Sunday, July 09, 2006

A Dog In The Hand - Proverbs 139:9 &10

Shortly after I adopted Morgan, he became deathly sick. His next days were spent in "doggie ICU". Thankfully, he healed. Thrilled to have him back, I brought him home and let him out to do his business.
The next thing I knew, he'd gone AWOL.
I live in a hilly area. My south-side neighbor's yard is lower than mine. Wire fencing separates our properties. Morgan found a gap in that fence and slipped through, doubtlessly lured by some bird or squirrel. He was having a ball!
I was having a fit!
Who knew if the next yard was gated? What if Morgan got out of that one too? He hadn't had time to learn the neighborhood. Suppose he took off? Would he vanish forever? Never mind my investment in vet bills-I had lost my heart to this dog. I feared in the time it took to run through my house and around to my neighbor's house my little guy might be gone. Heart in mouth, I squeezed through the same gap in the fence and jumped down after him.
Somehow, I landed without breaking a limb and gathered the little runaway into my arms. Sighing with relief, I carried him out to the street. Only then did I realize I had locked myself out.
Though the back door was open, my front door wasn't. The gate to my yard was locked too. I couldn't hoist Morgan over the top of the gate or squeeze him underneath. I had no leash to tie him up. In my panic, I didn't think to leave him with a neighbor. I seized on the only option I saw; to climb over the gate with my dog in my arms.
Folks, do not try this at home, but by God's grace, I made it. I hadn't lost Morgan. He had been at risk-like the time I nearly got myself and several others killed.
I had just finished college, I was still a young Christian, and I wanted to grow in my faith. I seized a chance to work on a training program at a Christian ministry. Before I left home, I took driving lessons and my parents bought me a car.
Since few on the program had wheels, the car got plenty of use. As a brand-new driver, I was still a bit tentative and nervous. At times I let someone else take the wheel and played passenger instead. That would have ben a good idea one particular day.
I didn't realize the cold medication I'd taken could affect my driving. I was leaving the ministry with a carload of people. I had to turn left onto a busy mountain highway. Thinking I had checked both ways, I hit the gas. I never noticed the car on my right, speeding toward me down the mountain.
The other driver swerved to avoid us, spinning his car toward the mountain's edge. They could have been killed. We all could have been killed if the cars had collided. But none of us were even scratched. God surely held us fast that day-it was a miracle!
My Master kept holding me fast in the days and weeks that followed. He knew I was still in trouble. Though I was physically unharmed, my psyche was chopped liver. Guilt and horror flooded me as I thought of the carnage I had nearly caused. I sank into depression. Our mountainous setting had some drops, and I still recall gazing over the edge of one, wishing I had the guts to jump. Deep down, I knew I wouldn't go that far, but I longed to be out from under the smothering blanket of gloom that seemed as though it would never lift.
During all of this, God held me close...this time, through His people.
Caring Christians enfolded me with their prayers, encouragement, and counsel. They knew when to give me space and when to talk turkey. When the time was right, they urged me to learn from my mishap and move forward. A friend kept my car for awhile, and then slowly got me back in to driving-which I'd thought would never happen. Christ's body became the arms of His love. In time, I healed because, though I'd lost my grip, God hadn't. He grips me still.
I kept Morgan close because I loved him. Years later, I still hold him fast. But one day death will take him from me. I am powerless to stop it. Not so my Master. He gave His Son to break death's hold on me. His word assures me that nothing can ever separate me from His love. I am safe in His hand, and He will hold me close forever.

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given then to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my father's hand. I and the Father are one. John 10:27-30

CONSIDER THIS ~ Have there been times when you were at risk and God held you fast? What did you learn about His love? His power? His faithfulness? How might God use you as His hand to lift up someone else?

Credits do not belong to me, this was written by those authoring the book "Four Paws from Heaven", M.R. Wells, Kris Young & Connie Fleishauer

Monday, July 03, 2006

BUT WHY

I was thirteen years old,
so innocent and free.
My father and I
What a pair we would be.

Hanging Christimas lights,
Painting houses at his side.
Spending time together
Next to him I would abide.

One spring day things took a turn
As my father sat by me.
He apologized for his actions
In which I had yet to see.

He told me of his leaving
Reasons why he could not stay.
None made any sense to me
I had no choice but say okay.

One by one he removed his things
As tears streamed down my face.
I remember asking, "Must you leave?"
And saw a look of true disgrace.>
I tightly clung to his jammies
He'd left on the floor.
And asked God "But why?"
As he walked out the door.

My heart felt a tearing
As my face stung in pain.
I assessed what was happening
And knew I'd nothing to gain.

Without looking back
The door closed behind him.
I gently clutched my sweet sister
While our lives looked so grim.

Our world suddenly shaken
It truly was tough.
But we had eachother
Somehow, that was enough.

'Til this day we are close
My sweet sister and I.
But not many days go by
That I don't ask, "But why?"