Um...Really Lord?

The story of Moses and the burning bush is a pretty familiar story.  Moses is minding his own business tending to his flock and there before him was this bush that was on fire; yet not being consumed.  In that bush was the angel of the Lord, who was going to request of him a job.  Now mind you Moses already had a job.  He was a shepherd and was clearly working; yet, the Lord had something for Moses to do.  However, Moses wasn’t real thrilled.  In fact, he argued with the Lord about being capable of doing what God asked of him.  The Lord’s response – I will be with you.

How many times are we asked by God to do something and our response is – um…I’m not equipped to do that?  I have things planned and what You are asking doesn’t fit within that plan.  I’m sure there are plenty of arguments that we can insert here as to why we can or cannot do something.  Yet, in Isaiah it notes “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” (55:8)

If we are going to let the Lord lead our lives that means we are probably going to face challenges that we never dreamt we would face.  We may be asked to do something that we would never pursue on our own.  But as the Lord told Moses – “I will be with you”.  Those words are the words that need to replay in our head instead of I can’t do that. 

Be willing to step outside the little box that brings comfort.  The Lord will equip you with what you need when you need it. 

Cheryl    

Misses Nothing

The saying – a picture is worth a thousand words – can speak to this picture.  I’ll try not to use a thousand words but there is just something about this picture.  This picture presents a very commanding look by what some could say is just an adorable animal.  However, there is so much more to a Llama than its “beauty”.   Llamas are protectors.  They guard flocks of sheep or herds of goats from the predators that roam around waiting to attack.  The llama, who lives with his flock or herd, keeps his eye out for anything that does not belong or could harm his flock.  He is always on guard and if something threatens his flock he is off and running.  You see when a llama feels there is a threat he runs at that threat.  He stares down the animal that is threatening his flock and will spit if the threat continues.  If the animal does not back off and makes his way towards the flock, the llama will knock the animal down and stomp it with its knees.  The animal will either run off or be stomped to death.

While taking this photo, it was very interesting to watch the llama.  I was off to the side taking photos, and he always kept his eye on me.  At the same time, there was a great deal of activity surrounding his pen and he also kept an eye on that.  He paraded around his pen making sure all was well and his demeanor changed when someone would get too close to his pen.  He became stiffer in his walk and made his way over to the “threat”.  If the “threat” did not back away or chose to climb on the fence he would stomp his front feet.  If that didn’t work, the spit flew.  The “threat” got first hand exposure to his line of defense and it worked; the “threat” backed off. 

The llama in this picture brings to mind the verse from 2 Chronicles 16:9.  “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him.”  I have this visual of the Lord with a commanding stand watching out for me.  He is watching to and fro amongst all the activity that surrounds me and misses nothing.  He is my protector!  It is also noted in Psalm 34:7 that “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.”  Not only is He constantly watching out for us He is encamped around us.

I need a protector!  I need the Lord’s strength and might to surround me; to encompass me as the “threats” of world are around me.  “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

Cheryl