7 Apr, 2011

Godly Guidance

Blind guide dog gets guide dog

Today’s Story:  Godly GuidanceGuide Dog

After six years of loyal service, Graham Waspe was devastated when his guide dog Edward was left blind after developing cataracts.  But his devastation turned to joy when his replacement Opal turned out to be a real gem.  Mr Waspe's new dog is not just aiding his owner to carry out everyday tasks, but also helping Edward to get around.
 
Regarding the photo: Graham Waspe, who is registered blind, with his blind guide dog Edward (left) and his new guide dog Opal (right) who now guides both of them on walks

The Waspes say the two dogs have got on fine since they came together, with Opal taking Edward to all his old haunts.  Mr Waspe received his new dog last November after Edward developed the inoperable problem which resulted in him needing both eyes removed. 

Graham said: 'Opal's been great for both of us. I don't know what we'd do without her.'  And his wife Sandra, 58, said that despite the loss of his eyes, Edward still loved nothing more than to be around children, have his tummy tickled and receive lots of attention.  The eight-year-old has been retired for four months but the loss of his eyesight has shown no sign of slowing him down.

Mr Waspe has limited vision in only one of his eyes following two separate incidents earlier in his life and coped without a guide dog until 2004.

News story courtesy of dailymail.co.uk  and the photo is courtesy of albanpix.com

God’s Story 

Matthew 4:18-22 (NIV)
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
 
 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

What does today’s Scripture Story teach us about following?
Jesus is the best Guide we could ever have.  He calls us all to be disciples – to share His Good News with others.  He wants us to be a part of ministry.  He uses ordinary people. Ordinary fisherman.  Ordinary you. Ordinary me.
How can we connect today’s God’s Story scripture to our lives?
Do you remember when you were blind to sin?  Maybe you knew what you were doing was wrong but you didn’t care.  Perhaps you didn’t even have a Bible or know what the Ten Commandments were.  Are you still blind in some areas of your life or are you completely following Christ without reservation?  Be like the disciples who immediately (or at once) left what they were doing and followed Jesus.

How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
Pray for God to examine your heart.  Ask for forgiveness in any area(s) that you haven’t given to Him.  Tell Him know that you want to follow Him completely. Let Him be your guide, even when you can’t see where He’s leading you.

If you haven’t already, begin to talk about your relationship with Christ in a natural way to your friends.  Tell them the story of how Jesus began calling fisherman to work with Him. 

Listen to your friends.  Continue to build relationships with them.  Ask questions to get to know them better.  Continue to follow Jesus and let Him guide you each step of the way.

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The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

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