The Prairie Watch-Dog

By Nina Medrano-

My interest was piqued to research the habits of the prairie dog when I witnessed their peculiar behaviors as I traveled to and from my workplace.

I learned that prairie dogs spend a lot of time building and rebuilding their dwellings, which are marked by many mounds of packed earth at their surface entrances. The prairie dogs use these carefully maintained mounds as observation posts.

The prairie dog is well adapted to predators. Their eyes which are positioned on the sides of the head enable detection of predators from a far distance over a wide arc. When a predator approaches, the first prairie dog alerts the other prairie dogs to the danger with a special high-pitch bark.

As I read about the prairie watch-dog behaviors, immediately three verses of Scripture resonated in my spirit:

Son of man, I’ve made you a watchman for the family of Israel. Whenever you hear me say something, warn them for me. If I say to the wicked, ‘You are going to die,’ and you don’t sound the alarm warning them that it’s a matter of life or death, they will die and it will be your fault. I’ll hold you responsible. But if you warn the wicked and they keep right on sinning anyway, they’ll certainly die for their sin, but you won’t die. You’ll have saved your life (Ezekiel 3:17-19 MSG, emphasis mine).

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil (Ephesians 6:11 NLT, emphasis mine).

Prowling around the Throne were Four Animals, all eyes. Eyes to look ahead, eyes to look behind. The first Animal like a lion, the second like an ox, the third with a human face, the fourth like an eagle in flight. The Four Animals were winged, each with six wings. They were all eyes, seeing around and within. And they chanted night and day, never taking a break:
Holy, holy, holy
Is God our Master, Sovereign-Strong,
The Was, The Is, The Coming (Revelation 4:6-8 MSG, emphasis mine).

I used to believe that a watchman is a person that has a special calling to the prophetic and intercession ministry. This led me to believe that there are persons who may not be called to be watchmen. I was mistaken.

The watchman life of the prairie dog shows me that every person shares responsibility to preach the gospel to the lost. If we do not speak God’s warning to the lost, and they perish in their sin, then the fault is ours.

The prairie dogs’ adaptability to predators, reminds me to put on the full armor of God and be prepared for the strategies of the devil.

Lastly, in order for us to communicate the Kingdom of God to the lost, we must see past our own human ability. The Apostle Paul writes, “…ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers…” (Ephesians 1:18 AMP).

Perhaps the next time you pass by a prairie dog town, the Spirit of God will bring to remembrance our call to be a watchman to the lost souls in our families, neighbors and workplace.

This article is dedicated to my beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Daisy.

Daisy Medrano

February 16^th 2003-October 12^th, 2010

The Mother Lost a Child

By Teresa Lusk –

A mother I knew of lost a child. She would be one to deliver a child out of what some would consider wedlock. Had the community found out she was pregnant with no husband, she would have been a disgrace. Because of the fear of rejection, she moved away.

The woman left her town to avoid all the gossip. She delivered a baby boy and little did she know that many would love him. She raised him as best she could. He was different, though, and seemed to be quite the spiritual young man as he grew older. The mother knew he had a great purpose for which he came into this world. Though this was one of the greatest feelings the mother felt, there was something deep down inside her that confirmed that this greatness was beyond her understanding.

Once a baby, now a young man, he began to tell the world that was the Son of God. He told His community, friends, and family. Certainly, many thought he was a nut, and his closest relatives may have had the hardest time hearing this. He exclaimed that He would be the reason for people to live eternally with God if they simply received Him as the Savior of the World.

Unfortunately, he was surrounded by many who despised Him for claiming to be Savior of the World. We would have thought the same way if one of our friends began to claim a high position themselves.

The difference between His story and the claims of others is that He actually took a drastic, incomparable step to prove His sonship. God, His Father, our Father, required Him to allow human beings to harm him physically, as a representation of human sin so that when He died and rose again, we would have the gift of forgiveness and never have to go to a place called hell.

Numerous other events occurred but the final result was that this man, who was once someone’s little boy, once breast fed, cuddled, kissed, cried loudly, this precious being, who was once someone’s little boy, gave His life for us to have an eternal relationship with the Father.

The Pharisees, judgmental religious people, hated Him. Jesus had preformed miracles, healed the sick, drove out demons, turned water into wine, and more. The Pharisees knew their power was about to be ripped from them, and in turn, people would look directly to God instead of to them. The Pharisees demanded that this son be hung on a cross.

His mother knew her little boy was being beaten, enduring 39 whips, being spit on, punched, mocked, insulted, and having a crown of thorns pushed onto his head and forehead that caused blood to burst forth. This mother got to watch the brutal treatment of her child. The one little person, whom she once nurtured and loved, who brought her smiles daily, was hanging on a cross for a greater purpose.  He died! For what? Why would anyone hang from a cross and endure such torture? For you and me to have everlasting life with God through this Son whose name is Jesus Christ.

Though God sent His Son to die for us, it hurt Him. Yes, it pleased God to know that Jesus represented sin and Jesus defeated it for all who believe in Him. Jesus was raised on the third day from death and is now at the right hand of the Father. Because of Him, you, through your pain, anguish, mourning and loss, can come to the One who understands life and death of a child. God by His own will gave up His own child. Would you? Probably not, and neither would I.

God knows your pain, and you, like the mother of the boy who didn’t fully understand the reason her child had to be taken away, can rest in assurance that there will be things we can not understand but all understanding will come to fruition at its proper timing.

Nothing can make you feel better about losing your baby whom you loved; the little one who brought you smiles, giggles, laughter from the heart, the soul, hope and aspiration for more. Yet, the One who is waiting on you to rest in Him knows every detail of the pain you are feeling. He is waiting for you to hold out your hand so He can put it in His and move you forward. Do you want Him to cuddle, nurture, restore and comfort you?

Teresa G. Lusk is the author of Good Enough to be a Homemaker and CEO and a motivational speaker and has a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Psychology, Religion and Christian Counseling. www.teresalusk.com

Wheelchair Bound for Heaven

By Jane Thornton –

I just got off the phone with my mother who told me she’s in a wheelchair. This shocking news went in one ear and bounced around in my brain for a few minutes before it registered, and I could stutter, “Why?”

Many people would not find the news of a woman pushing seventy-three in a wheelchair even mildly surprising. But this is my mom, who bikes (well, trikes since Johnny got her a three-wheeler) six miles several times a week and regularly shreds the pasture with the tractor like the best field hand.

She had hopped out of the car to shut the garage door, tripped over her purse strap, and landed on her hip, probably fracturing it. Notice the word probably. Although putting any weight on her right foot was excruciating, sitting was quite bearable. So she kept her date at the symphony. And at the football game this afternoon.

Mom knew her doctor had a birthday party and didn’t want to bother her on the weekend. She’d wait until Monday. Like most grandmothers who want to stay in touch with their grandchildren, she has become techno savvy enough to text, so she did text the doctor to set up the x-ray.

Numerous self-deprecating chuckles sprinkled Mom’s telling of these events. Even as I approach fifty, I’m learning lessons from my mother (although I still feel pretty sure I would take the opportunity offered by a broken hip to retreat for a bout of guilt-free reading).

In just this one incident, she displayed thoughtfulness, strength, vigor, and an ability to laugh at herself.

Twenty years ago, she took a scary battle with breast cancer and turned it into a ministry. Now she sends cards to literally hundreds of people, encouraging them as they fight the disease or suffer through other struggles. Mom also shares her journey through a booklet, Whiner’s Guide to Chemotherapy, which includes some humorous (of course) tips and her prayer journal, another lesson for me in strength, openness and encouragement.

When I was growing up we had company almost every Sunday because she’d invite whoever visited at church. She made dining with strangers comfortable—this is the same woman who claims to have been a shy child.

Lest she read this and be embarrassed by my canonizing her, another of Mom’s charms is her honesty about her failings. Many of my lessons about marriage and parenting have come through her relating her own trials and errors.

Most important, Mom imparted her confidence in God’s love. She knew she was His precious child, and she passed that security to her children. Although I didn’t discover this favorite verse until I was an adult, its message only affirmed her teachings. No shock or surprise:

“The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV).

My mom sang over me. My husband and I rocked and sang over our children. I love the image of Father God singing over each of us. Sometimes we forget it or take His love for granted, but pause with the entire world this Christmas and marvel at the extreme measure God took to prove His love for us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).

Becoming a Woman of Understanding

By Nina Medrano –

Just days before I left town for a one-day business trip, the Holy Spirit brought a specific Scripture verse to my attention and prompted me to pray this verse for my life.

It’s my practice to read different versions of a Scripture verse to gain a broader understanding of God’s Word.  Proverbs 20:5 (NIV) reads that “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.”  The Contemporary English version (CEV) reads, “Someone’s thoughts may be as deep as the ocean, but if you are smart you will discover them.”

Next, the Spirit led me to pray Proverb 20:5 for the co-worker who is to travel with me, whom I know only through e-mail. In obedience, I asked Abba Father to “make me a woman of understanding; to give me a deeper insight to the purpose and the deep thoughts of this co-worker; flood my heart with the light of your Word and Spirit so that I may focus clearly and confidently draw out the deep thoughts and concerns of this co-worker; give me godly counsel and advice; don’t let me speak from my own understanding but let every word that comes from my thoughts and heart be totally yielded to your Spirit; give me supernatural favor; let this co-worker sense your Presence in our conversation and let her trust you with the deepest thoughts that trouble her. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

The day of travel we met at the airport early in the morning. Our conversation began with work-related issues. It was not long before our conversation shifted to a more personal exchange of information. This opened the door for me to share my faith in Christ. My co-worker listened and would ask an occasional question but for the most part she remained silent. Our next opportunity to converse was not until the end of the day as we made our way to the airport for our return flight. Our flight was delayed. Silently, I prayed, “Lord, I surrender my thoughts and words to you.”

After sharing several experiences of God’s guiding hand in my life it was now time to board our flight. As we began boarding, my co-worker drew nearer to me and with tear-filled eyes she began to tell me her desperate need for God’s guidance and direction. Currently, she faces a major crossroad and must make some career choices that will impact her life and her family. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit I was able to give her godly counsel and direction to her current situation. In a matter of moments the burden she was carrying was lifted off her countenance and a gently peace settled on her face.  Before we went our separate ways, my co-worker expressed a feeling of light-heartedness and an inner peace that she had not felt in a long while.

I cannot stop giving praise to God for sending us His Holy Spirit, who brings God’s word to our remembrance and teaches us all things. I pray that the Spirit will continue to make me a woman of understanding so that I may learn to draw the deep thoughts of the lives He places in my path.

Nina Medrano is a mentor in Transformation Ministry outreach of Church on The Rock in Lubbock, Texas, she resides in the country with her two playful Jack Russell Terriers, Daisy and Pepper Jack.

And Always Be Thankful

By Lori Freeland –

With a sigh, I drop into my favorite overstuffed chair and rest my cheek against the green tweed fabric. Leftover turkey, green beans, and mashed potatoes, brown with gravy, litter white plates scattered across the counter. The spicy aroma of warm pumpkin pie floats into the family room.

My boys tear through the room, flashing silver foam swords, my husband on their trail. He scoops them up and plops them down on the couch next to my sister and my grandpa.

“Turn the game up, I can’t hear the score,” My mom yells from the kitchen.

The dishwasher clicks on and I tune out the soft hum and close my eyes. Full of warmth and family, the day seems perfect. Yet, something is missing—the picture incomplete.

Grandma’s absence fills the room.

The smooth scent of vanilla slides over me. A hand rests on my shoulder and I cover it with mine—trace the bumpy veins on loose, spongy skin. I open my eyes.

Grandma kneels beside my chair, dressed in her favorite outfit—blue sweater, matching pumps, and pearl clip-on earrings.

I bite my lip. She’s not supposed to be here.

A smile warms her face. “I just want you to know that I’m okay.”

“It’s not the same without you.” I squeeze her hand and lean my head against hers. “I miss your hugs.”

Her fingers comb through my hair. “I miss yours, too.”

“Mom made your pistachio salad. It was all wrong. She put in the nuts.”

With a laugh, she kisses my cheek.

A harsh buzz shatters the moment. Startled, I sit up in bed. My husband snores softly by my side. I hit snooze on the alarm and fall back against the pillow.

It had only been a dream.

And now it’s too late. Too late to tell her how much she meant to me. Too late to hug her and realize what I had.

My husband rolls over and rubs his eyes. When I take the time to think about it, there are so many things I’m grateful for—like when he takes out the garbage and scoops out the cat litter. He’s made dinner on my tired days more times than I can count.

I roll over and scoot down so I can face him. “I love you.”

With a sigh, he pulls me close. “I love you, too.”

My hand rests against the rough stubble of his cheek and I breathe him in. I want to live in this moment, be grateful for what I have right now.

“Thanks for putting away the laundry yesterday and coming home early to drive Maddy to church.”

Surprise lights his eyes and, after he stares at me for a moment, a huge smile lights his face. “You’re welcome.”

As he holds me, I think of my kids still asleep, under their covers. How many hugs have I pushed off, busy with the drive to finish this or that? How many times have I punished their bad choices and neglected to praise their good choices?

My devotional reading from early in the week drifts through my mind.

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 NIV).

Thankfulness. Something I don’t spend much time pondering. It will take a conscious decision, some deliberate prioritizing, and major prayer to make a permanent attitude change. But it will be worth it. My grandma may be gone, but my husband and my kids are here.

After a soft kiss on my husband’s cheek, I climb out of bed to wake my kids up with a hug. I can’t wait to tell them how special I think they are!

« Previous Page — Next Page »