“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24  NLT

Whenever a new dog arrives into your home, you are about to create a year of “firsts.” There is the first Christmas, the first beach trip, the first birthday, not to mention the first carpet stain, scratched door, and teeth marks on the furniture. I remember Famous’ first swim in the lake, the first time he sniffed snow, and the first time we hiked a mountain. I had experienced all these things before, but he gave them a new dimension. Essentially, these ordinary occurrences were made new again.

How often do we greet the morning with the understanding that God has given us a brand new day filled with miracles and possibilities? God has created each cycle of day and night for his purpose and for our pleasure. We should be glad He can re-create us with every sunrise.

Lord, I rejoice in the newness of this day!

“And may the Lord make your love grow and overflow to each other and to everyone else, just as our love overflows toward you.”  I Thessalonians 3:12  NLT

Perhaps bringing a dog into one’s life does increase our ability to love. What capacity we do have to care can sometimes get pushed aside by the fast-paced world in which we live. It was only after I started walking Famous that I met most of my neighbors in my development. Conversations during these walks led to a new awareness of what was happening to the people in our community. And I have found few things that can slow you down on a trek around the block like having to wait for a dog to find the right spot to do his “business,” providing ample time for a friendly conversation.

God wants us to understand that love, like electricity, does nothing unless it is moving. It has to pass from heart to heart. We first must love God, for He is the source of all love. But his love must be transmitted by receiving it and then showing compassion, concern, and care to the people, pets, and causes we encounter each day.

Dogs seem to have the purpose in my opinion of igniting a sense of appreciation in us for their affection so that our grateful hearts are opened to loving others.

Let my heart receive your love, Lord, and be moved to share it today. 

“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”  Proverbs 18:10  NLT

One of the main Hebrew words associated with God is El which means might or strength. God is often depicted as a fortress or tower to denote permanence and refuge. The protection sought by the Israelites came from a true God and not a false deity.

As a puppy, Famous learned the “hustle” command. From a distance he would hear me call his name with the encouragement to run as fast as he could into my arms where he would be lavished with praises and hugs. The command served two purposes: to reward his obedience and to avert him from running away into a dangerous situation. Not long after this training his life may have been saved by my using the “hustle” as he had pulled out of a loose collar as we were walking near a busy street.

As we learn to trust God, He assures us with protection, providing strength for our most difficult days. He is our “mighty fortress.”

Father, I run into your open arms this day for refuge and strength. 

“He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”  Daniel 6:27  NLT

Not long ago, the media ran a story of a boy whose life had been saved by the family dog during a sudden cougar attack. Before the child even knew what was taking place, the dog had thrown himself between the boy and the cougar, taking upon himself the vicious claws and teeth, giving the boy an opportunity to escape, and convincing the cougar he could find easier prey elsewhere.

Most of us probably are clueless to the potential threats surrounding us during each day. We usually  react with disbelief if we hear of crimes committed in our own neighborhoods. Wars, natural disasters, and terrorist bombings are subjects for the evening news. How could they possibly happen to us?

God does watch over us. But in this world are many evils. He knows the dangers before they are revealed to us. Remaining close to God is our best defense in uncertain days.

God, watch over me today and protect me from unseen dangers. 

“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”  Psalm 73:26  NLT

Before I met Famous I had taken an interest in books, fiction and non-fiction, about dogs. Most of these doggie “tales” told a beautiful story of a relationship between a dog and his human. And each one ended, sadly and true to life, with the death of the pet. (Sometimes a few humans died along the way.) I would find myself avoiding the final chapters, empathizing with the grief of the dog’s master, until I would finally find the courage to read the “end.” Then whether I was home alone or traveling through an airport among countless strangers, I would finish the author’s words, tissues at the ready, succumbing to the tears streaming down my face.

I began to cynically design my own book that would announce in the prologue the impending doom of the dog, the author, and at some point in time, the reader! But I also asked myself if I was prepared to bring home, care for, and pour my heart into a creature that would more than likely expire before I did.

God knows our frailties. He knows we suffer. And when the things of this world pass away, He remains. The joy Famous brings will be celebrated long after his life with me has ended.

Lord, strengthen my heart this day for the joys and sorrows that await me. 

“Do not come any closer, ” God told him. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.”  Exodus 3:5  NLT

Shoes! Sandals, sneakers, and wingtips! Once I brought a puppy home, I had to make a new strategy for looking after the shoes. Normally, I would return home and kick off my footwear, enjoying the freedom of bare feet or socks. But when Famous came into the family, every shoe had to return to the closet. Plus, with the frequent walks and occasional spills around the water bowl, it just became more routine to keep the shoes on.

But God insisted Moses  remove his sandals when he was in his presence. God may not call to us from a burning bush each day, but He does invite us to continuously draw close to Him. Until we have prepared our hearts for listening to God’s voice, the routine of the normally busy world obscures these encounters.

We have similar customs in today’s worship: wearing head coverings by women or the removal of a man’s hat when praying. We do this in honor of our Creator and in preparation for the encounter with the most holy Lord. If we consistently pray to God and listen for his guidance, it can become an integral part of our day–just like the habit of putting shoes out of the dog’s reach!

Dear God, I prepare my heart to be in your presence this day. 

“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. This all happened on the sixth day.”  Genesis 1:31  NLT

We cannot be certain of God’s design for humans and the beasts we have made our pets. We do know, according to the Genesis narrative, that people and dogs were created on the same “day” and that we were given dominion over all the animals. Does this possibly affirm the connection we have with our pets?

It does if they help to remind us that we are all God’s creations. God has created every perfect gift and provides for all of our needs. There are many individuals who have found a kindness in dog ownership, a reminder that they are not alone. God cares for us. When we are able to care for another individual or creature out of our bounty, we remember and honor how God has first loved us.

And if when your dog gives you that loving gaze it reminds you of God’s love in the world, then you are opening yourself to thankfulness and joy.

I praise You, God, for showing your love to me in so many ways. 

“He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together.”  Colossians 1:17  NLT

History began with God’s creative force. For his purposes He created all that is in the universe. He established what we call the laws of nature and physics so that the universe would be ordered and not chaotic. God gave us time, days, and seasons so we would have renewing cycles. He gave us form and spirit. And then He placed us as masters and caretakers of the world!

I may not be able to manage all of Earth’s conservation, but each day I am given the task of caring for one of its occupants. Just as we can assume that somewhere in history domesticated dogs and humans found some aspects of living easier, or more enjoyable, by co-existing, I find life to be rewarding by nurturing a bond with this particular animal I have named Famous.

The thought, therefore, does not escape me that out of all the time the world has known, and out of all the creatures that have ever existed and have yet to be born, God has placed in the same moment both dog and master. Hurtling through intergalactic space, Famous and I are both hanging out of the planet’s window with cosmic winds blowing our ears back! A unique moment. A unique gift.

I will worship You, Lord of all, and give my best to honor the gift of your creation.

“So all Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord’s covenant to Jerusalem with shouts of joy, the blowing of horns and trumpets, the crashing of cymbals, and loud playing on harps and lyres.”  I Chronicles 15:28  NLT

Watching a young dog energetically chase a ball, greet a four-legged friend, or pick up the scent of another furry creature is seeing a true celebration of life. Instinct helps him to be totally focused on the most interesting task at hand. Often, I have been dismayed when Famous would not heed my calls once the scent of a rabbit sent him racing down the fence line!

But then, is he not doing what comes naturally? And I suppose a more telling question is why we view adoration or praise as a bizarre or abnormal behavior. Obviously, the Israelites were worshiping God with every ounce of energy as the Ark of the Covenant was transported. Would it not be similar to the energy we see today inside a sporting arena? We are most certainly capable of impassioned public displays! But let someone try to get excited about life in general, and we tend to think they have lost touch with reality!

God created us. He created our emotions and our passions. Famous reminds me to celebrate at least a little bit of life every day.

Father, receive my most enthusiastic praise!

“All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining through the clouds. This was the way the glory of the Lord appeared to me. When I saw it, I fell face down in the dust, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me.”  Ezekiel 1:28  NLT

This encounter between the Lord and the prophet Ezekiel underscores God’s holiness and magnificence. So overwhelming was God’s glory that Ezekiel had to throw himself to the ground. He realized in an instant how insignificant he was! But from the dust of the ground he was able to hear God’s voice.

When we first recognize we are in the presence of the Lord, we too should see how unworthy we are to stand before Him. Compared to God, what are we? But if we humble ourselves before Him, then God Himself begins to draw us into an affirming, nurturing relationship. We have to learn to hear his voice instead of our own.

It is important to provide our pets with a protective and nurturing relationship. At times them may bark and drown out our instructions–the very instructions intended to teach them safety and disciplined behavior. In the case of our dogs, we have to earn their trust in order for them to listen to our voices. But with our heavenly Father, we have to learn to trust Him.

I pray for humility so that your voice would be ever clear to me.