A Beautiful Thing -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

Day 4 Devotional (Week 4)
Thursday, May 5, 2011

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -- Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

It may seem like common sense, but God tells us that two or more are better than one because they can accomplish more together. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. However, one who falls on his own has no one to help him up. We are not only physically stronger when we unite with other believers, but also spiritually and emotionally. Christian friends can give advice, pray for us, stand by our side, encourage us, and even rebuke us when we are out of line!

One way we have personally been impacted by other Christians who practice this principal was through a meals ministry. We were recipients of meals when we had both of our boys. The meals alone were a huge blessing to us, but the fellowship with fellow believers was more encouraging than the meals at a time we needed it most.

More recently, we have undergone some unexpected challenges related to our youngest son, Nathan, who broke his arm after tripping on his brother. The resulting x-ray indicated an unexpected bone growth near the fracture that has caused us much concern. Although the issue has not been brought to a close, we have found comfort in the prayers received from our church family, knowing that their prayers are being lifted to God. We are so blessed and strengthened that we have others to lean on!

One thing is for certain, we will continually be challenged by the struggles of life. God has provided us with a clear message indicating that we benefit from taking on those challenges as a united body of believers. As we participate in this effort to improve the church facilities, it is a great opportunity to stand together as a Christian body striving together for the proclamation of the Gospel.

Father, like a cord of three strands, may Your church continue to be strengthened in the unity and power of Your Spirit. Help us to build valuable relationships that will bring blessing and honor to Your name through Jesus Christ our Lord. In His holy name, we pray. Amen.

Prepared by Steven and Dawn Esche

To prepare spiritually during our “A Beautiful Thing” campaign, you will receive a devotional written by our own members every Monday through Saturday for five weeks. To opt out of these daily devotionals, click here. To read the announcements from the “ABT Weekly Update,” click here.

A Beautiful Thing - from Hillcrest Baptist Church, Austin, Texas	Contact Tom Goodman, Pastor
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Day 4 Devotional (Week 4) Thursday, May 5, 2011 "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -- Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) It may seem like common sense, but God tells us that two or more are better than one because they can accomplish more together. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. However, one who falls on his own has no one to help him up. We are not only physically stronger when we unite with other believers, but also spiritually and emotionally. Christian friends can give advice, pray for us, stand by our side, encourage us, and even rebuke us when we are out of line! One way we have personally been impacted by other Christians who practice this principal was through a meals ministry. We were recipients of meals when we had both of our boys. The meals alone were a huge blessing to us, but the fellowship with fellow believers was more encouraging than the meals at a time we needed it most. More recently, we have undergone some unexpected challenges related to our youngest son, Nathan, who broke his arm after tripping on his brother. The resulting x-ray indicated an unexpected bone growth near the fracture that has caused us much concern. Although the issue has not been brought to a close, we have found comfort in the prayers received from our church family, knowing that their prayers are being lifted to God. We are so blessed and strengthened that we have others to lean on! One thing is for certain, we will continually be challenged by the struggles of life. God has provided us with a clear message indicating that we benefit from taking on those challenges as a united body of believers. As we participate in this effort to improve the church facilities, it is a great opportunity to stand together as a Christian body striving together for the proclamation of the Gospel. Father, like a cord of three strands, may Your church continue to be strengthened in the unity and power of Your Spirit. Help us to build valuable relationships that will bring blessing and honor to Your name through Jesus Christ our Lord. In His holy name, we pray. Amen. Prepared by Steven and Dawn Esche To prepare spiritually during our “A Beautiful Thing” campaign, you will receive a devotional written by our own members every Monday through Saturday for five weeks. To opt out of these daily devotionals, click here. To read the announcements from the “ABT Weekly Update,” click here.