Come to the Lord as you are.

Matthew 6:32-33 (ESV)

32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

We have a cord-free, battery-free alarm clock – his name is Max. Like clockwork, at 7:00 each morning our Max, wakes up and jumps up onto our bed to greet us good morning.

What's interesting to me though, is that when Max wakes up, he doesn't wonder if we'll come to him. He comes directly to us.  He doesn't question whether or not we love him. He's sure of it! Max has no worries. He expects that we will take care of his every need and love him.

Don't you wish you were a dog sometimes? No worries -- getting pampered and hugged and kissed. Well, I have good news for you -- you are a dog! You are the Lord's dog! We are His children and He loves us with an everlasting and perfect love. He cares for us just like we care for Max -- in fact, much, much more than that!

Each morning on, let's start coming to the Lord as we are -- His children! We needn't worry about anything. Our Father awaits the time when we will totally put our trust in Him. He loves us and He knows every one of our needs before even a word is on our lips! Let's practice putting our worries aside and determine to expect our Heavenly father to meet our every need. And don't forget to take some time out today and say -- Abba, thank you for loving me!

Dear Lord, we thank You that we can come to just as we are at any time and You are there with Your arms open wide waiting for us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Lesson from Max

Proverbs 12:10 (NIV)

The righteous care for the needs of their animals,

    but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

Have you ever met someone who was "in charge"? We all know someone who is in charge of something, or in charge of someone else. To be "in charge" means to be responsible to take care of something.

Today my son and I went on a road trip.  The road trip was a direct result of a challenge that was given to him a few months back that he was in charge of. He accomplished the challenge and the reward was that he could get the dog of his dreams.  From as far back he has wanted his very own Golden Retriever.  As he got closer and closer to completing the challenge the search started, which brought us to today’s trip. 200 miles later Charlie had the Golden Retriever puppy he has dreamed about for over 15 years. 

As I rode in the car today I got to thinking about “being in charge”. 

First Charlie had to take charge of the project set before him in order to get to the point of bringing home Max.

Secondly adopting Max puts him in charge of giving Max puppy food, giving him water, giving him baths, teaching him to obey commands, and taking him outside for walks. If Max has a clean, shiny coat, and if he is friendly and well-behaved, then people will say you are doing a great job training him and taking care of him. On the other hand, if the puppy damages something very valuable, makes a mess, or bites someone's hand – you might find yourself in a little trouble! Anything bad that the puppy does could be blamed on you! Your hard work and special care is reflected by your puppy's behavior and appearance. But if you neglect (forget or ignore) your responsibilities with your puppy, his behavior and appearance will show that, too!

God is in charge of us – If you are God's child, He has adopted you and brought you into His household. You bear His name now. Your appearance and your behavior ought to reflect Him – they ought to show to other people the good character your Heavenly Father has and the great works that He has done. If you act like an unbeliever, someone who doesn't know or love God, then your life cannot reflect God's character and works very well to other people.

Just as Charlie is in charge of Max, God is in charge of you. He will lead you and He will guide you.

Dear Lord, we thank You that You are in charge of our life. Help us be an example of Your love and character today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.