Handmaidens - Christian Issues

Christian Issues

Topics

Looking Heavenward
The temporary Sunday School teacher was struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination, but couldn't quite remember it. Finally she went to the pastor's study and asked for help. The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial.

After the first two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment. Finally he looked serenely heavenward and his lips moved silently. Then he looked back at the lock, and quickly turned to the final number, and opened the lock.

The teacher was amazed. "I'm in awe at your faith, pastor," she said. "It's really nothing," he answered. "The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling."

Cover Page
Christian
Comedy
Education
Essays, etc.
Health
Home
Marriage
Stewardship
Parenting
Poetry/Art
Sites to See
Work
Extra

Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
By Staff Writer Marsha Jordan Executive Director of Hugs and Hope

Sometimes I feel sorry for my dog. He stands less than a foot tall, and resembles a guinea pig with an afro. He spends most of his waking hours scurrying around at my feet and straining his neck, looking up to see what I'm doing. He’s always hoping I’ll drop some tasty morsel; and when I do, he’s ready to snatch it.

When I complain about Louie being under foot, the husband reminds me how tough it must be for such a little guy living in a giants’ world. I guess in Louie's eyes, I must look like a mountain.

There is a whole big world that I can see, which is unknown to Louie. He sees mostly ankles and toes. It's the same way with me and God. I see only what's right around me; but God sees a larger picture. With my limited view of things, I often see no way out of problems. Just like my little dog, I need someone bigger to help me find my way. Problems that look like insurmountable mountains to me are like tiny ant hills to God.

I often tell Louie how lucky he is to have me as his master, because I spoil him and take good care of him. Of course, he doesn’t understand. He wags his tail, tilts his head, and gives me what I call the "gimme gimme look." It’s that goofy expression of expectation that says, "What do you have for me? I want it. Can I have it? Gimme, gimme, gimme. Give it to me NOW!"

One day, as I looked down at Louie, I realized that I am much more like him than I’d like to admit (except that I don't roll in dead, smelly things). I too cannot even begin to understand the goodness of my master or fully appreciate all that He does for me.

Like Louie, I spend a lot of time whining for more and expecting a never ending supply of "treats" to satisfy my selfish desires -- instead of thanking God for what He's already given me.

I'm glad I'm not a dog -- for many reasons, not the least of which is that I can take a shower instead of -- well, you know what dogs do!

But I'm especially thankful that, though I am a small speck in the universe, I have a BIG God who doesn't expect more from me than I can give.

And when problems become too huge for me to handle, I remember that God promised He would always be there for me, as well as for
everybody who loves and seeks Him.

Isaiah 43:1-4 says, "But now, this is what the LORD says . . . 'Fear not . . . When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior'"

Graphics, Design & Hosting by Web4Christ Ministries