Fearlessly Courageous
From the Desk of Dennis Piller
8 10 2023
THE POWER OF TWO
In many places in the Scriptures, the wisdom of Ecclesiastes is born out and exemplified, Two are better than One. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) Thus Moses is joined to Aaron, Joshua to Caleb, David to Jonathan, Naomi to Ruth, Bartholemew to John Mark, Paul to Silas,
Peter to John. Jesus also sent his disciples out to be witnesses, “two by two.”
Yes, I know… I have heard this for years, and yes it makes practical sense but honestly, it seems the power to make that happen in my life, just doesn’t happen. I have to meet someone, like them, get comfortable over time, enter some kind of relationship, and then maybe, if I have time, walk with them. Whew, that seems like a lot of work to walk two by two. Maybe that’s why.
So why should I keep on reading today?
What is there in a pair?
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-11: 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”.
I know, seems pretty logical even if you are not a Christian. But he “pities” the person who walks alone. Wow, what a strong word to say, “How stupid can you get and still breathe!”. Why is it we try and hold to this sense of privacy, This lone ranger mentality, This… I am a private person…crap! It’s just the way I am!
Deut. 19:15 stipulated that at least two witnesses were needed in order to convict someone of a crime. Jesus sent two out together to validate to people they spoke with, that what the one was saying was truth. It was part of their culture of validation.
You are reading this because the Holy Spirit has put us together for a season, so you must have some propensity to the truth of Two by Two. But let’s break down the “Power of Two” a little further.
Work out partners: Everyone knows two do better with two. They encourage you to go when you don’t feel like it. They push you harder. They keep your technique cleaner. They spot you to keep you safe. The odds are that both of you won’t fall at the same time or be sick or weak together. Even Paul got frustrated but Barnabas encouraged him, as did Paul to him.
Teamwork: Did you know one Belgian Draft horse can pull 8,000 lbs but two can pull not 16,000 but 22,000 pounds? God’s kingdom is designed to thrive in a community.
Honestly, I know sometimes two don’t mesh, but our job is to find the ones who do.
A mentor or someone who you trust with Godly wisdom.
Practical wisdom and spiritual wisdom are very different but I have several in my life I call for each. I am blessed to have some in my life that have both. Why wouldn’t I ask for their insight and guidance? If I am thinking of going into a business and knew a friend who had been there…why wouldn’t I ask for his help?
How many mistakes have you made by rushing in where angels fear to tread?
Spiritual Partners with Spiritual Gifts
Paul 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
- Word of wisdom
- Word of knowledge
- Faith
- Gifts of healing
- Miracles
- Prophecy
- Distinguishing between spirits
- Tongues
- Interpretation of tongues
I don’t have all these gifts! Do you? Paul went on his second missionary journey but chose Silas. Paul was an apostle and teacher Eph 4:11 while Silas’s gift was that of a prophet Act 15:32 We will always be stronger together!
The benefit of a strong return: Luke 5: 1-7 There were so many fish it was sinking one boat and they needed the other. Need I say more?
Accountability: You know it is one of my favorite subjects. Each of us needs another person of our own gender that cares about us. Not our spouses. Someone who knows us well enough to know our vices, weaknesses, and shortcomings, with permission to get in our faces and see through our masks to challenge us from time to time. It must be someone we trust completely. That takes time to develop…but so worth it!
Spiritual Protection: If you have ever been under a spiritual attack then I don’t need to sell this. Eccl 4:12 If one is overpowered TWO can defend themselves.
Remember it is a spiritual fight you cannot win in the natural.
Praying together. Wow like none of us have trouble praying,…right? Wrong. Are you a “Lone Ranger” Do you believe Jesus? He said, Whatever two or more bind in heaven will be bound on earth. Whatever they loose in heaven will be loosed on earth.
Matthew 18:18,19
Is 40:31 says it all – “Mount up with Wings as Eagle and to run and not be weary.” But to stay with it and at it day after day, that’s the test, isn’t it? That’s why we need a prayer partner and a prayer closet and a church community.
To walk and not faint? Two are much more powerful than one. We will be starting our men’s group on August 28th at 7 pm at our LOL campus of Grace Family Church. Wherever you are and I know we have readers in Africa and abroad. Don’t stand alone. Get connected. Join a group or community and
be intentional about growing with God for you and someone else.
Some Excepts were taken from Sajani Susan George The Power of Two.
Micah Tyler Different
