Bible Study Verse
Isaiah 55:9
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (NIV)

Thoughts
I have a hiking companion, her name is Nala and she trusts me completely. In fact we spend a great deal of time together. This loved 10 yr old husky/chow mix rides with me in my truck quite frequently.

When Nala was younger we drove into an enclosed automatic carwash. As the wash started, Nala became terrified. She howled, whined, jumped around, and shook as the loud machines and brushes encapsulated the vehicle. It was an entirely new experience for her and she didn’t know how to handle it. I tried calming her, but she just ignored my voice.

But are we any different? Not at carwashes perhaps, but hospital stays, job changes and transfers, and all sorts of new experiences that trigger howling and whining in us. When our ‘Master’ gently tries to explain, we ignore him or are too terrified to make any sense of His voice.
(Marshall M)

Action Point
Lessons from God can be found in every part of our lives, including something as mundane as a carwash. Is your world wild and crazy right now?

God’s greatest blessings often come costumed as disasters. You may doubt what I say and wonder how God can use divorce, disease, or even death?

Simple – God’s smarter than we are.

Two years ago a six year old brought me something to help him write his name on. I began to write it and he grabbed my arm and said, “Hey pastor, how come you know how to spell my name?” He was awed that I knew how to spell his name, even went, and told his mother. He was amazed. You are not; you know the difference between the knowledge of a child and an adult. Can you then imagine the difference between human wisdom and God’s wisdom? What may be impossible for us is like spelling a child’s name to him. Before I forget, Nala still doesn’t like carwashes, but she has learned to trust and listen to my voice.

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day
There are some important things to remember when taking a dog with you to the woods, even for a day hike. What type of terrain is it? Is there water for the dog? Always keep your dog under control, in sight, and know the area you’re going beforehand. Exploring with a dog into unfamiliar territory can be dangerous for you and the dog.