You're not alone!: Recent Episodes
Not-alone.net - Pastor Dave Andrus
I'm Pastor Dave. I've been blind for most of my life. Let me say, you do not need to see physically to see God. Faith sees God.
Each episode I share my Reflections on God's word.
Content Copyright, Dave Andrus 2015-2019
Most everyone has heard the song “What a friend we have in Jesus”. Its not only a favorite song but gives good advice. Listen and be comforted.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2023
No one wants to be excluded. We want to be included in the group, fun, or activity. Spiritually the same is true. The Bible speaks of exclusion, inclusion and belonging.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2023
We may be doing exactly the right thing, what God wants us to do: Why then, does opposition come? And when opposition comes what should we do about it and with it?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2023
Sand castles can be fun to build and play with. An evening rain though destroys all that you did. Life can sometimes be like this. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2023
One of the most powerful words in the English language is the little word “if”. It sets up future options or is spoken when regret is experienced due to the present situation. As so often happens, another option is still possible....
Copyright Dave Andrus 2023
We probably all have our favorite, preferred, or treasured items. We are sad when they are lost, broken or wear out. God also has a treasured possession. You might be surprised by it. Listen and enjoy.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2023
There are some Bible verses we have heard many times and think we know what they mean. What a surprise to learn we might have had it wrong. Even more, when we hear the different explanation, it makes perfect sense. Listen and experience this today.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2023
Christmas is upon us. Music, lights, food, and so much more is all around us. Do we though, really know what this means?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
In a very real sense we can give God nothing that he does not already have. God made all and holds all things. In another sense we can give God something. But what if you don’t have money; What can I give God then?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
Breathing is something we do every day and every night. We usually don’t think about it until it becomes labored, disrupted, compromised or inhibited. Breath is life. Now connect this with something God does and we can begin to understand better how he works with us.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
Did you know that there are sports in the Bible? Not only is it mentioned but it helps us understand our standing in the game of life.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
Children dying in a fire is tragic. We will do just about anything to protect children and keep them safe from such a tragedy. Yet do we learn from them and the steps of protection given them for our spiritual lives?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
At the publishing of this podcast hurricane Ian is destroying things as it goes over Florida. Other circumstances can impact and devastate lives just as much. Here is help in the storm.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
Children often play “connect the dots.” All over the page are dots with numbers by each dot. You keep your pencil down drawing a line from dot to dot using the numbers. When done, the page of many dots is a picture. Is life like that?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
When a dog is a puppy, the members of a family can teach and train him to do many things. But did you know that a dog can also teach us things? One lesson he teaches us becomes a parable: teaching us about God.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
When a person’s present circumstances look to have a poor ending, often the advice is “live one day at a time”. Easier said than done. Yet here is a way to help do this.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
Moving homes or mobile homes have been around for a long time. In the United States, as cars were being developed, so also were motor homes. Even so transportable homes have been around for thousands of years. Only one home is permanent.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
Imagine a house could talk. What might it say when the owners are doing repairs? Even more, what might it shout when a whole house renovation is going on? Could this line of thinking help us understand life a bit more? Listen and find out.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
Jesus said we should ask, seek and knock. We should not give up praying. But what if we don’t get what we are praying for?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
In cartoons and plays, you may find a person talking to himself or herself. It lets you know what they are thinking. Is this all prayer is? Could there be more to prayer?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
There are many great monuments, buildings and structures throughout the world. Many are in the United States. They are a testament to man’s ingenuity and creativity. Is it possible however, that man has built himself out of needing God?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
What would you do if a person who was buried a month ago knocked on your door? Did you know that when Jesus died on the cross, people who were already dead left the tomb alive? As they showed themselves to people it took a while to understand what was going on. Listen and connect this to your life today.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
There are times in life, when we see something, or hear something, we then make a conclusion. Then something happens to help us see it a different way, or hear it clearly without interference. Then, our conclusion or perspective changes. Listen to learn how this can impact us spiritually.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
Spring experiences the return of the songs, activity and life of birds. Birds, like so many other animals are so enjoyable that we have been able to tame them to live in our homes. What does the Bible say about birds? Do they have any special role?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
In ancient times, a folded napkin verses a crumpled-up napkin at the dinner table, meant something different. It is this difference that can be the difference between life and death. Listen and find out.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
Sherlock Holmes would often say “Something’s afoot”. He meant by this “something is happening or changing.” This phrase has a completely different meaning for a person who is blind. Listen and find out.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
We all have misplaced or lost something. When its important, like keys, we look and look until its found. When you are blind looking takes on a new concept.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
With the coming of spring comes many fun and not so fun activities. One not so fun thing is the cleaning of items to get ready for use. Ashe Wednesday and Lent might just be one of these things.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
It's one thing to simply say “Don’t forget God”. Its another thing to do it. And why or how will this help in life?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
If all went well in life, if we had no problems, if life always went the way we wanted, would we think we need God? Probably not. In effect, if life were perfect, we would be our own God. And so, comes a wicked winter head cold.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
Some people start the new year by resolving to change something about themselves. More often than not they give up after a week or two. How is this not true about a Christian?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
Around the Christmas holidays, there are many movies. They can have pleasant themes and happy endings. But life isn’t always pleasant or happy. The Christmas message if truly heard, brings hope.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2022
Christmas can bring a flood of many emotions; both good and bad. Where do we find direction to help when on an emotional roller coaster?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
It’s a long-standing tradition to have a parade on Thanksgiving in New York City. For many years it has been televised. It also has a wonderful description of what is taking place for us who cannot see. Did you know that there was a parade in the Bible?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Apples on a tree may seem fine but when in the hand may feel, smell look or taste different. Our simple, small acts of service, done in faith, can be similar.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Most cases of covid are not bad. When the symptoms become severe, its time to get medicine. Are you paying attention to the spiritual symptoms you have?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
When a man and a woman get married it is natural for them to bring new life into their home. And as life grows training is needed. And there is more.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
When a dog learns to go into the yard through a door it is hard to teach him about another door leading to the same yard. Are humans much better?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Something as simple as opening a pill bottle is difficult for many people. Knowledge, ability and strength are needed and if you lack these, it remains shut. Life, and in particular the human heart, is often like that too. Fortunately, there is help for both; pill bottles and the heart.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Food and a place to live are essential parts of life. So if someone offered these things but you must move to get them, would you go? How desperate would you need to be to accept such an offer?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Tendonitis in your right arm as a right-handed person makes life real tough. With the correct treatment it gets better. So, what happens when you get spiritual tendonitis? What’s the treatment?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Have you ever been stung by a bee? It hurts. Some people can even die from a bee sting. Sin’s sting also causes death. There is an antidote for this too.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Feet are an amazing thing. With them we walk until we stub a toe. Then life seems to stop. What else do we do with feet?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Whether you own or rent, water in the basement is a problem. Many things get ruined and sometimes the home itself is destroyed. Fortunately, there is help and hope for the dwelling of our soul.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
People will joke and talk about winning a million dollars. What would you do? Would you do something different? In the television show “The Beverly Hillbillies” we are given one example. Would you do something different? Would it make anything different with you and God?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
When we are faced with a puzzle, it can be fun or frustrating. In order to put something together, one needs all the pieces. Life is often this way.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Nothing feels better than a wind that picks up and blows when it is hot and humid. That same wind moves tall strong trees. If you cannot see that, you can hear the wind at work. You don’t see the wind but experience its effects. God can be that way too. Listen and be effected.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Keeping clothes clean can be a challenge for anyone. It is even more so for a person who is blind.
What does a Christian do when spiritually dirtied?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
On May 5 many people celebrate Cinco De Mayo. But what is this holiday? What does it honor? What if anything might it have to do with a Christian?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
In April we celebrate grilled cheese day. It’s a food that satisfies and brings comfort. What’s your comfort food? What brings you comfort?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Surprises can be good or bad. Do we expect it or is it unwelcome? How do you live, expecting or surprised?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
The day on which Jesus died is called “Good Friday”. For many people however, the thought and mention of Jesus’ suffering pain and death brings up bad memories. How might they deal with this Friday?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
There were many people in the Old testament who were blind. When told by God to “look” to be saved, what did they do?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
When a person has lived a long productive life, they often are ready to die and go to heaven. At 91 years old, mostly blind, using a walker, having lost his wife, this gentleman had something else in mind. Listen and be encouraged.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
When we pray to our Lord and savior, we usually thank him, ask for forgiveness, and bring him our concerns and needs. In today’s podcast we look at a prayer attributed to an English explorer, Sir Francis Drake. Listen and see what you think.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
On Valentine’s Day, to express love and affection, people give flowers to those who are special in their life. And yet, why would a person do this? Flowers wilt and die quickly. How does this express love?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Drivers have trouble at times when it snows. A person who is blind who walks with a cane, may also have trouble walking when it snows. Today’s podcast shares how such a situation helps reveal the meaning of the word epiphany.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
This past week, a new person became president. It was a transition of power. The United States government continues with a different leader. Spiritually, however its not the same story.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
Washing your hands regularly is still strongly recommended to fight off the Covid virus. Here is a tip of what to do while washing.
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
As we enter a new year, we bring the issues of the last year. We know things will change. Can we as Christians change as things change?
Copyright Dave Andrus 2021
What was the Christmas star? We are not completely sure. Could it be what we will see in the night sky December 21, 2020? If so, what does it mean?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Having been deaf and blind, Helen Keller faced many challenges and obstacles in life. She not only overcame them but had deep insight about life. We look at a few items Keller wrote.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
In the fall, after the leaves turn color, they fall off the tree and the colors fade. They are swept up and disposed of or the wind blows them away. Is this a picture of life?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
The invention of the phone made it possible for people to communicate with others who were separated by distances. Many types of phones preceded the phone that today, we carry in our pocket. Today’s podcast looks at this and how we communicate with God.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Most everyone appreciates a gift or special moment. What if life seemingly has no gift or special moments? Are you unappreciative? How might a person appreciate life when it’s the same old thing, day after day ?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
The wind blows strong on a fall day. It can blow strong enough to take a cap off a person’s head or make waves so large it can overturn a boat on a lake. The Bible uses this picture to help us spiritually.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Global positioning systems are very helpful to find stores or houses when you do not know where they are. Many people who are blind have an internal GPS, helping them move around in their homes, businesses or even neighborhoods. But what if the internal GPS is off or not working? How about spiritually, what is your GPS?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Jesus told a parable in which workers were given equal pay for unequal work. So, what is the point behind the twist when things are not fair?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
When the moving truck drives away and all your stuff is in the new place there is still a lot more to do before life returns to normal. Normal life contains routines, patterns and familiarity. We may have this with furniture placement and activities but do we have this spiritually?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Some people have a lot of stuff. Some people have very little. Some people want more stuff. Some people don’t let go of what they have. When you pack your stuff to move you think about stuff and can learn what God thinks of stuff.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
When you look in the Bible you will find that God’s people moved a lot. Sometime it was planned and many times it was not planned. As people of faith we can say, “Let it be to me according to your word.”
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Election politics and advertisement has begun. Its part of a democracy. What was it like in a kingdom?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
It sure would be something to receive a letter informing you that you just inherited a multi-billion-dollar company. You are rich. It would be terrible however to receive another letter the next week informing you that the company is bankrupt and owes creditors and past taxes. You are worse than poor. This will not happen with God.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Wild horses may be beautiful to see run. Yet, their freedom comes at a cost. A tame horse has great value. So it is with humans and their spirit.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
There are a lot of glues on the market. They are designed to bond things together so they will not separate. Is there a glue for people or God?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
We all do a multitude of actions every day. Discouragement comes when our desired goal is impossible to reach or when we think our actions have no effect in reaching the goal. When we are so discouraged, we want to give up. God has another way.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Christians have struggled throughout the centuries of what to do when they encounter a government that is acting counter to God’s basic commandments. Why would a just God even permit this? Today’s podcast responds to this question which was asked by a listener.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
We celebrate events and special people one day a year. We call them holidays. Birds sing every day of the year. We come to expect this. What’s the point? Listen and find out.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
With the covid-19 shelter in place regulations contact with people is non-existent. With no interaction, no activities, it’s easy to get discouraged. So, what does a person do?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
If you know anything about dogs, they need more than food water and shelter to be fully happy. They need a good master. Are we any different as humans? Listen and ponder the possibilities.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
When a person has a special skill or ability and it is used, this can bring satisfaction and purpose in life. When that skill or ability is removed and no longer present, it brings many questions to mind. Listen and ponder the possibilities.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
A Pear tree in spring is covered with beautiful, white flowers. Those flowers however do not smell good. Life can be that way also. On one level something is good, but on another level it is bad.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Prayer is spoken of throughout the Bible. The first disciples prayed a lot. So what did they pray? How did they pray?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Prayer is spoken of throughout the Bible. If prayer is conversation with God, what do we say? How shall we say it? What is the first lesson to learn about prayer?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Most people’s actions and activities are predictable. This is because a person’s personality guides or governs his or her life. Therefore when a person does or says something out of character, it is obvious and noticed. Today’s podcast considers a time Jesus acted differently and why.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
The corona virus has infected much of the world today. To date, there is no cure or vaccine. A vaccine and cure is available for the heart of mankind. Listen in and consider.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
When in a crowd, people who are blind are not always sure who is talking to whom. So how does a person who is blind know a question or comment is for him or her? Today’s episode looks at this and also dispels a reason for blindness.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
We all have had days when things aren’t going well or turn out good. What then will we do?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
The corona virus has people concerned. People are quarantined to limit its spread to others. Others are isolating themselves to try and prevent contact. The result is people feeling isolated and alone. Listen for a bit of help.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
When Paul the Apostle was arrested and imprisoned many viewed this as bad news. Paul however did not. Listen to a similar situation in today’s podcast.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Salt has many uses and many properties. It can save a life or destroy it. Today’s episode considers Jesus’ words “You are the salt of the earth.”
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Robert, who is blind, and his wife Lily, found themselves wondering if God would ever use them again in his service. An act of love and kindness given at a restaurant showed them God is always using his children to share and show the Gospel.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Credit cards and debit cards make shopping much easier. A person does not have to carry money which can be lost or stolen. Even so thieves have found ways to take funds from debit cards. With this, a spiritual lesson can be learned.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
I like to visit with older people as I can learn from them and their lives. Cory is 92 years old, blind and in a wheel chair. Join me and hear how life is not over for Cory but still has purpose..
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Some people say they experience God on a river bank or on a walk through the woods. Certainly God is present there but rather silent. Yet if one wants to know anything more than God is powerful and creative, one needs look elsewhere.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
Many people welcome in the New Year with the noise and lights of fireworks. Others prefer to enter the New Year with silence. On a spiritual note, where is God found; in the noise or in the silence?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2020
At this time of year, we hear and say Merry Christmas. Is it merry? What if life is miserable? What is so special that Christmas is commemorated and celebrated every year? Listen and have hope.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
When a tree is cut down a stump and its roots may remain. The shade of the tree and its fruit, nuts and leaves no longer exist. It would take a miracle for it to produce these again. Christmas gives us hope for miracles.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
It can be easy to be frustrated with how commercialized Christmas has become. Instead of grumbling about this, how might it become a starting point for a conversation to share the real meaning of the holiday?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
At the Thanksgiving holiday we are encouraged to give thanks to God. When a person has plenty and is comfortable, it is easy to give thanks. How does a person give thanks when things are bad and difficult? Today’s episode looks at a suggestion of Paul the apostle. Paul gave his thanks and suggestion from a prison.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Many people have trouble with hips and knees. Sometimes it leads to surgery. Once a person has this issue, pain, discomfort and a limp remain for life. Did you know there is a Bible story about a bad hip and a limp?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Until you lose your voice you don’t realize how much you use it. And when you lose it all you can do is listen and think. So who do you listen to and what do you think about?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Many small towns in rural America have volunteer fire departments. The dedication and effort of these volunteers is outstanding. Not only do they fight fires to save buildings and people but they raise funds by serving a wonderful pancake breakfast .As Christians we might learn something from these organizations.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Years ago, death was a daily concern. A cut or poke or blister on the skin was an opening that could introduce bacteria to the body. This was almost always, certain death. Thanks to antibiotics most infections are destroyed before they can destroy the body. A similar situation happens to us spiritually.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Jesus told parables to help us understand heavenly things. It’s an earthly story that ends with a twist. Today’s parable however is complicated. It’s about a dishonest manager. Listen and unpack its meaning.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
If you ever possessed a dog you know they can be trained to do many things. That’s what my new doggy door taught me. Dogs can be taught but how about humans?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
The Bible says God loved the world and wants to save people. It also states that the door to heaven and salvation is a narrow door. So how do we put these things together to make sense? Listen and consider.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Mirrors are a helpful tool to see your face. What do you see in the mirror when you are blind? What do other people see? Do you see the same thing?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
There are some things that are easy to do and other things that are difficult. Being blind presents certain limitations. It also can bring out some advantages. Does this relate or reflect to our walk with God? Listen and find out.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Many Bible stories are easy to understand. Putting the message into practice however, can be very difficult. Today’s episode looks at one such story and shares a life story of how he accomplished the Bible story.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
We read in the Bible, stories of God’s love. We hear from the Bible, stories of God at work in the lives of his people. Jesus did it 2000 years ago. He continues to do it today.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Whether it be a farm field or a city garden, weeds come up along with the desired crop. Weeds are unwanted plants that take up space and resources from the desired plants. Why not just pull up the weeds? Identifying weeds sometimes is hard. There is another natural option.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Bondage and lack of control are feared and not wanted. Independence and freedom are things we all want. physically things may not change, but spiritually they have and can change.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Pride has several aspects. Taking pride in one’s work is an acceptable type of pride. Wanting to be better than anyone else, at any cost is the deadly, dangerous, sinful type of pride. People forget or do not realize that this type of pride separates us from others.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Parents play the game of “peek-a-boo” with babies. It helps babies learn that a parent is not gone when not seen. Did you know spiritually the same lesson needs be learned?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Christians throughout the world face affliction and persecution. So did Paul, who wrote words of advice for us.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Doctors are able to remove cataracts that people might again physically see well. God removed Saul’s blindness that he might spiritually see well. Is there anything preventing you from seeing spiritually?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
There is a thing called night blindness. It prevents sighted people from seeing things at night or in dim light. Did you know there also is a blindness that prevents people from recognizing God at work in our lives?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Having hunger and satisfying it is part of being human. Basic food can nourish. Special foods can delight. But this holds true not just for the body but also the soul.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Most of the time skin is smooth and one color. When it is injured through work or an accident, it can bleed, scab over, or discolor when bruised. These marks are there for others to see. Does the soul have marks or scars? Does it bruise or discolor?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
When the snow melts; when the sun shines; when the temperature warms up; nature springs back to life. With this new life comes beauty. Besides enjoying this beauty, it can point us to spiritual life, which is similar and different, both at the same time.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
When a family has more than one child, the parents’ job can be challenging. They love them all, but do the kids know this? Do the kids realize this? Do they understand this? And what if you are the child that gets more attention; what then?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
There are many things that have changed in the past 500 years. The mode of transportation and construction of homes are just a few of these changes. Some things appear to change but haven’t. Instead our perception or view has changed. Today’s episode looks at change and constancy.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
The African impala has amazing jumping abilities. And yet, there are certain situations this cannot help him escape. A similar thing can be said of human beings. We have many abilities and qualities. Yet in certain situations this is not enough. Listen to learn how each can escape.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Feeding time for my three dogs is very interesting to say the least. But just suppose you add in a skunk? I learned something from them this week.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Two pigs ran to the third pig’s brick house for safety. What will the three little pigs do in an earthquake or foundation breaking drought? It may not be a wolf but lets face it, life happens.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
Snow is white, right? To those who do not see, snow is just cold messy and tough to walk in. So how do you describe the color white? Perhaps it can be done with the smell of garlic?
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
When government services are halted, many people go without a paycheck. In turn this impacts still others. It’s a tough reality. Spiritually there is a similar tough reality. It was resolved in a very unique way.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019
There is a task or action that each person does not like to do. Often it can be avoided, but there comes a time when it just has to be done. I don’t like shoveling snow. Listen what helped me.
Copyright, Dave Andrus 2019