A Walk on the Wild Side

IDOK DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2008

As I begin, he’s on his way back to the office. Two extra days at home makes retirement look sweeter and sweeter! Thank you for your prayers.
As the hour is getting late and rather than give you a re-run, how about a guest writer today? This devotion is entitled A Thorn in the Paw (pages 26 and 27) from the book entitled Meditations for Dog Lovers by James Dyet. I hope you enjoy it. I know a certain someone will who is back at the office today; it’s his book but I don’t think he has read this particular one yet.
A Thorn in the Paw
The HIGHLINE CANAL snakes its way through Littleton, Colorado, and draws residents to its cottonwood-lined banks for a hike or leisurely stroll. Coloradans call it a canal, but midwesterners and easterners would call it a ditch. After all it is quiet narrow and rarely has any water. So it is a safe place to walk with small children or dogs.
Molly and I hiked the Highline Canal trail one beautiful fall day alongside the Highland Ranch Golf Course. Being an avid golfer, I used the occasion to saunter off the trail and into the rough in search of lost golf balls. Molly tagged along behind me–jauntily at first, but then haltingly. When she stopped walking, I thought she was tired, but then I discovered a thorn in her right front paw.
Guilt overwhelmed me. Why had I ventured off the trail and taken Molly into an area of spindly grass, yucca, thistles, cacti, and other prickly weeds? Even if I had found a hundred Titleist golf balls, they would not have compensated for Molly’s injury. The best I could do at the moment was console her, pick her up, and carry her the long mile back to our origination–my daughter’s and son-in-law’s house where tweezers would remove the thorn.
The walk back to the house taught me a few things: (1) Molly was heavier than I expected; (2) my back was weaker than I expected; (3) golf balls hit into the rough should stay where they land; and (4) I would never lead Molly astray again.
Good Dogma
Unlike a dog on a leash, every human being has chosen to stray from God and walk in sin (Isa. 53:6). As a result of that choice, we inflicted great harm on ourselves. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, launched a search and rescue mission on our behalf. Upon finding us, He picked us up and carried us home (Luke 15:1-5).
Now, as His followers, we can walk with Jesus anywhere. He never leads us astray. The path may seem rough at times, but He never lets anything harm us. Lets enjoy the walk!
A Bible Treat
When He [the Good Shepherd] has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice. John 10:4.
I like the way Mr. Dyet listed the things he learned from his walk on the ‘wild side’. When you and I make a detour from the trail (path) that Abba has placed us on, we would do well to list those things we have learned and endeavor to not repeat those mistakes. Many, many blessings to each of you today.
Isaiah 53: 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Luke 15: Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
Abba, thank You for James Dyet and the insights You have given him; thank You for the insights You give each of us. I pray for us today that we will set our faces to stay on Your Path today. Thank You for wholeness and healing for Jerry and for these listed here. Thank You for the paths that You have individually chosen for each us and thank You that You allow no harm to come to us. Thank You for protecting our IDOK Troops today; thank You for loving them and caring for them perfectly. Thank You for Your comfort and peace that You have for each and every family and friend who is waiting for them to come home. Thank You for Your Plan for Israel and we pray for Her Peace. We pray for America for repentance and restoration to the Nation You birthed us to be. We pray for both political candidates that You will take to the Oval Office that one who will do Your Will in restoring America to holiness. Give ourselves to You today and we pray for Your Will to be accomplished. Amen and amen. Tye B. Joann. Sheri, Tyler, Hannah. Edie. Ann J. Bernie. Malpas Family. Darlene. Rachel. W C and family. Richard and Emma and family. Chris B. Maggie and Family. Josh. Donnie S. Renee’. Cathy’s friend and son. Odessa H. Kathy S. Glen Beck. Tonya and family. Dall T. Dylan. Marsha’s grand-baby. Kathy N. Kyle A. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Terri. Kim T. Kevin and the children. Lisa’s Mother. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Pattie S. Vickie. Lisa W. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Toy and family. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn. Larry and Claudia and family. Taylor & family. David & Allison. Jeanette and Earl and family. Libby and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Cynthia. Martha F and Bob. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sharron and family. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa. Brad, Lindsay, Karah and Haley. Chuck. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance and Baby. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Adam & Family. Andrew. Cindy, Sharron and Tonya’s houses to sell.
Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about
Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family. Every IDOK church.
The Peace of Israel
Revival in America.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Brant W. Christopher R. Joshua M. Brent. Drew. Justin G. Kyle N. Michael K. Sgt. Bozicevich. Bay N.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Albert R III.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Tommy T. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Lee. George.Travis N. Hawk.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony. Hector
Hospitalized outside USA: Corpl. Light. Bradley T.
Military at home adjusting – Tim. Mack. The 226. Troy. Brad. Tommy. Desi. Edward J. Lyndon A. Jason G.
Civilian in Country – Lee.
As I post this it is °F and in & the time there is – on July 16, 2008 (web site down today)
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