Pullin’ Together Like God Intended

Well, now, friend, come on down off this here front porch and wander on over here with me out to this lil’ ol’ flower bed plumb full ol’ daisies that done seem to be whisperin’ like they know some kind of a lil’ ol’ secret, or two, when the breeze gits to blowin’ through their leaves and the tiny fireflies git to blinkin’ like lil’ lanterns right out o’ heaven. Let’s be standin’ for a lil’ spell right here by this ol’ fence rail that leans back like it’s doggone tired of holdin’ up the rest o’ the world. Sometimes you git to needin’ a real quiet place outdoors to be rememberin’ that God never meant for His people to be scattered like chickens runnin’ from an ol’ sneaky fox. John 17:21 tells us, “Jesus prayed that we would all be one, just like He and the Father are one,” so the world would be believin’ that He was truly sent from heaven.

Now, looky here, friend, that right there’s a mighty tall prayer, but it’s one Jesus done meant for us to be livin’ out. We really do need each other. I need your faith like a tired ol’ overworked mule needs a good ol’ water break, and you need mine like a lil’ newborn baby calf needs some good steady legs. When we stand together, we can be facin’ anything and winnin’ with Jesus. John 3:34 says, “The Holy Spirit was given to Jesus without measure, and He had more power than every demon in the whole forest of darkness combined.” An’ here’s the part that’ll make your eyebrows git to jumpin’. We’re His Body. Romans 12:1-3 says each of us has been given a measure of faith. It may look small, but it’s enough to handle your life and then some.

But, friend, we got more than our own lives to be thinkin’ ‘bout. We have a whole world to reach. We’re livin’ in times that git to feelin’ shakier than a lil’ ol’ goat tryin’ to do a dance on roller skates, and we sho’-nuff’ need all the help we can be gittin’. Ephesians 4:13 says that when we come together in the unity of the faith, we will walk in the fullness of Christ. That there means when the Body of Christ finally gits to pullin’ together like a team of work horses plowin’ the same field, we’ll see the Holy Spirit movin’ in ways that’ll make the big ol’ hoot owls blink twice.

Father, thank You for callin’ us into unity. Forgive me for the times I tried to walk alone. Help me offer my measure of faith, my prayers, and my love to others. Make us one, Lord, so the world will see Jesus in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, friend, as you git ready to head back toward the porch an’ pick up your duds to git back to your busy day, you gotta’ be rememberin’ to take this truth with you that God never meant for you to be fightin’ your battles all by yourself. He meant for you to be lockin’ arms with His people. When we git to standin’ together, we’re a whole lot stronger than a whole big ol’ herd of oxen pullin’ in the same direction. An’ when we walk plumb together in unity, even the the lil’ ol’ fireflies would start to flashin’ their lil’ lights in rhythm like they done joined the praise team an’ the choir, too, while keepin’ the beat to the beautiful songs of worship!

With joy,

Gwen