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Our Daily Bread Ministries March 18 Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15:26-47 Made for Community A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 READ Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 When my husband, Alan, and I decided to move across the country to Philadelphia to further his education, I didn’t have a job lined up, and we had no idea how we would afford student housing. On a Sunday, shortly before we were to leave, a church acquaintance introduced us to a former student of the university Alan was to attend who knew of an affordable apartment. Then, before we left, a workmate gave me the name of a contact at a Christian ministry. God answered our prayers and gave us opportunities—including an apartment and a job—through His people. Friends and family helped us move and ushered us on with prayer. The author of Ecclesiastes wrote about the benefits of not going through life alone: “Two are better than one” (4:9). Two get more work done, can help each other through struggles, offer companionship, and ward against danger (vv. 9-11). He went on to say, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (v. 12). A community has even greater benefits. More resources, more support. Alan and I benefited from the community we left behind. And God helped us build a new community to help us feel at home in the big city. If you feel alone, ask God to help you find a friend, a good church, or a place to serve in a community. By Alyson Kieda REFLECT & PRAY What communities are you a part of? How do you help each other? Dear God, thank You for surrounding me with friends and family. Please help me to invite others into Your community. Amen.