
I was fifteen years old when I found my first real girlfriend. To say I was smitten is putting it mildly. I followed “Sweet Thing,” as my family called her, around like a love sick puppy.
One day, she wanted to leave our high school campus at lunch time, so I walked with her a few blocks down the street to get something to eat.
Uh oh, here came some older guys I knew, who were a grade or two ahead of me. They were sure to give me a hard time about walking with my girl.
To this day I’m ashamed for what happened next. I slowed down, letting her walk in front of me, until we were about 10 feet apart. “Maybe they won’t realize we’re together,” I thought.
It didn’t work. One of the guys quipped, “Hey Dave! You need to get closer if you want to know what girls are about.”
Thankfully, my girlfriend turned around and laughed. This “puppy” caught up with her right away!
During His earthly days of ministry, Jesus was frequently surrounded by needy folk who had no qualms about getting close to Him. Remember the woman who’d bled uncontrollably for twelve years? She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” (Matthew 8:21).
Another Bible story tells about the reception Christ received when he arrived in a new place. People immediately recognized him and started bringing the sick from the surrounding area.
They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.
Mark 6:56b (NIV)
Kind reader, the closer we get to Jesus, the more we’ll know what he is about. Today, and every day, may we have the laser-focused faith of that chronically ill woman-“If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ Prayers and love.
Photo by vjapratama on Pexels.com
Comments
32 responses to “Head over Heals”
Thanks, Peggy! God Bless.
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Amen!
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Thank you, brother! It’s not always easy to stay close, but walking beside Jesus is better than behind or in front of him. Thank you for your encouragement!
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I love this post, David. You share a good lesson about needing to stay close to Jesus if we really want to get to know Him. This is so true! A work colleague and I were just discussing this very thing. It’s hard to be intimate from a distance. Great post!
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Sweet story and a beautiful truth! We do need to walk closer to Jesus to know Him better.
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I’ve heard this hymn before, brother. I’m going to look it up and have another listen. God Bless!
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True, Matt! It’s hard to walk closely with Jesus and not be changed forever.
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Come closer to Jesus, walk closely with Jesus, then things will never be the same because he changes us
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What a lovely lesson for us all David, that we need to draw close to our Saviour. It reminds me of the old hymn “Safe In The Arms of Jesus” I first encountered at a brother’s funeral; I knew that day that was how close I wanted to be with Him.
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
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Amen. ❤️
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I like the image of sticking close as a puppy does its master, ears attentive to every word, and eyes fixed on every move.
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Yes, it’s funny now, but back then I didn’t particularly like it. “Sweet Thing” even found out her nickname—from my brother. She probably laughed again. 😊
Thank you for reading and commenting. God does indeed call us to come up close. It’s a great place to be!
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I had to laugh about your family calling your girlfriend“Sweet thing.” Sounds like our family. 😃
And your post is beautiful, David. I’m ever thankful for a God who doesn’t hold us at arm’s length, but welcomes us to be close to Him. And as you said, that’s the only way we’ll truly know Him. Thank you so much for this!
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Ha-ha, Amen! 😀
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It’s only human to assume we need to do something big to be healed—walk through fire, etc. But, with God, all it takes is a touch. Thank you, Crystal!
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What a great reminder—if I only touch His cloak…
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😍
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Great minds thinking alike and all!
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When I was in sales, my boss used to say—after we’d set up display #4 of 12 for the day: “That’ll do for now.”
Good enough was the goal, because perfect was nye impossible, under the circumstances.
Thanks for reading and sharing, Gary. God Bless.
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I knew you would get the main take-away from this post. Yes! I want to me a love sick puppy for Jesus!
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Beginners do dumb stuff (me thinking back), but they are eager to learn. May I always know I am a beginner with God (at least the child-like part). I’m afraid life it too short to get it all right for now.
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I love this! I want to follow Jesus like a love sick puppy!
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Yes they are! I’m praying for some “puppy style” faith for the both of us. 🙏
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Puppies are quick learners. 😀
I love the story of that woman in the bible. Her faith really was focused on Jesus 100%.
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Thank you, Andy. God Bless!
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Excellent post. Thank you, David
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Thank you. Yes, falling, and staying in love with Jesus is key. God Bless!
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Very cute illustration. I hope we can fall in love with Jesus like you fell in love with this young woman 🙂
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Thanks, Bridget. That’s the perfect scripture to go with this! I hope you and your husband have a wonderful weekend, too. Thank you for stopping by!
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Such a great reminder to “draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Thank you, David. I always enjoy your stories and spiritual applications. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Amen, Barb! I love this song, and it fits this post well. God Bless!
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🎶🎵 Jesus draw me close, closer Lord to Thee 🎵🎶
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