct 6 arterys. He is not a well man. Anyway please pray for wisdom for the doctors and God’s comfort for my sister, Darla during this time. She was telling me yesterday that it feels just like 2 years ago when our mom died and it began with her having difficulty breathing. Living so far from all of them has it challanges, but I know for certain the God has this under control and whatever the outcome it can only be for good. Thank you dear friends. Loving you all from Sydney….Donna
Andi, thank you for your added verse! It helped me focus on the word few, which was uplifting. I am blessed to have many friends, but I find it overwhelming sometimes as to who to reach out to sometimes for what it is that I am (or they might be) struggling with on a weekly/monthly basis.
I began studying the book of Proverbs a week ago, and in the first two chapters it discusses ways to become wise and seek wisdom. I’ve really began focusing on how to surround myself with wise people so that I may become more wise myself. Obviously asking God for wisdom and fearing the Lord are key, but having people around for me to also learn from, encourage & ‘inspirit’ me do wonders for my soul.
God spoke through you to me today with your suggested verse, so THANK YOU for sharing such words of wisdom!
this was very timely. we are having our camp metting at church this comming week and some of our members have been holding prayer metting at there homes this week. i know i will not be able to get to all meetings and survices but we will attend as many as possable and fellowship with members and guest as we can
sharon b
I’ve been reminded of the verse, from Ecclesiasties 4: 11-13, in which the writer speaks of a ‘cord of 3 strands not being easily broken.’
I think of this as myself, God and the Holy Spirit at times; but also of myself and 2 trusted friends [whose identity may change at times]helping/encouraging each other thru tuff times.
How does this scripture speak to you ladies? What other scriptures come to your minds? Want to share them?
THESE DEVOTIONALS HAVE BEEN SUPER TO READ. AND I AGREE WE NEED EACH OTHER IN ORDER TO GET THE WORD(((GODS WORD)))OUT.
Hi guys. I think they had trouble as I couldn’t ‘book on’ to the links either.
This is a great devotional. Thanks for reminding us not to look upon others w/a spirit that is not based in God. YES, to being ‘encouragers!’
This devotion is so true. When I meet with other Christians, I am made stronger in my faith. I have been in groups in the past, such as Moms in Touch, and Mother’s spirituality group and participation has always made my Faith stronger. I just completed a 7 year Bible class which wss fantastic. I think it is important to set aside issues that are doctrine based. but remember our common ground and focus, which is we all recognize Jesus has our Lord and Savior.
Diane, sometimes I don’t get the devotions emailed to me as well, like this morning. On days like this, I go directly to the website. DEar Sharon B, my prayers and thoughts are with you, your family and your loved ones family. Romel, thanks for an uplifting song yesterday.
Hi, techs:
I never got yesterday’s e-mail devo, and today’s hasn’t come yet, either. I haven’t done anything on this end to cause a change. Could you please fix this? Thanks :-}
What a great devotion this morning! I agree things are much better when we work together, and in the church we should remember that little eyes are watching us and many times our children will act as we act- And many unbelievers are turned off from church due to our actions, wether it be bickering with one another or complaning about the sermon-We should always be lights and work together!! Blessings to all!