Skip to main content

Close Calls

For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him?

Sound of the fury or two terriers. There was a time when we had two terriers who were not always fond of each other. Though they were small, they were feisty. I was walking through the kitchen one day when the one terrier upon seeing the other, decided that this was her time to shine and leave her mark. The pearly whites of her teeth began to gleam as she lifted her lip in utter disdain and latched on to her "companion" and would not let go. The usual verbal threats masked in the growling and snarling were not part of this fight; however, the sheer determination to defeat the opponent and win were certain. To say that I was concerned was an understatement. After quite a while of trying to pry the dogs apart and loosen the clenched teeth without success, I finally blurted out, "Jesus, help us!" It was at this exact moment that the one dog released her clench and the situation was resolved. 

Draw Near to God
photo credit: Will Foster via photopin cc

State of the Nation Address. As Moses was nearing the end of his time as leader of Israel he needed to remind the nation about God and His law. God was near. God not only took an interest in His chosen people but He loved them. (Deut. 7:7) As the people were commanded to worship God alone and not serve the gods of the land they were about to possess, Moses reminded them of the nearness of their God. The other nations could not claim that their god was near when they called. Israel could make this claim of God. 

The Faithfulness of God. God was near when the terriers were fighting. Just as God was near to Israel whenever they called on Him, He draws near to us when we draw near to Him. When we call, we call to a God who hears -- it is a close call, not one that is far away. Drawing near to God allows Him to fill a void in our hearts that only He can fill and brings us into closer fellowship with Him. Close calls are His specialty! (James 4:8)


When we draw near to God, He draws near to us.



Comments

  1. "God not only took an interest in His chosen people but He loved them." How quickly we forget...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Not unlike Israel, we fall into the trap of religious living without a real connection with God. Then, hardship or difficulty comes and we cry out - discovering that HE has been near all the time. How empty our lives would be if we never had to struggle. Praise God for two terriers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Amen -- the struggles are such a kind and generous reminder! Thanks for sharing Rev. Michael Duncan.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Backed Into A Corner -- Thank God

The capacity to respond to adversity with faith and gratitude is not limited to spiritual "superheroes." Choosing Gratitude - Nancy Leigh DeMoss Precarious Position. Many times we find ourselves in a place where we would rather not be and our desire may be to run and hide. However, running and hiding may not be viable options and are probably not what God is asking of us in the current situation. The problems and issues we will face in life vary greatly from health, to relationship/marriage, finances, to the stress of looking for a job, or maybe like Job, we might have lost everything -- family and possessions. Often, it is when we have done everything in our human power to ameliorate our situation and fail miserably that we remember God. photo credit:  cindy47452  via  photopin   cc Powerful Response. When we find ourselves in situations and recognize our only choice is to look up to God we can have victory and relief. When we take the time to thank the Fathe

For Your Information

Dear Readers and Subscribers, I am in the middle of an extremely busy semester and finishing papers and projects this week. I just wanted to let you know that over the next two weeks the posts might be delayed but we will be on a regular schedule after the end of these two weeks. Blessings to you as we pursue the Savior in our daily walk. God Bless, Jennifer Joy

Common Ground: The Road Less Traveled

The Presence of God.  Ruth and Naomi found themselves in very trying circumstances after each suffered the loss of a husband and the inescapable grief that accompanies death. Scripture gives us a snapshot into their lives and we get a glimpse of the strong bond of friendship that took place between Ruth and Naomi. Was it the deep sense of   grief that brought these two women together in a way they had never experienced before? Perhaps these women were drawn to each other because they knew they were “alone” in the world.  More importantly, the presence of God is evident by Ruth's response to her mother-in-law.  Ruth reminds us and reminded Naomi of God's presence. The presence of God is the bond that unites our hearts as brothers and sisters in Christ. The Road Less Traveled photo credit:  B Gilmour.  via  photopin   cc Mutual Commitment. Naomi urged Ruth to go home to her mother in Moab hoping that Ruth would find another husband. Ruth refused to leave Naom

BG Badge

BG Badge
Bible Gateway Blogger