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.

Tuesday’s Devotion: Lost Routines

Isaiah 26:3-4 He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! Trust in the Lord always, for in the Lord, Jehovah, is your everlasting strength.

Last week it seemed that the forces were conspiring against me to prevent me from taking my morning walk.  It rained, I had early meetings, I felt pressured to get on into the office and work on End of Year Reports. Sunday afternoon Joe walked, I took a nap being just too tired to get out there. I’ve discovered that once I get out of the habit of getting out there, it takes more effort to make myself do it. For many people that’s the same with other aspects of life. You miss church a couple of Sundays for legitimate reasons then just slip out of the routine of faithful attendance.  The same could be with prayer and Bible reading.  We do it regularly, and then when something interrupts our routine we fall away.  Whether we’re walking for exercise or walking with the Lord, they are both necessary to our health and wholeness.  As we approach Lent lets resolve to be more faithful in our spiritual disciplines. While it might be nice to give up chocolate for Lent it would be even better to take up something that will help us be stronger individuals.

Lord, help us please to be more faithful in the spiritual disciplines of prayer, study and worship.  We need your encouragement every day to help us to do the right thing. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.

God Bless,

Paige