A PIECE OF MY HEART...a cord of three strands

The author of Ecclesiastes noted this:

" A cord of three strands

is not quickly torn apart."

Have you ever had a single string and easily snapped it in half? If you add a couple more strands and weave them all together, it takes alittle bit more strength to break it. In my weekly devotional, I read the story of a man that experienced this very thing...

A man discovered that his boat had become stuck in the soft muddy banks of the lake in which it was moored. Grabbing an old coil of rope, he tied one end to the boat and tried to pull it out, but the rope was too weak and it snapped in two. He tried a newer coil of rope, but this also broke. Frustrated, he grabbed a sturdy piece of nylon rope, but this also snapped at the first tug. Finally, the man wound the three pieces of rope together and secured them to the boat. This time, the combined strength of the rope was able to support the weight of the craft, and the boat was finally freed.

Boy, isn't being united in Christian love alot like this rope illustration?

We can each be represented as a strand of rope. By itself, we have purpose and strength. Limited strength on our own.

But, when we unite or combine our strengths with others and pursue a common goal - how much more can we accomplish for the kingdom of God? Unity will strengthen the cord!

Have you ever known someone that seemed like they were trying to break your rope. No matter how hard you tried, they worked against you to break your confidence in yourself. Break your character. Break the tie or connection that could enhance your strengths?

There is nothing that will make you more frustrated or stuck than having someone question every move you make? Someone who will weaken your confidence, weaken your abilities. Someone who weakens your rope.

Strands that are not united together will easily be torn apart. Whatever team you are on, it is vital that your cords become strong so they cannot be broken...

• in marriage
• in ministry
• at work

In the body of Christ, division brings only weakness and it will rob you of your joy that God wants you to experience. Petty arguments and disagreements and constant character de-fusing will damage your relationship with others and it will definitely hinder the work that Christ wants accomplished.

"A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart"

There are three cords that I think of that are vital to one another...

The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

THEY ARE UNITED!

PSALM 133:1 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

• Standing with your team will unite you!
• It will make you strong!
• It will be difficult to be torn apart!

ARE YOU FUNCTIONING

AS A SINGLE STRAND ?

or is your cord strong and united?

And that is a piece of my heart today;