Lee Taylor JFBC (Heather Swilley's husband)
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 two is better than one.
Last week: The lonely rich guy. Solomon: it's all vanity.
Lee grew up in Stuart Florida near West Palm Beach, taking long floats on kayaks. Loved the show Alone, a reality series. Totally isolated. One guy didn't last 5 minutes. Others lasted 60 days. They drop out because they can't handle the isolation. What Solomon is talking about. So much was good when God created the world, but it was not good for man to be alone, even in paradise.
What's the point? God designed us for relationships, because it is better than being alone. Anxiety skyrocketed after everyone got a smartphone.
Benefits of working together…
1. v 9 More reward. Just by being together. Jesus could've done it by himself, Matt 4:19 - he instead invited 12 to do ministry with him. He sent them out 2 by 2.
What are you working toward? Who is doing it with you? God has commissioned us to go and make disciples.
2. More safety. v 10. Exodus 17 after they come through the Red Sea, they encounter another battle. Moses takes his staff and raises it, and it helped them in battle. Aaron helped prop up Moses arms with his staff uplifted.
You will continue to encounter broken people and various difficulties. Did Aaron think Moses was the one doing all these great things? But God directed Aaron to check up on Moses. Good days and bad
Who is going to help me when I'm having a bad day? Who can I ask for help? Who can I help?
3. v 11 More warmth. Not just physically. Coals stay warm when together, but grow cold when separated.
Hebrews 10:24-25 let us consider how to stir one another up, toward good deeds and love. Sometimes it takes awkward conversations. Part of the abundant life that God wants for us. Living the Christian life is a team sport.
John 13:35
What is the proximity of the people in your life? Are you alone, or are you building relationships?
4. More offense and defense. v 12 Ephesians 6 our struggle is not against flesh and blood…
The thief comes to steal kill and destroy. That's what satan is thinking about. We desperately need God on our side.
Do you have a fight club? Because you're in a fight. Who's on your side? Are you? in a group who intentionally and relationally help each other grow closer to God?
The three fold cord is not easily broken. Is Jesus woven into the fabric of your life and relationships? Look for this in your relationships.
Since Clay wasn't preaching, he volunteered to help out in one of the preschool classes.
38 in Sunday School. My friend Lee was pictured on the back of the bulletin.
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