Obedience

Yesterday I was at the Farmer's Market and had the opportunity to watch many people pass by. Yes, I do love to people watch. One man and his pet not only obtained my attention, but others around me as well. This man had his chocolate lab walking beside him with no leash, yes- no leash. This dog was glued to his master; the dog kept his eyes in eager anticipation of his master simultaneously listening to his leading. Every time the dog listened out popped a yummy doggy treat. As I watched, a joy filled my heart to how loyal this dog was and how joyfully in tune he was with his master. As I mentioned previously, many people were smiling at this dog and the dog got a lot of attention. Think of a dog that is out of control, people don't watch and smile they get the heck out of that dog's way. Stick with me....Later the man talked with me and I talked of how well-trained his dog was. The master proceeded to tell me, this was not always the case. At one time this dog was so unruly he was about ready to put the dog to sleep, much to my surprise. He talked as well that once he and the dog went to obedience class- not only was the dog receiving training, but his master was as well. For most of this story, I thought of how this looks when we as God's children are obedient to our Father. Hopefully His light will be shining through us as we look to Him and anticipate His voice- that others may see and be drawn to it. We don't want to be unruly children- the ones that people want to get the heck away from- so unruly that severe chastisement may be there. Holy Spirit, please fill us with You- may we eagerly anticipate Your voice, that we may obey- for You know the right way. "To Thee I lift up my eyes, O Thou who art enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He shall be gracious to us." Psalm 123:1-2.

The Far Reaching Waters of Life

September 6 Utmost for His Highest

"He who believes in Me...out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38).

A river reaches places which its source never knows. And Jesus said that, if we have received His fullness, "rivers of living water" will flow out of us, reaching in blessing even "to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8) regardless of how small the visible effects of our lives may appear to be. We have nothing to do with the outflow- "This is the work of God, that you believe...(John 6:29). God rarely allows a person to see how great a blessing he is to others.
A river is victoriously persistent, overcoming all barriers. For a while it goes steadily on its course, but then comes to an obstacle. And for a while it is blocked, yet it soon makes a pathway around the obstacle. Or a river will drop out of sight for miles, only later to emerge again even boarder and greater than ever. Do you see God using the lives of others, but an obstacle has come into your life and you do not seem to be of any use to God? Then keep paying attention to the Source, and God will either take you around the obstacle or remove it. The river of the Spirit of God overcomes all obstacles. Never focus your eyes on the obstacle or the difficulty. The obstacle will be a matter of total indifference to the river that will flow steadily through you if you will simply remember to stay focused on the Source. Never allow anything to come between you and Jesus Christ- not emotion nor experience- nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source.
Think of the healing and far0reaching rivers developing and nourishing themselves in our souls! God has been opening up wonderful truths to our minds, and every point He has opened up is another indication of the wider power of the river that He will flow through us. If you believe in Jesus, you will find that God has developed and nourished in you mighty, rushing rivers of blessing for others.

Amen~!