Never Alone

Day 5

Day 6

The Friend Of The Lonely

Never Alone

John 15:9-17

Psalm 139:1-12

Today’s Bible Reading

E

ngraved on a tombI no longer call you stone were words that slaves, because touched the heart of a master doesn’t author Max Lucado. The confide in his slaves. Now you epitaph did not give the are my friends. dates of her birth or death. It John 15:15 included only her name, the names of her two husbands, and this melancholy mini-biography: Sleeps, but rests not.

Loved, but was loved not.

Tried to please, but pleased not.

Died as she lived—alone.

Those words can be applied to the lives of unhappy multitudes of people who feel lonely and unloved. They may try to reach out and make friends, but their best efforts often prove futile.

The gospel has a message for any of us who, like that woman, feel we belong to that frustrated legion of the lonely and unloved. It’s the good news about the Friend who cared enough to die as our substitute on the cross. It’s about the Friend who loves each of us with a love that can never be alienated, who sticks closer than a brother, and who understands us completely.

That Friend is Jesus Christ. When in faith we reach out and grasp His downstretched, nail-pierced hand, we are gripped by the love that will never let us go.

Have you asked Jesus to be your Friend?

—Vernon Grounds Welcome to the privilege of friendship with God.

Jh999 occoDB-neveralone-e-140414.indd 1

Today’s Bible Reading

H

ave you ever been I can never escape alone—really alone? from your Spirit!

Many people can I can never get answer yes because they feel away from your presence! that way every day. I’m not referring to people who live Psalm 139:7 in a remote cabin on a mountaintop far from civilization. I’m talking about those who feel alone in a crowded mall, or in a church full of people.

I’m referring to people who simply cannot find anyone to connect with. Perhaps they are new to a community. Maybe they have lost a spouse. It could be that they simply feel alone because they think of themselves as different, unusual, and left out of normal communication with others.

Have you ever been alone, really alone? If so, there’s good news. If you have invited Christ into your life as Savior and Lord, you’re never alone. You have His constant presence. Here is His promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). And from God the Father: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). Recognize with the psalmist that there’s no place you can go where God is not with you (Psalm 139:7).

Sure, we all need flesh-and-blood companions, but let’s not overlook the reality of the Lord’s presence.

We can depend on it. With Him by our side, we’re never alone. —Dave Branon God’s presence with us is one of His presents to us.

RBC Ministries Australia Limited PO Box 15, Kilsyth, VIC 3137, Australia Tel: (+61-3) 9761-7086, Fax: (+61-3) 8080-3235, australia@rbc.org RBC Ministries Limited (Hong Kong) PO Box 74025, Kowloon Central Post Office, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (+852) 2626-1102, Fax: (+852) 2626-0216, hongkong@rbc.org RBC Indonesia PO Box 2500, Jakarta 11025, Indonesia Tel: (+62-21) 2902-8950, Fax: (+62-21) 5435-1975, indonesia@rbc.org RBC Ministries Japan PO Box 46, Ikoma Nara 630-0291, Japan Tel: (+81-743) 75-8230, Fax: (+81-743) 75-8299, japan@rbc.org RBC Resource Centre Berhad PO Box 86, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80057 Johor Bahru, Malaysia Tel: (+060-7) 353-1718, Fax: (+060-7) 353-4439, malaysia@rbc.org RBC Ministries New Zealand PO Box 303095, North Harbour, Auckland 0751, New Zealand Tel: (+64-9) 444-4146, Fax: (+64-9) 444-4156, newzealand@rbc.org RBC Ministries Foundation PO Box 47-260, Taipei 10399, Taiwan R.O.C. Tel: (+886-2) 2585-5340, Fax: (+886-2) 2585-5349, taiwan@rbc.org RBC Ministries Thailand PO Box 35, Huamark, Bangkok 10243, Thailand Tel: (+66-2) 718-5166, Fax: (+66-2) 718-6016, thailand@rbc.org RBC Ministries Asia Limited MacPherson Road Post Office, PO Box 146, Singapore 913405 Tel: (+65) 6858-0900, Fax: (+65) 6858-0400, singapore@rbc.org

Never

Alone

JH999

Many people, making even the smallest of donations, enable RBC Ministries to reach others with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible. We are not funded or endowed by any group or denomination.

Never Alone “Loneliness” is one of the most desolate words about a person’s existence. It is no respecter of age, race, nationality, social status, and intelligence. With 7.14 billion people populating the globe, this world is a very crowded place; yet we often feel very much alone, and terribly lonely.

Even before sin entered the world, the Creator declared that it is not good for man to be alone. God made us relational beings and gave us a capacity and a great need for friendship and companionship.

Have you ever been alone, really alone? If so, there’s good news. There is a friend—a best friend— who will never leave you or forsake you. This selection of articles from Our Daily Bread tells you more about this Friend.

If you find these articles helpful and would like to receive the Our Daily Bread devotional, just complete the request form in this leaflet and send it to us. Our materials are offered at no charge. We are supported by the freewill donations of our members and friends.

© 2014 by RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.

Discover the love that will never let you go.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.

All rights reserved.

4/22/14 4:58 Pm

Day 5

Day 6

The Friend Of The Lonely

Never Alone

John 15:9-17

Psalm 139:1-12

Today’s Bible Reading

E

ngraved on a tombI no longer call you stone were words that slaves, because touched the heart of a master doesn’t author Max Lucado. The confide in his slaves. Now you epitaph did not give the are my friends. dates of her birth or death. It John 15:15 included only her name, the names of her two husbands, and this melancholy mini-biography: Sleeps, but rests not.

Loved, but was loved not.

Tried to please, but pleased not.

Died as she lived—alone.

Those words can be applied to the lives of unhappy multitudes of people who feel lonely and unloved. They may try to reach out and make friends, but their best efforts often prove futile.

The gospel has a message for any of us who, like that woman, feel we belong to that frustrated legion of the lonely and unloved. It’s the good news about the Friend who cared enough to die as our substitute on the cross. It’s about the Friend who loves each of us with a love that can never be alienated, who sticks closer than a brother, and who understands us completely.

That Friend is Jesus Christ. When in faith we reach out and grasp His downstretched, nail-pierced hand, we are gripped by the love that will never let us go.

Have you asked Jesus to be your Friend?

—Vernon Grounds Welcome to the privilege of friendship with God.

Jh999 occoDB-neveralone-e-140414.indd 1

Today’s Bible Reading

H

ave you ever been I can never escape alone—really alone? from your Spirit!

Many people can I can never get answer yes because they feel away from your presence! that way every day. I’m not referring to people who live Psalm 139:7 in a remote cabin on a mountaintop far from civilization. I’m talking about those who feel alone in a crowded mall, or in a church full of people.

I’m referring to people who simply cannot find anyone to connect with. Perhaps they are new to a community. Maybe they have lost a spouse. It could be that they simply feel alone because they think of themselves as different, unusual, and left out of normal communication with others.

Have you ever been alone, really alone? If so, there’s good news. If you have invited Christ into your life as Savior and Lord, you’re never alone. You have His constant presence. Here is His promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). And from God the Father: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). Recognize with the psalmist that there’s no place you can go where God is not with you (Psalm 139:7).

Sure, we all need flesh-and-blood companions, but let’s not overlook the reality of the Lord’s presence.

We can depend on it. With Him by our side, we’re never alone. —Dave Branon God’s presence with us is one of His presents to us.

RBC Ministries Australia Limited PO Box 15, Kilsyth, VIC 3137, Australia Tel: (+61-3) 9761-7086, Fax: (+61-3) 8080-3235, australia@rbc.org RBC Ministries Limited (Hong Kong) PO Box 74025, Kowloon Central Post Office, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (+852) 2626-1102, Fax: (+852) 2626-0216, hongkong@rbc.org RBC Indonesia PO Box 2500, Jakarta 11025, Indonesia Tel: (+62-21) 2902-8950, Fax: (+62-21) 5435-1975, indonesia@rbc.org RBC Ministries Japan PO Box 46, Ikoma Nara 630-0291, Japan Tel: (+81-743) 75-8230, Fax: (+81-743) 75-8299, japan@rbc.org RBC Resource Centre Berhad PO Box 86, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80057 Johor Bahru, Malaysia Tel: (+060-7) 353-1718, Fax: (+060-7) 353-4439, malaysia@rbc.org RBC Ministries New Zealand PO Box 303095, North Harbour, Auckland 0751, New Zealand Tel: (+64-9) 444-4146, Fax: (+64-9) 444-4156, newzealand@rbc.org RBC Ministries Foundation PO Box 47-260, Taipei 10399, Taiwan R.O.C. Tel: (+886-2) 2585-5340, Fax: (+886-2) 2585-5349, taiwan@rbc.org RBC Ministries Thailand PO Box 35, Huamark, Bangkok 10243, Thailand Tel: (+66-2) 718-5166, Fax: (+66-2) 718-6016, thailand@rbc.org RBC Ministries Asia Limited MacPherson Road Post Office, PO Box 146, Singapore 913405 Tel: (+65) 6858-0900, Fax: (+65) 6858-0400, singapore@rbc.org

Never

Alone

JH999

Many people, making even the smallest of donations, enable RBC Ministries to reach others with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible. We are not funded or endowed by any group or denomination.

Never Alone “Loneliness” is one of the most desolate words about a person’s existence. It is no respecter of age, race, nationality, social status, and intelligence. With 7.14 billion people populating the globe, this world is a very crowded place; yet we often feel very much alone, and terribly lonely.

Even before sin entered the world, the Creator declared that it is not good for man to be alone. God made us relational beings and gave us a capacity and a great need for friendship and companionship.

Have you ever been alone, really alone? If so, there’s good news. There is a friend—a best friend— who will never leave you or forsake you. This selection of articles from Our Daily Bread tells you more about this Friend.

If you find these articles helpful and would like to receive the Our Daily Bread devotional, just complete the request form in this leaflet and send it to us. Our materials are offered at no charge. We are supported by the freewill donations of our members and friends.

© 2014 by RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.

Discover the love that will never let you go.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.

All rights reserved.

4/22/14 4:58 Pm

I would like to receive additional reading materials.

Please send Our Daily Bread to me at the address below.

Please send related Christian materials for my further reading.

IMPORTANT: WE ARE UNABLE TO PROCESS A REQUEST MADE ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER WITHOUT CONSENT. Respecting your privacy is important to us, and we will not share your personal information with any other organization.

(HP)

Full Name: Gender (M/F):

Address:

(Office)

Church: Date of Birth (DD/MM/YY):

Postcode:

Tel: (Home)

Occupation:

E-mail:

Return this form to the RBC Ministries office nearest you! (See list on last page.)

JH999

Jh999 occoDB-neveralone-e-140414.indd 2

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

It Is Not Good

Benefits Of Friendship

Human Love Isn’t Enough

Lifetime Guarantee

Today’s Bible Reading

I

Genesis 2:15-25

n one prison system in the The Lord God said, US, 25,000 of the most “It is not good dangerous inmates endure for the man to be alone.” solitary confinement in small concrete cells. They have virGenesis 2:18 tually no contact with the outside world. An inmate at Oregon State Penitentiary said that the most difficult part about such isolation is “not being able to see somebody face to face . . . to communicate, to touch, to hug, to feel loved, to feel human.”

This man’s words seem to scream, “I’m lonely! This is not the way it’s supposed to be.”

The writer of Genesis would have agreed. After God created man, He acknowledged Adam’s loneliness, and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (Genesis 2:18). In essence, God was saying that the man needed another person with whom he could be fully human. Although the immediate setting is companionship, in the larger context God is telling us that being fully human means enjoying relationship with other human beings.

No matter the cause of loneliness—sin, loss, shame, sickness, depression—God says this is “not good.” He created us to be in close relationship with others and with Him. Reach out and develop those needed friendships—for your sake and theirs. —Marvin Williams Friendships can help dispel loneliness.

Today’s Bible Reading

C

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

icero was one of the Two people are greatest thinkers of the better off than Roman Empire. He one, for they can help each other was a skilled orator, lawyer, succeed. politician, linguist, and writer.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Still today he is quoted for his clear prose and practical wisdom.

For instance, of having friends he wrote: “Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.” He understood the double benefits of friendship along life’s journey.

Nearly a millennium earlier, King Solomon had written about the value of friends as well. In Ecclesiastes we read, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble” (4:9-10). Certainly a life without friends makes our sojourn lonely and hard to bear.

That famous Roman and that Jewish king were right: Friends are important. Friends serve as confidants, counselors, and burden-sharers.

Think about your friends. Have you been neglecting those God has provided to share your joys and sorrows?

If so, seek out one of your friends for fellowship this week. Remember, “two are better than one,” because a friend can double our joy and divide our grief.

—Dennis Fisher Friends are flowers in the garden of life.

Today’s Bible Reading

S

Romans 8:28-39

ecurity and signifiIndeed, nothing cance are two essential in all creation will ever be able to elements of emotional health. If we feel we are safe separate us from the love of God from harm as well as safe that is revealed in from rejection and loneliChrist Jesus ness, we are blessed with our Lord. those two essentials. AddiRomans 8:39 tionally, if we know that we are viewed with affection and appreciation by at least some of the people who matter to us, that gives us a sense of value.

Consider what God’s Word says in Romans 8 about our security and significance. “If God is for us, who can ever be against us” (v.31)? Later we are told that nothing can separate the believer “from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (vv.35-39). These verses indeed show how much God truly values us!

Even the best of human love is insufficient to give us the security and significance we need. Why? One reason is that man’s life is fleeting. People grow old and die, and love eventually comes to an end. Another reason is that in personal relationships, we know that people are sinful, fickle, and unfaithful.

We need the eternal love of God, who is love. He views each of us as priceless. And the gospel reveals that we have such love in the Person of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. His love will never let us go.

—Vernon Grounds Our greatest security is found in the eternal love of the eternal God.

Today’s Bible Reading

T

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

hree years ago I Do not be afraid bought a suitcase with or discouraged, a lifetime guarantee. for the LORD will personally go “We don’t care who breaks ahead of you. it,” the manufacturer said, He will be with you; “we’ll repair or replace it he will neither fail free—forever.” To its credit, you nor abandon the company repaired it you. twice, just as promised. But Deuteronomy 31:8 a few weeks ago I learned that the business had filed for bankruptcy and its future was in doubt. If the company goes under, so does the guarantee.

In a world where we can’t always depend on guarantees, there is one promise we can trust. Throughout Scripture we find the Lord’s pledge to be with His people. In Deuteronomy 31 we read Moses’ assuring words to Joshua: “[The Lord] will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” (v.8).

This promise is repeated in the New Testament: “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear’ ” (Hebrews 13:5-6). The promise of God’s unfailing presence with us is the key to living with confidence and contentment.

No matter how many pledges are broken by people, God’s promises will last through all time and eternity.

Because He is eternal, He can give us an eternal guarantee. —David McCasland Every promise of God comes with an eternal guarantee.

4/22/14 4:58 Pm

I would like to receive additional reading materials.

Please send Our Daily Bread to me at the address below.

Please send related Christian materials for my further reading.

IMPORTANT: WE ARE UNABLE TO PROCESS A REQUEST MADE ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER WITHOUT CONSENT. Respecting your privacy is important to us, and we will not share your personal information with any other organization.

(HP)

Full Name: Gender (M/F):

Address:

(Office)

Church: Date of Birth (DD/MM/YY):

Postcode:

Tel: (Home)

Occupation:

E-mail:

Return this form to the RBC Ministries office nearest you! (See list on last page.)

JH999

Jh999 occoDB-neveralone-e-140414.indd 2

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

It Is Not Good

Benefits Of Friendship

Human Love Isn’t Enough

Lifetime Guarantee

Today’s Bible Reading

I

Genesis 2:15-25

n one prison system in the The Lord God said, US, 25,000 of the most “It is not good dangerous inmates endure for the man to be alone.” solitary confinement in small concrete cells. They have virGenesis 2:18 tually no contact with the outside world. An inmate at Oregon State Penitentiary said that the most difficult part about such isolation is “not being able to see somebody face to face . . . to communicate, to touch, to hug, to feel loved, to feel human.”

This man’s words seem to scream, “I’m lonely! This is not the way it’s supposed to be.”

The writer of Genesis would have agreed. After God created man, He acknowledged Adam’s loneliness, and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (Genesis 2:18). In essence, God was saying that the man needed another person with whom he could be fully human. Although the immediate setting is companionship, in the larger context God is telling us that being fully human means enjoying relationship with other human beings.

No matter the cause of loneliness—sin, loss, shame, sickness, depression—God says this is “not good.” He created us to be in close relationship with others and with Him. Reach out and develop those needed friendships—for your sake and theirs. —Marvin Williams Friendships can help dispel loneliness.

Today’s Bible Reading

C

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

icero was one of the Two people are greatest thinkers of the better off than Roman Empire. He one, for they can help each other was a skilled orator, lawyer, succeed. politician, linguist, and writer.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Still today he is quoted for his clear prose and practical wisdom.

For instance, of having friends he wrote: “Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.” He understood the double benefits of friendship along life’s journey.

Nearly a millennium earlier, King Solomon had written about the value of friends as well. In Ecclesiastes we read, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble” (4:9-10). Certainly a life without friends makes our sojourn lonely and hard to bear.

That famous Roman and that Jewish king were right: Friends are important. Friends serve as confidants, counselors, and burden-sharers.

Think about your friends. Have you been neglecting those God has provided to share your joys and sorrows?

If so, seek out one of your friends for fellowship this week. Remember, “two are better than one,” because a friend can double our joy and divide our grief.

—Dennis Fisher Friends are flowers in the garden of life.

Today’s Bible Reading

S

Romans 8:28-39

ecurity and signifiIndeed, nothing cance are two essential in all creation will ever be able to elements of emotional health. If we feel we are safe separate us from the love of God from harm as well as safe that is revealed in from rejection and loneliChrist Jesus ness, we are blessed with our Lord. those two essentials. AddiRomans 8:39 tionally, if we know that we are viewed with affection and appreciation by at least some of the people who matter to us, that gives us a sense of value.

Consider what God’s Word says in Romans 8 about our security and significance. “If God is for us, who can ever be against us” (v.31)? Later we are told that nothing can separate the believer “from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (vv.35-39). These verses indeed show how much God truly values us!

Even the best of human love is insufficient to give us the security and significance we need. Why? One reason is that man’s life is fleeting. People grow old and die, and love eventually comes to an end. Another reason is that in personal relationships, we know that people are sinful, fickle, and unfaithful.

We need the eternal love of God, who is love. He views each of us as priceless. And the gospel reveals that we have such love in the Person of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. His love will never let us go.

—Vernon Grounds Our greatest security is found in the eternal love of the eternal God.

Today’s Bible Reading

T

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

hree years ago I Do not be afraid bought a suitcase with or discouraged, a lifetime guarantee. for the LORD will personally go “We don’t care who breaks ahead of you. it,” the manufacturer said, He will be with you; “we’ll repair or replace it he will neither fail free—forever.” To its credit, you nor abandon the company repaired it you. twice, just as promised. But Deuteronomy 31:8 a few weeks ago I learned that the business had filed for bankruptcy and its future was in doubt. If the company goes under, so does the guarantee.

In a world where we can’t always depend on guarantees, there is one promise we can trust. Throughout Scripture we find the Lord’s pledge to be with His people. In Deuteronomy 31 we read Moses’ assuring words to Joshua: “[The Lord] will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” (v.8).

This promise is repeated in the New Testament: “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear’ ” (Hebrews 13:5-6). The promise of God’s unfailing presence with us is the key to living with confidence and contentment.

No matter how many pledges are broken by people, God’s promises will last through all time and eternity.

Because He is eternal, He can give us an eternal guarantee. —David McCasland Every promise of God comes with an eternal guarantee.

4/22/14 4:58 Pm

I would like to receive additional reading materials.

Please send Our Daily Bread to me at the address below.

Please send related Christian materials for my further reading.

IMPORTANT: WE ARE UNABLE TO PROCESS A REQUEST MADE ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER WITHOUT CONSENT. Respecting your privacy is important to us, and we will not share your personal information with any other organization.

(HP)

Full Name: Gender (M/F):

Address:

(Office)

Church: Date of Birth (DD/MM/YY):

Postcode:

Tel: (Home)

Occupation:

E-mail:

Return this form to the RBC Ministries office nearest you! (See list on last page.)

JH999

Jh999 occoDB-neveralone-e-140414.indd 2

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

It Is Not Good

Benefits Of Friendship

Human Love Isn’t Enough

Lifetime Guarantee

Today’s Bible Reading

I

Genesis 2:15-25

n one prison system in the The Lord God said, US, 25,000 of the most “It is not good dangerous inmates endure for the man to be alone.” solitary confinement in small concrete cells. They have virGenesis 2:18 tually no contact with the outside world. An inmate at Oregon State Penitentiary said that the most difficult part about such isolation is “not being able to see somebody face to face . . . to communicate, to touch, to hug, to feel loved, to feel human.”

This man’s words seem to scream, “I’m lonely! This is not the way it’s supposed to be.”

The writer of Genesis would have agreed. After God created man, He acknowledged Adam’s loneliness, and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (Genesis 2:18). In essence, God was saying that the man needed another person with whom he could be fully human. Although the immediate setting is companionship, in the larger context God is telling us that being fully human means enjoying relationship with other human beings.

No matter the cause of loneliness—sin, loss, shame, sickness, depression—God says this is “not good.” He created us to be in close relationship with others and with Him. Reach out and develop those needed friendships—for your sake and theirs. —Marvin Williams Friendships can help dispel loneliness.

Today’s Bible Reading

C

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

icero was one of the Two people are greatest thinkers of the better off than Roman Empire. He one, for they can help each other was a skilled orator, lawyer, succeed. politician, linguist, and writer.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Still today he is quoted for his clear prose and practical wisdom.

For instance, of having friends he wrote: “Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.” He understood the double benefits of friendship along life’s journey.

Nearly a millennium earlier, King Solomon had written about the value of friends as well. In Ecclesiastes we read, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble” (4:9-10). Certainly a life without friends makes our sojourn lonely and hard to bear.

That famous Roman and that Jewish king were right: Friends are important. Friends serve as confidants, counselors, and burden-sharers.

Think about your friends. Have you been neglecting those God has provided to share your joys and sorrows?

If so, seek out one of your friends for fellowship this week. Remember, “two are better than one,” because a friend can double our joy and divide our grief.

—Dennis Fisher Friends are flowers in the garden of life.

Today’s Bible Reading

S

Romans 8:28-39

ecurity and signifiIndeed, nothing cance are two essential in all creation will ever be able to elements of emotional health. If we feel we are safe separate us from the love of God from harm as well as safe that is revealed in from rejection and loneliChrist Jesus ness, we are blessed with our Lord. those two essentials. AddiRomans 8:39 tionally, if we know that we are viewed with affection and appreciation by at least some of the people who matter to us, that gives us a sense of value.

Consider what God’s Word says in Romans 8 about our security and significance. “If God is for us, who can ever be against us” (v.31)? Later we are told that nothing can separate the believer “from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (vv.35-39). These verses indeed show how much God truly values us!

Even the best of human love is insufficient to give us the security and significance we need. Why? One reason is that man’s life is fleeting. People grow old and die, and love eventually comes to an end. Another reason is that in personal relationships, we know that people are sinful, fickle, and unfaithful.

We need the eternal love of God, who is love. He views each of us as priceless. And the gospel reveals that we have such love in the Person of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. His love will never let us go.

—Vernon Grounds Our greatest security is found in the eternal love of the eternal God.

Today’s Bible Reading

T

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

hree years ago I Do not be afraid bought a suitcase with or discouraged, a lifetime guarantee. for the LORD will personally go “We don’t care who breaks ahead of you. it,” the manufacturer said, He will be with you; “we’ll repair or replace it he will neither fail free—forever.” To its credit, you nor abandon the company repaired it you. twice, just as promised. But Deuteronomy 31:8 a few weeks ago I learned that the business had filed for bankruptcy and its future was in doubt. If the company goes under, so does the guarantee.

In a world where we can’t always depend on guarantees, there is one promise we can trust. Throughout Scripture we find the Lord’s pledge to be with His people. In Deuteronomy 31 we read Moses’ assuring words to Joshua: “[The Lord] will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” (v.8).

This promise is repeated in the New Testament: “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear’ ” (Hebrews 13:5-6). The promise of God’s unfailing presence with us is the key to living with confidence and contentment.

No matter how many pledges are broken by people, God’s promises will last through all time and eternity.

Because He is eternal, He can give us an eternal guarantee. —David McCasland Every promise of God comes with an eternal guarantee.

4/22/14 4:58 Pm

I would like to receive additional reading materials.

Please send Our Daily Bread to me at the address below.

Please send related Christian materials for my further reading.

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Jh999 occoDB-neveralone-e-140414.indd 2

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

It Is Not Good

Benefits Of Friendship

Human Love Isn’t Enough

Lifetime Guarantee

Today’s Bible Reading

I

Genesis 2:15-25

n one prison system in the The Lord God said, US, 25,000 of the most “It is not good dangerous inmates endure for the man to be alone.” solitary confinement in small concrete cells. They have virGenesis 2:18 tually no contact with the outside world. An inmate at Oregon State Penitentiary said that the most difficult part about such isolation is “not being able to see somebody face to face . . . to communicate, to touch, to hug, to feel loved, to feel human.”

This man’s words seem to scream, “I’m lonely! This is not the way it’s supposed to be.”

The writer of Genesis would have agreed. After God created man, He acknowledged Adam’s loneliness, and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (Genesis 2:18). In essence, God was saying that the man needed another person with whom he could be fully human. Although the immediate setting is companionship, in the larger context God is telling us that being fully human means enjoying relationship with other human beings.

No matter the cause of loneliness—sin, loss, shame, sickness, depression—God says this is “not good.” He created us to be in close relationship with others and with Him. Reach out and develop those needed friendships—for your sake and theirs. —Marvin Williams Friendships can help dispel loneliness.

Today’s Bible Reading

C

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

icero was one of the Two people are greatest thinkers of the better off than Roman Empire. He one, for they can help each other was a skilled orator, lawyer, succeed. politician, linguist, and writer.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Still today he is quoted for his clear prose and practical wisdom.

For instance, of having friends he wrote: “Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.” He understood the double benefits of friendship along life’s journey.

Nearly a millennium earlier, King Solomon had written about the value of friends as well. In Ecclesiastes we read, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble” (4:9-10). Certainly a life without friends makes our sojourn lonely and hard to bear.

That famous Roman and that Jewish king were right: Friends are important. Friends serve as confidants, counselors, and burden-sharers.

Think about your friends. Have you been neglecting those God has provided to share your joys and sorrows?

If so, seek out one of your friends for fellowship this week. Remember, “two are better than one,” because a friend can double our joy and divide our grief.

—Dennis Fisher Friends are flowers in the garden of life.

Today’s Bible Reading

S

Romans 8:28-39

ecurity and signifiIndeed, nothing cance are two essential in all creation will ever be able to elements of emotional health. If we feel we are safe separate us from the love of God from harm as well as safe that is revealed in from rejection and loneliChrist Jesus ness, we are blessed with our Lord. those two essentials. AddiRomans 8:39 tionally, if we know that we are viewed with affection and appreciation by at least some of the people who matter to us, that gives us a sense of value.

Consider what God’s Word says in Romans 8 about our security and significance. “If God is for us, who can ever be against us” (v.31)? Later we are told that nothing can separate the believer “from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (vv.35-39). These verses indeed show how much God truly values us!

Even the best of human love is insufficient to give us the security and significance we need. Why? One reason is that man’s life is fleeting. People grow old and die, and love eventually comes to an end. Another reason is that in personal relationships, we know that people are sinful, fickle, and unfaithful.

We need the eternal love of God, who is love. He views each of us as priceless. And the gospel reveals that we have such love in the Person of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. His love will never let us go.

—Vernon Grounds Our greatest security is found in the eternal love of the eternal God.

Today’s Bible Reading

T

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

hree years ago I Do not be afraid bought a suitcase with or discouraged, a lifetime guarantee. for the LORD will personally go “We don’t care who breaks ahead of you. it,” the manufacturer said, He will be with you; “we’ll repair or replace it he will neither fail free—forever.” To its credit, you nor abandon the company repaired it you. twice, just as promised. But Deuteronomy 31:8 a few weeks ago I learned that the business had filed for bankruptcy and its future was in doubt. If the company goes under, so does the guarantee.

In a world where we can’t always depend on guarantees, there is one promise we can trust. Throughout Scripture we find the Lord’s pledge to be with His people. In Deuteronomy 31 we read Moses’ assuring words to Joshua: “[The Lord] will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” (v.8).

This promise is repeated in the New Testament: “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear’ ” (Hebrews 13:5-6). The promise of God’s unfailing presence with us is the key to living with confidence and contentment.

No matter how many pledges are broken by people, God’s promises will last through all time and eternity.

Because He is eternal, He can give us an eternal guarantee. —David McCasland Every promise of God comes with an eternal guarantee.

4/22/14 4:58 Pm

Day 5

Day 6

The Friend Of The Lonely

Never Alone

John 15:9-17

Psalm 139:1-12

Today’s Bible Reading

E

ngraved on a tombI no longer call you stone were words that slaves, because touched the heart of a master doesn’t author Max Lucado. The confide in his slaves. Now you epitaph did not give the are my friends. dates of her birth or death. It John 15:15 included only her name, the names of her two husbands, and this melancholy mini-biography: Sleeps, but rests not.

Loved, but was loved not.

Tried to please, but pleased not.

Died as she lived—alone.

Those words can be applied to the lives of unhappy multitudes of people who feel lonely and unloved. They may try to reach out and make friends, but their best efforts often prove futile.

The gospel has a message for any of us who, like that woman, feel we belong to that frustrated legion of the lonely and unloved. It’s the good news about the Friend who cared enough to die as our substitute on the cross. It’s about the Friend who loves each of us with a love that can never be alienated, who sticks closer than a brother, and who understands us completely.

That Friend is Jesus Christ. When in faith we reach out and grasp His downstretched, nail-pierced hand, we are gripped by the love that will never let us go.

Have you asked Jesus to be your Friend?

—Vernon Grounds Welcome to the privilege of friendship with God.

Jh999 occoDB-neveralone-e-140414.indd 1

Today’s Bible Reading

H

ave you ever been I can never escape alone—really alone? from your Spirit!

Many people can I can never get answer yes because they feel away from your presence! that way every day. I’m not referring to people who live Psalm 139:7 in a remote cabin on a mountaintop far from civilization. I’m talking about those who feel alone in a crowded mall, or in a church full of people.

I’m referring to people who simply cannot find anyone to connect with. Perhaps they are new to a community. Maybe they have lost a spouse. It could be that they simply feel alone because they think of themselves as different, unusual, and left out of normal communication with others.

Have you ever been alone, really alone? If so, there’s good news. If you have invited Christ into your life as Savior and Lord, you’re never alone. You have His constant presence. Here is His promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). And from God the Father: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). Recognize with the psalmist that there’s no place you can go where God is not with you (Psalm 139:7).

Sure, we all need flesh-and-blood companions, but let’s not overlook the reality of the Lord’s presence.

We can depend on it. With Him by our side, we’re never alone. —Dave Branon God’s presence with us is one of His presents to us.

RBC Ministries Australia Limited PO Box 15, Kilsyth, VIC 3137, Australia Tel: (+61-3) 9761-7086, Fax: (+61-3) 8080-3235, australia@rbc.org RBC Ministries Limited (Hong Kong) PO Box 74025, Kowloon Central Post Office, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (+852) 2626-1102, Fax: (+852) 2626-0216, hongkong@rbc.org RBC Indonesia PO Box 2500, Jakarta 11025, Indonesia Tel: (+62-21) 2902-8950, Fax: (+62-21) 5435-1975, indonesia@rbc.org RBC Ministries Japan PO Box 46, Ikoma Nara 630-0291, Japan Tel: (+81-743) 75-8230, Fax: (+81-743) 75-8299, japan@rbc.org RBC Resource Centre Berhad PO Box 86, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80057 Johor Bahru, Malaysia Tel: (+060-7) 353-1718, Fax: (+060-7) 353-4439, malaysia@rbc.org RBC Ministries New Zealand PO Box 303095, North Harbour, Auckland 0751, New Zealand Tel: (+64-9) 444-4146, Fax: (+64-9) 444-4156, newzealand@rbc.org RBC Ministries Foundation PO Box 47-260, Taipei 10399, Taiwan R.O.C. Tel: (+886-2) 2585-5340, Fax: (+886-2) 2585-5349, taiwan@rbc.org RBC Ministries Thailand PO Box 35, Huamark, Bangkok 10243, Thailand Tel: (+66-2) 718-5166, Fax: (+66-2) 718-6016, thailand@rbc.org RBC Ministries Asia Limited MacPherson Road Post Office, PO Box 146, Singapore 913405 Tel: (+65) 6858-0900, Fax: (+65) 6858-0400, singapore@rbc.org

Never

Alone

JH999

Many people, making even the smallest of donations, enable RBC Ministries to reach others with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible. We are not funded or endowed by any group or denomination.

Never Alone “Loneliness” is one of the most desolate words about a person’s existence. It is no respecter of age, race, nationality, social status, and intelligence. With 7.14 billion people populating the globe, this world is a very crowded place; yet we often feel very much alone, and terribly lonely.

Even before sin entered the world, the Creator declared that it is not good for man to be alone. God made us relational beings and gave us a capacity and a great need for friendship and companionship.

Have you ever been alone, really alone? If so, there’s good news. There is a friend—a best friend— who will never leave you or forsake you. This selection of articles from Our Daily Bread tells you more about this Friend.

If you find these articles helpful and would like to receive the Our Daily Bread devotional, just complete the request form in this leaflet and send it to us. Our materials are offered at no charge. We are supported by the freewill donations of our members and friends.

© 2014 by RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.

Discover the love that will never let you go.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.

All rights reserved.

4/22/14 4:58 Pm

Day 5

Day 6

The Friend Of The Lonely

Never Alone

John 15:9-17

Psalm 139:1-12

Today’s Bible Reading

E

ngraved on a tombI no longer call you stone were words that slaves, because touched the heart of a master doesn’t author Max Lucado. The confide in his slaves. Now you epitaph did not give the are my friends. dates of her birth or death. It John 15:15 included only her name, the names of her two husbands, and this melancholy mini-biography: Sleeps, but rests not.

Loved, but was loved not.

Tried to please, but pleased not.

Died as she lived—alone.

Those words can be applied to the lives of unhappy multitudes of people who feel lonely and unloved. They may try to reach out and make friends, but their best efforts often prove futile.

The gospel has a message for any of us who, like that woman, feel we belong to that frustrated legion of the lonely and unloved. It’s the good news about the Friend who cared enough to die as our substitute on the cross. It’s about the Friend who loves each of us with a love that can never be alienated, who sticks closer than a brother, and who understands us completely.

That Friend is Jesus Christ. When in faith we reach out and grasp His downstretched, nail-pierced hand, we are gripped by the love that will never let us go.

Have you asked Jesus to be your Friend?

—Vernon Grounds Welcome to the privilege of friendship with God.

Jh999 occoDB-neveralone-e-140414.indd 1

Today’s Bible Reading

H

ave you ever been I can never escape alone—really alone? from your Spirit!

Many people can I can never get answer yes because they feel away from your presence! that way every day. I’m not referring to people who live Psalm 139:7 in a remote cabin on a mountaintop far from civilization. I’m talking about those who feel alone in a crowded mall, or in a church full of people.

I’m referring to people who simply cannot find anyone to connect with. Perhaps they are new to a community. Maybe they have lost a spouse. It could be that they simply feel alone because they think of themselves as different, unusual, and left out of normal communication with others.

Have you ever been alone, really alone? If so, there’s good news. If you have invited Christ into your life as Savior and Lord, you’re never alone. You have His constant presence. Here is His promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). And from God the Father: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). Recognize with the psalmist that there’s no place you can go where God is not with you (Psalm 139:7).

Sure, we all need flesh-and-blood companions, but let’s not overlook the reality of the Lord’s presence.

We can depend on it. With Him by our side, we’re never alone. —Dave Branon God’s presence with us is one of His presents to us.

RBC Ministries Australia Limited PO Box 15, Kilsyth, VIC 3137, Australia Tel: (+61-3) 9761-7086, Fax: (+61-3) 8080-3235, australia@rbc.org RBC Ministries Limited (Hong Kong) PO Box 74025, Kowloon Central Post Office, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (+852) 2626-1102, Fax: (+852) 2626-0216, hongkong@rbc.org RBC Indonesia PO Box 2500, Jakarta 11025, Indonesia Tel: (+62-21) 2902-8950, Fax: (+62-21) 5435-1975, indonesia@rbc.org RBC Ministries Japan PO Box 46, Ikoma Nara 630-0291, Japan Tel: (+81-743) 75-8230, Fax: (+81-743) 75-8299, japan@rbc.org RBC Resource Centre Berhad PO Box 86, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80057 Johor Bahru, Malaysia Tel: (+060-7) 353-1718, Fax: (+060-7) 353-4439, malaysia@rbc.org RBC Ministries New Zealand PO Box 303095, North Harbour, Auckland 0751, New Zealand Tel: (+64-9) 444-4146, Fax: (+64-9) 444-4156, newzealand@rbc.org RBC Ministries Foundation PO Box 47-260, Taipei 10399, Taiwan R.O.C. Tel: (+886-2) 2585-5340, Fax: (+886-2) 2585-5349, taiwan@rbc.org RBC Ministries Thailand PO Box 35, Huamark, Bangkok 10243, Thailand Tel: (+66-2) 718-5166, Fax: (+66-2) 718-6016, thailand@rbc.org RBC Ministries Asia Limited MacPherson Road Post Office, PO Box 146, Singapore 913405 Tel: (+65) 6858-0900, Fax: (+65) 6858-0400, singapore@rbc.org

Never

Alone

JH999

Many people, making even the smallest of donations, enable RBC Ministries to reach others with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible. We are not funded or endowed by any group or denomination.

Never Alone “Loneliness” is one of the most desolate words about a person’s existence. It is no respecter of age, race, nationality, social status, and intelligence. With 7.14 billion people populating the globe, this world is a very crowded place; yet we often feel very much alone, and terribly lonely.

Even before sin entered the world, the Creator declared that it is not good for man to be alone. God made us relational beings and gave us a capacity and a great need for friendship and companionship.

Have you ever been alone, really alone? If so, there’s good news. There is a friend—a best friend— who will never leave you or forsake you. This selection of articles from Our Daily Bread tells you more about this Friend.

If you find these articles helpful and would like to receive the Our Daily Bread devotional, just complete the request form in this leaflet and send it to us. Our materials are offered at no charge. We are supported by the freewill donations of our members and friends.

© 2014 by RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.

Discover the love that will never let you go.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.

All rights reserved.

4/22/14 4:58 Pm