Dogs

I love dogs, I always have. It doesn't matter if they are big, small or medium. I like shaggy, curly, sleek or smooth. Color doesn't matter either. I really cannot remember a time when I didn't have at least one dog as part of my family.

I love their loyalty and love and devotion. I love how quickly they forgive. I love how I am the most important thing to my dogs. I love they comfort they offer when I am sad. I love the joy they bring when they play.

We had two dogs that went everywhere with us. Recently, the oldest one got sick. He had had cancer and arthritis. He couldn't see very well either. His cancer had progressed to the point where he was very uncomfortable all the time. He whimpered which broke my heart. We were on a trip through Connecticut so I found a vet there not too far from the truckstop and called them.

They told me to come right over so Chucky went for his last truck ride. He never did get to see the state of Montana, and now never would.

He was given a shot and very quickly went to sleep in my arms. I cried and cried and still do sometimes.

We still have our girl, Lucy. She is pretty old as well. But since Chuck is gone she is much more loved by us.

How can anyone care so much for an animal?

Do you love people that way? If not, why? Why don't we care about people as much as we do our animals? 

I think I know. I have been hurt by people. They often are not very loyal. People don't always love unconditionally and seldom forgive easily. And it seems almost as if you are hurting, sad or going through trials that they avoid you as if you may be contagious.

We cannot help how other people treat us. But we can and should help how we treat others.

Is there someone today that you can encourage or inspire? Is their someone you know that really needs to hear a kind word? Can you bring someone a little joy just by lending an ear for a few moments or praying for them so that they can hear?

Give it a try. Open yourself up to a blessing.

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10 ESV)

Why did Jesus tell this story?

Two women come to the ladies meeting at church. 

Laura, is a long time Christian. She runs a Christian daycare. Her kids go to the Christian academy. Her husband is a deacon in the church. She sings in the choir. She helps in the nursery. She brings the best dishes to the potluck dinners. 

Penny is a new Christian. She works at the local pizza place that also serves beer. Her son is in the alternative school. Her daughter is in the tenth grade in public school and works at the sandwich shop. Penny's husband is not in the picture. She wants to sing in the choir. She would love to work in the church nursery. She doesn't stay for the potluck dinners.

At the start of the meeting, the leader asks for a volunteer to pray. Laura jumps up.

Dear Almighty Father in Heaven, We are grateful to be gathered here to be able our work for you. 

I thank you that we can do so much for You. Thank You for all the talent that most of these ladies have to make this church great. Amen

At the end of the meeting the leader called on Penny to pray. She was scared. She never prayed out loud before.

Dear God. Thank You for loving us. Thank you for a chance to serve You. We want You to be honored and all glory is yours. Amen

Friends, forget the Hokey Pokey, it's ALL about Jesus. We are alive because of Him. Our lives should be reflecting Him. Everything we do, think and say should be about Him. 

However, we are not perfect, so He gives us grace and mercy. I am nothing without Him.

Do your best work, give your best gifts, use your best words for Him, to bring Him glory and honor. Be humble.

If you are blowing your own horn or thinking you are better than someone else, you are just an arrogant fool and everyone notices.

Jesus told a story to some people who thought they were better than others and who looked down on everyone else: Two men went into the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood over by himself and prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not greedy, dishonest, and unfaithful in marriage like other people. And I am really glad that I am not like that tax collector over there. I go without eating for two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all I earn.” The tax collector stood off at a distance and did not think he was good enough even to look up toward heaven. He was so sorry for what he had done that he pounded his chest and prayed, “God, have pity on me! I am such a sinner.” (Luke 18:9-13 CEV)

Delight

How many times have you stated, "I just want to be happy?" 

Do you really mean that?

Have you ever been playing with a child or a baby and they smile or laugh and you get a feeling inside of you that almost makes you cry tears of joy or makes your heart feel like it's bursting with happiness?

That is delight.

Delight is wonderful. It feels great and it didn't cost you a cent.

These heart bursting flashes of joy could come at any time.

And the great thing is, once the baby sees your delight they keep trying to get the reaction from you. They try to bring you more joy and laughter.

Psalm 37:4 tells us to delight ourselves in The Lord. We are to have "heart bursting joy, and happiness" in knowing God. For example, seeing the sunset, the ocean, or a baby.

Just feeling His love and blessings on us. And it doesn't cost a cent.

The verse goes on to tell us that He will give us the desires of our heart. In other words, He will continue to give us flashes of joy and happiness, times of delight. He wants to see that reaction in us. He wants us to love His blessings. 

Delight yourself in Him today and let Him bring more and more joy to your heart.

Your Mission

Do you remember the old tv show, Mission Impossible? The Impossible Mission Team, headed up by Dan Briggs, played by Peter Graves would be sent a recorded message. They would listen to the mission and then it would smoke and burn up.

I loved that show.

As Christians, we have a mission from God. It is found in Matthew 28:19&20. We are to Go, Preach, Baptize and Teach.

It is certainly not a secret mission but sometimes we act like it is impossible.

Are you going somewhere today?

Tell someone about Jesus. Or just mention how grateful for are for Jesus's love and mercy.

You know faith comes by hearing. People need to hear.

Once someone is baptized, washing away thei sin, they need additional teaching so that they can Go, Preach, Baptize and Teach.

Will you accept this mission?

Sign seen in a church nursery

Church Serving

As we travel around visiting other church congregations we take notice to their bulletins and announcements and try to get a feeling for how things are there.

Recently as I was filling out the visitors card, there was a section that said:

I am interested in: 

A. Becoming a member

B. being contacted by the elders

C. Being part of a support group

D. Serving The Lord 

After these choices it was followed up with a question asking in which areas of services they would be most interested and gave several choices such as, helping in the nursery, helping in the kitchen area, yard work, cleaning, transporting the sick to app'ts., calling on sick members, and the list went on.

At first I thought, people are going to think that as soon as they start coming here they will have to work. But then I thought, why not?

It will help them to feel needed and accepted and a part of it all. AND,

If you want to be part of the church, then you MUST be doing the work of The Lord that needs done, you must be a servant in His kingdom.

I have heard it said that in the church 10% of the people do 90% of the work. I believe that statement. I have seen this in about every congregation.

This is why our churches aren't growing as they should. Too many people would rather sit back and say, "church serve us," rather than be a serving church.

Do not grow weary in doing good.

I have heard people say, I am just burnt out, or I've done that for years someone else can do it now, or I get criticized every time I do something. The excuses go on and on, but the Bible says,

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, "always abounding in the work of the Lord," knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB)

Always abounding..... In the work of The Lord. 

Do you know what that means?

What does always mean? Look it up.

What does abounding mean? Look it up

Your toil will not be in vain. Yes, you may get tired and/or frustrated and wonder when you will be able to rest. The Bible gives us that answer too,

For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. (Hebrews 4:10 NASB)

In other words, when we die. We will have our rest then.

There is a job for each of us. God needs us. When we are the church, we are serving. 

I am honored to be used by God. I can never do enough for Him. He has done so much for me.

And I serve Him in love and obedience, not out of compulsion or because I think I can earn salvation. 

No, salvation is a free gift from Him. There is nothing I could ever do to earn it.

End of your rope?

I just asked someone how they were and got the response, "I'm at the end of my rope."

Wow, how do you respond to that?

So I just listen. Most people just want someone to listen , to really hear what they have to say.

Many people are worriers. And we really do have certain areas that cause us extra worry, like food, shelter, money .

The lack of any of these can cause great anxiety.

The book of Matthew in the 6th chapter teaches us that before we start to worry we should be seeking the Kingdom of God.

Jesus knew the things that people tend to worry about. Remember, He understands us. But He is also telling is what is more important, the kingdom.

Let's try real hard when things seem so bleak for us, to look to Him and say, "It's all about Jesus. How can You use me Lord even in my weaknesses? 

I trust You and believe You when You tell me that if I am seeking after You, You will take care of me."

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32 NASB)