I have a really old dog. Maestro is my first born and my only son! He\u2019s 14 and 1\/2 years old, and in his senectitude, he\u2019s decided he doesn\u2019t need to please us anymore. Many times he knows what we\u2019re asking of him as he makes eye contact with us, but still chooses to walk the other direction. Sometimes we have to get treats so he will follow us. I love this animal as much as is humanly possible, but sometimes he can be a real jerk! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
God isn\u2019t holding a treat box in His hand. He\u2019s not dangling a carrot in front of us to get us to move in the right direction so that we will make good choices or be pleasing to Him. And even when we are blatantly being jerks, He is still loving and kind and patient with us. The Lord knows what motivates us, what stirs us, what idols of the heart we individually battle, and He is working all these things for our good and for His glory.<\/p>\n
Maestro\u2019s lack of obedience with us is a picture of God\u2019s children with Him. The Master knows what we individually need. We look into His eyes and we either surrender and follow or we walk the other way. Either path we take He uses to grow us. But oh, what joy is ours when we obey! There is blessing on the other side of obedience. We fall firmly into His hand and can rest as His people.<\/p>\n
Sometimes I wish I could speak spiritual truths to my dog. But usually, he ends up teaching me about myself.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I have a really old dog. Maestro is my first born and my only son! He\u2019s 14 and 1\/2 years old, and in his senectitude, he\u2019s decided he doesn\u2019t need to please us anymore. Many times he knows what we\u2019re asking of him as he makes eye contact with us, but still chooses to walk … <\/p>\n