Today is Friday, November 13th, 2009; Karen's Korner #1695

This is something written by former Clarion resident Chris Lousias. Pray for Chris as she ventures out with a handful of others in the next few days on a short-term mission trip to northern Italy where the 'tiny group of American missionaries' prepare to bring a 'Thanksgiving feast of God's love and care' to a sister church there.

 

 


The Tail of Two Views


 


Song Of Solomon 8:6:  "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame."


 


I’m in a situation where I may have to “put the cat down”. I have one of the fellows on call at the office who doesn’t mind “taking care of things like that”.  Now when I needed to dispatch Muga the Dog, there was no option but to take her to the vet, be with her, cry with her and hate every moment.  I’m lying in bed and thinking; “why so heartless with the cat, but not the dog?”


 


The cat is a part of the household, but not really.  The only time she let’s me know I am needed or loved is when the food bowl is empty.  She has an auto feeder and auto waterer, so I don’t get that sort of attention every day…maybe every fifth day.  She comes and goes at will, but she is always on the porch when I come home from work, so there is the reminder that yes, I do have a cat.


 


The new dog (Zeke!) on the other hand is hopping up and down, butt in the air with tail wagging and unfortunately giving spontaneous kisses as soon as he sees me. He follows my every footstep, politely plays with his toys at my feet as I do dishes or sit down to read and unashamedly I admit he cuddles with me in bed. There is most definitely more intimacy and more interaction with the dog so I naturally have more affection towards the dog.


 


In lieu of all this sleepless thought, it dawned on me that this is how a lot of Christians treat their relationship with Jesus. The “cat” approach would be to get His attention when we needed something or perhaps just once a week for an hour on Sunday. The “dog” approach would to be falling all over ourselves to be with Jesus, to please Him and to never let Him out of our sight any hour of the day.


 


I can’t wait to get home to Zeke. He makes me feel loved. I also can’t wait to get into God’s Word after I do my obligatory work-to-get-paid job. Sometimes it’s frustrating to settle on just one part of the Book for the night because I just want to gobble it all down! I am constantly talking to Him during the day. It’s become so natural; I become acutely aware when I am NOT talking to Him.  I am excited to start a new day. I always say: “God, what do you have in store for You and me today?  You are so fun to hang out with!”


 


If I see the cat when I get home I ALWAYS think, “Okay, she is still around, better get another bag of food next time I hit Wal-Mart."


 


When it comes to your Christianity and your love for Jesus are you a “cat” or a “dog”?


 

My Lover Jesus, my heart pounds for You and You alone. My desire is only fueled more when I come into Your presence. Oh God, ignite MORE and MORE of You in Your people. Help them to BURN for You Jesus. Let love for Your Son roll as a wildfire across Your Church, oh God!  In His Precious name, Amen.

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