Prayer for Family, Friends, Community and Church.

Joshua 1:1-9 (NLT). “After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them  3 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you— 4 from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea[a] in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (NLT): “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!” I would like to say it this way: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged! FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU EVERYWHERE YOU GO!!!!! He is with you always & never will He leave you or forsake you. He won’t abandon you, dish you, or leave you hanging!”

However, loneliness is a real problem in America. In fact: three out of every five people feel lonely. Some people can feel lonely in a crowd—overwhelmed, overstimulated, overlooked. Just because you have a crowd doesn’t mean you have a connection! Some people can feel lonely in marriage. Just because you’re married, it doesn’t give you meaning! 

Since 2018 there has been a 13% uptick. We are waiting for the post pandemic data. 63% were men, 73% were tied to heavy social media use, it was cross genera-tional—kids are affected just as much as adults and even seniors. However, one out of three seniors is lonely and alone.   

Loneliness causes major health problems. One researcher said loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day—it eats you from the inside out. There is a cure for loneliness and it is building deep meaningful relation–ships! You weren’t created to be alone. Genesis 2:18 (NLT):  “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”  Loneliness is not good. You weren’t created to feel alone either.  John 16:7 (KJV):  “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate[a] won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. “  Comforter, helper—advocate. We are created for relationships.

Meaningful Relationships Are Forged Not Found.  You don’t find a great friend, you Make a great friend. Great friendships happen over time, not overnight. There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother: Proverbs 18:24 (NLT): “There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. “ 

Meaningful Relationships Require A Strong Connection. 

Raise your hands Upward to Receive

Move your hands Outward to Release

Lower your hands Downward to Revive

Meaningful Relationship Bring Multiplication: Multiplies resources, multiplies strength Isaiah 41:10 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” 

In Closing, Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT): 18 “Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”

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Rev. Bryan A. Tomes 

Crossroads Community Church 

www.crossroadsconnects.com