June 2021

My grand-dog, Finley, isn’t too bright.

Three months ago, I installed a doggy door. Although Finley goes in and out the doggy door quite a few times each day, he won’t go in or out without my prompting. In my mind, the purpose of the doggy door is for Finley to go inside or outside whenever he wants. In Finley’s mind, not so. Finley sits at the door and whines until I give the command “Finley–Inside!” or “Finley-Outside!” and more often than not, he waits to see me on the other side of the doggie door before he will go through.

I‘ve tried everything!

I have stubbornly left Finley outside/inside hoping he’ll use the door on his own.

I have tried pushing Finley through the door.

I have had the grandkids stand on both sides encouraging Finley.

I have given Finley treats and praise.

Now, more than 90 days later, I have decided Finley is not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Hmmm. when it comes to my faith walk, I might be more like Finley than I want to admit.

God saved me in April 2004. God took my worldly, sinful, depressing, unfulfilled “black and white” life and turned it technicolor. God changed me, my heart, my intentions, my goals, and my destination. With God, everything became SO much better. God gave me life. I was on fire for the Lord!

But since then, how many times do I sit at the door, unwilling to embrace all that He has for me? God sent His one and only son, Jesus, to atone for my sins. He made me a co-heir with Christ. He gives me the peace that surpasses all understanding. He will never leave me or forsake me. But still. . .

How many times do I stop short of His riches and concoct something on my own that is merely good enough?

I fail to trust that He has so much more for me.

How many times do I whine, complain, and rebel as I seek earthly people, places, or things believing they will make me happy and fulfilled?

God has already and will continue to give me everything I will ever need.

How many times do I try to take the easy way out, cut corners and fall for the “get rich quick” schemes?

His ways are always better.

Am I just too dim to get it?

In John 10:10, Jesus tells us “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” The “they” in this verse is us, you and me, and all who would say Jesus is their Lord and Savior. Years ago Tom did a lesson titled “the Principle of Faith” in his Recovery Our Lost Legacy series that talks about all that God gives us as believers.

The Principle of Faith - From the Recovering Our Lost Legacy Series

Jesus doesn’t just give us life. He gives us life to the FULL. As believers, we have heaven on earth. Right here, right now. Yes, there is brokenness. Yes, there is disease and hurt and pain. Life is hard. BUT God gives us the power to endure, prosper and be His ambassadors in the midst of our crazy world. He gives us His love, peace, and joy.

Will you walk through the door and embrace all that God has for you?

Here and now. God has His best for you. He sent Jesus to give us life, life to the full. Will you accept Him as your Lord and Savior? Will you live each day joyfully knowing God is good and He has you? Always.