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Subject: Devo #40: Puppy Love Author: Gail [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: 23:37:25 09/09/01 Sun Topic—Lovers of God Power Point—God shows His love to us by reaching out to us and touching us with His Spirit! This Week’s Memory Verses—Psalm 42:1–2 Access Database—Daniel 10 Puppy Love by Eric Wilbanks Let’s talk today about one final aspect of the elusive and envy-evoking "perfect" couple. Previously, we said that they seemed to be "permanently joined at the hip" because they spent so much time together. Another aspect of this symbiosis is that they always seem to be touching, and it isn’t necessarily because their hormones are running in high gear. Some people just love to touch and be touched—in completely non-sexual and non-romantic ways. It is their God-given way of expressing and receiving love. To make it easy for you to separate the sexual side of touch from the non-sexual, let’s put it in a language we can all understand: puppies. Ever notice how puppies seem to have this unexplainable and unquenchable desire to be next to you in some way? One minute they are snuggled up in your lap, the next they are licking your face. The slightest move and they are chewing on your fingers. If you try to walk away, they are right under your feet, oftentimes getting stepped on in the process! You see, puppies are pretty simple creatures. They don’t know how to talk or how to bring you gifts (like dead birds or the morning paper); they can’t serve you breakfast, and they haven’t yet learned how to focus their attention for more than a few minutes at a time. But they are born with the ability to snuggle, wrestle and stay by your side. That’s the only way they know how to love. However limited they may be in other areas of showing love, puppies are great at this "touch" business. We humans could really learn a lot by integrating some sensitive and appropriate "puppy love" into our lives. God also understands the importance of touch in a loving relationship. In today’s scripture passage, God touched Daniel three different times, each time reminding Daniel that He loved him. The tenderness of God in this example is overwhelming. That’s also why God sent His Son in physical form. We needed to know that He wasn’t some "untouchable" God who hovers in invisible realms. He is real, and He sent Jesus to stretch out His arms and give us all a great big hug. And thanks to the Holy Spirit, we can still feel His touch! Have you had your hug today? Now go back and read Daniel 10 one more time. Identity Matrix—Disciples of Christ... Know God—In what way did God reveal Himself to you as you read His Word? Live for God—What one lifestyle change is God calling you to make? Love Others—In what way is God calling you to minister to someone in need? Bear Fruit—In what ways will you set the example and the standard for others to follow? [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]