He Maketh Me To Lie Down
Yesterday, we took Tess on a 4-mile hike. Oh, what an exciting time she had. There were so many interesting smells and tantalizing crevices to explore. And let’s not forget the sheep to chase (though she could only chase so much as she was on a leash). We climbed hills, crossed bridges, and covered every kind of terrain from tarmac to forest floor and rock. She was so alert and attentive the entire time, I knew she would be exhausted when we got home.
Follow After Peace
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and the things wherewith one may edify another. - Romans 14:19
Sometimes we have to say no to what we want for the greater good of a brother or sister in Christ or even for the furtherance of the ministry. In this passage of scripture, the object was meat—whether it was good or bad, lawful or not. In our situation, the issue may not revolve around food, but there may be other Christian liberties that need to be set aside for the sake of peace.
The Valley of Distraction
Typically, walking with Tess is a piece of cake. She doesn’t pull on the leash. She minds well when I tell her to leave something alone. In general, she’s very chill. This morning’s walk, however, offered several more challenges to tempt and distract my well-mannered terrier.
The first distraction came from the stinky leakage left behind by the trash trucks. I don’t know what the appeal is, but I haven’t had a single dog that could pass by without wanting to roll around in that nasty goop. Gross!
Doing God’s Work in Tight Places
We often give Gideon a hard time because he was hiding from the enemy, but from what I can see, he was the only one still working. Sure, he was hiding, but he was also trying to make sure the people of Israel had some food left after the current raid. Yes, he was in the wrong place, but he was making the best of a terrible situation.
Like Father, Like Daughter
I think we’re all probably familiar with the story of Caleb in the Bible. He and Joshua were the two spies among the twelve who were confident they could take the land of Canaan despite the giants in the land. Of course, they were overruled, which led to a forty-year-long detour through the wilderness.
After all the wandering was done and the lands were divided up among the tribes, Caleb steps up to Joshua and asks for the land that was promised to him. He had been faithful and trusted the Lord, and now, at the ripe old age of 85, he wanted what was his. So, without hesitation, he strode up to Joshua and requested it.