I have never been much of an animal person. Debbie loves animals, and I love Debbie. So we compromised. Currently, we have three dogs and a cat. They all live inside. (I wonder how many we would have if we had not compromised!)
A couple of years ago, we purchased a tiny, three-pound Chihuahua named Lola-Belle. I quickly nicknamed her Lil Pup. With her arrival into our home, my heart toward pets changed. I am crazy about Lil Pup. She is so cute and so fun and so incredibly little. I just look at her and marvel at God’s creative handiwork. How can a full grown dog be so small?
Although Lil Pup thinks she is a Doberman, the truth is she is weak, frail, and in need of protection when other dogs are around (or other cats and even some good-sized kittens). On more than one occasion, I have had to come to the rescue of Lil Pup, as the other pets were starting to get ticked-off with her antics. As much as I am able, I will look out for Lil Pup. My heart for that little dog compels me to protect her.
GOD’S HEART FOR YOU
Sometimes we forget how much God loves us. Sometimes we fail to see the great heart He has for our protection and defense. Isaiah said, “For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat” (Isaiah 25:4). God protected His “Lil Pup” named Jeremiah. He was his “dread champion.” And no one messes with the dread champion!
Are you hurting today? Are your enemies closing in on you? Does life seem to have you in its jaws, thrashing you about? Do you feel as if God has forgotten your name, your address, your situation? Does it seem like curtains for you? Cry out to God! Cast all your worries and cares upon Him “BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU” (1 Peter 5:7).
Listen, my friend, you are Lil Pup times a zillion to God. You could not be more precious to Him! He will be there in your hour of need. He will defend you in your time of danger and distress. Draw near to God and know that He will draw near to you in response (James 4:8). Call to Him and know that He will answer you (Jeremiah 33:3).
PRAYER
Dear God, thank You for being a God who truly loves me, who truly cares. Thank You that You do know all that is going on in my life, and You have my back. Forgive me, Lord, for all the times I have believed the lie that You have given up on me or have forgotten me. Help me to be aware of Your presence in my life. I trust You and Your protection. My life is in Your hands, and I know that You will see me through the worst of situations. Thank You for the unfathomable privilege of being Your Lil Pup. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
Today's Bible Verse...
You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.—Nehemiah 9:6
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Our praise is pretty irrelevant to everyone and everything but us, those closest to us, and amazingly to God. In a universe so vast, so much bigger than Nehemiah could have imagined, what is our small voice and our song of praise? The billions of stars and innumerable creatures of the immense seas all cry out that our Creator is LORD. God will receive the worship of the angels and all the heavenly beings. What difference does it make if we praise him? To the universe, to be blunt, it doesn't matter. But it does to us! It matters even more to the LORD, who longs to be our Father and wants to bring us into relationship with himself.
My Prayer...
Holy and amazing God, you alone are Lord — Lord of all creation and Lord of my life. You are praised by all you have made. Your works cry out and declare your creative genius and your loving kindness. Father, I want to add my heartfelt praise to the chorus of creation, the voices of the angels, and the praise of many who have come before me. You are truly worthy to be praised. I gladly offer you my words, my songs, my heart, and my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated...
Murphy's Law on Outreach Sunday by Dik LaPine
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