If you found this post through my weekly email, I’m so glad you are here! As I went back and forth debating in my head whether or not I should try posting directly on the blog, God put these words from Ecclesiastes in front of me.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)
And you may ask…what does that have to do with blogging?
How God gives us a GIFT in one another that we can enjoy, grow from and learn about who God is…together.
The Bible is full of references about how we are not meant to be alone. God didn’t create us to be that way.
First, and most importantly, we are called to have a relationship with Him. Not a “show up to church on Sunday, sing a few songs and give Him our ‘Sunday best'”…that’s not a relationship.
He wants to talk to you directly!
Here is the exciting part of all of this: God didn’t just bring you to a blog post today. He didn’t even just bring you to a weekly devotional.
These beautiful words in Ecclesiastes remind us that:
♡ God gave us each other so that when we slip up, the others can help us back up again.
♡ He gave us community so when we question our faith, we have people to talk us through it and show us the truth.
♡ He gave us community so when we have “God-moments” to celebrate, there is a group of people ready to celebrate with you!
There is strength in numbers, and God promises that when a few of us get together in His name, He is right here with us!!
Isn’t that amazing to think about? He’s here with us RIGHT NOW, friend!
You may be physically alone reading this devotional right now, but I sent this to over 1,000 people. Some of you may quietly read and not comment, and that’s ok!
But if you are here and want others to know that you are part of this community, comment below. Your comment will remind others that they are not alone.
Tell us why you love having a group of like-minded Christ followers to share these devotionals with each week. We’d love to get to know you ♥️
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
She is the owner, designer and maker at Gathered & Sown where she creates Bible study tools and beautifully handcrafted leather accessories that bring organization and beauty to your time in the Word.
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21 Responses
This is great, Angie!
I have yet to find a local church where I can commit myself into so while I’m still praying for it, it is nice to be in a group with the same goal: to have a meaningful time and relationship with God. 🙂
Yes!!!! That was my whole intention when creating this group. I myself was churchless a few months ago and that feeling of not just wanting to get into the Word, but NEEDING it, is what drove me to create this space. Because I needed it for myself just as much as I knew others would, too. I’m so glad you found us!
So much of what you spoke was what I needed to hear and reflect on!
Last Sunday I was in the hospital after giving birth to our third child, (our first little girl!) and this devotional is just what I needed to be reminded of. I struggle with local community after moving around the Milwaukee area and each time establishing new sets of community. Now we’re back in our hometown area but I still can feel alone and isolation was one of my struggles leading to postpartum after my first little guy. So this time around I’m really working to counteract being isolated-even though the reality of now 3 under age 6 makes it hard to get out too much. This group is an answered prayer and I pray I will keep myself accountible to continue with it.
Alyssa,
I’m so glad you are here!!! This is a very tender time in your life with a brand new baby and it’s easy to feel isolated and alone. But you are in a good place, and having a group like this to keep you company while you sit and feed your baby might be just what you need ♥️Thank you so much for sharing and congratulations!!
I look forward to your Sunday night devotionals every week. I read them every Monday morning because I stay off the computer on Sundays.
Becky,
Thank you so much for your feedback! That’s a great commitment, to stay offline on Sundays. I might have to aim for that someday! I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Thank you for being a loyal reader, that means the world to me ♥️
Even if you never meet it is important to have a group you can know will pray and support you. I am a member of an internet group of about 12_women many I have never met but we’ve been together for almost 20 years and I feel they are some of my closest friends.
Judith,
That is so great to hear! I feel like the internet, when used in the right ways can be a huge blessing. Some of my favorite friends are people who I never have, and likely, never will meet in person ♥️Some day, we’ll meet in Heaven, but for now, we can support each other here! Thank you so much!
Look forward to your Sunday emails, but you’re absolutely correct. Many times I don’t get a chance to read them that night and then they’re buried. Great idea! 2 are better than one ❤️
Naomi, I appreciate the feedback! So far, I’m hearing that this works well for people, so that is great news. As a consumer, I’m the exact same way. I often stumble on things that I want to read, and leave the window open on my laptop for a day or two before I have a chunk of time to sit and give it the time that I want to. So it makes so much sense to me! Thank you so much!
Love the new format, Angie! I need a group of Christian women nearby to hold me accountable <3
Chris,
Thats so wonderful to hear! I was a little nervous to switch things up, but these comments are affirming to me, for sure!! Thank you for showing up, and being here ♥️
I need Christian women around me because when you are around people who believe the same thing you do its easier to open up around then and be yourself! Its easier to do the right thing when you are around Christ followers. Christian women keep me focused on what’s important in life and don’t judge me when I fail to do so.
I definitely need other people around me but there is definitely a strong bond between sisters in Christ. ❤️
Bridget, I totally agree!!! And I know that I personally feel it when I allow myself distance from the women who keep me strong in my faith! You ladies are a treasure, a gift that God knew I needed. Thank you for being so present in this group!
Thanks…No plans for the game tonight. Relaxing at home. Bill’ calling later. Take care.?
That’s ok! Relaxing is important ?♀️ Take care of yourself, and thank you for reaching out!!
It’s important for me to have this wonderful group of women. I have a tendency to let the neverending to-do list keep me from spending the time I need with God. Angie’s devotional is a great reminder each week to stay on track.
Elise, you and I are two peas in a pod ?That’s my motivation behind everything I do for Gathered & Sown. I am a human being, and my life is also busy. It’s so easy to let life get in the way of a relationship with God if we allow it to happen. Thank you for sharing!
I need Christian women around me because I am so busy all the time and need them to keep me grounded and remind me what life is really about. Thank you so much angie for constantly reminding me and leading by example!
Awwwww! Thank you so much for saying that, Sarah ♥️ Honestly, this community is something that I treasure. All of the ladies I encounter through Gathered & Sown keep me sharp, hold me accountable and keep me excited to get into the Word!