October 25th
Who? Insignificant Me?
So I am actually typing this on my laptop flying some 37,000 feet in the air, as Nancy and I are returning to California, USA….from our Maine trip.
As I look out the window and since we have just passed through some bad weather, - I can see earth below. There are beautiful patches of ground work in different colors. I can see a river winding itself through that countryside. As for as any particulars below, my vision fails me. Even if I were down there my vision would still be really limited.
BUT from the eyes of God,..well that is a different story. He is not just up here in what we call the Heavens. (Jewish scholars have classified the heavens into 7 different levels.) He is down there and just like we sometime see the special effect photography on TV, you know, minimizing from outer space…. to your country….to your state, …to your city or village and even down to the particular street where you live; well that is the way the eyes of God are.
What I am saying is - - - GOD IS A GOD WHO IS INVOLVED in every one and in particular the one whose eyes are on this screen - - - in your personal life where you are now.
The Bible says
“’Am I only a God nearby declares the Lord
and not a God far away? Can anyone
hide in secret
places so that I
cannot see him?’ declares
the Lord. ‘Do not I fill heaven
and earth?’ declares the Lord.
How cool is the fact that God is “up here with me” and “downs there with you.”
If, in fact, it is true that “I have inscribed your name on the palm of my hand” then we have a God who is with us. My friend, you are never alone, even when you ARE alone.
Our words to you of encouragement are in the song, “Never Alone”
As I type these words – take them very personally in your particular situation…ok?
Before I type, let me share with you this personal situation. On the plane, I did not have all the words in my mind. In fact, I have not heard the song sung in 15 - 20 years. On the plane I only had the melody in my mind. Well, what I am about to tell you will blow your mind away. Back in my office I tried to look up the words for my you. The hymn books that I looked at did not have it. Finally I looked in a rather old book. Again, I have not touched that book in my library for “hundred years”. When I looked up the song in the index I was told to turn to page 400. When I turned to that page – guess what?? It was paper clipped and the old paperclip had turn to rust on the page. Now, as for me, I take that as a personal providential circumstance to share with YOU. Well, back to the words of the song which I want you to take personally.
I’ve (your name____) seen the lightning flashing
And heard the thunder roll
I’ve (again, your name _______) felt sin’s breakers dashing
Trying to conquer my soul
I’ve heard the voice of Jesus, Telling me still to fight on
He promised never to leave (your name _________) me.
Never to leave me alone
No, never along…No, never alone
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.
No, never alone…No, never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.
When in affliction’s valley
I’m treading the road of care
My Savior helps me to carry
My cross when heavy to bear.
My feet entangled with briars,
Ready to cast me down
He promised never to leave (your name_____) me
Never to leave me alone
Let’s Pray:
God, in the name of Jesus, I lift up to you this very person at their keyboard . . . yes THIS particular one. I ask that the words written in Hebrews 13:5, “…because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” be theirs. If going through a difficult time give this one the ability, through the Holy Spirit, to know that you care and are deeply aware and concerned about them, and may Joshua 23:14 be burned in their soul: “You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed.” In the name of JESUS.
Amen