#InTheMiddle By: Deborah Ard

Recently, I found myself at a ball field with both of my children playing games at the same time. They were playing on fields that were not side by side but diagonally across the park from one another. As a mom, I could not justify sitting and watching one child play and totally miss the other play. So I stood in the middle. There in the middle I could see both fields from a distance.  I began there by myself, but very soon I had several friends, whose children were not playing that night, come and stand with me in the middle. I have to say it was very comforting to have friends standing with me in the middle. When I was turned watching one child, a friend would fill me in on what was happening on the other field.  When the games were over, I could not say I had seen every play of both games, but thanks to my friends in the middle with me, I was able to “see” both games. As I reflect over that night, I realize how important it is to have “friends in the middle” with us all the time. We each need supportive and encouraging friends in every aspect of living. We need friends to help us “see” the game when we aren’t able to focus on it ourselves.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “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.”

So we must bind ourselves together with other Christians, in friendships that love, support and encourage one another in our day to day struggles. Today I ask you to examine your relationships. Who stands in the middle with you? Take the time today to thank those friends who strengthen you. Let them know how much you appreciate their insights. And do you stand in the middle with someone? Examine what kind of friend you are to others. Do you offer words of love and encouragement? Perhaps this is an area that you need to work to improve. As you examine, remember that no matter what, we all have the One who stands in the middle with each of us! “So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 We are not alone! So today, take comfort in knowing He is always with us in the “middle” of life. But also, look for ways that you can stand with others in the “middle” of their lives. Be a friend that others can count on to help them “see” the game of life.

 

#Prayer #Intercessors By: Julie Wicker

Father,

Just as you offered your son, Christ Jesus to be raised to life, at the right hand of your throne to intercede for us Ro 8:34. You have called us all to be intercessors. What a wonderful and exalted privilege we have in being able to come boldly before your throne with our prayers and requests Heb 4:16. You say two are better than one, equip us to lift up our family and friends and when feeling overpowered, we can defeat the enemy together, we will not feel broken in Jesus name Ecc 4:9-12. May we confess our faults to one another and pray for one another that we may be healed, and us as the righteous man offering effectual fervent prayers availeth much James 5:14. And when we feel alone we will not fear, for you are always with us. We will not be dismayed, for you are our God. Strengthen us today and uphold us with your righteous hand Is 41:10. In the name of Jesus Amen

#Worship with us I Am Not Alone By: Kari Jobe