This word is submitted by Lois Smith [loisfsmith@yahoo.com]

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          Run With All Your Strength & Might!

I saw our dog digging with all his strength in the snow this morning.
The snow had melted the past few days and half of a green tennis ball
was poking out of the snow. The dog had his teeth around the top half
of the ball, but it was still wedged. He pulled and pulled like it was
the best steak on earth!! His whole body was pulling backwards with all
he had! And he was persistent. Finally, I went to get the tea kettle
and poured a bit of warm water on the snowy edge of the ball, and the
dog pulled it free, and he looked so excited and pleased and chewed on
this frozen ball. But I knew he wouldn't have given up, even if he
caused some pain to his paws, until he got it.

The Lord then reminded me of the many times our dog (and many other
dogs) chase after a ball. They run full throttle after the ball, at
high speed to catch it and bring it to their master. It is their great
joy to do this.

And the Lord said...

"How I long for My people to run with all their strength and everything
they have within them toward Me! How I long for them to run after Me
instead of deeds, acts, and the 'things' of this world!

"I love My people so greatly and I want to be their greatest desire! I
want to be the longing of their hearts and the one they run to with all
their strength!

"I want you, My people, to turn from the things of the world and see
that I will fulfill all of your longings. Learn to hope in Me, for I am
the One Who will lift your heart and burdens. I will lighten your
shoulders--not the things of this world. I will bring true fulfillment
in your life.

"So run to Me and sit at My feet, that I might touch you with My
goodness. How I long to touch you, My people, when you put your hope
in Me. Run to Me and draw near."