“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” (Acts 2:1)

During prayer at our church this Monday evening, this idea came to me. We know what was birthed that day when believers were, “together in one accord”. The “church” was born. Those 120 believers were all there together with the same desire and mission. They had been told by Jesus to go there and wait, (Acts 1:4). As they were obedient, the Holy Spirit fell on each of them like “tongues of fire”, (Acts 2:3). As they left the place where they were filled with the Spirit, Peter preached and many were saved and baptized. They had all been together “in one accord”.

Then I thought of Ecclesiastes 4:12: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” A cord of three intertwined strings or strands is stronger than one strand. I thought about those 120 “strands” in the room that day who were bound together and what miraculous things happened then and continue to this day. We do better together. The Bible says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20), and if they agree together, it will be done for them. That’s two or three. What about 120 or more?

As I continued in prayer that evening, joined by about 20 others, I thought, “What kind of “a cord” were we forming? Then I tried to imaging a “cord” of all the people in our congregation intertwined together and then what about all Christians! Wow, what a strong cord!

In this day and time, it is critical for us to “be together in one accord”. God uses His people in that way, “If My people…” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Let’s ALL get together. And, come join us at 7:00 on Monday evenings for prayer as we join together in One Accord.

People ask me this question all the time; at the grocery store, at church, at ball games and many other places. I know a lot of these questions come from people who know I’ve gone through cancer treatments and really want an update. But some, like the people at the checkout, ask that of everyone who comes through their register. Sometimes, knowing what they’re going to ask, I’ll quickly ask them first. I’m funny like that. I have a few standard answers: “I’m blessed, I’m good, God is good, I’m healed, I’m here so I’m good, If I’m out shopping, I’m good.” I want people to know God is taking care of me no matter what I’m going through.

However, some people may respond when asked this question; “Not doing good, I’m sick, I feel bad, having family problems, having a bad day or other negative responses.” If we hear this, it’s an opportunity to give them words of encouragement or pray for them. But even if these people are not good, they will often just reply, “I’m fine.” When you can tell that’s not exactly accurate.

So, how ARE we doing? “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand,” (Ephesians 2:10). “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;” (Jeremiah 1:5). “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (John 1:12). God created us, He knew us before we were born and we are in His family! How are we doing with that? There are many verses that answer this question; “By His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5). He will never leave us or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:8) He picks us up when we fall. (Psalm 145:14) He leads us in the paths of righteousness. (Psalm 23:3) God is all powerful, He can do anything and we’re His child! So, how are we doing? Let’s be positive when we hear that question and share the goodness of God.

I’ll end with this thought: When we enter the Pearly Gates and Jesus asks us, “How are you doing?” What will you answer?