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Listen while you read: "O Word Of God Incarnate"1
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1 John 3:16-18 – This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (NIV)
While visiting the veterinarian recently, the receptionist asked me if I would like to see the cat house. I am not really a cat person, but my daughter is, and I knew that she would be interested in what they had to show me.
The cat house was a small cottage consisting of three rooms. Each room was overflowing with cats of every size and colour. I was appalled at how many cats needed homes. I was also told that these cats were simply the overflow from the Humane Society that did not have room to house any more.
One of the kittens especially grabbed my attention, as upon his snowy left foot, he had a perfectly shaped grey heart. That little heart stood out so clearly, as if an artist had taken a brush and painted it on that diminutive paw.
Later, as I contemplated the clarity of the heart on the kitten's foot, I wondered if others could see the heart of Jesus' love in my life just as clearly. Do my actions reveal a selflessness and humility when it comes to being aware of and meeting the needs of those around me? Am I regularly laying down my life for others by putting them ahead of myself, just as Jesus put our needs ahead of His own, by laying aside His home in heaven and coming to earth to die for the sins of the world? That little kitten and the message of the beautiful heart on his foot had given me a lot to think and pray about.
We all live busy lives and it is easy to get caught up in our own concerns and needs while forgetting about the needs of others, especially those less fortunate than ourselves. Today, however, may we each choose to make a point of asking the Holy Spirit for eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to be open wide as to where the heart of Jesus within us has the opportunity to reach out and touch someone today.
P.S. That little kitten now resides in my home and is an ever-constant reminder to me of the need to allow others to see clearly the heart of Jesus within me.
Prayer: Father God, thank You that the heart of Jesus' love dwells within each one of His followers. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, may it never lie dormant within us, but be alive and active every day. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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About the author:
Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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The kitty thanks you, as do I. Brought me a morning smile.
Lynne, very enjoyable but seriously important. Thanks for speaking truth.
Thanks again, Lynne.
What good inspiration you bring us just from adopting a kitten!
Thank you for sharing this insight into the heart of Jesus! I hope that folks will also see the work of the Holy Spirit and God’s love as I move about and in their lives.
Lynne – obviously Earl knew you needed a buddy to bring more devotionals to life. I eagerly await the name of this new family member.
God works in mysterious and loving ways.
Oh Lynne, I DO love your stories. You make it so clear that EVERYTHING can be related to God’s unfailing love and care for His people. May we all see Him and recognize His Presence in our daily activities as clearly as you do. God bless.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today! To God be the glory, great things He has done… Rescuing a small kitten might not be a very great thing to have done, but for that kitten, it meant a whole lot…. it meant life! Thanks for adopting it.
Dear Lynne,
The receptionist is doing her part to help those less fortunate too…she takes the time to show the cats in the hope that some visitors will take one home!
Blessings.
Morning Lynne. You’re so eloquent in your writing. We too, are dog people. However, as I read; I just know that little paw heart was speaking to your heart. Glad to hear you gave the ‘lil one a forever home.
Have a wonderful day.
Such a simple yet profound message. I will meditate on it today. Thank you so much Lynn, for your contributions to the Devotionals.
I would have loved to see a picture of that little paw.
God bless you and your family.
Hi Lynne. Once again, your gift to connect day-to-day life with God’s Word is wonderful.
May this kitten bring you and your family many smiles. Like Earl, I am sure more opportunities to see God’s work at play.
Bless you for sharing your gift to write.
Wahoo I was hoping that you decided to take this kitty and I didn’t read ahead, but I am thrilled Lynne, I love your heart for all of God’s creatures and you speak loudly and gently of your love for them. What did you decide to name him?
Blessings galore and what a blessed kitty this one is!
Thank you, Lynne, for your very “heart touching” devotional today. I was so touched reading about that kitty with a heart outlined on its paw. Whenever I read devotionals from you, I feel you have a very tender heart not only for animals that you have in your care but also for your family and others that you connect with. So wonderful for that kitty to now have a home with you. Blessings for these very special writings you prepare.
Hello Lynne
Thank you for this beautiful reminder of showing God’s love to others. I am glad you brought the little guy home. What did you call him? I pray as you chose the little cat with the definite designed heart that people would see the definite heart of Jesus and choose Him also!!
God bless.
What a touching story!
Because of deep set allergies, I was never able to have a “furry baby”. It was tough when we had a family, but they accepted it and fortunately, my sister who had a golden lab visited each weekend and found our garden a great hang out.
Thanks for this unique story!
(BC)
Well, I was beginning to wonder Lynne if you fell for that kitty. We have always been dog people. We did have a kitty after we moved here to the ranch. She had a littler and then she disappeared. About a year ago our neighbors put a photo on Facebook of a beautiful cat who did not play well with their two other cats. This cat has resided with us since then. He and Banjo get along by ignoring each other. Now, when I look at him, I will remember your devotional.
Thanks, Lynne.
Good morning, Lynne,
I love the symbol of the heart and have crocheted and made many in stained glass to give away over the years. This is a great passage from the Bible that you shared today. I think you are right that we should always ask “for eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to be open wide as to where the heart of Jesus within us has the opportunity to reach out and touch someone today.”
Thanks for sharing about your new cat with the heart on this paw. My sister-in-law has a birth mark on her wrist which is shaped like a perfect heart, and she does have a generous and kind heart. Blessings.
Well Lynne the Holy Spirit moved you in a new and different way when you visited the Cat House at the Veterinarian’s during your visit. God got your attention with the cat with the heart shape on his paw area. Thus you were moved with compassion for these cats to the extent you adopted this special little cat, which is a gift of God.
We are not cat people either, but mainly due to being allergic to cats. My wife is allergic to most dog breeds, that is why we ended up with 3 Miniature Schnauzers over the years. They do not shed and do not have dander which is what my wife is allergic to.
When God moves in our heart to adopt a pet, He does so for a reason from which we can learn much as we share the Good News of Jesus with those whom He brings into our lives.
Blessings.
I cried so much when I saw that you took the kitten.
That sweetheart got you!! I am so glad and grateful.
I hope the kitten brings you so much love and shows his heart to you every day.
Thank you, Lynne. This is so important: Today, however, may we each choose to make a point of asking the Holy Spirit for eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to be open wide as to where the heart of Jesus within us has the opportunity to reach out and touch someone today.
Beautiful message, as always dear Lynne.
Bless.