The Word Illustrated #74 -- A Growing love

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The Word Illustrated #74
© Pamyla Floyd
07/13/2011

A growing love

O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer

My dog Blu and I were together for nine and a half years. When I first got him he was just shy of being 6 weeks old. He was the runt of his litter and was so small, that he could fit inside my jacket pocket. As the months went by, he steadily picked up a pound a month that first year. He was a whiny little baby, who was always scrambling to get close to me. When it thundered outside, or something frightened him, I laid him on my chest, so that the sound of my beating heart would relax him.

As he got older, he became too big to even hide in my large duffel bag. You see, he not only went to work with me, but he went with me on vacations, to the store, and to the homes of family members as well. We were always together. When I had to start leaving him at home, he didn’t like it, and let me know. In the mornings, as I readied myself for work, he would grab my socks, run and hide them. I began coming up with games to distract him, and I would run out of the house when he wasn’t looking. Twice he left nice little ‘packages’ under my pillow!

But, if I got a cold and did not feel my best, he would lie at my feet. When I moved, he moved and stood at attention, awaiting my command. If Iwas looking for my keys and said “Blu, where are my keys” he would steer his eyes in the direction they were in. When my mother passed away, he feeling my grief, and would lean against me, using all of his weight. During that time, he walked so close underfoot, that I tripped and fell. When I slept, he would lay on my legs. Ouch!

The whole time we were together, He was willing and eager to please me. He loved for me to talk to him, and was eager to learn. He even knew his left from his right. The love Blu showed me, surprised me at times; especially after a scolding. God used him to reveal to me, what my relationship with Him should look. I should be eager to spend time with Him (in the word), want to talk to Him (through prayer), follow His commands (being obedient) and lean on Him (at all times). Blu didn't care whether I had a piece of cheese, some fish, (his favorite), his ball or was empty handed. He always met me with great expectancy and joy. I never felt slighted, ignored or put off. He was glad that I was there.

Through our friendship, I learned how to fall in love with Jesus. Proverbs 18:24 describes Jesus as the friend that sticks closer than a brother. We can all improve our relationship with Him, by getting to know Him, for who He is. I’m not the only one, who knows how it feels to be 'loved' for what we can give or do for someone. By the same token, we all long to be accepted and loved for ‘who’ we are. In that regard, the Lord is the same way, and He longs to have a more loving relationship with each of us.

I thank God for the time I was allowed to have with Blu. He was a loyal friend who added value to my life. He was a tan Alaskan malamute, Siberian husky mix with powder blue eyes, and a black streak on his back. He would get into the driver seat when I got out of the car, and was so huge, that he looked like a person sitting there. When I was a little girl, I dreamt of having a dog like him. God honored my heart desire, and through a co worker, gave him to me at no cost. In the last couple of years, out of the blue, (no pun intended, of course!) people have offered me the same type of dog. These people had never known Blu. God is so good!

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee -- Jeremiah 31:3

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God -- James 2:23

Note: The image is a collage memorial with pictures of Blu, my faithful friend who loved me, no matter what.

The Word Illustrated #73--Getting to breakthrough

Others may ridicule and see you as a clown
The Word Illustrated #73
© Pamyla Floyd
07/05/2011

Getting to breakthrough

We each need to get into a relationship with the Lord and walk closely with Him. Whether it is a word from the Lord, a specific promise, or living as He commanded, we need to know where our help comes from when trouble arises. We are to fight the good fight of faith. If we don’t, we will give up, cave in and quit; never learning to fully trust and stand on His word.

It’s worth it, to take time out to find supporting scriptures, to stand on. It’s worth it to take the time to study, read, and meditate on that word. It’s also worth it, to SAY out loud what God says. Why? Because, faith comes by hearing. Times become hard, situations get sticky, and there will be things that we do not want to deal with, but we can do all things through Christ which strengthen us.

The opposition we face shows up as accusation/ridicule, temptation, and loss. These are designed to crush us, but, we have to know who it is that makes us. Murmuring and complaining is not pleasing to God, these words are filled with doubt and unbelief. “This is too hard”, “I give up”, “I can’t handle it” go against His word. These statements SEEM to take the pressure off, but, they give satan the permission needed, to stand before the throne of God and accuse us day and night – Revelations 12:10

Jesus is our hope against hope, and because of what He did on the cross, we can take hold of and walk in every promise of God. We are told to work out our salvation, which is not going to be easy! Did you know that you are: joint heirs with Christ, the seed of Abraham, and that you have the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and all of heaven on your side?

Whether the challenges are in our health, finances, relationships or other areas of our lives; we must stay in faith. We have to make sure that what goes in us; what we believe, and what we say, line up with what comes out of our mouths. Our faith is the only thing that moves God.

So what if your world is turned upside down – stand. So what if others laugh and walk away – stand. No matter who leaves, Jesus promised to ALWAYS be with us. Friends, satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy. he doesn’t fight fair and will pull out all the stops. There is no need to be surprised when divers temptations come; no matter what form they come in -- stand. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand -- Ephesians 6:13.

The loss of job, home, finances, family and friends can be devastating, but remember, it is our faith that pleases God and that in His timing, we will find ourselves whole in every area concerning us. Our reaction is the key that unlocks the door for things to move in His direction or another. What are you saying? Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest – Joshua 1:9

As our ears become tuned to His voice, the more we want to see His will, be made manifest in our lives. In the blink of an eye, He can change everything. It is His will for us to prosper, even as our soul prosper. You need to know that He is no respecter of persons. Your experiences and what you have learned will not only help you down the road, but they will also help someone else.

What seemed like an eternity in the desert, was only a pruning, meant to build and strengthen us. There were attitudes, behaviors, and habits that needed to be striped out. You are now walking under an open heaven, and doors that were not there before, suddenly appear; waiting for you to pass through them. When you know the truth, you are fee. The transition is so smooth, that you don’t remember moving from that place to this. How awesome is our God!

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

*Note* The illustration is of a sad, reluctant clown.