Just Bark! James 4:2

Unhappy dog

Last night I was editing the second edition of my first novel. Buddy wanted my attention, so he knocked over my waste can.

Now a normal dog would bark for attention. Not my dog! He knocks things over: dry brushes, bottles, books, the paper shredder—anything upright within the reach of his nose. To my horror one afternoon, he even knocked over my folding ladder. He likely enjoyed the satisfying “BANG!” when it hit my balcony deck. I, however, quickly turned the ladder into its side as Buddy was fortunate it didn’t fall back into him. A steel ladder hitting an almost twenty pound dog is not a good thing.

No challenge for Buddy!

James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote one of the New Testament books. He warned that God doesn’t give what we ask for in prayer because our motives are wrong.

However, James notes in Chapter 4, verse 2: “You do not have because you do not ask.”

Jesus was grieved because the people of His hometown didn’t believe in His Deity. Since he lived most of His life in Nazareth, they were accustomed to His unusual nature and didn’t recognize that He was anyone special, not just a prophet but God Himself.

“And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He wondered at their unbelief.”—Mark 6:5-6

Jesus was (and is) “God with us (Matthew 1:23).” He is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15)” through Whom “all things were created, both in the heavens and on the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him (1:16).” Why? “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form (vs 2:9).”

Jesus is part of the Trinity, God Almighty. There is nothing He cannot do for “Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).” So why couldn’t He perform many miracles in his hometown of Nazareth?

The people didn’t ask. They didn’t believe He was God Who could answer their requests or meet their needs and desires.

We often think we must get God’s attention first to get our prayers answered. Like Buddy, we think we need to make a big noise or knock something over. That we have to prove ourselves worthy by being “good enough” or emulating the “Phantom Christian” by accomplishing some spectacularly great work.

The Church often doesn’t encourage us to just humbly ask God to meet our needs and desires. We hear stories about Christians who dig wells in Africa to provide a community with clean water or someone who is never shy about sharing their faith and leads dozens to Christ each year. Or the family who fosters dozens of kids. We’re told that we “can do all things through (Christ) Who strengthens (us) (Philippians 4:13).” So we think we should be able to measure up to the example of “Super Christians” if we just had enough faith.

So we get discouraged, thinking we don’t measure up to God’s lofty standards.

But what did the Apostle Paul say?

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).”

Pastor Dr. Charles Stanley says that the Greek word for “workmanship” in the above verse is actually “masterpiece”. We are all created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) for His purposes. He designed each of us to be a unique individual for the good deeds He wants us to do.

Which means He’ll enable some people to be missionaries and some to be loving dads; some to paint spectacular paintings portraying Jesus walking on water and others to play basketball with the neighborhood kids; some to care for aging or dying loved ones and others to rescue animals.

God designed each of us to fit a unique spot in His great puzzle of life. For the puzzle to look right, each piece must rest in its proper place. And every piece is important, whether a corner piece or one with lots of colors or one that’s got the same color as a dozen others.

If just one piece is missing or is trying to fit in the wrong location, the puzzle won’t look right, no matter how large it is.

So know that we are saved by God to be in a loving relationship with Him. Multiple times Jesus declared that we will receive if we just ask in His name.

If you’re a child of God, you don’t need to prove to Him that you’re worthy of His love. God loves His kids.

Just bark!

God bless you.

Much love from Dawn and Buddy

PS. Like any loving parent, God doesn’t want to encourage wrong behavior, so He won’t answer your prayers if you’re refusing to obey Him. If He’s telling you to stop something, He’ll give you time to repent before He disciplines you. As our great Shepherd, He promises to “lead us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3).”

But please don’t stress. We cannot be perfect in this lifetime in our sinful bodies, living in a sin sick world. We’re declared righteous through faith in Christ. You know when you’re allowing “presumptuous sins to rule over you (Psalm 19:13).” God loves you. He only wants what’s best for you. Obeying Him always keeps you on the best path for your life.

***

Jesus promises that “your Heavenly Father (will) give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13).” You see, we’re born spiritually dead, devoid of God’s Holy Spirit Who gives us eternal life. That’s why we sin.

We sin because we need new hearts changed by the power of the Spirit of God.

If you’re tired of sabotaging your life, or realize that your soul is empty and incomplete, please ask God to enter and transform your life. You don’t need to “clean up your act” first. The Holy Spirit will begin that process when You invite Jesus to be your God and Savior.

Ready? Let’s pray!

Dear Heavenly Father, Please forgive my sin. I want to live for You. I ask Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Please change my heart and life by giving me the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises that I only need to ask. Help me to grow in faith. Thank you for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you prayed, congratulations, you are born again. Please join a Bible based church or Bible study and get baptized. Your soul needs soul food, the word of God, just as your body needs daily food to be healthy.

If that’s not possible right now, I recommend these three ministries, which also have apps if that’s your preference: http://www.InTouch.org, http://www.LTW.org and http://www.AndrewFarley.org. There are other godly ministries, but these are my favorites. It’s easy to be misled till you know the Bible.

May Buddy and I see you in heaven.

Living On The Devil’s Turf, Colossians 1:13-14

Buddy staring at me.

As you now know, Buddy once lived a life of abuse till a Silky Terrier breeder rescued and fostered him. I’m forever grateful that she connected me with for my goofy pal.

The Christian church has been doing a poor job, in my opinion, in explaining to people why they must follow Jesus or need to repent of their sin. Of how to connect with their rescuer.

Church to nonbeliever: “You need to repent of your sin.”

Nonbeliever: “Why? My life’s going just fine.”

Church: “You need to get right with God.”

Nonbeliever: “I’m a good person. Life’s good.”

People need to know that they’re not right with God because they were born spiritually dead and live under Satan’s rule and control.

“For He (God) rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in Whom there is redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”—Apostle Paul, Colossians 1:13-14

I’ve used this analogy before, but it illustrates the human condition very well.

The human race resembles the passengers on the Titanic. As a result of the first couple rejecting God’s authority in the Garden of Eden, the ship of the world has hit an iceberg and is sinking into the icy waters of sin. Jesus came into the world to pilot a lifeboat, searching for survivors. But most people, tragically, refuse to accept His hand, offering to pull them out of the water. Instead, they swim away, preferring to perish amongst the ice floes.

People declare that life sucks and then you die. That’s because everybody lives on the devil’s turf. Satan is the “god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).” The devil is described by Jesus as “the thief (who) comes only to steal and kill and destroy”, but that Jesus “came that they (people) may have life, and have it abundantly.”—Jesus, John 10:10

During your lifetime you are given the opportunity to choose to continue under Satan’s rule and authority, or accept Jesus’ rescue out of this world system. If you die, never accepting Jesus as your God, then you will spend eternity with the god of your choice, Satan. It’s totally your decision.

Jesus promises: “I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”—Revelation 3:20

As Pastor Andrew Farley states, Jesus knocks on the door of your heart but doesn’t bust it down. You have the choice to open the door to Him or not.

I truly believe life would be even more awful if God didn’t restrain the devil’s power. Jesus steps into this world with gifts of love and beauty, to demonstrate there’s a different way to live, a better kingdom, a rescue raft out of darkness.

Blooming flowers, mighty oaks and mountains, rushing waves and sweetly singing birds, majestic lions and purring kittens, faithful dogs and stained glass windows, acts of kindness—are all gifts from the Creator reminding us there is a better world coming one day, a world unspoiled by evil and the demonic. And begging, “Choose Me.”

The Church: “You’re spiritually dead. Jesus offers you eternal life if you’re willing to repent of your sins and declare Him your Lord and God.”

Nonbeliever: “I’m dead? No wonder I feel empty inside!”

The Church: “Accept the life of the Holy Spirit and enter God’s kingdom of light. You can do nothing to earn God’s gift of eternal fellowship, except humble yourself to receive it for free.”

Nonbeliever: “Free? You mean I don’t have to earn God’s love or clean up my act first?”

Church: “No. Jesus lived a perfect life for you to die for your sins. As God in the flesh (Matthew 1:23), He could accomplish this. He’ll work to improve your character once you invite Him into your heart through the power of the Holy Spirit working within you.”

Nonbeliever: “What a deal! Get me out of this icy water of Satan’s kingdom!”

God bless you.

Much love from Dawn and Buddy

***

Buddy realizes that his new life with me is far superior to his previous life with an abuser. When you choose to remain in the kingdom of darkness, you are permitting Satan to mistreat you.

The world is full of disappointment, disease, death, broken dreams and heartache because Satan and his demonic followers are continually at work to influence people into destroying themselves and others.

But Jesus offers a better way to live, guided by the Holy Spirit. He is going to return one day to end Satan’s rule. God’s children will live in His beautiful kingdom free from sin, death and sorrow as He had originally intended. Satan and his demons will no longer dwell in earth or in heaven; we’ll be free from his evil terrors forever.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”—Apostle John, Revelation 21:4

All you have to do is open the door to your heart and He’ll give you spiritual life by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is what being “born again” is: Your soul becomes alive.

If you’re ready to take Jesus’ hand and allow Him to pull you out of the icy darkness of sin, please repeat the following:

Dear Heavenly Father, I’m tired of Satan as my god. I accept Jesus as my God, the Lord, and my Savior. Please forgive my sin. Give me Your Holy Spirit. I give my life to You. Please rule in my life and heart. In the name of Jesus, amen.

If you prayed sincerely, congratulations, you’re a born again child of God. Just as your body needs daily food to be healthy, your soul needs daily food—soul food—which is God’s word. Please start reading the Bible daily. I suggest starting with the Book of Matthew as it’s easy to understand. Also, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding; this is critical.

And please attend a Bible believing church or Bible study and get baptized. If that’s not possible right now, I suggest these three ministries, which also have apps if that’s your preference: http://www.InTouch.org, http://www.LTW.org (Leading The Way), and http://www.AndrewFarley.org (The Grace Message). There are other godly ministries, but it’s easy to be misled till you know the Bible fairly well.

God bless you. May Buddy and I see you in heaven one day.

Turning Defeat Into Victory, Joshua 8:14-17

Buddy

Buddy is starting to lose his hearing, as he’s 14.5 years old. However, there are times he hears me but refuses to respond. He can be willful, being a tad spoiled.

After Moses died, the Lord commissioned Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land. God commanded that all the pagan people in the specified territory were to be killed, but the Lord gave different instructions on how to battle and defeat each fortified city. The pagan tribes were mightier than the ancient Israelites and could only be conquered if the Lord helped them.

The Lord knows how to be successful in any situation, so it’s important to follow His commands. Also, at times God may test our obedience by giving instructions that may not make sense to us. Will we trust him?

As Proverbs 3:5 states:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”

God gave the Israelite army specific instructions how to defeat the mighty walled city of Jericho. Though the instructions made no sense—marching around the city while blasting trumpets for a week then shouting on the seventh—the people obeyed. The walls came down and the army gained a mighty victory, completely destroying all the living inhabitants.

When the Jewish army went to battle against the smaller city of Ai, they decided that the entire army didn’t need to go to battle, just a few thousand soldiers. But they lost and were chased off with their tails between their legs.

The loss was so devastating that, not only did the nation of Israel lose heart, but even Joshua asked God why He told them to cross the Jordan River. One defeat after a major victory caused them to get discouraged.

The reason for the loss at Ai, the Lord told Joshua, was that one soldier had disobeyed God’s commands not to take precious metals and goods from the city of Jericho. The soldier was identified then he, and all he owned, was burned. Though he had confessed, he had to be punished so that the Israelites would realize how seriously God takes disobedience.

Sin causes failure.

But God is merciful. He gives second chances. He doesn’t give up on us, particularly when He has a specific mission we must accomplish.

Joshua, with God’s guidance, turns the circumstances of their prior defeat into victory. Firstly, they no longer act presumptuously: 30,000 men go to battle, not just a fraction of their numbers. Joshua splits the army into two: 25,000 men conceal themselves north of the city while Joshua and a smaller contingent of 5,000 openly attack from the west.

“And it came about that when the King of Ai saw it, that the men of the city hurried and rose up early and went to meet Israel in battle… But he did not know that there was an ambush against him behind the city. Joshua and all Israel pretended to be beaten before them, and fled by way of the wilderness. And all the people who were in the city were called together to pursue them, and they pursued Joshua and were drawn away from the city… and they left the city unguarded and pursued Israel.”—Joshua 8:14-17

Their prior flight in defeat was used to trick the city of Ai and its king into believing that the Israelites were running away again. And, because the attacking army was slightly larger, the enemy was unaware how large the Israelite army truly was. But this time, there were significantly more Jewish soldiers engaged, only concealed from view. The hidden soldiers entered the unprotected city and burned it to the ground. They also ambushed the army of Ai from behind, surrounding them. God also assisted by pelting the Ai army with deadly hail. More Ai soldiers were killed by the hail than the Jewish army.

God tested the Israelites by not permitting them to take any plunder after defeating Jericho. This time, God permitted the Israelite army to take spoil and cattle.

After the destruction of the city of Ai, Joshua read “all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse… There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded which Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel with the women and the little ones and the strangers who were living among them.”—Joshua 8:34-35

By reading God’s law to the people of Israel, Joshua was reminding the Jewish nation what God requires and the consequences of obedience and disobedience.

Jesus also demonstrated God’s mercy and willingness to offer a second chance after disobedience. Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times, abandoning Jesus after his Lord was arrested, because he didn’t want suffer punishment for being a disciple. After His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three times if the apostle loved Him. Peter was given an equal number of times to declare His love for Jesus as he had denied Him. Jesus also told Peter that his ministry would lead to his death. After his humiliating renunciation, Peter was given the opportunity to redeem himself. Peter turned defeat—running away from death—into victory by accepting the consequence for obeying Christ and proclaiming the gospel. He was later crucified.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”—Hebrews 13:8

What God did for Joshua and the ancient Israelites, and for the Apostle Peter, He will do for you. He can turn your failure into victory if you’re willing to confess your disobedience and repent by following His instructions in the Bible.

The choice is always yours: give up and wallow in sin and defeat and discouragement. Or trust His love for you by confessing and trying again by doing things His way.

Hope you’re encouraged by tonight’s message.

God bless you.

Much love from Dawn and Buddy

***

You may feel depressed and discouraged because life sucks. But have you considered that your problems may be self-inflicted? God gives us His rules to protect and guide us. He knows that “all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).” Your failures don’t surprise Him.

God invites you to confess your sin and failure, to acknowledge that He’s the Lord, the boss, and not you, to show you a better way to live.

But Jesus won’t force His way into your life. You have to ask Him (Revelation 3:20).

Won’t you repent now and start walking along a new path that leads to Heaven and blessing?

Please repeat the following prayer:

Dear Lord, I ask Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Please forgive my sin and teach me a better way to live. Change my heart and mind. Fill me with the Holy Spirit. I give my life to You. Help me know how much You love me because Christ died for my sin, taking the punishment I deserve for me. Thank you. In the name of Jesus, amen.

If you prayed sincerely, congratulations, you are a born again child of God. As your body needs daily food to be healthy, your soul needs daily feeding from God’s Word, the Bread of Life, to be spiritually healthy. Please start reading the Bible. I suggest starting with the Book of Matthew as it’s easy to understand.

Also, please attend a Bible believing church or Bible study and get baptized. If that’s not possible right now, I suggest these three ministries, which also have apps if that’s your preference: http://www.LTW.org (Leading The Way), http://www.InTouch.org and http://www.AndrewFarley.org (The Grace Message). There are other great ministries, but it’s easy to be misled when you aren’t familiar with what the Bible teaches.

May Buddy and I meet you in heaven one day.