That’s what happened to a young dog over the weekend, tied to a handicap parking sign at our church. I can’t help but wonder what went through the mind of someone as they were tying this precious dog to a pole in the middle of a rain storm. To be honest, my first reaction was, “How could anyone be so cruel?” I was so quick to judge the character of another human being as I stared into the eyes of an innocent dog that had no idea how his life had come to this point.
But isn’t this character true of many Christians today? So often, we become so wrapped up into our own lives that we abandon what Christ calls us to do; take care of the poor, the needy and the sick. As I was judging that individual, God revealed to me the many years my heart had turned the other way from helping others simply because I felt I was too busy.
Thanks be to God that He doesn’t think like we do. For three years, Jesus walked mile after mile healing thousands and feeding even more along the way. He never said I’m too busy, or too tired to deal with you. No, in fact what Jesus did say was, “I will never abandon you nor forsaken you.”
Whatever the motive was inside the person who left this dog, God intervened by stirring the heart of this individual and prompting them to leave the dog at a church. That’s the beauty about God. Despite our fallen state, God’s love for His creation always prevails.
You should see the love inside this dog. Forty eight hours ago, he was abandoned. Yet this morning he was actively looking for his owner and studying each home to see if it might be his. I know if the owner had pulled up in a car, this dog would have run to him with complete joy. He had already forgiven his owner for abandoning him even if the owner hadn’t forgiven himself. This is the kind of love Christ has for us even if we choose to abandon Him. As I write this, I can see how much a small little dog has taught me about unconditional love and forgiveness, two areas in my life that are constantly seeking divine change.
This sweet small dog needs a permanent home where he can count on a family to always be there and never leave him out in the rain. I pray for God to bring a special family to me but in the meantime, we will continue to provide for his needs.
If you know of someone who would like a small sweet dog, this one is special. God placed it on the heart of the owner to give it back to His church, a place where he won’t ever again be abandoned or forsaken.
“I will never abandon you as orphans-I will come to you.”
John 14:18
Email me if you or someone you know is interested: jenniferj63@gmail.com
Monday, September 19, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Finding Fullness in Christ
"People Helping People Find Fullness in Christ"
This is our mission statement at our church. We as Christians are supposed to help others find fullness in Christ. But what exactly does it mean to find fullness in Christ? Before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples He would never leave them as orphans. He also said to His disciples that if they loved Him and obeyed His commands, Jesus would ask the Father to give another Counselor to be with them and in them. What this means is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Almighty God will be with us and in us at all times.
When we experience fullness in Christ, we experience a power beyond our comprehension, a joy beyond our understanding and wisdom that takes us outside our limited human intellect. Our lives truly become transformed.
Has this happened to you? The Bible tells us that God has no favorites. Therefore, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do all things through Christ. So what is preventing this transformation from happening in many Christian lives today? We attend church and read the Bible, yet nothing happens. Why is this? How does one experience the fullness of Christ through the power of God’s Holy Spirit?
Be a part of a new four week Bible study this fall beginning October 5th (Wednesday evenings). The study is free beginning at 7pm to 8pm at Christ United Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. Over these four weeks, we will examine the workings of the Holy Spirit and learn to overcome obstacles that hinder God’s Spirit in our lives. God delights in having His children experience His Holy Spirit. The question is, are you ready, willing and able?
This is our mission statement at our church. We as Christians are supposed to help others find fullness in Christ. But what exactly does it mean to find fullness in Christ? Before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples He would never leave them as orphans. He also said to His disciples that if they loved Him and obeyed His commands, Jesus would ask the Father to give another Counselor to be with them and in them. What this means is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Almighty God will be with us and in us at all times.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)
When we experience fullness in Christ, we experience a power beyond our comprehension, a joy beyond our understanding and wisdom that takes us outside our limited human intellect. Our lives truly become transformed.
Has this happened to you? The Bible tells us that God has no favorites. Therefore, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do all things through Christ. So what is preventing this transformation from happening in many Christian lives today? We attend church and read the Bible, yet nothing happens. Why is this? How does one experience the fullness of Christ through the power of God’s Holy Spirit?
Be a part of a new four week Bible study this fall beginning October 5th (Wednesday evenings). The study is free beginning at 7pm to 8pm at Christ United Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. Over these four weeks, we will examine the workings of the Holy Spirit and learn to overcome obstacles that hinder God’s Spirit in our lives. God delights in having His children experience His Holy Spirit. The question is, are you ready, willing and able?
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