December 12, 2015 Today’s Musing – Walking Off-Leash

Adapted and used 8-20-20

Deuteronomy 5:33  You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.

Psalm 119:133 Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by any evil.

We took the dogs on a walk through the woods today.  This time of year is good for finding natural pathways.  We took along hand clippers and trimmed some briers and small branches clearing the way for future off-road walks.  We have trained Daisy to walk off-leash while we’re in our development which has little traffic.  It was a little scary at first to let her go. They are Jack Russells with very busy noses and a hunting instinct.  Before we ever let her go the first time we walked the dogs numerous times over all the roads and side trails in Whisper Mountain, showing them the boundaries and the way home.  Next I began to drop her leash for short periods of time, staying ready to grab it if she started going the wrong direction.  Finally we resorted to just carrying her leash in case we walked to the main road or if we needed it for any reason.  She often stays behind to sniff grass and will then come flying up past us.  Other times  she will lead the way home.  When Dino spots any wildlife – especially the rabbits or turkeys he tries to pull away and run after them so we have been slower to trust him.  Still today we dropped the leash for the longest period of time yet and he did well. 

All this reminded me of the freedom of choices that God gave humankind.  We have the gift of walking off-leash.  Occasionally if we have made God the Lord of our life he will grab the end of our leash to keep us from harm. God’s Word and the believers who surround and encourage us act as that training tool, setting boundaries, showing us the right paths and the way home to God’s loving care. 

Loving God, thank you for our freedom.  Teach us your ways and show us the paths we should walk so that we may live abundant and happy lives.  We ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.

When Jesus appears as the "least of these" USED

Modified and used 11-5-20

Matthew 25:34-40 (CEB)
³⁴ “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. ³⁵ I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. ³⁶ I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’
³⁷ “Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? ³⁸ When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
⁴⁰ “Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’

My morning devotion about the eternal love of Jesus reminded us that Jesus promises to be with us even to the end of the age.  However, often we only envision that as Jesus coming to us in times of our particular need.  Jesus also inhabits the lives of those in need - the vulnerable, the poor, the oppressed, the hurting, the lonely.  In what ways does Jesus come to us in the form of one of the "least of these?"  During this season when our hearts are especially in tune with love and giving, let's all pray for Jesus to reveal himself to us both in our need and in the needy. 

Come, Lord Jesus we pray.  Give us the opportunities both to feel your love and to share your love by loving and serving others, especially the least of those whom you claim as your brothers and sisters. Amen.