The other day, a friend of mine (Linda) left the house
for only a few minutes. When she returned she was welcomed by a comical
scene. Her male dog, Buddy, appeared with evidence from a spilt waste
basket. This produced a mild irritation, as inspection of the home found
that waste baskets in two rooms had been pillaged by the rambunctious beagle.
After proper scolding, Linda walked into the kitchen
where an amusing sight greeted her. Their female Jack Russell Terrier,
Brandi was cowering in the corner with a dog treat box totally enveloping her
head. She (or they) had gotten the treat box off the counter, and then
she managed to get it open to reach the goodies inside. Not knowing how
to tip the box and empty the treats out, she had forced her head in seeking the
taste she craved. She reached the treats, but could not then get her head
back out of the box.
What makes this scene even more comical is the condition
of the other end of the box. Teeth marks and jagged tears indicated what
must have happened next. Seeing his friend’s head stuck in the box set
Buddy in motion. Quick action was required! Brandi was getting all
those treats, and he was not going to miss out on his fair share. So he
tore through the other end of the box to release those trapped treats. If
opening up the box helped Brandi by providing air and light, it was all the
better.
Even with having consumed a nearly full box of dog treats
Brandi and Buddy did not miss a beat and began begging for dinner. Linda
chose not to add more to the already full stomachs. Later that
evening, she consented to a half-portion of dinner.
After laughing until I hurt from the images these events
created, (Oh, for a hidden video camera) I began to ponder the implications of
similar actions in the spiritual realm. These thoughts quickly became
quite sobering.
It’s not that Brandi sought anything that was in itself
bad. In fact the treats she took were something her master had purchased
specifically for the two dogs. They were intended as rewards and a taste
to delight. The problem arose from acting without the master’s consent or
authority. They did not allow the master to determine when or how many of
these treats were in their best interest. They did not know that filling their
stomach with these treats would then leave no room for the balanced nutrition
of their dog food.
Although God never leaves us, there are times when we go
off on our own without truly speaking with Him. There was a time when I
was more likely to pick up a book of scripture verses called a pocket promise
book, then I was to truly seek God, Himself concerning situations in my life.
Other times, I only want to read comforting Psalms. But there is much
more I need to learn from other areas of the Bible. Both my promise book
and Psalms are full of the Word of God. They are truly gifts from
Him. But I need to trust Him for direction and comfort in times of
greatest need. Let us then
fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the
throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we
may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in
good time for every need [appropriate help and
well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. (Hebrews
4:16 AMP) It is in my approaching Him that I gain the most. “In
all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will
direct and make straight and plain your paths.” (Proverbs
3:6 AMP)
God is the Master of my life. The blessings and
promises will be fulfilled in my life at the perfect time. Other lessons,
whether from the Word or through circumstances, must be learned in order to
maintain a well-balanced spiritual life. As we walk in His way, we will
be properly fed. Jesus said to them, “My food is
to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his
work.” (John 4:34 AMP) As we seek God and His plans we will receive
all blessings. ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew
6:33 ESV)
Look to the Father to receive that perfect balance
of food and treats. Follow His ways and you can proudly wear the helmet
of salvation (Ephesians 6) and a crown of grace (Proverbs 4). You will
never have the embarrassment of wearing a pillaged treats box. You will
be blessed!
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