Three Dogs and Three Points

Today I saw an unusual sight driving home. It occurred as I drove by the dog pound in Eaton. They have an outside area that allows dogs to run and let off some energy. It is a place that you can take a prospective dog to interact with it outside, even perhaps taking it home with you.

There were two dogs that first got my attention as I drove by.

These two dogs were running from one corner to another having a great time. One was chasing and the other was being chased. As I watched them head into a corner they had to veer off quickly as a third dog, a larger, lab type dog was just sitting in the corner as if he/she were in a trance, focused on something else, almost looking up.

It may seem odd, but it reminds me of the christian life.

1 As Christian we are constantly being chased by the Devil. Listen, if you are doing anything for the Lord, the Devil will not be too far behind trying to discourage you or sway you from being obedient to your Master, the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Some Christians are chasing the Devil. If you are a believer living in disobedience to Christ; if you a trying to live as close to the world as you can yet still claim to be a follower of Christ, decide to turn to the Lord now.

3. I want to be a believer who is focused, like that ole dog in the corner, looking unto the heavens seeking to please the Master. It is easy to get discouraged if you are constantly looking at everyone else and comparing yourself to them, but when I keep my eyes on the Lord, the other things seem to pale in comparison and importance.

How about you?

^{Phil. 3:17} Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. ¹⁸ For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: ¹⁹ whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. ²⁰ For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Kool Aid , Cookies, and a Billfold

Do you remember your first Vacation Bible School? Can you remember how you anticipated that cup of kool aid and two cookies each night. Mom and dad kept in their garage for a long time, the frog I made out of busted up tile pieces.

I can still recall my young days at North Dayton Baptist Church with the pastor's wife, Lois as my teacher. I loved her. She had a heart for kids and taught us with a tender compassion. One of my more memorable events took place when she shared, that the first one to quote the books of the New Testament would receive a prize. I went home, and went though the books over and over, determined to be the first.

The moment of truth came, and by the Lord's grace, I raced through the New Testament successfully. The next day I received the gift. A billfold! I was so proud to receive the gift. I think it was her way of saying that all we have belongs to the Lord, so don't forget to tithe.

Another memory took place years earlier at the Northridge Baptist Church as we were allowed to fish in the baptistry. Not really, but if you brought a visitor, you could cast into the baptistry and reel in a prize. Your guest also could go fishing.

My prize. A wiffle ball! I loved it.

While many believe that innovation is a new thing in trying to reach kids with the gospel, I am grateful for those who taught me, and tried new things to motivate and encourage me as a young boy in church. Whether to learn a Scripture, quote the books, or simply to make a craft.

Pray for our teachers this week as we learn about Jesus at the Saddle Ridge Ranch Vacation Bible School. It takes special people to serve in this ministry, and I thank the Lord for a church full of special people.