“For the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.”  John 16:27  NLT

Since today is the extra day in our leap year, I will invite us to take a leap of faith. I have read of people suspicious of their pets being angels in disguise, as if they were either God’s messengers or his spies sent to watch over them. Even though they could never prove such a thing, I like the perspective of believing Famous is in my life because God ordained such a partnership.

Obviously, his life is affected by the decisions I make: where I live, how active we are, the brand of dog food I choose. But, in a way, I find him to be God’s messenger reminding me that the decisions on how I choose to live life will impact my future and the future of people around me. Because I have to plan my day knowing it will impact him (for example, if I choose to attend a ballgame and leave him at home), it enables me to readily see how my life touches so many others and not just me alone. It quickly reduces the value of the argument that I just want to do it.

Maybe Famous is an angel in the way that he helps watch over my life. God loves us for loving Jesus and believing He was sent from God. I believe God also loves me for recognizing how this wonderful creature helps me to commit my energy and spirit in daily devotion.

Help me today, God, to see You in the world and to choose to live according to Your will. 

 

“God has sent me here to keep you and your families alive so that you will become a great nation.”  Genesis 45:7  NLT

The story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis is a wonderful example of how God works in our lives despite our shortcomings. In selling Joseph into slavery, his brothers could never have imagined this to be part of God’s plan of salvation for their family. Years later, when they would surely have died of starvation from years of devastating famine, Joseph is there to rescue them.

We seek to understand the human drama being played out around us in life today. When we find confusing signals or experience hardships, we want explanations. We tend to have very little patience when God has not made his purposes clear to us.

If, on the other hand, we look for God’s work around us, we can accept the unfolding of history as purposeful and a witness to his love. My dog, Famous, inspires me to see life through his eyes. This in turn helps me to see a broader picture which God is creating.

Father, forgive me when I doubt your ways.

“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”  Jeremiah 31:3  NLT

There are many reasons why we love our pets and why a bond is likely to form between dog and master. Perhaps it is the face and recognition in their eyes that makes us smile. Perhaps it is the touch of silky hair or warm body. Perhaps it is just the ability of a pet to allow us to be close and share our presence. Whatever the reason, it seems quite natural in many cases for an unconditional love to develop.

I often tell Famous I love him. I say it not because he does what I ask or because he inherited great genes, but because I love him for just being with me. God promises an everlasting, unwavering love to anyone who will accept it. To me this is a very natural thing and anything that denies or inhibits that love is unnatural. God’s love for us invites us to be in his presence for all eternity. And when I whisper “I love you” to Famous, I know God is whispering the same to me.

I delight in the love of God which He bestows upon me.

“I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20  NLT

Independence is often seen as a virtuous quality. So the concept of allowing anyone else to take over our lives can at first seem very difficult. Here the apostle Paul is not speaking of a cruel god forcing us into slavery, but a trust which frees us from the legal law of religion. We are no longer God’s servants, but He has made us his sons and daughters.

When I decided to become a pet owner and bring Famous into my life, I had to choose to give up a certain amount of flexibility. I was no longer able to stay late at work or take spontaneous vacations. I could therefore begin to see myself as a slave to this animal and resent the inconvenience. Instead, he has freed me from loneliness and doubt, from fear and depression, and from hurt and want. In the same way I am committed to Famous and receive the blessings of our relationship, so my faith and trust in the Son of God sets me free in the awareness of his love.

Jesus, I surrender my heart to You. Help me to further trust your leading.

“Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.”  Romans 13:10  NLT

One of the requirements at dinner time is for Famous to eat his supper before asking for a dog treat. He knows that there are some pretty tasty morsels kept on top of the refrigerator, and an attentive look to me is my signal that he has done his duty, and it is time for dessert! But not too long ago he figured out how to get two treats. He will eat half of his dinner and pretend as if he is finished, waiting patiently for his reward. Then before the supper dishes are put away, he will finish his meal and give me that same hopeful look. And unless I am very busy, I usually let him outsmart me.

Without any mischief on his part, Famous believes he has satisfied what is required of him to receive his treats. What is required of God’s servants is that we base who we are and what we do in love. We do this not for the reward of heaven, but out of gratitude for the enormously satisfying love bestowed upon us by God.

Today I will allow myself to be showered by God’s love.

“Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.”  Hebrews 6:11  NLT

It is easy to become discouraged in life. Hebrews reminds us that God is not unfair, but when life does not go as we planned, we tend to think God is unfair, or at least his attention is elsewhere. Sometimes it is helpful for me to compare the journey of life with planning a road trip with Famous. You think you know where you are going when you start, but you often end up re-thinking the whole idea.

Even if I calculate the time in the car and provisions for the journey, there are several other things to consider when traveling with a dog. You have to stay in accommodations which are “pet-friendly.” Even then, you may be restricted to a weight limit of forty pounds. Since Famous weighs about 55 pounds, he may come under scrutiny even though his shoulder height falls below my knee. I could quickly become discouraged from going anywhere with him, but my love for him helps me to stay positive and learn as we go along.

If we are loving others in life, then God protects us from becoming spiritually dull and discouraged.

Father in heaven, open my heart to the love You give to us all so that I will continue to be encouraged.

“But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love.”  Titus 3:4  NLT

We have all seen the bumper stickers and t-shirts which read, “I prefer dogs to people!“ We get the message, but in many cases I know it would depend on the dog or the person. Relationships with our pets and relationships with our neighbors take work. The problem for some may be, unlike with our dogs, we cannot train our neighbors with treats, although the proverbial cup of sugar can go a long way!

I am pleased that Famous by his temperament helps me to be an approachable person in my community. I see this as one more opportunity given to me to listen to the tempo of life and interact with friends who would otherwise be unfamiliar neighbors. Encountering other people during the walks with Famous often gives me the chance to show small kindnesses or encouragement. While I am speaking with someone, Famous usually just takes a patient seat until our constitutional continues.

Christ is God’s plan for demonstrating his kindness and love. We must daily consider a plan to do likewise.

Dear God, may my gratitude for your kindness and love help me to pay it forward.

“Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.”  Matthew 6:21  NLT

A dog owner might well understand the reverse of today’s scripture: where your heart is, there goes your treasure! Owning a dog can be expensive just with food and vet bills alone. Then there are collars, leads, bowls, beds, sweaters, and toys. Just look through any specialty pet store or catalog.

I searched the internet for just the right dog collar when Famous came home with me. Indeed, I found it — a hand-crafted leather, turquoise, and silver dog collar. It could be his to wear with pride (the description on-line pointed out that your pet only deserved the best) for only $6,000. Alas, my pocketbook was not as full as my heart!

Christ sits enthroned in the hearts of those that love Him. Our motives, our desires, our vision, and our daily actions are guided by our conviction and dedication. He calls for us to put others first, sacrifice our time and earthly treasures, and incline our hearts to God’s leading. Famous deserves what time and affection I can give him, but my heavenly Father requires my whole heart.

Lord, help me to dedicate my all to You.

 

“The unfailing love of the Lord never ends!”  Lamentations 3:22a  NLT

We have all wondered if dogs go to heaven when they die. I have heard argument for both sides, but I have to admit I do not know the answer. To discuss such a topic here would be impossible for I would need to discuss the very nature of heaven and the everlasting life that is promised to believers.

I do know Famous is God’s creation, and he is mine to nurture and love while he lives on earth. I am convinced, however, that the love for him which I unashamedly foster will continue in my heart forever. And this brings up a point missed by many Christians. Heaven is not a destination granted to us by saving up good behavior mileage points. We have the responsibility of bringing heaven to earth each and every day. We are agents of light, of hope, and of joy. Truly, Famous does this better than many people I know!

So without reducing heaven to a future fantasy island where Famous and I will walk along golden shores, we can speak of and live a life filled with heavenly purpose. Such an attitude opens my heart to God’s unfailing love which I am certain will never end.

Lord, lead me in bringing a bit of heaven to earth today.

“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”  Ephesians 3:19  NLT

On June 28, 2008, my dog, Famous, came into my life. That day I made the decision to be his owner and guardian. Every day since then has been impacted by that decision. It began a remarkable journey of watching him grow from a puppy I could cradle in my arms, to a straggly “teen-age” dog, and then the regal and devoted dog he is now. The fact is I not only love him because he is my dog, but I love how he has changed my life with the lessons and reminders he gives each and every day. He brings vitality, beauty, and fun into my life. These, to me, are all blessings sent from God through him.

Just as I will never completely understand how a dog sees and interprets the world, or the subtle intricacies of how we interact, I will never completely understand the power and the depth of the love and sacrifice Christ brings to me. In 1971 I accepted Jesus Christ into my life, and every day since then has been impacted by that decision. My spiritual journey has had its highs and lows, long droughts in the desert, and joyous mountaintop revelations. But as I have grown from a babe in Christ to a mature believer, the road has become replete with reminders of his sustaining life and power. Famous is just such a reminder.

Though I can never fully understand your love, O God, help me to recognize the fullness of life you bring!