Many years ago we were fortunate to get a Rottweiler puppy. We named her KD.
KD stood for Killer Dog. KD really was the polar opposite of her name. The kids were very little and the innocent puppy was very gentle with them. We knew that we had to train her quickly, as she was growing fast. One of my favorite things to do was to go on a walk with our double stroller. I plopped the kids into their seats and strapped them in, baby in the back and the toddler in the front. Of course, KD wanted to come with us. I had a long leash and decided to train KD to walk right next to the stroller. I cinched up her leash so she stayed in close. As she got bigger, I had no choice but to wrap her leash around my waist, because she was getting stronger and harder to manage. But she didn’t seem to mind, and stayed the course. KD got encouragement from me and the kids would gently pat her back. She would occasionally sneak a kiss on the kids when we stopped for a break. We were quite the crew.
When KD was almost full grown, she weighed 90 lbs. and being a Rott, she looked menacing. She was so strong and so thrilled to go for a walk, that when we were ready, and KD moved, it felt like that stroller got launched! It was amusing watching people anxiously cross the street as our unstoppable brigade approached. No one wanted to mess with that dog, even though she was on a leash and looked secure. KD and the kids were oblivious to how people were truly frightened. But I noticed. And I didn’t make a big deal of it. Occasionally, someone who was a big dog lover was so excited to see KD and pet her, talk with her and act like she was the greatest thing since sliced bread.
As the kids got older, and friends came over to play, most kids were a bit intimidated. And the parents were concerned. But as they warmed up to KD, she knew it and sensed it. One thing she always did, when she liked someone was to come over and sit on his or her foot. They would always be taken aback at her tender heart.
Forgive us Father that We the Church tend to avoid menacing people. Ones that look so intimidating, we would rather not mess with them. So, Our tendency is to anxiously cross the street, avoiding them all together.
Forgive Us Father that We the Church can view sin in our lives as little and innocent and gentle as a puppy. Yet without repentance, it eventually is on a leash wrapped around our waist, because it’s getting stronger and harder to manage.
Like a Killer Dog. (Romans 8:13)
Forgive Us Father that We the Church can sometimes act like the polar opposite of Our Name. And we sometimes are not gentle with the new babies and toddlers that are in Christ, neglecting their quick need for Biblical training.
Maybe we forgot that You notice Us, even when We think You are oblivious to Our sometimes frightening life circumstances.
Maybe We forgot that one of Your favorite things to do is to go on life’s walk right next to Us. So We can stay the course.
Maybe We forgot that You give Us a very long “leash”, but sometimes You cinch it in so that We stay close. (Hebrews 12:5-11)
Come over and sit at His feet. Be thrilled at His strength.
Be moved by His mercy, grace and forgiveness.
Be taken aback by His tender heart. (Luke 1:78-79)
We are fortunate to have the Holy Spirit.
He is a big lover of Us. He is so excited to talk to Us.
He thinks We are the greatest thing since sliced bread.
With Him, We are quite the crew.
An unstoppable brigade.
Plop into His seat. Strap Yourself in. Be ready to get launched.
PRAY FOR:
There are many events happening this coming week (Jan 19-21) in Washington DC.
Pray for His hand of amazing protection for the following specific areas: Arlington Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, US Capitol, Pennsylvania Ave (where the parade is), Washington National Cathedral, Greater New Hope Baptist Church (prayer event)
PRAY FOR:
There are National Faith Leaders speaking at the inauguration. They include:
Bishop Wayne Johnson, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Rabbi Marvin Hier (founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center) Pastor Paula White and Rev Franklin Graham. Pray that the Lord God Almighty will be glorified and the gospel will be proclaimed!!!
Expect revival to happen!!! Pray for salvation and rededication for multitudes throughout the world!!! Millions and millions will be watching worldwide!!!
PRAY FOR:
All of the Secret Service, Police, Military, who are setting up security right now.
Pray for their eyes and ears to see problems in advance and correct them.
Pray the evil plans of men and women who want to destroy or terrorize be thwarted, uncovered, exposed, revealed and dealt with immediately.
PRAY FOR:
His Incredible Peace to be on Washington DC in this time of transition.
For His favor to continue on this Great Nation.
PRAY FOR:
Our health (Craig and me)
Let me know what you think. Email me at shellynotw@gmail.com.