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You're Never Alone
Devotional: . "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate
us from His love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today,
our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the
sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed
in Christ Jesus our Lord." ( Romans 8:35–39) .
Commentary: .
Often times we feel alone and isolated when we go through difficult times. We convince ourselves that no one understands our struggles, and we are the only ones who appreciate our successes and failures. But we are not alone. All we need do is look around us to the people we live and work with every day to realize that there are others who care about us and are willing to lend a helping hand. It may be a spouse, or a close friend, but chances are good that there's someone standing by to listen when you need to talk, or offer words of encouragement when your mood needs a boost. Don't be afraid to ask for this support, because often times when you don't allow others to be of assistance, you rob them of the blessing they would otherwise get from knowing they were able to be of help to you.
And remember, spiritual support is constant, and for that, asking isn't necessary. God is ever present in our lives and the book of Romans assures us: . "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." ( Romans 8:35–39)
Meditation: Father, I ask You to bless everyone who is reading this right now, Lord. Show them a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and Your mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfill their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. In Thy precious name I pray. Amen.
Stories to Touch the Heart and Warm the Soul: .
The Story of Two Horses (Author Unknown)
Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.
From a distance each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing. Looking to the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.
This alone is amazing.
If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. . Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow. . As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell. . Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. he watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times, we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way. Good friends are like that. You may not always see them, but you know they are always there.
Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours. And remember to be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly, and leave the rest to God. . Wet Pants (Author Unknown)
Come with me to a third grade classroom. There is a nine-year old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out, he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives. . The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his hand down and prays this prayer, "Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat." . He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered. . As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicaby dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap. . The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord." . Now, all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful. But as life would have it, the riducule that should have been his had been transferred to someone else - Susie. . She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz!" . Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Susie whispers back, "I wet my pants once, too." . May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good. . Each and every one of us is going through tough times right now, but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can do. . Keep the Faith !!! . |