Ecclesiastes 4:6 – “Better is a handful with quietness than both hands full with toil and vexation of spirit.”

Ecclesiastes 5:10 – “He who loves money shall not be satisfied with money; and he who loves wealth shall not retain it…”

The more I study, pray, and pursue God, the more I am reminded that we need each other and that our only true source is God.

That reminder helps me focus on God, who is and must be my All-In-All.  My focus is not just on money, position, or power but on God.   Ecclesiastes 6:9 says, “Better is the sight of the eyes than the wanderings of desire…”   Spiritual sight is ten million times better than fantasy and unrealistic expectations or dreams.  Seeing God guides our steps, and He guards, guides, and provides.

Back to how much we need each other.  Something captivating leaps out in Psalm 141:5, and I am musing on that and will be chewing on it all day: “When one of Your godly ones corrects me, or one of Your faithful ones rebukes me, I will accept it like an honor I cannot refuse.   It will be as a healing medicine that I swallow without an offended heart.  Even if they are mistaken, I will continue to pray.”  

If we allow correction and encouragement to come through the strength of unity, we discover the enormous power of tandem.  Two are far better than one, for two working in harmony gain the strength of a third.

Others encourage us.  They help us to make the right choices, and their love and fellowship keep our hearts warm and our commitment strong.  As fellow believers strengthen us, we are propelled into an attitude of praise.

Let me offer something I received today.

Psalm 147:1 – “Hallelujah!  Praise the Lord!  How beautiful it is when we sing our praises to the beautiful God, for praise makes you lovely before Him AND beings Him great delight!”  

Wow!  Praise, genuine praise makes us lovely in God’s eyes.  It also gives Him pleasure!  The Psalmist said in Psalm 144:9 that the harp inside his heart would continually make music to God.  In 145:9, we are reminded that God’s tender love is blended into Everything He does.

In Psalm 145:18-21, we are reminded of what it means to have God as our source.  Those who call on Him, He draws near.  The result of a Near God is v.19 – “Every godly one receives even more than what they ask for.  For You hear what their hearts really long for, and You bring them your saving strength.”

God is our source, and other believers’ input keeps us strong and on the right path. Even if their observations or corrections are mistaken, their love and caution give us insight and encouragement to seek God continually. Praise transforms us in God’s eyes. He never just meets our needs but fulfills the heart’s desire when the heart is His.

Know this: God’s words will never fail.   Psalm 147:15 – “He sends out His orders throughout the world; His words run as swift messengers, bringing them to pass.”  

Today’s victory depends on our recognition of our true source and our membership in the body of Christ.  

May you walk in total victory today and every day in Jesus!