Is it okay with you if once again I write about Heidi, the little white furry dog that lives at my house? Often, the Lord uses Heidi to remind me of spiritual truth. Most mornings I wake up with Heidi standing on my chest going, “Woof, woof”. Usually it is about two hours before I am ready to get up!! The early hour doesn’t matter to Heidi. She is ready to receive some love and some petting. When I stretch out at night preparing to go to sleep, Heidi jumps up on the bed beside me. She is wanting to be loved one more time. Heidi reminds me that I need to focus on the Lord the first thing in the morning and as I go to sleep at night. 

But, the first thing in the morning and the last thing at night is not enough for Heidi. Many times during the day she hops into my lap, wanting to be loved. It can be annoying when she gets between me and the book I am reading, but I give her love anyway. I doubt she knows what I am saying, but I tease her that her “Love Bucket” leaks. No matter how much love I give her, she is already wanting more. Heidi’s desire to constantly be in my presence and to receive my love reminds me that this is the way it can be, and should be, between a Christian and the Lord. In fact, one of the marks of Christian growth and Christian maturity is how often we seek to draw near to the Lord.

Some go an entire day, or even many days, and rarely think of Jesus. Their Bibles are seldom read. Prayer is for emergencies only. Others, have a continual awareness of the presence of the Lord all day long. Even when they are busy with the normal activities of life, Jesus is never far from their thoughts.

Think of those who follow the Muslim religion. Five times a day they face Mecca, get down on their knees and pray. I have read that in some countries of the world if a Muslim is in the hospital, the hospital staff is required by law to turn those hospital beds to face Mecca. After the prayer time is over the beds are returned to their usual positions in the hospital room. Are we as faithful to seek God as a Muslim is to seek his god?

Personally, I am a fan of the Psalmist [Psalms 119:164], “Seven times a day do I praise THEE because of THY righteous judgments”. Heidi craves my presence and my love. Our Lord also greatly desires that we seek Him and receive His love often. A Father God who loves us enough to send His Son to die for us has plenty of love to shower upon you. Seek Him often. You will always be welcome. Bask in God’s love and be blessed!!!

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 805–New total for our Offering for our NC Baptist Children’s Homes. Continue to give during November
5. November 17—5-7 pm  Children and Youth meet
   5 pm–Adult Prayer Time
   5:30-6:30 pm–Adult Church Training
6. Boston Butt sale for missions
   Order by November 19 Pick-up November 23 9-12 am
   $ 45 each
7. Golden Agers meal. Thursday, November 21 –11:45am –200 North Restaurant –Locust

Enter into the Lord’s presence often. Enter with thanksgiving and praise.

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church