A word from the Lord was rare ∙∙

A word from the Lord was rare ∙∙

A word from the LORD was rare in those days, and visions were infrequent. – 1 Samuel 3:1

1 Samuel 3:1-11

 1 Now in those days messages from the LORD were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon.

 4 Suddenly, the LORD called out, “Samuel!” “Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?”

 5 He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did.

 6 Then the LORD called out again, “Samuel!” Again Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you, my son,” Eli said. “Go back to bed.”

 7 Samuel did not yet know the LORD because he had never had a message from the LORD before.

 8 So the LORD called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” Then Eli realized it was the LORD who was calling the boy.

 9 So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, LORD, your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed.

 10 And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”

 11 Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel.”

George was a master persuader. He had an uncanny ability to move a roomful of people to his perspective. How did he do it?

George would ask thought-provoking questions and then retreat into silence. George created a space for others to provide their viewpoints and allowed their voices to take center stage. He had perfected the art of active listening. He was mindful of the underlying guiding principles and perspectives contributing to what was said.

Consequently, George cultivated a deep understanding of others’ viewpoints and unspoken desires and motivations. He then acknowledges what he had heard (which is, most likely, more than has been said). There is almost always more substance below the surface of what people say than there is in their words. George would present his own arguments in a manner that corresponded to the underlying needs and aspirations of the audience. The result was a persuasive, resonating impact. George was always willing to learn something from others’ perspectives and to let them know when he was shifting his view as a result of theirs.

Because George had listened to them, people did not argue with him. Due to the fact that he had heard them, his perspective became the wisest in the room.

Listening is far more persuasive than speaking. If you want people to listen, Stop Talking (Peter Bregman, HBR).

The Father is always listening. Some people talk more with their deeds than they do with their words. At the right time, He speaks.

1 Samuel 3:7 Samuel did not yet know the LORD because he had never had a message from the LORD before.

When the Father first spoke to Samuel, the boy did not know or recognize His voice. He had never heard the Father speak before. Samuel was actively engaged in fulfilling his responsibilities at the Tabernacle, assisting Eli. He was serving the Lord, but he had not yet met Him.

Eli realized that the voice that Samuel was hearing was the Father speaking to him. The Father was calling out to the boy. Eli was wise enough to tell Samuel how to respond the next time he heard the Father’s voice.  

1 Samuel 3:9 “Speak, LORD, your servant is listening.”

There’s no longer a need to wonder how to act upon hearing the Father’s voice. Eli provides us with clear guidance on how to respond when the Father speaks. With a straightforward declaration, we surrender control and recognize the Father as our Lord. He is the Master, and we are His servants.

Samuel stands out in stark contrast to Eli and his sons. Eli was a passive and absent father. Eli’s performance as a priestly leader was marked by failure. His sons were worthless men who did not know or respect the LORD (1 Samuel 2:12).

At the same time, the people of Israel were defiant and distant from the Father. Could this be why messages from the LORD were very rare and visions were quite uncommon?

REFLECT & PRAY

It is all too possible to serve the Lord without ever knowing Him (Matthew 7:23).

Father how I long to be like Samuel. Let me quickly respond when You speak: “Speak, LORD, your servant is listening.”

INSIGHT

Now that Samuel was ready to hear and respond appropriately, he did not have long to wait. But this time, there was more than just a voice.

1 Samuel 3:10 Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

This was no mysterious voice nor mystical experience. The Lord was there, physically present.

Was all that preceded this moment preparing Samuel to hear and take in what the Father said? Samuel was still just a boy but a prophet, a man of God in the making.

The Father’s words were dreadful and terrifying. No doubt, Samuel was already intently listening and focused. But now, his eyes widened, and he took a deep breath. I can imagine that under his breath, Samuel whispered, “Oh God no!” Perhaps he wept.

1 Samuel 3:11 Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel.”

The Hebrew could be literally translated, “When anyone hears about it, both of his ears will tingle.”

Habakkuk had a similar reaction to comparable unnerving news.

Habakkuk 3:16 I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror.

What was the Father about to do? The world, as the Nation of Israel, knew it was about to collapse. “The catastrophe was the impending defeat of Israel by the Philistines, the death of Eli’s sons and Eli himself, the capture of the ark of God, and the desolation of the national sanctuary at Shiloh” (Smith).

But there was a new world coming. The time of the Judges was ending. The Nation of Israel would no longer be twelve loosely confederated tribes. It was about to become a kingdom. And Samuel was being prepared to anoint the first king, the people’s choice, Saul. But Saul was a poor choice.

Samuel would also anoint the Father’s choice, David.

When the Father is silent, it’s not always a bad thing. Perhaps He is preparing you for the day that He speaks. Get ready. His perspective is always the wisest in the room.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 5-2-1

© Dr. H 2023

That dog won’t hunt ∙∙

That dog won’t hunt ∙∙

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. – James 5:16

James 5:16-18

 16 The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

 17 Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years!

 18 Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.

President Lyndon B. Johnson popularized the phrase “that dog won’t hunt” in the 1960s, although its exact origin remains unknown. The expression had been in use since at least the 1930s. Notably, in 1986, Waylon Jennings transformed the phrase into a song.

“That dog won’t hunt” is a colloquialism prevalent in the southern United States. It conveys the idea that something will not serve its intended purpose or that a plan or scheme is bound to fail. Close alternatives to this saying include “It just ain’t going to happen” or “It ain’t going to work out.”

Too often, when it comes to prayer, “That dog won’t hunt.”

What is ineffective prayer? We may not like to admit it, but we all know what ineffective prayer is. It is all too common and happens so much of the time. Ineffective prayer is prayer that does not get answered. Ineffective prayer does not achieve the desired results and seemingly does not influence the Father. It is inadequate and useless.

While there are undoubtedly additional factors to consider, such as timing, the acid test for prayer’s effectiveness is remarkably straightforward. It can be attempted by anyone at any time or place. If you pray without a discernible outcome, your prayer is likely ineffective. In other words, “that dog won’t hunt.”

To understand this better, simply review the meanings of effective and ineffective words.

To be effective means to achieve the desired effect, intended outcome, or expected result. When something is effective, it accomplishes the task at hand. It gets the job done. It can exert force or influence that contributes to the ultimate outcome.

The term “ineffective” denotes not producing the desired effect or effects. When something is ineffective, it falls short in terms of adequacy, competence, capability, potency, or usefulness.

Why are prayers so often ineffective? If the children of the King are sincere in their prayers and genuinely seek the best possible outcome, there is no need to examine the motives of their hearts. Perhaps the ineffectiveness stems from the assumptions made by His children.

Could it be that we think we “know” what is best in a given situation which contributes to the ineffectiveness of our prayers? Do we believe that we know what ought to happen? If so, do we pray and ask the Father to do what we think is right? Do we try to persuade the Father to carry out our plan and not His?

If so, we need to change our way of thinking. The Scriptures are pretty clear. Prayer is effective when the children of the King seek to pray His will into existence rather than their own.

Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Luke 11:2 When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.

Take a moment to reflect on one of your favorite athletes. Now, envision them performing at the level of excellence that you know they are capable of. What do you witness in your mind’s eye? Let’s shift gears and imagine that same athlete as a 5-year-old child. While traces of the talent that will later make them exceptional as an adult may be apparent, can the child perform at the same level as they will when they reach adulthood? Of course not!

What does it take to transform a 5-year-old child into an accomplished world-class athlete? The short answer is at minimum time and practice.

Our heartfelt desires may be pure. We may sincerely seek what we believe is the best for others. However, in the realm of prayer, could it be that we frequently resemble 5-year-old children, incessantly tugging on our parent’s clothes, yearning for our wishes to be granted? What if our best is not aligned with His best?

REFLECT & PRAY

It’s often said that the purpose of prayer is not to get man’s will done in heaven but to get God’s will done on earth (Wiersbe).

Father I wish my prayers could be more effective. Enable me to get to know You better and hear and recognize Your voice. Give me a willing heart to carry out Your wishes.

INSIGHT

“Praying itself is not a shot in the dark, not a net cast into the sea with the hope of a good catch. Praying is working along with God in the fulfillment of His divine plan” (Thomas Haire).

“In prayer, we need always to obtain the wisdom of the Spirit so that we may pray according to the will of God and not suffer discouragement from failure to see our prayers realized” (Thomas Haire).

When our goal is to pray the Father’s will into existence, effective prayer begins with first discovering His will. This means establishing a deep connection with the Father and cultivating the capacity to recognize His voice. The prophet Elijah shows the way.

James 5:16-17

 16 The effective prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.

What is the difference between Elijah and us? Nothing!

How was Elijah able to know how to pray? What enabled him to pray effectively? How did he pray the Father’s will into existence on earth? The Father revealed His will to him and told them to pray that His will be done and what to say to others.

1 Kings 17:1-2

 1 Now Elijah, the Tishbite in Gilead, told King Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives – the God I serve – there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!”

 2 Then the LORD said to Elijah,

1 Kings 18:1 Later on, in the third year of the drought, the LORD said to Elijah, “Go and present yourself to King Ahab. Tell him that I will soon send rain!”

James explains how knowing the Father’s will energizes our prayers and makes them effective.

James 5:15 could be translated as “The energized prayer of a righteous man is able to do much.” Such prayers are “a potent force in calling down the power of God” (MacArthur). The Greek word translated as energized or effective is energeo. The English word “energy” comes from this term.

Where does the energy of effective prayer come from? It comes from the Father. When a righteous child of the King prays effectively, they are energized by the Father. He communicates with them. He works through them.

Now that dog will hunt!

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© Dr. H 2023

Are we listening? ∙

Are we listening? ∙

Long ago, God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now, in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. – Hebrews 1:1-2

Hebrews 12:25 Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!

One unintended consequence of our digital, streaming era is the decline of the art of listening among individuals in the Western world. Similar to any skill, listening can be developed and honed through practice. However, it resembles a muscle that atrophies when not exercised regularly.

Henning Mankell, in his article, “The Art of Listening,” December 10, 2011, wrote, “In Africa, listening is a guiding principle. It’s a principle that’s been lost in the constant chatter of the Western world, where no one seems to have the time or even the desire to listen to anyone else.” He added, “Many people make the mistake of confusing information with knowledge. They are not the same thing. Knowledge involves the interpretation of information. Knowledge involves listening.”

Good listeners focus on the content being communicated. They actively engage with what they hear and ask questions to clarify and better understand what they hear. They take thoughtful pauses, allowing time for reflection while formulating their responses.

Understanding the nature of the Father The answer to this question requires direct communication and disclosure from Him. He has revealed truths about Himself and His ways through the Word of God. The messages, stories, history, and prophecies of the Old Testament were written between 2000 B.C. and 400 B.C., while the New Testament was written between 30 A.D. and 90 A.D. Despite spanning a considerable timeframe and utilizing various methods, the self-revelation of the Father maintains a sense of continuity and unity. Although written by many individuals, the ultimate source is the Father Himself.  When the Lord Jesus Christ came, the revelation reached its zenith.

Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence.

If we want to know the Father, we simply look at the Son. The Lord Jesus Christ is the complete and definitive representation of the Father. He is the unequivocal embodiment of the Father’s essence.

The Greek word translated as representation or imprint is charakter. Charakter comes from the Greek verb charasso, to cut, to scratch, to mark. In its early usage, it referred to the tool used to mark or cut. Later it denoted the mark or impression made with the tool. Thus, it came to mean the exact reproduction (A.T. Robertson).

The second Greek word translated as nature or essence is hypostasis. It denotes the objective aspect and fundamental reality that underlies all things (Friberg). When applied to God, this word assumes a more abstract and philosophical connotation, making it challenging to grasp its full meaning (Moffatt). It is beyond our grasp to completely comprehend what it entirely means. In simple terms, the Son shares the same essence as God the Father, being fully God Himself. The Son is exactly like the Father.  

The Lord Jesus Christ is the exact representation, the imprint, of the Father’s nature and essence.

REFLECT & PRAY

Conceptually, we understand that the Father knows everything and desires only the best for every child of the King. But when it comes to the individual details of our everyday lives, do we really listen?

Father may I hear, listen, and receive what You are trying to communicate with me. May I respond accordingly?

INSIGHT

In the 21st century, copies of the Bible are plentiful throughout much of the world. In the United States, we tend to take them for granted. However, this is not the case for the rest of the world, nor has it been throughout history. Imagine for a moment what it would be like to have an unquenchable desire for something that meets the insatiable longing of our souls but find nothing that satisfies it. Then, unexpectedly, we stumble upon something extraordinary and marvelous that fills that void. It is more delightful and sweeter than the sweetest honey from the honeycomb (Psalms 19:10).

Such was the remarkable experience of the people of Israel after the Babylonian captivity. After enduring decades without access to the Word of God, they were finally granted the opportunity to listen to its teachings, internalize its wisdom, and experience an immense delight.

Just imagine being present among them as they gathered to hear Ezra recite the law of God for the very first time. Their innermost beings were saturated with profound truths as they absorbed them. Overwhelmed with indescribable joy, they found themselves filled with awe, euphoria, and an outpouring of spontaneous praise and worship toward the Father. In light of such a profound encounter, would you do anything less?

Nehemiah 8:1-10

 1 all the people assembled with a unified purpose at the square just inside the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had given for Israel to obey.

 3 He faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law.

 4 Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. . ..

 5 Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet.

 6 Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

 7 The Levites . . . then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places.

 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.

 9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

 10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate . . ..”

The people responded with eager attentiveness (Nehemiah 8:3), reverence and worship (Nehemiah 8:5-6), understanding (Nehemiah 8:7-8), and repentance Nehemiah 8:9) (Stanley).

The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). As it reveals the Father to us, we are enriched yet convicted and experience a kind of inexplicable joyful sorrow. The Father offers us a personal, intimate relationship. It is a two-way communication. We speak to Him in honest, heartfelt prayer. We hear His voice as He speaks to our minds, hearts, and spirits.

Hebrews 3:15 Today, when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.

God continues to speak, but are we listening?

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© Dr. H 2023

Money does stupid things ∙

Money does stupid things ∙

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” – Hebrews 13:5

Psalms 119:35-40

 35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

 36 Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!

 37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

 38 Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.

 39 Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.

 40 I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.

One of the unforeseen consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic was the accumulation of substantial amounts of money in the bank accounts of individuals who remained employed and had nothing to spend it on. Apparently, money, akin to energetic individuals, thrives on being active and engaged rather than just lying around gathering interest. What would all this money do? “The money has nowhere to go, so it’s doing stupid things” (Howard Lindzon). Money learned to do stupid tricks (Erin Griffith).

A buying frenzy erupted. In March 2021, a Tom Brady trading card sold for $1.3 million, setting a new record. Additionally, a work of digital art created by the relatively obscure artist Beeple, previously unrecognized, astoundingly fetched $69.3 million at Christie’s auction house, surpassing initial bids that began at a mere $100. Meanwhile, the value of Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency, soared past the remarkable milestone of $1 trillion.

Of course, money learned or did nothing. Money is not alive and sentient. It is devoid of the ability to learn or take action. Instead, the individuals who possess money are the culprits. They sprang into action. When faced with prolonged periods of boredom and confinement at home, people eventually reached a tipping point and burst out. Investment manias of all types, many unheard of, exploded. People’s hearts follow their treasures. But what do these people treasure the most?

Solomon had this worked out 3000 years ago. He provided great insight and wisdom for all to absorb and consider. Solomon’s teachings offer invaluable lessons.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-15

 10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

 11 The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth – except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!

 12 People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep.

 13 There is another serious problem I have seen under the sun. Hoarding riches harms the saver.

 14 Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children.

 15 We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can’t take our riches with us.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Money in itself is neither good nor bad, but the love of it may lead to evil. With it, people may selfishly serve their own desires . . .. Money is not itself an evil, but it is a great responsibility. It has power for good and power for evil” (Barclay).

Father help me to be wise with my priorities. Encourage me to treasure what You treasure. Help me to align my heart so that my greatest treasure is my love for You and Your precious Word.

INSIGHT

Treasuring money, wealth, and material things put us at odds with the Father. The Lord Jesus Christ revealed an unchanging principle that encompasses and informs all we do.

Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

A remnant of children of the King displays a clear and sincere affection for the Word of God. This profound love for scripture naturally stems from their deep-rooted affection and intimate connection with the Lord Jesus Christ.

When our treasures do not align with the desires of the Father, redirecting our hearts begins with a crucial question: How do we repurpose our affections? When a new child of the King asked this question, seeking guidance. He was advised to spend time in the Word of God every day and earnestly pray to fall in love with the Lord Jesus Christ. Remarkably and delightfully, after several months, the transformation began to happen.

Most of us know what it is like to be in love with another person. Our hearts dance with delight at the mere thought of them, and the anticipation of being in their presence becomes nearly irresistible. Emotions well up within us, occasionally leading to tears, as our overwhelming joy bursts forth, impossible to contain.

Have you ever contemplated what it is like to be deeply in love with the Lord Jesus Christ? Imagine the sheer joy, boundless joy, and exhilaration that accompanies such a profound connection.

Wonder of wonders, every child of the King can fall in love with Him.

Have you ever considered or imagined what it would be like to have a passion and a deep heartfelt love for the Word of God itself? This is more than a desire for the pure milk or the delight of tasting and consuming it. It is so much more than that. What a thrill, a sheer delight, to be passionately in love with the Word of God.

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk . . .. Cry out for this nourishment,

Psalms 119:103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

Take a moment to reflect on the marvel of honey. This extraordinary substance is marvelously manufactured by industrious honeybees using raw nectar. Beyond its delightful sweetness, honey possesses many remarkable qualities, some recently discovered by nutritionists. Honey contains an array of antioxidants and antibacterial and antifungal properties. Honey is healing and soothing. Furthermore, it fortifies the immune system, protecting against harmful elements in the natural world.

The Word of God far exceeds honey in all of these areas and so much more.

The power to choose what we treasure ultimately rests within us. We control our priorities. In the present moment, it is wise to reassess our priorities and humbly request the Father to search our hearts, bringing to light any concealed sins lurking within. The potential negative consequences of neglecting this introspection are explicitly outlined and serve as a cautionary reminder.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and with many sorrows.

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© Dr. H 2023

The G Factor vs. going it alone ∙∙

The G Factor vs. going it alone ∙∙

Two people are better than one. – Ecclesiastes 4:9

Ecclesiastes 4:8-13

 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.

 13 It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.

In 2020, the population of the United States of America was approximately 330 million. According to the Census Bureau, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Americans living alone. This reflects a global trend. The percentage of Americans residing alone has shown a consistent upward trend since the 1920s, with figures of 5% in 1920, 25% in 1990, and 35% in 2018.

The term “G factor” serves as an abbreviation for general intelligence or commonly referred to as intelligence (IQ). Historically, intelligence was primarily associated with knowledge and skills. However, in recent times, intelligence is defined as a mental capacity encompassing various abilities such as reasoning, planning, problem-solving, abstract thinking, grasping complex concepts, learning from experience, and acquiring knowledge rapidly. Additionally, when individuals collaborate collectively, a phenomenon known as the “group mind” emerges.

Are two heads better than one?

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, paints a rather dark, bleak, and somewhat meaningless picture of being alone. Loneliness often involves lots of hard work but diminishing rewards.

Ecclesiastes 4:8 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.

Solomon envisions a person who was driven to achieve success in life. This individual has now reached the pinnacle of success, becoming the king of the mountain, but all alone. They are contemplative and introspective. They realize that ceaseless labor without fulfillment ultimately leads to unhappiness.

The example of John D. Rockefeller, renowned as one of the wealthiest individuals of his time, comes to mind. When asked the question, “How much money is enough?” Rockefeller famously replied, “Just a little bit more.” This raises the question of what truly constitutes “enough.” If even Rockefeller always felt the need for more, who will ever have enough?

But Solomon, in his great wisdom offered an alternative. Two are better than one. Working side-by-side, wise people are more effective. They get more “bang for the buck.” Achievement is often accompanied by increased productivity and reward, contentment, and help in times of need. Work is sweeter and more successful when done with another. Working well together is a life skill well worth pursuing.

Life is full of challenges! Given the choice, why face them alone? Initially, who first advocated that going through life alone was not a good idea? The answer is familiar but surprisingly just off the radar.

Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

According to this simple comparison, it is better to share our life and work than to try to make it on our own. With very few exceptions, the Father did not design children of the King to go it alone!

But this is more than simply talking about having a mate. This is about finding the person tailor-made for us. Togetherness is better than loneliness. Connection is better than competition (Ryken). This applies to long-term, life-long relationships and short-term partnerships, and more casual ad hoc alliances or projects. The “buddy system” is the Father’s plan for life. Such relationships provide practical and emotional support, strength, and reassurance.

The Father rarely calls on children of the King to “go it alone” in their walk with Him. We need each other not only to receive help and encouragement but to give it as well (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

In the challenges of life, having someone to help us is a gift from the Father.

Father thank You for putting people into my life who have my back. Encourage me to reach out and help others in need.

INSIGHT

Ecclesiastes is a long lament about living life for this world only, or as Solomon puts it, “under the sun.” Living life with solely an earthbound view is cruelly dissatisfying. We toil and strive, yet we remain haunted by a vague sense that we’re missing something (Tim Gustafson).

Against this grim background, Solomon offers simple, homespun wisdom: companionship is better than loneliness. Companions are there for each other and help each other out. They provide warmth and comfort. There is strength in numbers, and they defend one another. A threefold cord describes a rope or cord formed of three strands twisted or plaited together. A rope with three strands is harder to break than a rope with two.

“It is not in numbers, but in unity, that our great strength lies” (Thomas Paine).

Ecclesiastes 4:10-13

 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.

 13 It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.

How does the old king demonstrate that he is foolish? He refuses to take advice. He is inflexible and unwilling to learn. Sadly, as we age, many not only become rigid in body but also in mind. The old king’s problem was not simply age but being closed to the advice and counsel of others. Is this king the individual who chose to go it all alone?

This need not be the case. Regardless of our age, we should be willing and open to admonition, correction, and instruction. We should seek it out.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

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© Dr. H 2023