Given Fall of 1997
A wise friend of mine, a former elementary school principal, gave a talk to a men’s group once on, “The Black Dog”. He told of how cute a little black puppy is but if you feed it and care for it, it sometimes grows up to be a big, mean, black dog. That once, little, cute, controllable puppy can become a big, mean, uncontrollable monster!

This story was given to illustrate how a bad habit can “grow” from a small, seemingly insignificant thing into a big, troublesome problem that you can’t control anymore. It could be anything: smoking, gossip, porn, drugs/alcohol, lying, gambling, whatever. You know what I’m talking about and you’re probably thinking of something in your life right now. At the beginning, these things seem harmless and are easily controlled but as you continue on in them, they grow and can become overpowering.

The answer? I asked God about this and I’ve heard preaching on it too. If you don’t feed the thing, it will become weaker and weaker and eventually…DIE! When you give in to it, you’re feeding it and it grows and grows. Now, this is hard to do but think about it next time your habit comes licking or growling at your feet. Don’t feed it! The black dog will die.

Given June 19, 2005
During intercession at church on this Sunday morning, as I walked and prayed, I noticed a flash of light on the carpet. I took one step further and it was gone. A small piece of plastic on the floor was reflecting the light from the ceiling but I had to be in the right spot to see it. The light was only visible when I was in the right position in relation to the light source. I couldn’t see the reflected light until I moved into the right position.

I thought, “God is telling me I must be in the place where I can see His light reflected to me.” And, not only to me, but I need to be in the right place for His light to reflect OFF me for others to see! When we’re in the right position, in relation to God, the source of light, His light will shine through us and, believe me, people are watching. “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world.” John 11:9

Christmas here at the Dotson house is different this year. Our youngest son is home from college but is sick in bed. Son number three is in China teaching English for a year, the first time in his life he hasn’t woken up at home on Christmas morning. However, we talked to him over the Internet using Skype this morning. Son number two and one are with their own families but we were able to be together at church this morning. That was good.

My oldest son, Chad, has a very popular blog of his own and his post today says it all. Read it here. To all who read this, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I wrote recently about us being God’s representatives here on earth and how we should be aware of that and how people look at us. Sadly though, many Christians don’t look or act like Christians because they are so “conformed” to this world. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, Romans 12:2”. God has been reminding me of this concept a lot recently.

Then I thought, “How would we behave if we had a sign around our neck that read, ‘I’m A Christian’?” I think we’d act differently, don’t you? Think about it as you drive, at work, at the store, at the ball game, and everywhere you go. People are watching us and, if they know we’re Christians, we’re God’s witness, His representative. My brother knows I’m a Christian but do all the people I meet each day know?

Given December 14, 2005
I was thinking the other day about temptations. The Bible says we all have ’em in various forms, James 1:14, and we’re supposed to resist them. But, sometimes you know, it’s hard to do. Then I thought, “Well, the Bible says Jesus was tempted like we are but He didn’t sin.” How’d He do it?

The answer is in Matthew 4:4, “But he answered and said, It is written”, and in Matthew 4:7, “Jesus said unto him, It is written again”, then in Matthew 4:10, “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written…” Three times Satan tried and every time Jesus resisted him with, “It is written” then He quoted the Word of God. That’s the answer for us! IT IS WRITTEN!

Whenever the devil comes at you with fear, say, “It is written…I have not been given the spirit of fear but of power and love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7. If he tells you you’re gonna fail, tell him, “It is written…I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13. If he says you’re sick, come back at him with, “It is written…by His stripes I’m healed!” Isaiah 53:5.

We can defeat the devil just like Jesus did, with the Word! Now, think of all the ways Satan tempts & lies to you and go look up & memorize scriptures to fight back with. It works! “Submit to God, resit the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. “Devil, get outta here!”