Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for September 3

“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14 NLT)

From: September 3, 2014

Paul’s warning does not mean separatism. He is not advising that we avoid unbelievers. In the previous chapter, Paul had just written about being entrusted with the “message of reconciliation,” so this requires engaging with lost people. What he is warning against is being partners with them. This should inform our plans for marriage, for church membership and other forms of partnership. Believers should not date or marry unbelievers. Churches should require belief before membership. Even business partnerships should be carefully considered. Successful partnerships have unity of vision and belief. When believers partner with unbelievers, this disunity of belief eventually leads to discord. Save yourself the pain and follow Paul’s advice.

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

From: September 3, 2012

Don’t isolate yourself. We need each other. When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, He also called them to be together with each other. Get connected! Vertically and horizontally. First to God. Then to others.

“Two are better than one… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

From: September 3, 2011

The companionship and strength of two is only improved upon by a Third. Wise married couples will take their focus off of one another and put them on this Third Strand, who is Christ Himself. He is the glue that holds all things together.