Thieves

Many people these days resort to all kinds of measures to protect themselves and their possessions from thieves. Security companies are big business and so is the insurance industry. They promote their businesses by cultivating fear into the minds of the public, with bad things that can or may happen. They do so through pictures and stories of great losses to individuals and/or families. Most people want to protect themselves, their money and their things. I used to think this way too. Besides, if someone borrowed from a lending institution of some kind (which many people do), they are required to secure the principle with insurance for protection for such things as cars, boats, mortgages, business loans, etc.

After we lost our house back in 1988—because of borrowing and foolish investments—we made the decision to trust God from then on and live debt free. Which meant everything we would purchase would be paid in cash. Therefore, in the beginning most of the items we acquired were not very expensive. Over time we learned to trust God in other areas as we believed in his promises and saw that he is faithful. He has continued to bless us with more than we ever imagined, and we have continued to trust him.

There was an incident that happened two years after we first began to trust God. A thief broke into our car while we were on vacation at the fabulous San Diego Zoo, with our nine year old daughter, Shannon. We were near the end of a wonderful week, having taken our daughter to several other tourist locations in California, including Disneyland. I had been instructing our family about God's faithfulness, blessings and protection.

Our trip was even paid for by a unique blessing from an insurance company. Their client's child accidentally backed a car into the side of our station wagon a month earlier. The company gave us a check for the damages, and we could fix the damage or do whatever we wanted with the money. We chose to use the money for a nice family vacation in California. Leaving the Seattle area, we headed for the Redwoods in Northern California for our first stop, with the slightly damaged fender.

When we got back to our car, after a day with the animals at the zoo, we realized that our car had been broken into. Shannon felt that God had failed us. And at first, so did I. That is, until I had time to think about it. Our car was not damaged by the thief who gained entrance, and the money in the glove box was never touched, which seemed strange at first. We saw that certain things had been moved and eventually realized that my wife's handbag was missing that she had hid on the backseat floor, covered with some clothes. The thing that upset our daughter the most was that the thief had finished eating the rest of her favorite cookies. (He was apparently a hungry thief with a sweet tooth.) With the extra money that was in the bag now gone, we had to cut our trip a day short and get help from a family we had been staying with in the Los Angeles area.

We prayed and forgave the thief, then asked God to return the handbag and important items. The bag was found by a tourist and returned to my parents home the next day. They had seen the man throw the handbag in a trash can, so they retrieved it and called my folks from some ID they found in the bag. God does answer prayer. And the only thing missing was a hundred dollar bill and a last book of food stamps. The Lord had indicted earlier we were not to be on food stamps any longer, but we had procrastinated. We repented, once we understood our mistake.

Another time, we were at an art show that I had sold my paintings at for seven years in a row. It was my best show and I wanted to give God my best, when our church announced that they were going to build their new church with cash. I told my wife what I wanted to do and she agreed. At the end of the 10 day show, I had gone to get the car and trailer to load up my remaining paintings.

I had left my wife to watch the booth with all of our stuff, when a thief came in from behind her and stole the handbag with all our sales from under the table. She saw him leaving out the back and gave chase, calling on God for help as she ran after him. When the thief and my wife crossed the street in traffic, a young man got out of his car to help in the pursuit, but they gave up when the thief met up with friends in a dark wooded area. He didn't think it was wise to pursue any further.

She thanked the young man for willing to help in the chase. Then she return to the show and told a policeman what had happened. They both went back to the place where she had last seen the thief. There all over the ground, they recovered her handbag and her things that were in it, including all our sales papers and checks. By the time I got back to the art show,it was all over. We loaded the paintings and headed home, grateful for God's protection over the whole situation.

God help us recover all but a few hundred dollars in cash. There had been over $5,000 in sales, thankfully most of the sales that year were in checks and credit card purchases. I was also very grateful that my young beautiful wife wasn't hurt and I told her that she was very brave. The thief tried to steal a gift we intended for God. Yet, God was faithful to the very end.

However, even if there had been more money or other items stolen, we would still have a responsibility. First, is to forgive. Next, is to give thanks in all things, for this is God's will concerning us. (1 Thess. 5:18) Then, expect restoration in God's timing and way. And most of all, ask God what else you should do.

The Lord also reminded me, after the theft at the zoo, of one of His teachings. Jesus stating that if someone takes something from you, that you should offer your coat as well. (Mt. 5:38-41). This lesson shows us that there may be thieves at times in our lives; and how we respond to these people should reflect God's heart.

Remember the story of David, when he was out fighting the Philistines? Another enemy came into his camp and took his two wives and the wives of his men and all their possessions while they were gone. The Bible tells us that when they had returned to their camp and saw what happened they wept. Then it says that David strengthened himself in the Lord his God and inquired what he should do and then did it. The end result was that everything was restored and more. (1 Sam.30:1-20) We should do the same when we face such circumstances in our lives.

Today many people have a lot of possessions, and they often place too great a value on those temporal things. However, our focus should be more on eternal things. Many people need to lighten their load so that if God were to ask them to move, or give some or all of it away, it would be simple task and not a major hassle or effort. If the possessions haven't been used for a while or been stored away for years, maybe it's time to get rid of it. People can live with a lot less than what they think they need. Ask God what you should do with your possessions; maybe its time to give to some needy people, Goodwill or the Salvation Army. It's a good way to start lighting the load; so are garage sales if you really need some money. God will also bless you for it.

Remember, life is not about acquiring things, but giving your time and possessions to help others. God promises to provide everything we need and to restore all things that have been lost or stolen, when we place our trust in Him. "Restoration to my intentions," is the way God put it and that's always better than anything we could imagine.

My wife and I have made a commitment to trust God to protect us and the things he has entrusted to us. And whatever has been lost or stolen, he has promised to restore in his time and way. His is the faithful one and he never lies. Besides, Jesus Christ is our greatest possession and no one can steal Him from us. Remember:

"Where your treasure is, there also will be your heart."

Work Ethic

"Work, work, work, all I do is work; and it never seems to end."

Have you ever felt that way? I'm sure you have, especially if you're a young mother with children. We all have at one time or another complained about work. Life involves work—physically, mentally and spiritually. Yet our focus should not be on work, but doing the will of God. And that is where the problems are often found: DOING GOD'S WILL. Some people assume they're doing God's will just because they're Christian. That's not true; people still have a choice.

To often, we're telling God what we want instead of listening to and doing what He wants. Jesus said, "Come to me , you who are tired and overburdened, and I will give you rest." (Mt. 11:28) He also told us to follow him. Yet, many people still struggle through life not listening or believing him; worrying how they can make ends meet or make it to the end of the month. Other people fret over the future and their job. Life was never meant to be that way. As God's children we are to live by faith, and not by money or the security of our jobs. God promises to supply all our needs. So why do we worry or fret over bills and work?

We are to have the peace of God within us, and know that He is our provider and helper. The Apostle Paul wrote, "I can do all thing through Christ which strengthens me." That can only happen when we have built a proper foundation early on in our walk with Him—but it's never to late to start. For example, many mothers have had a hard time getting their kids to clean up their rooms because they didn't start early in their children's lives, instructing them and setting a good example for them. Now it's an uphill battle for them. The same goes for many men and women who didn't take the time to study and learn in school. This also applies to all the ways of God (our spiritual work ethic). As a result many people struggle with their faith, relationships, and their jobs.

In the past I was an artist. I tried to make sure my paintings satisfied my critics before offering them for sale. Many times when people watched me paint, they thought the painting was done long before I was finished. The same is true with God and us. Sometimes we think God is finished with us, even when He's only just begun.

Being a professional artist for 20 years, I had the benefit of being my own boss, and at times the center of people's attention. I decided what subjects I painted, what shows or galleries I sold from, and how much the paintings sold for. People were also interested in my art teaching and my life. However, one day God asked me to step aside, lay my brushes down and follow him, so I did.

Jesus became my new boss and the center of my life. He asked me to trust him and learn true authority. I never really liked school, probably because we moved so much. Plus, I didn't like tests even though they are necessary and beneficial. However, with God, following instructions is an absolute must. So I started school again at age 40, being tutored by God; I enrolled in the basic course of SONSHIP:

Submission 101

Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and humble in heart..." (Mt.11:29)

Submit to all authority for this is the will of God concerning you. (Rom. 13:1, 1 Pet. 2:13, and Heb. 13:17) Nevertheless, God is the final authority. (Acts 5:29)

Most people believe they know more that they really do, that they don't need much help or instruction. Many people don't like being told what to do, especially children and young people. It seems to be in the genetic makeup of fallen mankind. I was no exception. Therefore, God wanted me to learn submission to build spiritual character, (which is really a mandate for our salvation) and that requires us to do something we don't want to do; usually because of our pride regarding certain people or tasks. Some think they can obey God, without having to obey their parents, teachers, husbands, bosses or other authorities. Wrong! We are to submit to all god-ordained authority (Rom. 13:1 & Eph. 5:22). Let me share a personal experience.

A New Job

I was 42 years old and had recently lost my house and gave up my profession as an artist. Now, I now needed a job that would meet our new living expenses. That is what most of what the world deals with on a daily bases. However it was quite new to me, because I had been self-employed since college. Yet, I did have an edge—God. With him as my teacher and provider, I was in safe hands. But, the process he takes us through can be challenging at times.

(1) Pride... is the biggest stumbling block in any person's life.

I had been waiting on God and looking for work, but nothing seemed to open up that I wanted. The only thing I saw was a big sign on a sheet of plywood, next to the road saying, "Help Wanted." It was at the entrance of a new apartment complex. I had passed it several times during the past week and I finally felt I was to go check it out. But, everything else inside me was screaming, "You can do better than this." The job turned out to be for a landscape company. It paid $6.50 per hour, 40 hours per week. I had not worked at that pay level since I was a teenager. As an artist I averaged $50, and at times I got $20 working for my dad. But now it didn't look like God was giving me much choice so I took the job. Again my pride was at stake and so was obedience.

(2) Don't complain about your pay, and set a good example.

When I arrived the next day, I found myself part of a work crew of 20 young men. Most of them half my age. We were assigned different sections of ground and given the tools to prepare the soil for lawns, beauty bark or plants. The soil was very rocky and had to be raked, groomed, and rocks hauled away from the apartments and other areas to be landscaped. I was determined to do my best, because I was doing it as unto the Lord. (Col. 3:17))

Some of the men hardly worked, or they complained about the pay when the boss wasn't around. Yet, I would sing songs and pray as I worked. On my lunch breaks I got to know the other men, or I read the New Testament. Word got around quickly that I was a Christian. Some started to make negative comments. But as time went by, most of the men didn't find me offensive and some even liked me, because I cared about them and I didn't preach, but instead asked them questions about their lives. Most of the men had foul mouths, talked about sex and spent their money on drugs and alcohol. However, when they were around me they tried to talk differently. At times, I also shared my personal testimony.

(3) Submit to higher authority.

One day after I finished eating my lunch with a young man. Our half hour break was over and I started to get up and go back to work. He asked why I was leaving and I replied that it was time. He said, " But the boss isn't here." I responded by saying, "I know, but I don't work for him, but for the One who sees everything." He understood, but was still surprised.

(4) Submit to all authority; listen and obey.

Another time, I was working an area and had no instruction on what to do, so I did what I thought would look best. The boss's son, who was about 20 years old and the foreman, came by and asked me what I was doing? I told him, I thought this was the way it would look best. He told me that I wasn't paid to think, but to work. I said nothing to his remark. Then I asked what he wanted, and he told me and I did it. A little later the boss came by and asked me what I was doing. And I said, I'm doing what your son told me to do. Then he showed me what he wanted, which was exactly what I had done before. His son was standing by, watched and listened. This time the son said nothing.

(5) Speak kindly of one another.

One afternoon we were all taking a break together. The boss and other men were making jokes about a man who wasn't there. I joined in with my two cents. Later on, I felt the Holy Spirit convict me. So the next day a went back and apologized to the boss for what I said about the other man. He said that what was said was true. However, I told him it was inappropriate for me to say it.

(6) You will be reward in due time.

I often accomplished much more than the other men, and the boss noticed. When I got my first paycheck, he had raised my pay to $7.00 per hour, the highest he was authorized to pay. I thanked him. He also trusted my judgment and, as time went by, gave me more responsibilities. Everyday after work, as I drove home I prayed in the spirit in order to cleanse my mind from all the loud and foul language and blasphemy that I had heard. When I got home my mind was clear, but my whole body ached from the hard work. Yet, I wouldn't take any aspirin. (Another area I was trusting God in.) However, I had no problem falling asleep and woke up feeling great, yet I was glad for the weekends.

I prayed asking God to give me strength each day, and He did. You have to realize, all I had basically done for the previous twenty years was push a paint brush around. I was still in pretty good shape, but now I was getting much stronger. God rewards us when we are faithful and diligent.

(7) In everything give thanks.

I thanked God regularly for this job and for providing me strength. I had no idea how long I would be working with this company. And as time went by more men were laid off or didn't show up for work. When the project was done, there were only three men left working: the boss, his son and me. When I took this job, my wife and I knew it was not going to be enough to cover our expenses.

A couple weeks after that job started, God provided another unique second job. After I had dinner at night, I went down to the local Safeway grocery store. They were paying people $5.oo per hour to picket, because their union was on strike. They needed someone to finish the last two hours of the day before closing. So for two hours each night, Monday through Friday, I held a picket sign and sat on a bench or had it propped up next to me. Again I swallowed my pride and still had enough strength to sit and do that. They even let my wife and daughter substitute for me if I was too tired or just to give me a break.

Both of these jobs ended on the same day. The next week God provided another job, as a commercial painter, where I helped paint some of the new office building for Microsoft. It paid $12.50 per hour. GOD IS FAITHFUL! My whole point in sharing this with you is to let you know that you can trust God. He continued to bless us in incredible ways. When you sign on with a job or a project, you should not leave or quit until it's over or until the Lord says it time to move on. We do not have the right to quit a job because we don't like it or because we found one that pays more money or has better benefits.

I have followed these seven points to the best of my ability on all the jobs God has given me. Sometimes the job or tasks I was given were more difficult or take longer than I had first expected. That's the challenge of submission, we don't know the future but he does. Yet, he always gives us the ability to get through it. We should also try to maintain the right attitude that would be pleasing to Him—one without grumbling. (Phil. 2:14). That's a tough one for pretty much everybody, including me. I often have to ask for forgiveness.

People should not choose a job because it pays more or has health benefits or any other benefits. This is a big temptation today for young and old people. Yet people should ask God what he wants them to do, and then wait for the answer. One should learn to depend on God, and not the job or the extra benefits. Be patient. He will have the right job for you to do at the right time. You can trust him to provide all along the way, by various means; just wait and listen. Sometimes we might not see the reward for our efforts until later in life. Neither should one seek retirement, to play golf, travel, fish or just sit in a rocking chair in their later years. God expect us to be working and serving one another in some form until he says, it's time to sit and rest. God is an awesome employer to work for, and we can trust him to be fair; he also has great benefits to all his faithful employees. Many of those benefits, will come after we leave this world.

People need to accept most everything the prospective company or job offers; it could lead to something much better than expected. (Remember Joseph's experiences in the book of Genesis.) Neither should we complain about it. If this is the job God's given, then He's the only one to complain to. If you're not happy, you need ask Him to reveal the real issues (usually it's our attitude that needs to change), and then obey him.

On my last job, I worked as security for a resort, the foreman was going to transfer me to another station. I was very upset and he knew it. I was about to file a formal complaint letter. But I felt checked in my spirit, and so I waited. The move turned out to be the best thing for me; I was very happy and I apologized and thanked the foreman and God for the move. I am also beginning to see and understand that the harder lessons in life often turn out to have greater rewards and blessings for future generations. Often these jobs or tasks have to deal more with relationships with others people and family members. And therein lies the best story of all: THE JOY OF THE CROSS.

Today, I am better off physically, financially and spiritually because of God's blessings and mercy. I'm also thankful for the additional help from Sheldon David. I'm still learning and I still make mistakes, but fewer than before. What more can I say—the Heavenly Father is faithful in every way. And all his promises are true. He's the best Boss of all, and I highly recommend working for Him.

Did You Know?

Did you know that God loves and cares for you?

Did you know that God knows everything about you?

Did you know that He has a wonderful plan and future for you?

Did you know that Jesus died for you, so you could be free from all forms of bondage?

Did you know your Heavenly Father wants you to know Him in ways you never dreamed possible?


These five important questions demonstrate the wonderful grace and mercy of an awesome, loving and forgiving God. And He wants to share more with you from his Holy Bible. Take some time to get to know him better.

Take No Offense

If Jesus were to walk into many of today's churches, I wonder what his comments would be if he spoke to our spiritual leaders and flocks? Would they be happy or would they be shocked, horrified and offended by what he said? Would Jesus point out our idolatry, pride, greed, lust, religious laws and traditions, etc.? Or would He just ignore the problems?

Throughout Jesus ministry there were times that he said things that shocked and offended people. Sometimes he called them hypocrites. Other times He told them that if they were not willing to leave family, possessions or longings for the past, that they were not worthy of the Kingdom of God. He also taught that if you did not eat his flesh or drink his blood, you had no part of him. With statements like that many people took offense and quit following Jesus, but not his disciples, except for one. But even the disciples received their share of rebukes, because of their unbelief or attitudes. Yet, they also knew he loved them and spoke the words of life. Jesus was their friend.

After Jesus had pointed out some false traditions to the Pharisees, Jesus' disciples later came to him later and said, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended by what you said?" (Mt. 15:12 PAR) Jesus wasn't trying to be mean to the Pharisees, his desire was to help them by telling them the truth.

The enemy, satan, wants to hurt and to makes people offended in order to break up relationships. If we allow satan or religious people to divide us by chastisements we have given into their plan and lost the good that God had intended for us. Yet a rebuke from the Lord is meant for good, to bring correction and reconciliation into our life and thinking. If we don't, we will be living a lie and could end up being a hypocrite just like the Pharisees, even though we may not think so. I have seen this happen many times and I have also experienced it from both ends.

We've lived with a lot of grace throughout the Church Age. And yet we are about to see the greatest move of God's grace and mercy ever seen. However, it's no reason to allow mistakes and offenses to continue and live in disobedience; which only separate us from the Heaven Father and our spiritual family.

—Recently, I received a strong rebuke from a friend. A few weeks before that God had asked me to do something that wasn't my "first choice," yet I said, "yes." But over the weeks I had grumbled, complained and blamed. And in the process I allowed the spirit of contention to settle upon me. My friend exposed my heart and the spirit and that I needed to deal with. And so I did. I repented and cast the foul spirit off me.

My friend also told me I had some wrong precepts about my old profession. Again I asked God to forgive me. I didn't want anything to come between my relationship with God, my wife or my friends. The next morning I shared some of those things with my wife that my friend and I had discuss. She said, "I don't know what all you talked about, but I like the change in you." So did I, and God also told me he was proud of me. I also dealt with a few more spirits a few days later. We must remember that our battle is not with flesh and blood, but against evil principalities that try to rule over the hearts and minds of people. And the only way to free others is to be free ourselves. I am very thankful for my friend and to God.

Better a slap or wound (rebuke) from a friend than kisses from an enemy. (Prov. 27:6 PAR)

Sticks and Stones

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me." Have you ever heard children saying this? Or did you say it yourself when you were a kid? Many children have; I know I did when I was a child. It was a catch phrase we would often say when someone would call us a mean or ugly name we didn't like. Or we would call them another name, and this bantering would go back and forth, often escalating until someone got really hurt or some adult broke things up.

Things haven't changed much since we were kids. Children still say mean and cruel things to one another in order to establish who is right or better. Bullying today in school has become a big issue, because students often prey upon the smaller, younger or weaker students to the point of terrorizing them. Last month a small group of teenage bullies were responsible for a young girl committing suicide, because she was tormented by name calling. They are now being charged with second degree murder because of the death. (It's a sad world when this kind of stuff is still allowed to happen.)

When we become adults these childish actions should be gone, but not necessarily so; it's just that we become more sophisticated, or so we think; but is it really? The arguments between adults, friends, enemies, employees, bosses and spouses are really not that much different. And how about road rage? Some of the meanest words, gestures and accusations are still spoken. Most often the words are not true or at least to the degree spoken. But, they are meant to hurt, because someone was offended. Sometimes these situations occurred because one or more of satan's little buddies are putting thoughts, which are lies, in people's minds. And people usually believe them; such as, they don't appreciate you, or they're just taking you for granted, or they don't really care about or love you. All these evil thoughts come from the pit of hell through the spirits of bitterness, jealousy and hatred. These evil spirits, along with the spirit of contention, need to cast off and out of the room, house or wherever they gather. We must not allow them to get a stronghold in our hearts or minds. Satan wants to create division. God desires to see unity through LOVE and FORGIVENESS.

The expression people often say that is takes two to argue is not always true. In the Bible we see arguing, contention and blame from the beginning of time. Even Jesus had to deal with it. The Pharisees called Jesus a glutton, a drunkard, a devil, and a friend of sinners throughout his ministry. Jesus called them hypocrites and told his disciples that the Pharisees were nothing less than blind guides. And at the end of Jesus' ministry, he had a few more choice names: serpents, brood of vipers, whitewashed tombs, robbers, sons of satan and more. But only one man spoke the truth; the others lied.

As children and sons of God we need to be cautious of how we speak to others, also that our motives are pure. We should defend God's honor, the name of Jesus, the Body of Christ and the Holy Bible, and be less offended of names we are called. Just as Jesus overlooked them, we should overlook them. "And He was counted among the sinners." (Mark 15:28)

A number of years ago, someone called me "selfish." In fact they even added that I was the most selfish person they ever knew, because I wouldn't give to a certain person. I couldn't believe their accusation. I let it slide for the time being and said nothing more to them. But later that day I was still brooding over the accusation. That same year I had given away my car, a dozen of my paintings to different individuals, plus I had given my time and plenty of money. This person knew most of this, yet because I wouldn't give to a certain individual, I was called, "Selfish!"

That night I had a dream. In the dream I was sitting a few feet to the side of Jesus as he was speaking to a room filled with people. Then Jesus turned, looked at me and said, "How do you think I felt when I was counted among the sinners?" — end of the dream. I woke up pondering his words, and realized that he was referring to me being called selfish. Jesus had said, "How do you think I felt..." My situation wasn't any different than his. I was familiar with the passage and I got up and read it in my Bible. I realized that Jesus didn't try to defend himself, even though the words of the people and the Pharisees hurt him, he still loved and forgave them. I, too, needed to do the same. Today, I still forgive others just as Jesus did, saying, "Father forgive them for they don't know what they are doing [or saying]."

I still remember Jesus' face in my dream as he said those words to me. His face was full of love and compassion. This should be our attitude, even though it can be a challenge to forgive those who have hurt us. Yet it is absolutely necessary. We may have to do it again and again until we have his peace over the whole situation.

Note: Unlike the phrase, "sticks and stones...but names will never hurt me." The truth is, ugly and mean names do hurt and often can effect our emotions throughout our lifetime if we let them. Many adults and children have suffered verbal abuse, being repeatedly called—fat, ugly, stupid, lazy, good for nothing, jerk, whore, bitch and a whole lot of other offensive names. The names often come from loved ones, such as parents and spouses. Some have even shut themselves off from society because of such abuse.

If this has happened to you in the past or recently, you need to ask God to heal your wounds. Despite what people have said or done to you, you still need to forgive from your heart those who have hurt you. (In any disagreement a person should never attack another person's character, especially a child. Stay with the real issues or walk away from the confrontation and ask God what to do. Seek to restore through love.)

When I was a teenager, I was called "ugly" many times by a certain person, because I said some mean names to him when I was hurt. And other times certain remarks were said by others that reinforced the idea that I was ugly, to the point that I believed it. It wasn't until I was in my second year of college that I actually started to date because I didn't think any girl would want to go out with me. And the fear of being rejected was something I didn't want to hear. Finally one day I spoke this to my girlfriend and she laughed. She said, "You're not ugly at all, you're very handsome." That was nice to finally hear.

We should always try to speak kind and positive words of encouragement, because that is how God sees us and speaks to us. Yet we shouldn't look to others for our esteem or affirmation, but look only to God. We are what He says we are and we need to hold on to that despite what satan or others say. We should forgive other people and speak kindly of them and to pray for them, even blessing our enemies. Most of all we must remember that God loves us. Our strength, righteousness and our integrity comes from him. Don't let appearances or abilities or others be the standards to live life by. A faithful friend of God is far more important than anything else.

Love the Lord with all your heart and do (and say) unto others as you would have them do unto you. And you will be called sons of God.

Loneliness

There are many people today who feel lonely. It affects both genders, all nationalities and all ages. Some of these people are single and others are not, but they still feel lonely. They go to work, malls and taverns and they're still lonely. Many are seeking companionship, intimate relationships or Internet contacts; they often come away from those temporary experiences feeling empty, unsatisfied and alone. Others sit in bars or at home trying to drown the lonely feelings in alcohol or food or watching hours of TV or sometimes even using drugs to escape the empty feeling. Some go to parties, others go to churches or some other community activities, and some become work addicts; but when they leave they still feel alone.

A man and a women or a husband and wife can be sitting together watching TV, playing games or laying in bed together yet still feel alone. They may be talking over a cup of coffee about the weather, work, politics, the kids, or sports, and they can still feel empty and alone. How about you? Do you feel alone? Be honest here. Sure you may talk with others, laugh, cry, smile, nod your head or even have intimate times, but it doesn't change that feeling deep down inside you.

Maybe what you're looking for is someone you've never met, who really understands you. The real you, not the one you try to be. What makes you the way you are? Someone who would make you feel alive and wanted.

Some people try to make you something you were never meant to be. They want you to be just like them. Men and women are different, not just physically, but mentally as well—they just think differently! Some don't understand that or their own needs. You are a unique individual, not a cookie cut-out.

Just because some people are popular doesn't make them immune to loneliness. Many celebrities and religious leaders (and others) are putting on an act when they're out in the public view, maybe you are doing this too. But they still have the same feeling of loneliness. Many overweight people or those who think they're unattractive, or those who are handicapped, feel lonely. All these people share the common problem of loneliness. Something is missing and they can't find it. That something is someone.

There is someone who can fill that void and need of in people, including you. He knows your every thought, your feelings, your emotions, and your needs; all you will ever have. He even knows the feelings you're experiencing right now as you read this article. And he is the only one who can satisfy. I know that's true because I felt that way years ago when I was younger; and he changed my life.

Two thousand years ago this man made life possible by walking down a lonely path. At the end of his journey, he was placed on a cross and died for our sins so we could meet him. His name is Jesus, the Son of God, and he will never leave you alone. I'm not talking about a man-made religion, but a personal relationship with Jesus. He loves you with an unfailing love, and he has made great plans just for you. (Jer. 29:11)

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for good and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'" Now, that's a promise!

Jesus wants to able to share His life with you forever so you'll never again be alone. He will be your best friend, your lover, your healer, your provider and your protector; the best you will ever know. And he's waiting just for you. You can meet him today if you want too. Jesus is very patient and he doesn't hold your mistakes against you; they are forgiven if you believe. There's no need to wait, you won't be sorry to choose him. And don't think Jesus is just for women, weaklings or old people. He's not! God is raising up an army of people from every nation, every gender and age group to be used mightily by Him. You can join that relationship by just bowing your head and believing. When you call upon Jesus then talk to Him; He will listen to you. "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for me with all you heart. I will be found by you." (Jer.29:12,13) Again, another promise. Just tell Jesus in your own words or repeat this simple prayer:

Jesus, I really need you; I can't go on in life without you. Forgive me, show me the way, and I will obey. Come into my heart and let me know the joy of serving and loving you. I give you my life and my all, because my life is empty and meaningless without you. Thank you for forgiving me and hearing my prayer. Amen

If you really meant that prayer, you're on a journey you will never regret. I close by saying, welcome to the family of God, also God bless you and your household. Feel free to talk to Jesus (pray) any time. You can also get to know Him better by reading the Holy Bible, starting with the Gospels. You are welcome to read my other blog sites too, also Cloak of Zeal. But most of all, Jesus loves you more than you'll ever know and he will never leave you alone. And that's a promise and a fact!

A Blessing In Disguise

Did you ever have a bad day, week or year and wonder why it happened? It seems that nothing went right and everything you did seemed to backfire. Someone might have wrecked a car, lost a job or a house. Someone might have broke a fingernail or missed seeing the Super Bowl game. I'm sure you have had such days, maybe many times. We all have.

Twenty two years ago this month I lost my two story 4,500 sq. ft. dream house that I had built with cash from a sale of a previous house. I had designed it with a beautiful 15' x 15' garden in the middle with a waterfall, trees and a skylight 20' above. Most of the rooms looked in on the garden, and the windows of the house looked out onto four man-made lakes that surrounded the house and property. It was a beautiful setting and the envy of many who came to visit us. This place was my pride and joy, but at the same time my marriage was gradually going downhill. And I wasn't happy on the inside even with all the appearances of success.

Like many other men, I started doing foolish things. One was to try to make more money, thinking that money would make us happier. My dad had learned about a high-risk investment with great tax right-offs and great profits. So I borrowed from the bank on the equity of our house. Two years had gone by and nothing happened with that investment. We both lost a big chunk of change. Then we heard of another company that offered a great product. The owner needed money to tide him over until some big Arab investors helped him finance a factory so he could manufacture his products. I believed this investment would make up for the first blunder, so I borrowed from a "legal" loan shark a bigger chunk, $30,000, because the banks wouldn't loan me the money. I was determined that nobody was going to stop me or tell me what I could or could not do. My wife was very upset with me and I made some foolish promises to her. She agreed to sign the papers, but told me she hoped it would all come crashing down on me.

The owner of the company told me he would need our money for only a few months at the most, then I would get our money back. He even signed a "personal note" stating that we would still get the full benefit as if we had left it in. I thought, "How could I lose?" But the big investors kept toying with the owner and eventually they walked away and he couldn't find anyone to fill in the gap.

It was getting harder for us to keep up with the bank loan and the private loan along with a new van we had just purchased. I had just come back to the Lord. Many men have more problems than they realize. However using borrowed money as my provider was not something God wanted me to continue to do. He wanted me to learn to trust him. But, somehow I thought God would just help me sell more paintings like he had the week I came back to Him. I had made almost $5000 that week and I thought he could do it again. I thought things had changed and God would continue to bless me, because I now loved him and told him that I was sorry for neglecting him. But, that was just a couple of mistakes, there were many others. He also wanted my trust and obedience.

It was the best time of the year for art shows, just before Christmas. I had three art shows in a row and I bombed with all three. I didn't make a single sale; I couldn't believe it; such a thing had never happened to me before. My prayers for help seemed to be falling on deaf ears. I didn't really comprehend God's word, and certain financial principles within it. However, I knew what the Bible said about PRIDE. Well, I was heading for a fall, big time. My house of cards was coming down and nothing was going to stop it, not even my prayers. God wasn't going to just slap my hand. It wasn't until we went to a seminar, and we heard and saw in the Bible how God felt about borrowing and the dangers attached to it. We heard that God honored those who put their faith and trust in him. Then we understood and truly repented. God still loved us, but he also wanted us to trust him.

That night after the seminar I told my wife I felt God wanted us to return the new van we had just purchased two months before; she agreed. When we arrived at the car dealership, they had never seen or heard of anyone doing that before. They told us, usually customers wait until the vehicle is repossessed. I felt God wanted me to give it back, and we would accept the loss of our down payment and other costs that we might have incurred. But, I told the dealership that we needed to obey God.

Next, I sold my new Apple computer that I had placed on a credit card; I sold it to a printing company who had just placed an order. Mine was less because I absorbed the loss of the down payment in order to eliminate the credit debt. We continued to live in the house for another year, unable to make any more payments because it had gone into foreclosure. During that time we were unable to sell the house no matter how we tried. Everyone loved it, but still no buyers.

We trusted God to provide a way and actually had an incredible amount of peace, despite our situation. We went looking a couple of times for a cheap place to rent. Most were boarded-up ex drug houses. However, with no income or money our looking was futile. Two days before the house was to be auctioned off, a man called and made us an offer. I prayed about it and the next day I accepted it. We got $10,000, a half up front, and he would pay the mortgage debts and penalties plus he gave us two more months to live in the house rent free. We would receive the rest of the money when we moved out from my dream house, from the house our daughter was raised in. We had lived there 7 years and it was built with cash.

Now the house was gone and we still owed $15,000 in other credit card debts, and we didn't know where we were going to live. We paid half the credit card debt, and lived on the rest. As desperate as our situation appeared we even tithed on the $10,000. And another thousand on a step of faith toward some mountain acreage we would eventually build a house next to, two and a half years later. Everything was in God's hands. And I trusted him 100%. We learned a number of important lessons through this situation, including, "In all things give thanks, for this is the perfect will of God." So the day we lost the house we got on our knees as a family and thanked God for his love and faithfulness.

I also wrote a letter to owner of the company we invested in and informed him we had no hard feelings toward him. We prayed God would bless him, and forgave him, then we tore up the personal contract that he had signed. I also told him it was our mistake, because we should have never borrowed in the first place. It is important to own up to your own mistakes instead of blaming others. Some people wonder how we could have done that, or believed that God was faithful to us despite losing the house.

Material things aren't as important to God as some people think. But a relationship based on trust is important, and we were now totally dependent on him. He would supply all our needs from now on. We didn't even know where we were going to live at the end of the month, and my wife's daycare had to end.

With neither of us having a regular job, God provided a house to rent for half the asking price just two weeks before we had to be out. (We felt lead to call my cousin.) It was a nice house that belonged to my uncle, he recently died, and his daughter had just chosen to rent it out instead of selling it.

While moving our belongings I felt God wanted me to take three big unused picture windows that a contractor had left at our house. God indicated that I would put them in a new house someday. That would be a real surprise considering, my wife and I had agreed, we would never borrow again. So I took them.

After three years and two more moves, God's words were fulfilled. I finally installed those three picture windows in the living room of a large but modest house we physically built with cash and the help of some friends God provided. We bought a 28' trailer, and the three of us lived in it next to the house while we built it. This took 2 years to the day. God also provided a truck to pull the trailer and to help with construction. It was a challenge, but all things are possible to them who love the Lord. The house overlooks a small lake on 4 1/2 acres. Thanks to God—and an small inheritance from another uncle's unexpected death—we had a new home.

Even where the house was built was a miracle of God's leading, because I had already drawn by faith the house plans not knowing where it was to be built. The property wasn't even for sale, but I called the owner and she said she had just called a Realtor to get an appraisal on her property. The house was designed to be built on a slope for a daylight basement. Her property was perfect, And the price I was hoping to pay was exactly what she wanted when I called her a couple days later. God provided everything—truck, trailer, the perfect place, all for the right price, to build our new house. God met all our needs and desires for our family. Which requires our obedience. When we got the inheritance, I asked God how I was to get a house? He told me to build it. That was not my first preference, but I obeyed and he helped.

Losing our previous dream house was a blessing in disguise, not because God gave us a new house but because we got to know first hand His awesome love and faithfulness when we put our complete trust in him. We would have never known this had he prevented us from loosing it. I probably would have thought somehow I had accomplished it on my own. In this way there was no doubt that God's word is true, when we really trusted and obeyed him. He has been our provider, and you can count on him too. He will be with you all the way.

Whatever your circumstances or problems, there is a lesson that God wants you to learn. He can turn any problem around and make something beautiful out of it, if you give him the chance. We just need to be patient and trust him. There have been other situations in our lives where God turned losses into gains. God allows trials and tests, even the ones of our own making, so that his glory will be revealed. I just gave you my example as to show you that nothing is impossible to them who love and obey the Lord. And we will all praise Him for it. Amen.