“I am not really alone, because the Father is with me.” (John 16:32 GNT)

Loneliness Is Everywhere

An old Beatles song, “Eleanor Rigby,” describes the life of a lonely, poor woman who “picks up the rice in the church when there’s nobody there, nobody cares.” Even the pastor, Father McKenzie, is lonely—“darning his socks in the night, when there’s nobody there.” The haunting chorus repeats, “Ah, look at all the lonely people... where do they all belong?”These are people deeply marked by loneliness.

According to a survey conducted by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, 21% of adults reported serious feelings of loneliness. The loneliest group was adults aged 30–44, with 29% saying they were “frequently” or “always” lonely. Among 18–29-year-olds, the rate was 24%. For those aged 45–64, it was 20%. Adults aged 65 and older reported the lowest rate—just 10% felt lonely.

Overall, 65% said they felt “fundamentally separate or disconnected from others or the world,” and 57% said they were unable to share their true selves with others.

You Are Never Alone

The good news is that, as Christians, we are never truly alone. God is always close! The Bible is filled with beautiful promises to remind us of His presence.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 ESV)

God’s Steadfast Love Is With You

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10 ESV)

Therefore

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 ESV)

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39 ESV)

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“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” – Jesus Christ (John 10:27)

Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.” (Deut. 1:13 ESV)

Many Christians Choose Not to Vote

Even though it’s not “voting season,” I’m bringing this up now so people can think about it when it comes up again. Millions of Christians across the country choose not to vote; some say they would rather not get involved in “dirty politics,” while others believe their one vote won’t make a difference. But as the saying goes, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.”

The truth is, not voting is a form of voting—it allows others to decide the future on your behalf. Studies suggest that if the large number of non-voting Christians turned out at the polls and voted according to biblical values, they could have a powerful influence—possibly even turning the nation back toward righteousness.

Refusing to vote means surrendering ground to policies that are often openly hostile to Christian beliefs. So let your voice be heard. Vote!

Why Christians must vote…

·      Vote as salt and light in the world - “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

·      Vote to put the righteous in authority – “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” (Prov. 29:2 NKJV)

·      Vote as an act of righteousness - “Then I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning; After that you will be called the city of righteousness, A faithful city." (Isa. 1:26 NASB)

·      Vote in obedience to whose authority you are to submit, as is established by God -  “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Rom. 13:1 NIV)

·      Vote to protect others around you from the crooked and treacherous - “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” (Prov. 11:3 ESV)

·      Vote to maintain peace - “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (Psalm 34:14)

Therefore

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Prov. 29:2 ESV)

Quotes:

“A share in the sovereignty of the state, which is exercised by the citizens at large, in voting at elections is one of the most important rights of the subject, and in a republic ought to stand foremost in the estimation of the law." - Thomas Jefferson

“In a world that might say one vote doesn’t matter…it does matter because each person is of infinite worth and value to God… Your vote is a declaration of importance as a person and a citizen.” - Dr. James Dobson

“Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressman and government officials, but the voters of this country.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1 NKJV)

 With so much negativity present in the news and all over social media platforms, it would be easy to become troubled if you let yourself be. But, don’t let your heart be troubled because you can control your heart! The above statement by Jesus, says, “Don’t let your heart be troubled.” That statement is a command by Jesus and He would never command you to do anything  you could not do! In fact, He will help you do it if you ask Him!

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10 ESV)

 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)

Draw near to God with trust

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8 ESV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6 ESV)

God will put a new heart and Spirit within you 

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Eze. 36:26 ESV)

Therefore

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Prov. 4:23 ESV)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7 ESV)

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” (Luke 16:10 ESV)

If you think little things you do don’t matter, think again. The Bible is filled with many examples of how little things do big things.

Little things do much

·      Faith the size of a mustard seed — “He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” (Matt13:31-32 ESV)

“He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt. 17:20 ESV)

·      A little boy’s lunch that fed thousand — There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” (John 6:9 ESV) 

·      The small rudder guides a large ship — “Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.” (James 3:4 ESV)

·      A small stone brought down Goliath — “Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.” (1 Sam. 17:40 ESV) 

·      A little bit of yeast affects the entire loaf of bread —  “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” (Gal. 5:9 ESV)

·      The small tongue has great power — “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” (James 3:5 ESV)

Therefore

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Cor. 1:26-29)

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jer. 33:3 ESV)

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“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” – Jesus Christ

“A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.” (Prov. 26:21 NLT)

When confronted by a quarrelsome person

Quarrelsome people are everywhere—quick to argue, stir up trouble, and create strife. Spend any time on social media platforms, and you’ll inevitably encounter argumentative individuals who speak without filters or restraint. If you respond, you’ll likely receive even more hostility in return.

The best response?

The Bible says to give no response at all to foolish arguments. Engaging with them only draws you into their conflict and risks making you just like them.

“Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.” (Prov. 26:4 NLT) 

“Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.” (Prov. 23:9 ESV) 

“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” (Prov. 29:11 ESV)

Stay away from argumentative people

“Stay away from those who have foolish arguments and talk about useless family histories and argue and quarrel about the law. Those things are worth nothing and will not help anyone” (Titus 3:9 NCV).

“A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.” (Prov. 17:4 NIV)

Therefore

“Do all things without grumbling or questioning…” (Phil. 2:14 ESV)

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:1-2 ESV)

“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” (Prov. 19:11 ESV) 

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“One day, we’re going to give an account of every word we used on the Internet or our phones. That ought to give anyone pause before they post anything.” – Rick Warren

“Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.” (Psalm 122:6 NLT)

God blesses those who bless Jerusalem and curses those who curse Jerusalem

“And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” (Gen. 12:3 NASB)

“May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed." (Gen. 27:29 NIV)

God is their God in faithfulness and righteousness

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.” (Zech. 8:7-8 ESV)

Therefore

“Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her.” (Isa. 66:10 NIV)

“The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the Lord is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel.” (Joel 3:16 ESV)

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“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.” – Jesus Christ  (Matt. 23:37 NASB)

“...LORD, how they have increased who trouble me!... But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head...” (Psalm 3:1, 3, NKJV)

Straighten up and raise your heads

While this is being written, the news is filled with disturbing images of violent protests and riots occurring in major cities across the nation. People who are causing trouble appear to be present on all sides. But, as the passage above says, God is your “shield” and “the One who lifts your head!” In fact, Jesus said that when you see troubling things in the world (happening as the signs of the end times), you should “straighten up and raise your heads” because you know your redemption is near!

“Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28 ESV)

Therefore

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10 ESV)

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13 ESV)

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“Such are the conditions prior to Judgment Day. We need to learn from this and not fret when we see these things happening, but say: Christ predicted beforehand that the world would become so savage, coarse, greedy, and so on. Well then! That's the way it is, and it is even going to get worse.” – Martin Luther

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Hab. 3:17-18 NIV)

They were defeated, discouraged, and afraid

In his book, “Talking To My Father” (Barbour & Co. 1997), Ray Stedman relates the following story.

“An old missionary couple had been working in Africa for years, and they were returning to New York City to retire. They had no pension; their health was broken; they were defeated, discouraged, and afraid. They discovered they were booked on the same ship as President Teddy Roosevelt, who was returning from one of his big-game hunting expeditions.

No one paid much attention to them. They watched the fanfare that accompanied the President’s entourage, with passengers trying to catch a glimpse of the great man.

As the ship moved across the ocean, the old missionary said to his wife, "Something is wrong. Why should we have given our lives in faithful service for God in Africa all these many years and have no one care a thing about us? Here this man comes back from a hunting trip and everybody makes much over him, but nobody gives two hoots about us."

"Dear, you shouldn’t feel that way," his wife said.

"I can’t help it; it doesn’t seem right."

When the ship docked in New York, a band was waiting to greet the President. The mayor and other dignitaries were there. The papers were full of the President’s arrival, but no one noticed this missionary couple. They slipped off the ship and found a cheap flat on the East side, hoping the next day to see what they could do to make a living in the city.

That night, the man’s spirit broke. He said to his wife, "I can’t take this; God is not treating us fairly."

His wife replied, "Why don’t you go into the bedroom and tell that to the Lord?"

A short time later he came out from the bedroom, but now his face was completely different. His wife asked, "Dear, what happened?"

"The Lord settled it with me," he said. "I told him how bitter I was that the President should receive this tremendous homecoming, when no one met us as we returned home. And when I finished, it seemed as though the Lord put his hand on my shoulder and simply said, ‘But you’re not home yet!’"

Therefore

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Cor. 2:9).

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” (Heb. 13:15 NIV) 

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psalm 118:8 ESV)

“The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever!” (Psalm 22:26 ESV)

“For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” (2 Peter 2:19 ESV)

Addiction

Addiction is a compulsive, chronic physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity—often one that has harmful physical, psychological, or social effects. It typically causes clearly defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence. It is, quite simply, the state of being addicted.

I Was Addicted to Alcohol

Before my life was transformed by Christ, I was addicted to alcohol. I spent every cent I had to support my addiction. Many times I got into serious trouble because of my drinking and how it affected my behavior. I was often drunk and disorderly in public places. The police arrested me, and I went to jail. No matter how hard I tried, I could not stop drinking.

Then one evening, while out drinking with friends, I was looking for matches in the car’s glovebox and came across a small gospel tract by Chick Publications titled “This Was Your Life.” It told the story of a young man exactly like me. It explained sin and its consequences, described Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for our sins, and included a prayer to receive Him as personal Lord and Savior.

I sincerely prayed that prayer—and I was instantly “born again,” just as Jesus described in John 3:1–8. From that moment on, my life was forever changed. It's now been more than 50 years since I stopped drinking.

I had other addictions too, such as smoking, which I eventually overcame. Strangely—and I still don’t fully understand why—it was harder for me to quit smoking than it was to quit drinking. I was instantly delivered from alcohol, but not from tobacco. I did finally prevail, but it took persistent prayer, effort, and self-control.

The following verses were especially helpful to me along the path to victory.

Be Sober-Minded

Being “sober-minded,” as the verse below says, means developing a healthy mindset in relation to addiction. Recognize that the devil is behind it—“like a roaring lion seeking to destroy you.” You must constantly stay alert to his schemes and resist his attacks.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

Remain Steadfast

Understand that it’s not only the devil attacking you—your own desires are also at work. As the passage below explains, you are being “lured and enticed” from within. Learn to recognize the early symptoms of addiction as warning signs. Take action quickly before temptation grows into “full-blown sin.” Stay steadfast in your fight, and trust that blessings will follow.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:12–15 ESV)

Do Not Be Enslaved by Anything

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV)
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1 ESV)

Abstain from Passions of the Flesh

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11 ESV)

Avoid Bad Company

In your battle against addiction, stay away from environments and people that draw you back in. If former friends still engage in the habits you’ve left behind, don’t spend time with them.

My work takes me to industry trade shows and conventions where alcohol is everywhere. I avoid the bars and parties and focus solely on my business. Occasionally, someone will offer me a drink, and I’ll reply with a smile, “No thank you—I’m allergic to alcohol. When I drink, I break out in police cars and handcuffs.” They always laugh and say something like, “Oh yes, I understand.”

Whatever it takes for you to remain victorious and steadfast—do it

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV)
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14 ESV)

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”(Matthew 26:41 ESV)

Call Upon the Lord in the Day of Trouble

“And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)

Therefore

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 ESV)

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36 ESV)

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16 ESV)

Quote

“Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” – Warren Wiersbe