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Call Out to the Father

I saw it at a Middle School football game. The offense ran a sneak play. After it was over, all of the players got up but one. This one boy seemed to be in a lot of pain. Lying on his back, he rocked back and forth, holding onto his leg. The coaches and trainers all ran to where he lay. We all hoped it was just a cramp, but it looked serious.

We were sitting not far from the boy's parents. Now, football parents know that you trust the coaches and don't rush to the field every time your child appears to be hurt. So, I watched Mama and Daddy anxiously, waiting and watching.

But then, raising his head, the boy let out a piercing cry that was heard all over the Granite Bowl, “Daddyyy.” Before the last echo faded, his father had jumped the wall separating the stands from the field and was at his son's side. Because that is what Daddies do. When our children call, we come!

This isn’t a parable. I actually saw it happen. But it is an earthly story that illustrates a heavenly principle. In Luke 11:13, Jesus teaches us that if ordinary men can be good daddies, then how much better is our Father in Heaven? Throughout the Bible, we are told that all we have to do is call out to God and He will answer. In times of great distress, He says, “Here I am.” Those times when we are confused, He says, “Call to Me and I will answer you and teach you things you do not know.”

The bottom line is this. While men on earth can be good daddies, we have a God in Heaven who is a truly great Father. God is good and loving. Like the football parents in the stands that day, He waits for us to call out to Him. Yet even before we call, He will answer, because that’s what God does. When His children call, He is already there.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

www.pavementendsministry.com

douglas@pavementendsministry.com

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The Corn has Turned Brown

In the cool of the morning, I sit on the back porch. My thoughts this morning are on the goodness of God. At the edge of the porch, a swarm of hummingbirds competes for sugar water. In the woods, squirrels are chattering about whatever is important to squirrels. Now, a slight breeze brings a rustling sound from the dried-up corn stalks.

A few days ago, I was pulling corn. The patch below the house produced a lot this year! We put a lot of corn in the freezer. Then we told all our friends and neighbors to get some corn. I took a lot of corn to people who couldn't come and get it. We were blessed with an abundance of corn this year. But now the corn has turned brown.

Yes, July was hot and dry. But the fact is, when the corn is ready, you only have a few days to gather it. If you don't get it when it is ready, it will get hard. The stalks will go from bright green to brown. Then it's over until next year.

The dried-up corn reminds me of my late neighbor Dan. Every year, he planted corn. Most of the time, he produced a lot of corn. One year, it was extra hot and dry. When the corn did not grow, all of Dan’s money, time, and elbow grease were wasted. But Dan didn’t worry about it. He just grinned and said, “I will plant corn again next year.”

Dan’s attitude about raising corn reminds me of Proverbs 28:25, which says, “He who trusts in the Lord will prosper.” Sometimes it rains, and sometimes it doesn’t. Some years the corn grows, and other years it won’t. So, I will trust in the Lord with all my heart because anyone who trusts God will not be disappointed.

. God has shown kindness by giving us rain from heaven. Because of His wisdom, the crops grow in their seasons. This is why listening to the rustling of dried-up corn stalks fills my heart with joy.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

www.pavementendsministry.com

Email-douglas@pavementendsministry.com

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No Shoes in Heaven

I'm a tenderfoot. I have never been comfortable going barefoot. Even when I was a little boy, I wanted my shoes. Growing up, I spent a lot of time rambling through the woods and pastures. Often, you could find me splashing in the creek, chasing crawfish and minnows. But I never took my shoes off.

As an adult, I still resist going barefoot. In Northeast Georgia, we are infested with fire ants. If you go outside without shoes, the fire ants will find you, and they will bite you. Their bite feels like fire! But even when I walk around in the house, I feel more comfortable wearing shoes.

I think it is wise to wear shoes. And it is Biblical. When the prodigal son returned, his father put shoes on his feet. In Ephesians, we are told to put on shoes as we prepare to spread the gospel. John the Baptist wasn't even qualified to untie Jesus’ shoes. And in the Song of Solomon, we read that women's feet are beautiful in sandals. So yes, it is wise and Biblical to wear shoes.

However!

I have concluded that there will be no shoes in Heaven. After all, when Moses approached the burning bush, he was told to take off his sandals. He was standing on Holy Ground. When Joshua met the Commander of the Lord’s Army, he was instructed to, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” Joshua did as he was told, because he was standing on Holy Ground.

So, when we reach Heaven, to borrow a phrase from Uncle Jed, I think we will “take our shoes off and set a spell.” Maybe we will run barefoot on the streets of gold and dip our toes in the Crystal Sea. And when we raise our hands high to glorify Jesus, we will feel the wonder of God flowing from our fingertips to our tippy toes. Because there won't be any shoes on our feet to keep us from feeling the Glory as we stand on Heaven's Holy Ground.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

www.pavementendsministry.com

Email-douglas@pavementendsministry.com