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b'READ: JOSHUA 1:9; ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12; ISAIAH 43:1-3; MATTHEW 28:20\\n\\n\\n\\nEinar pushed open the portal door of his new habitat and started down the desert path. He\\u2019d only lived on the planet Themisto for a few weeks, and he still wasn\\u2019t used to its dry climate\\u2014or its moonless nights. Even in the afternoon sun, he shivered at the thought of the nocturnal creatures that came out after sunset. This place was nothing like the frigid moon he had been stationed on most of his life.\\n\\n\\n\\nHe was going to visit Leif, his nearest neighbor and newfound friend. They worked together at the research base, and today Leif was going to teach Einar how to grow native vegetables in a shade garden.\\n\\n\\n\\nIn the light, Einar loved the desert with its prickly plants, shining rocks, and glittering sand. But at night, arid breezes whistled eerily through the brush. It was easy to imagine bumping into the hard cactus spines, stumbling over a blue neidr snake, or feeling the fuzzy legs of a pry copyn (which was similar to a tarantula, but bigger). The coyote-like creatures, called blaidds, prowled at night here too. Needless to say, Einar always made sure to be home before dark.\\n\\n\\n\\nAs he walked down the dusty path, he remembered the Scripture that had helped him on the long journey to this new world: \\u201cBe strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.\\u201d He whispered a prayer to the Almighty, double-checked that his anti-venom kit was attached to his utility belt, and gripped his stun-spear tighter. Still, he didn\\u2019t feel very courageous.\\n\\n\\n\\nWhen Einar reached Leif\\u2019s habitat, Leif and his roommate Colborn were already outside gathering cacti. Soon Einar was working and laughing alongside them. He was so fascinated with the shade garden that he forgot about the time. But when he saw where Themisto\\u2019s sun was in the sky, his jaw dropped. \\u201cI need to get home,\\u201d he said. \\u201cIt\\u2019s getting dark already.\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\nLeif stood up and brushed the dirt off his hands. \\u201cNo worries. We\\u2019ll walk home with you. It will make the journey safer.\\u201d Einar was about to say no, he was used to traveling alone. But then Colborn spoke up, \\u201cAfter all, two people are better off than one\\u2026and three are even better!\\u201d Einar recognized the Scripture, and a smile spread across his face. He nodded, grateful, and soon they were on their way.\\n\\n\\n\\nWhen Einar arrived home, he breathed a sigh of relief. The walk over had been filled with laughter, not fear. They\\u2019d even shared some of their favorite Scriptures as they walked. As Leif and Colborn headed back, Einar waved. \\u201cDon\\u2019t trip over a neidr snake!\\u201d They laughed, and before his friends were out of earshot, Einar called, \\u201cThanks\\u2026 for coming back with me.\\u201d Einar couldn\\u2019t see them anymore, but he heard Leif\\u2019s voice through the dark. \\u201cThe Almighty is with you, and we will be too.\\u201d \\u2022 A. W. Smith\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u2022 Consider taking a moment to read the Bible passages quoted in today\\u2019s story, Joshua 1:9 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Have you ever had a Bible verse help you in a difficult time? What was it?\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u2022 Can you think of a time you were faced with a new or scary situation? Did you feel like you were supposed to handle it alone? As Christians, we don\\u2019t have to face anything alone. Jesus is always with us, and that\\u2019s why we can be courageous. Not only is He present with us through His Spirit and His Word, but also through His people. He is the One providing people for us, people to be His hands and feet in the lonely moments.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u2022 Presence is a big deal to God. Jesus is \\u201cGod with us\\u201d (Matthew 1:23), and He came so that He would always be with us. Jesus so much wants to be with us that He died and rose for us\\u2026and then placed us in His community. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will live with God\\u2014and the rest of His people\\u2014forever. Jesus promises His followers, \\u201cI am with you always\\u201d (Matthew 28:20). And He calls us to be present with each other as He is pres'