Making a Way When it Seemed Impossible

Making a Way When it Seemed Impossible

Exodus 14: ²¹ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. ²² So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. ²³ And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

 

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After the preincarnate JESUS went behind them and the FATHER and HOLY SPIRIT did the same, Moses held up his hand with his rod and the Red Sea parted. GOD caused a wind to part the sea and the children of Israel walked on dry land.

 

My Observations:

• GOD dried up the ground so the children of Israel and their carts and cattle could easily cross.
• The Egyptians saw the Red Sea open and thought they could use GOD’s powerful miracle for their evil plan.
• Moses was obedient to GOD by holding up his rod.

 

The parting of the Red Sea is significant because it shows us that GOD is in control of impossible situations. Whether it was a mountain or a deep sea, GOD can make a way where it seems impossible.

 

Moses holding up his hand was a sign of total alignment with GOD. It was not his power that parted the sea, BUT GOD’s power. GOD made it easy for the children of Israel. HE dried up the ocean floor overnight. I believe GOD can do the same for impossible situations today. HE can change something that seems impossible overnight. GOD’s power is unstoppable!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what HE did with the Red Sea?
• Are you facing an impossible situation?
• Do you believe that GOD is in control of the impossible and HE can easily deliver you when you obey HIS plan?

Lone Guardian

Lone Guardian

Genesis 19: Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. ² And he said, “Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant’s house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.”

And they said, “No, but we will spend the night in the open square.”

³ But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

 

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After leaving Abraham and Sarah, the angels arrived at Sodom. Lot was there in the gate to the city. He recognized the angels as being special. He insisted that they stay with him. He, just like Abraham, wanted to serve the angels by washing their feet.

 

My Observations:

• Lot took it upon himself to guard the city of Sodom, turning away innocent people.
• Lot did not partake in the ways of Sodom, but his family was not with him in his beliefs.
• The angels could easily protect themselves, but went with Lot to his house.

 

Lot was raised by Haran, Abram’s father. He heard the stories of Seth and Noah. He believed in the LORD’s ways, but chose poorly when he went to Sodom. He may have realized this choice was poor and tried to make up for it by guarding the city by himself.

 

When the angels appeared, he recognized them as beings from GOD. He knew he had to do something to protect them, thinking they needed protection. The angels were going to stay in the town square, but were convinced to stay in Lot’s house. I believe that angels are not omniscient, so they only had the information revealed to them by GOD.

 

They knew about Lot and his family as informed by GOD. They were sent on a mission to destroy Sodom. Lot brought the angels in his home, thinking he was going to send them on their way in the morning.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Lot was sitting at the gate of the city?
• Have you ever been in a situation where you were the only one who believed in GOD’s ways?
• If you are the only believer in JESUS as your LORD and Savior in your area, what would you do?

Alone With Favor

Alone With Favor

Genesis 6: ⁹ This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. ¹⁰ And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

 

¹¹ The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. ¹² So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

 

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Generations had passed since the creation of Adam and Eve. Cain’s descendants were plentiful. They heard stories about GOD throwing humans out of the Garden of Eden. Cain was doubly cursed because he killed his brother over jealousy. No longer would the ground produce fruit for him. Cain possibly was trying to build his own Garden of Eden, which was not pleasing to the LORD.

 

Cain built an entire city. He showed that his ingenuity was a basis of not needing GOD. When GOD would walk with a few people, many would stay away, blaming HIM for being outcast. Noah’s great grandfather Enoch was taken by GOD because of his righteousness. Noah followed in his footsteps, but no one else on earth followed GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Noah walked with the LORD when it was not popular to do so.
• Noah’s siblings did not walk with the LORD and may have sought out the descendants of Cain to learn how to perform various industries.
• Humans stopped walking with GOD, possibly thinking they could overtake the Garden of Eden.

 

Searching all the earth, GOD saw that not one man or woman thought kindly of HIM, except Noah. They despised GOD and did not recognize that HE was the one who provided what little food they had. It was HIS building materials they used to engineer cities, cooking utensils and weapons.

 

The strong and mighty made people bow down to hierarchies that pointed to the rich and powerful. Corruption had reached its pinnacle and the way of life was to take instead of give. BUT GOD saw Noah and was pleased with him.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD repeat the genealogy of Noah to Moses?
• Have you ever tried to serve GOD around selfish people who could care less about HIM?
• If you are alone with your belief in JESUS, will you stand firm so HE can walk with you in unpopular decisions?

Problem Defined

Problem Defined

Genesis 2: ¹⁸ And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” ¹⁹ Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. ²⁰ So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

 

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During the creation, GOD saw a problem. Man was alone. All of the animals, birds and fish were brought to the man to see what he would call them. But nothing in all of creation was a suitable helper “comparable to him.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD saw a problem that HIS creation would be lonely even though HE was with the creation.
• GOD said. For the first time, “It is not good.”
• GOD wanted the best for HIS creation, so HE decided to make a “helper comparable to him.”

 

For the first time we see the name Adam mentioned. He was made with extreme intelligence and creativity. GOD made all the animals, birds and fish, but Adam named all of them. He did not need the tree of knowledge of good and evil, rather he needed some help.

 

Adam had enough on his plate, tending to the garden and naming the animals. This was not a stressful job, but a lot to do. GOD may have wanted the human to have someone to celebrate new observations and enjoy each other. Adam had plenty of time to do all that he had to do, because he was not made to die.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the first problem?
• Can you see how GOD wanted the best for HIS creation?
• Are you aware that GOD wants the best for you and HE wants you fully restored today?

Careful Thoughts

Careful Thoughts

Hebrews 2: ⁵ God has not placed the angels as rulers over the new world to come—the world of which we speak. ⁶ Instead, as it is said somewhere in the Scriptures:
“What are human beings, O God, that you should think of them;
    mere human beings, that you should care for them?
⁷ You made them for a little while lower than the angels;
    you crowned them with glory and honor
⁸     and made them rulers over all things.”

 

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Feeling alone I complained to myself “What’s wrong with me?” Everyone else seems to be enjoying themselves in life and I have “no one” who thinks about me.

 

• I was feeling lonely.
• I thought that “no one” was thinking about me.
• I wanted at least someone in the crowd to reach out to me for a change.

 

Continuing with the comparison of angels to humans, the writer, who is assumed to be Paul, explains a strange hierarchy. Humans, while frail and fragile, will someday be mightier than the angels. GOD will somehow place humans over all things.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees me and knows my thoughts.
• GOD does not want me to be alone in life so HE promised to never leave me nor forsake me.
• GOD has precious, loving thoughts about me and for me.

 

Thinking about people is GOD’s specialty. I mean, HE knows every hair on your head and mine. This means HE is concerned with every single detail about you and me. JESUS understands loneliness like no other human. HE voluntarily took on becoming the blame for all sin. HE had no one who could empathize with HIM or even be there for HIM even when HE asked.

 

HE was murdered even though HE could have rightfully called for help from thousands of angels. HE was raised from the dead and sent the COMFORTER to be with every lonely person who seeks HIM. I am glad GOD will never, ever leave me.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer pondering?
• Have you ever wondered who is thinking about you?
• Have you ever come up with the false conclusion that “no one” is thinking about you?
• Will you let go of the lie and believe that GOD loves you and cares deeply about you and is thinking about you even this very minute?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please provide this reader with the love and care he or she needs today. Thank YOU for caring for us and for thinking about us. amen

Remaining Hot For The Lonely

Remaining Hot For The Lonely

2 Timothy 1: ¹⁵ You know that everyone in the province of Asia, including Phygelus and Hermogenes, has deserted me. ¹⁶ May the Lord show mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he cheered me up many times. He was not ashamed that I am in prison, ¹⁷ but as soon as he arrived in Rome, he started looking for me until he found me. ¹⁸ May the Lord grant him his mercy on that Day! And you know very well how much he did for me in Ephesus.

 

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Feeling lonely in a crowd became more apparent when I looked at people with smiles on their faces as they greeted one another and I had no one to greet me. I walked around for a while and decided to call it a night. It was getting late, I thought to myself until I looked at the time and it was 5:30 PM. I went to my room anyway.

 

• I was lonely and the crowd made it feel worse.
• I wanted people around me who could see me.
• I desired to be noticed.

 

Paul takes a strange turn in his letter to Timothy. He expressed his loneliness while being imprisoned. He praised Onesiphorus for his diligence in visiting and the trouble he went through to find Paul. Other people may have been concerned about being associated with a “criminal” but Onesiphorus saw past that.

 

My Observations

• I can be lonely even when someone is sitting right next to me, BUT GOD is merciful and sends people to me.
• There are many people who are alone, misunderstood or by themselves for other reasons and GOD wants me and others to connect to them.
• Lonely people may not have the energy or ability to cure their own loneliness, BUT GOD sees the need and will supply the right people at the right time.

 

Part of loneliness was me and it was frustrating to admit that. I mean, I did not like meeting people because I did not have much to say, nor did I want to hear what was being said. BUT GOD intervened. HE wants to save every single human and wants me to do my part.

 

HE made people more interesting by showing HIS love to me. HE desires that the lonely, desolate and destitute be reached so HIS love can be shown. I will gladly reach out to those who GOD sends me to.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer sound?
• Have you ever been lonely?
• How does loneliness affect your relationship with GOD?
• Will you pray for a little strength and reach out to a person you know is experiencing loneliness today, even when he or she may have people around them today?

Help Where Possible

Help Where Possible

1 Timothy 5: ³ Show respect for widows who really are all alone. ⁴ But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn first to carry out their religious duties toward their own family and in this way repay their parents and grandparents, because that is what pleases God. ⁵ A widow who is all alone, with no one to take care of her, has placed her hope in God and continues to pray and ask him for his help night and day. ⁶ But a widow who gives herself to pleasure has already died, even though she lives. ⁷ Give them these instructions, so that no one will find fault with them. ⁸ But if any do not take care of their relatives, especially the members of their own family, they have denied the faith and are worse than an unbeliever.

 

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My phone call list had grown longer and longer. Uncles and adopted fathers had passed away and all I could do was say hello every now and then. It felt overwhelming at times because life kept happening to me as well. But when I did call, it was a welcome conversation.

 

• I could not do more than reach out.
• When I finished the conversation, it did not seem like that much time had passed.
• This passage is a reminder to reach out to some people.

 

Paul speaks about taking care of widows. He tells Timothy that the primary responsibility is for the children and grandchildren to take care of widows. But those who are alone, help where possible. Paul gives a sharp rebuke to those who are not actively praying for or encouraging their family.

 

My Observations

• When GOD said “The harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few” I believe HE also includes service to widows.
• Widows have a special place in GOD’s heart.
• Reaching out to a widow may be all I can handle when life is happening to me.

 

It really does take a village. I mean, I can try to solve and resolve all of life’s issues faced by those who are alone, grieving and bereaved. But when I look at the ocean of need, I get overwhelmed. BUT GOD has a remedy. Take it in small steps.

 

GOD wants me to reach out to at least one person who is a widow to bring a smile to that person’s face. HE wants me to make room in my schedule to at least say “Hello.” If I can do more, then great, if not, then GOD understands. I am glad prayer, encouragement and honor can be given to those in need.

 

Challenge

• Who has what responsibilities according to the writer?
• Do you know a widow who could use a phone call from you today?
• Will you reach out to a widow to check in and see how she is doing and pray for those who you cannot reach out to today?

Being Seen

 

Being Seen

Philippians 4: ²¹ Greetings to each one of God's people who belong to Christ Jesus. The believers here with me send you their greetings. ²² All God's people here send greetings, especially those who belong to the Emperor's palace.

 

²³ May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

 

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Walking into the convention center, I saw thousands of smiling faces. It was the first day of the convention and I did not know anyone. I wandered the convention floor without destination. When they held a greeting session, I felt better. I was introduced to people.

 

• I felt lonely in a huge crowd.
• I felt unseen even though I was in the middle of thousands.
• I felt better when I was greeted.

 

Paul concludes his letter with greetings from him and many believers. The believers at Philippi had gone through much and some felt dejected, lonely and were on the brink of giving up. Paul mentions twice that the people send their greetings as if to say, “We see you!”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see the unseen people like the homeless person tucked away in the corner.
• GOD wants me to understand that people need prayer.
• GOD wants me to greet people, introducing them to others so I can meet people who may be lonely as I was at the convention.

 

Being seen is not easy. I mean, in these days of self-promotion, the quiet and misunderstood can be pushed out. BUT GOD sees everyone and lives in those who believe in HIS SON. The HOLY SPIRIT guides me to greet people and bring them into HIS family.

 

Greeting people says “I see you and you are welcome here!” I am glad GOD send people to greet and welcome others.

 

Challenge

• Who is the audience of the writer?
• Have you ever felt lonely or insecure?
• Will you join a group of believers in CHRIST and greet people differently so he or she can be seen today?

True Citizenship

 

True Citizenship

Acts 22: ²² The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!”

²³ As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, ²⁴ the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. ²⁵ As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”

 

²⁶ When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.”

²⁷ The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”

“Yes, I am,” he answered.

²⁸ Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.”

“But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.

 

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Feeling out of place became the norm for me. After a while, I accepted my misfit status and sat alone in many places. I did not like those who laughed at me or who talked negatively about me. I felt alone.

 

• There were times when I felt alone in a crowd.
• There were times when I felt I did not belong.
• There were times when I felt there had to be another place where I felt welcome.

 

Paul explained his background as a Jew, but when he said he was sent to the Gentiles by GOD, the crowd got angrier. The commander ordered him to be taken inside and flogged. Paul questioned this move, knowing the local law. Paul was a citizen and knew his rights.

 

• GOD wants me to know where I came from.
• GOD wants me to understand that this cursed world is not my home.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIS kingdom while I am still in this cursed world.

 

Before I was born, GOD made me. I mean, HE knew everything about me before I was ever born. HE chose me and I chose HIM. I believed in HIS SON JESUS as my Savior and HE added me into HIS kingdom as a citizen. The only kingdom that matter is HIS eternal one. I am glad to be part of GOD’s family and a citizen of HIS kingdom.

 

• Do you feel alone, even in a crowd?
• Do you feel like your life has a higher purpose than the one you are living?
• Will you become a citizen of GOD’s kingdom by believing that JESUS died for your sins and is now alive with all authority today and forever?

Brightened House

Brightened House

Acts 16: ²⁹ The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. ³³ At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. ³⁴ The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

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“Do you know where the candles are?” a family member asked. I searched and found several candles and stands that were given to us as a gift. Placing the lit candles around the house brightened the darkness. I felt at ease as the storm raged and the power outage persisted.

• There have been times when I was in the dark.
• There have been times when I worried about the safety of my family because of the storms.
• There have been times when I benefited from the gift someone gave our household.

The jailer knew something was different about Paul and Silas. While they were singing, an earthquake shook the doors and chains off the prisoners. The jailer asked “What must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas gave the answer “Believe in the LORD JESUS and you will be saved – you and your household.”

• GOD wants me to know HE cares for me.
• GOD wants me to know HE cares about those who are in my household.
• GOD wants me to know HE cares about my neighbors, my coworkers, and the people I see when I walk around.

JESUS wants to include entire households in HIS plan of salvation. HE may enlighten one so everyone in the household can believe in HIS saving power. HE fills people with joy when the household is saved. I am grateful GOD wants me and my family to believe.

• Is your household in darkness?
• Do you think GOD has left you and your family?
• Will you seek JESUS as your Savior so you and your household will be saved today?

Get Back Up

Get Back Up

Acts 14: ¹⁶ In the past, he let all nations go their own way. ¹⁷ Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” ¹⁸ Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.

¹⁹ Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. ²⁰ But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

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After the accident, I was shaken up. The car was smashed beyond repair. Having no money to buy another car, I had to walk to work. “If you are more than five minutes late, you will be fired” were the words I remembered that haunted me. Exhausted from the extra walking, I overslept and kept missing class. “Why did this happen to me?” I cried out.

• There were times in my life that seemed extremely low.
• There were times in my life that seemed like everything was going wrong.
• There were times in my life that seemed as if nothing would go my way.

Paul kept trying to convince the people not to worship him, but the more he spoke, the more they insisted on bowing don to him. Church leaders from other cities heard about what was going on and decided to put an end to the situation. Ignoring the miracle of Paul healing a lame man, they stoned him to near death. BUT GOD had other plans for Paul.

• GOD knows I will face difficulty in life.
• GOD knows I need HIM daily.
• GOD knows I will fall down, or get hurt, or be persecuted, BUT HE is there for me.

Instead of asking “Why does GOD allow pain?” people rarely ask “What happened to make GOD curse humanity?” I mean it must have been something extremely wrong that made GOD want to put limits on humans. Unfortunately, when Satan desired to be like GOD and tricked the humans into doing the same, it caused all humans to fall. What could be done?

JESUS, being GOD, had to volunteer to take the blame, even though HE did nothing wrong. HE died for the sins of mankind and was raised from the dead. Speaking about HIM is a blessing, but the curse makes people and demons extremely angry. They fight and harm those who truly speak JESUS’ name. I am grateful GOD picks me up when I am down.

• Are you down because you speak the truth about JESUS?
• Have you been persecuted because of your belief in JESUS?
• Will you get back up or ask GOD to pick you up so you can continue with the purpose HE has given you?

Accepted

Accepted

Acts 9: ²⁶ And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. ²⁹ And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. ³⁰ When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

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When the reorganization was announced, I was shattered. I mean I spoke negatively about the department I left and was now told I had to go back, otherwise lose the job. I tried showing people how hard I worked, but was met with disbelief that I could ever be sincere. I needed an advocate.

• There were times when I could not push my way into a group.
• There were times when my past caused problems for the present.
• There were times when I was not accepted because of the things I said and did.

Saul persecuted anyone who spoke in the name of JESUS, or at least he was in charge of those who did the killing. When he was confronted by JESUS HIMSELF, he changed wholeheartedly and became a strong force for GOD. But the persecuted did not believe in Saul.

GOD did not zap their minds so they could see the sincerity in Saul. He needed an advocate to speak on his behalf. Fortunately Barnabas must have gotten word from Ananias, the one sent by the LORD. Barnabas became an advocate for Saul and the disciples believed.

• JESUS is my advocate and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT speaks on my behalf, begging for my forgiveness to the FATHER.
• The FATHER is my forgiver and pours out HIS grace because I believe JESUS is my advocate.

Being accepted into GOD’s family felt great. I mean even though I messed up time after time, GOD saw me and said “Come to ME and I will give you rest.” I could finally rest from what I was searching for. I may not be accepted by humans, BUT GOD always accepts me. I believe in the love of JESUS.

• Are you searching for a group to accept you?
• Do you seek love and are willing to accept something that may be a lie or even harmful to you?
• Will you turn your life to true love, which is JESUS, who is your advocate?

Isolated

Isolated

Acts 8: Now Saul was consenting to his death.

At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. ² And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

³ As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

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After years of being the one who people sought after, I felt isolated in the new town. I did not know anyone other than my coworkers. And besides, who would go out to the not cool bars they had in this unheard of town. What was I going to do for “fun” now?

• There were times when I dreaded being alone.
• There were times when I felt isolated from “my” people.
• There were times when I was not able to be part of a social group and I did not enjoy it.

Saul consented the death of Stephen. Even more so, he started a great persecution of those who believed in JESUS as their Savior. Though people were scattered, he sent people to their homes, dragging them to prison.

• GOD sees me when I am separated from people.
• GOD knows I want to be around people but has a reason for separating me from the same old routine.
• GOD has a plan for me and is preparing me when HE separates me.

Isolation could be dreaded or embraced. I chose to embrace it. I wanted to clear up the misconceptions I had about this “GOD” being. I had to been to a lot of churches that spoke mostly about their brand and not about JESUS. Where to start?

GOD was gracious enough to have me read the book of John. When I saw in the first chapter that JESUS was GOD, I was shocked. It made me want to read this “bible” thing for myself. The isolation became welcome as it was a quiet place to learn about JESUS as part of the triune GOD. I am glad I went through the time of separation.

• Do you seek a crowd?
• Are you hungry for your social gathering?
• Will you embrace times when GOD separates you so you can quiet down and listen to HIM, while HE grows you?

You are not alone

You are not alone

John 14: ¹⁵ “If you love Me, keep My commandments. ¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. ¹⁸ I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

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As I walked around the huge crowd at the convention, I felt lonely. Everyone was smiling and laughing and I could not join in on the festivities, because I did not know anyone. Finally someone summoned me over. “Want to get drunk with us?” I went with them just to meet people. There was laughter and flirting. I felt lonelier.

• There have been many times when I felt lonely sitting in a crowd.
• There have been many times when I was around a crowd who were bashing “those” people and I felt lonely for not partaking.
• There have been many times when I sat in groups that were supposed to be talking about GOD, yet they ended up talking about humans, and I felt lonely.

JESUS knew those who follow HIM would be the minority. HE spoke the truth and was about to be killed for it. HE then says to HIS disciples, “The world does not know the SPIRIT of Truth.”  “The FATHER will give you a HELPER” was a promise JESUS made to those who love HIM.

• The HOLY SPIRIT lives in me because I believe I needed to be saved.
• The HOLY SPIRIT begs for forgiveness to the FATHER when I sin.
• The HOLY SPIRIT gives me the words of truth because HE is The TRUTH.

When I had no purpose, the world looked like a “fun” place. Sex, drunkenness, and wealth seemed like a truth I could buy into. BUT GOD wanted something different. HE wants me to speak the real truth about HIS SON.

Though the world my laugh at the words of salvation and ridicule even the very existence of the Most High GOD, I still persist in HIS purpose. At times I may get weary, BUT GOD gave me The HELPER who does not leave or forsake me. I am grateful for the HOLY SPIRIT who comforts me.

• Are you alone?
• Do you believe in GOD while those around you do not?
• Will you draw your power from the HOLY SPIRIT today and keep going on GOD’s plan?

Alone

Mark 4: ³³ And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. ³⁴ But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.

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Waving at people on the convention floor was the norm for my coworkers, but not me. This was my first convention and I did not know anyone. It was time for dinner and everyone made plans with one another. I ate in my room.

•  
• Sometimes I can be in a crowd and feel alone.
• Sometimes I can open my mouth and say something to people and still feel alone.
• Sometimes I can sit in a room with another person and feel more alone than when I am by myself.

Being alone can sometimes feel devastating, especially when I want to be around those who appreciate what I am doing and saying or even better, know who I am. GOD spoke in parables or analogies and did not speak directly to the crowd. But when HE was alone with HIS disciples HE spoke directly to them.

• GOD sometimes takes me to a place so HE can be alone with me.
• GOD sometimes wants to speak directly to me so HE moves me out of the crowd.
• GOD sometimes desires for me to quiet down instead of screaming while I am alone with HIM.

Maturing to understand “alone” time is important to GOD. HE wants me to spend some very important time with HIM to see HIS power on a daily basis. The world’s worries can be noisy and deafen me to HIS voice. It seems like the harder I try in life, the more GOD wants to spend time with me. HE sets me down besides still waters and speaks directly to me with HIS promises.

• Do you feel alone?
• Are you worried and feel alone?
• Can you remove your worries for a moment and listen to GOD’s voice through HIS word today?

Being Take Care Of

Isaiah 34: ¹⁴ Desert creatures will meet with hyenas,
    and wild goats will bleat to each other;
there the night creatures will also lie down
    and find for themselves places of rest.
¹⁵ The owl will nest there and lay eggs,
    she will hatch them, and care for her young
    under the shadow of her wings;
there also the falcons will gather,
    each with its mate.

¹⁶ Look in the scroll of the Lord and read:

None of these will be missing,
    not one will lack her mate.
For it is his mouth that has given the order,
    and his Spirit will gather them together.
¹⁷ He allots their portions;
    his hand distributes them by measure.
They will possess it forever
    and dwell there from generation to generation.

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Scared was the only word to describe how I felt as I clutched my chest. I had never felt a pain like this one and it would not go away. As I sat in my apartment alone I wondered if this was it. Was it my time to go? I mean I was just starting out.

• There were times when I felt afraid.
• There were times when I felt scared.
• There were times when I felt alone.

I called a coworker the next day and he took me to the doctor. I had a bruised sternum and needed to lay off the exercise for a while. What a relief! But the incident made me think. How do other people feel?

• GOD wants me to tell people they are never alone.
• GOD wants me to say to others “HE will never leave them nor forsake them.”
• GOD wants me to exclaim to many that HE has a plan for them and HE is providing order on a daily basis.

Looking back I can see that I was never alone. HE was always there for me and is faithful to always be there for whatever I go through.

• Do you feel alone?
• Are you nervous and confused?
• Can you reach out to GOD and ask HIM for HIS divine order today?

Band Together

Ecclesiastes 4: ⁹ Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰ If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
¹² Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

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“Come on I’ll run with you” said a member on the track team to me. I was the slowest, most malnourished slug on the team. After running with him for a while I found myself picking up the pace. Weeks later, I could hang with the rest of the group, from behind of course!

• There were times when I was trying to do things on my own.
• There were times when I was discouraged only because I was alone and not accomplishing my goal.
• There were times when I felt like giving up because I was alone.

Loneliness feels heavier when problems come along. I mean, I have faced times where I had no one to tell my problems to who would empathetically put their minds to the issue and determine a real solution. I heard terms like “Have you tried…” or “Why don’t you…” from people who have never faced the situation or who’s minds are not really interested in solving the issue. BUT GOD has a different strategy.

• GOD saw my problem and decided to partner with me.
• GOD saw my need and decided to pair up with me.
• GOD saw my situation and decided to connect with me and supply much needed help.

GOD rescued me in my time of need. HE picked me up, dusted me off and told me I am special. HE had no blame in HIS words and even gave me HIS plan for me. HE wants nothing in return but for me to be joyous enough to tell others about the great news of JESUS. Two are better than one when the partnership is excited about success. I’m glad GOD is excited about me!

• Are you alone?
• Do you feel lonely?
• Can you seek the help from those who want you to succeed and have your best interest in mind?
• Will you seek GOD who always has your best interest in mind?

Someone Cares About Me

Psalm 55: ²² Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
he will never let
    the righteous be shaken.

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Staring at the phone did not make it ring. I even checked it to make sure that it worked, thinking “maybe the ringer is broken. Does anyone care?” I was not used to the silence after my noisy lifestyle of being the “party maker.” Staring at the phone again later in life still did not make it ring. This time I waited on a higher paying job after my noisy lifestyle of being the “hotshot programmer.” I checked the phone thinking “maybe the ringer is broken. Does anyone care?” I was used to headhunters calling me and they had stopped.

Staring at email did not make the responses come through, “maybe they didn’t get my email. Does anyone care?” I wonder if there is a pattern!

• When I want something and I am not getting it, I wonder if anyone cares.
• When I desire something and I am not getting my way, I wonder if anyone cares.
• When I crave something and I am not quenching want, I wonder if anyone cares.

“Does anyone care?” has run across my mind a few times in my life, usually when I faced an extended wait period. My party crowd had found their parties and the business crowd their candidate. “What about me?” blinded me to the care that was given to me.

• GOD says to me “I care for you deeper than you can ever imagine.”
• GOD says to me “I love you deeply and I will never leave you.”
• GOD says to me “I can handle whatever you are concerned about and I will sustain you.”

GOD knows every concern I may have, yet it is very liberating to search myself and tell HIM what is bothering me. When I tell GOD about my concern, HE gives me peace. HE sustains me through storms and does not let me become shaken.

• Are you going through a storm?
• Do you feel that no one cares?
• Can you place your cares at GOD’s feet?
• Will you understand that GOD cares about you deeply?

Never too late to return

Deuteronomy 4: ³⁰ All of the things I’ve told you about might happen to you. And you will be in trouble. But later you will return to the Lord your God. You will obey him. ³¹ The Lord your God is tender and loving. He won’t leave you or destroy you. He won’t forget the covenant he made with your people long ago. He took an oath when he made it.

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Staring at the phone drove me crazy! In college I had “friends” who called me constantly wanting to know the “fun” I had in store for them but, alas, I was no longer in college. I didn’t know anyone in this particular town and the apartment I moved into, while extremely close to work, was a semi-retired home full of old ladies.

Boredom quickly set in. “I have got to find a club or something to do” I said to myself. One of the old ladies in the building asked me “which church do you go to?” “Church?” “What’s church?” I said in my mind.  It had been a long time and I hadn’t considered actually worshipping GOD, not until I had chest pains and a broken down car and other problems.

• There are times that I forget GOD.
• There are times where I ignore HIS voice.
• There are times when I leave GOD’s ways to do what I want.

GOD knows what’s best for me so and HE knows I will not make the right decision.  HE takes me out of situations that will harm me and places me right where HE wants me. HE knows the right circumstances to place in front of me to guide me back to HIM.

• GOD is willing to accept me no matter how long I’ve been away from HIM.
• GOD is willing to love me no matter what I’ve done.
• GOD is willing to protect me no matter how low I’ve sank.

GOD wanted a relationship with me so HE died for me. Someone had to die for the sins I commit so HE volunteered. HIS only criteria is my belief, not just in HIS existence but in HIS position. HE wants me to believe I deserve to go to Hell based on my birth and that there is no “good” in me.

HE wants me to believe there is only one way to true worship and salvation and that way is through understanding JESUS volunteered to take away my sins. HIS resurrection placed HIM above all. GOD will never leave me or destroy me because of HIS tender love for me!

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Have you lost your way?
• Can you let GOD guide you back to HIM?
• Won’t you seek HIM again today?

A prayer for missing you

Genesis 31: ⁴⁹ It was also called Mizpah, because he said, “May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other.

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Many times I have had to leave family or friends or coworkers to embark on whatever journey I was sent on. Just the thought of being away seemed scary not because of the unknown for me, but who was going to take care of them?

• I pray that GOD watch over you and keep you whole.
• I hope the LORD will guide you in all your efforts.
• I ask GOD to bless you thoroughly.

All these things I ask for me as well because as Laban spoke to Jacob he prayed for both of them.

• Is there someone who you can pray for?
• Is someone about to go on a journey who you can pray for?
• Are you on a journey and need prayer?
• Can you stop focusing on you and pray for “that” person?