Hey, look an update!

This past week we've read Isaiah 40:1-11 in BSF and I just wanted to share something that hit me last night.

"See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,
and His arm rules for Him.
See, His reward is with Him,
and His recompense accompanies Him.
He tends His flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and He carries them close to His heart;
He gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:10-11

I couldn't believe that it didn't cross my mind when I was reading the versus myself during the week but our leader said this in the lecture. The same arm that rules with power is the same arm that tenderly holds us close to His heart. I just love how she worded it. It's so true and it's a wonderful visual.

Balaam's Donkey

During this past week, the readings for BSF focused on Israel when they were camped outside Moab. The King, Balak, was terrified so he sent for Balaam to curse Israel.
The LORD told Balaam to say only what He told him to and Balaam informed the messengers of this. He said all the right words, sounding like a follower of the LORD, but God can see past the words into the person's heart. Three times the angel of the LORD blocked Balaam's path intending to kill him. Three times the donkey moved, saving Balaam's life. Three times Balaam beat the donkey because she was making a fool of him and he could not see the angel of the LORD. After the third time, the LORD opened the donkey's mouth so she could speak.
"What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?...Have I been in the habit of doing this?"
"No." Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes and he could see the angel of the LORD.
One of the questions this week was what lessons did you learn from this account.
I had two answers.
1) Follow God's instructions. All of them with no intentions of trying to change God's mind.
2) Listen to your pet, they might be trying to save your life.
I admit that the second one is uniquely me but that doesn't mean it's not true. All of creation is under God's control. God can use animals to send us a message or to save our lives. I've seen too many animal miracle shows to not believe that. The things that pets have done to save the lives of their owners is amazing.
Luz, we once had a conversation about what makes you see that there is a God. If I remember correctly, you said flowers. If I'm wrong, I'm sorry and please correct me. I'm thinking I said nature which is true, but not to the same extent as animals. I'm not just talking about dogs but from dogs to cats to killer whales to seals to polar bears. All of them. When Rachel and I were at Sea World, I was watching the different shows and amazed at how awesome and beautiful God's creation is. I was also astounded how people could see this and not believe that God exists. It boggles my mind on how some people do not believe in God and creation when each animal is unique in it's abilities to survive in its environment. Even when they live in the same environment. For example, the lion and the cheetah both live in Africa but are completely different. The lions live in prides and the females hunt together. The cheetahs are mostly solitary and are the fastest land animal on four legs. How amazing is that?! God is totally awesome!
Well, that's enough of my ranting. God bless and have a wonderful day!