“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6  NLT

I remember when Famous was younger I would occasionally take him to a dog park. I found he liked to run and play catch, but he was not very enthusiastic about chasing and rough-housing with the other dogs. Several dogs were larger in size and older, and they could be more aggressive. We tried going on weekdays when the park would not be as busy, but there would usually be one or two dogs left to play unsupervised by their owners, and Famous would keep close to me. I understood he felt safer having me in his pack!

There are many things in this world that cause us to worry. God wants us to never be afraid of our faith, of trusting the wisdom that we have acquired through our walk with him. This is the assurance that faith is the victory, despite the temptation to trust the newest movement or social influence. Because God is already victorious, He has shown us the way through all of life’s harms, and He remains with us even unto death.

I hear your voice, God, and I will not be afraid.

 

“The godly are like trees that bear life-giving fruit, and those who save lives are wise.”  Proverbs 11:30  NLT

The majority of my first morning walks with Famous occur after first light but before the sun is above the horizon. Light begins to filter through the bedroom window, birds begin their song, and Famous is eager to see what the new day will bring. The neighborhood is usually quiet with few cars moving, especially on the weekends. Our walk will take us up a hill and to the east, so often we can suddenly find ourselves bathed in the sun’s first golden rays as a reward for making the journey to the end of the street.

All of nature needs sunlight to bear fruit. It is our responsibility as Christians to spend time with God each day if we are to grow in our faith and gain the wisdom and strength to share God’s love with others. More than a request, the command to witness before others is a true source for our own blessing and nurture.

This is the day God has given to me to grow in wisdom, strength, and love.

“Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are sill others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins.”  Jude 23  NLT

Each of us rarely knows what the day will bring. There can be days when we amaze ourselves with accomplishments, and then there are those evenings when we think, “What just happened?” I am happy Famous is not always so predictable. Just when I think he is content to bask in the morning sun coming through the window, I find him jumping into my lap for a close hug. But usually I can depend on him to be well-mannered to those we meet and easily tempted by a treat morsel if I need him to move quickly.

God has placed Famous in my life for a few years as we care for one another. But He has also set into motion the circumstances which will bring me close to people I may know for only a few moments. In those moments, there can be great power in the words or actions we share. Never doubt that God uses us in ordinary circumstances each and every day. Often, it is that unpredictable circumstance which gives us the opportunity to see his hand at work.

Father, use my skills and my time today for your purposes.

“It is not by force nor by strength, but by the Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”  Zechariah 4:6b  NLT

The bite force of the human jaw is around 120 pounds of pressure. In contrast, the bite force of a wild wolf can be ten times stronger. Dogs typically fall between 200 and 300 pounds of pressure. Just try to pry something out of a dog’s mouth who is unwilling to let go.

Unless there is a sense of urgency, I would never try to pry anything from Fame’s mouth. The effort would probably be futile and could injure him and possibly me. When he was a puppy, he would grab the dropped sock or paper towel roll. The best solution to retrieve the item was to offer him something more enticing, usually a dog treat. In addition, if he ever sensed he was in the wrong and I was upset, he would keep his distance, running away at the last second. It became important to let him be assured that in the end something good would come out of the confrontation.

God’s secret weapon is his Spirit, amazingly powerful not in terms of force, but in terms of longevity, patience, and subtlety. God’s power is not meant to last for just one battle, but for all of eternity.

Dear God, give me the courage to rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit when my strength is exhausted. 

“And now, dear children, continue to live in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.”  I John 2:28  NLT

The continuity of having a dog in your life is beneficial to both companions. The routine establishes a rhythm from meal time to bedtime. Even though the weather can at times be a challenge, the morning and evening walks which frame the day become a sort of devotion in and of themselves. How else would we be able to view so many sunrises and sunsets?

The ebb and flow of our daily fellowship is like the tides. I leave with the morning but always return when the day is done. This repetitive reunion is like a pendulum that is always pulled to the center. And just when I know I have been away as long as I can stand, the momentum increases, and I am rushing home. The awareness of this daily pattern always concluding with an enthusiastic greeting is uplifting and joyous.

Our daily walk with Christ needs to be as familiar. It should be natural, with its own rhythm of drawing closer again and again. To recognize Christ when He returns, as joyfully as Famous welcomes me, is my ultimate desire.

My Christ, today I desire a closer walk with Thee.

 

“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my victory.” Exodus 15:2  NLT

There is a great pleasure in playing the piano at the end of the day. If the song is not too boisterous, Famous usually lies down under the piano getting the full effect of the vibration of the strings. I take it as an affirmation that he does not go to another room to hang out while I make my noises! I suppose I could teach him to “howl” along, or get up on the keyboard and bang the keys as I’ve seen other dogs do for their fifteen minutes of video notoriety. No thanks. I am very happy to see my dog content in just being with me while I play.

God wants us to be content. But we never will be as long as we worship idols or false doctrine. In God we find both strength and peace. This is the victory over fear and uselessness. This is the music of his song of victory which plays in our hearts at the end of each day.

Dear God, fill my heart with your song this day so that I can claim victory over sin and death.

 

“But his bow remained strong, and his arms were strengthened by the Mighty One of Jacob, the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel.”  Genesis 49:24  NLT

Hiking with Famous has been a fun adventure. It can also be a great work-out if we head to a mountain trail. Famous tends to see a rock staircase as a challenge–one he would conquer all at once rather than in stages. Once we start up, it is my job to navigate the steps and exposed rock to keep up with him as he bounds higher and higher in order to not slow his momentum.

We usually take a long rest at the top to enjoy the view and one of my granola snacks. Then we head down and my job turns into keeping him from traveling too fast lest one of us lose our footing. We both are ready for a long rest after such a day, our tired legs strengthened by the exercise, and our minds renewed by the change of scenery.

The metaphor of a rock for our God is used many times in the Old Testament. It shows us that God is strong, enduring, and our defense. He can support all of us in our weaknesses, and we can cling to him when it seems we cannot take another step.

Dear God, help me to rise above my challenges today so that I may see your holiness and honor You with praise!

 

“‘I am God,’ the voice said, ‘the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will see to it that you become a great nation there.'”  Genesis 46:3  NLT

Occasionally, I have to coax Famous into doing something that he resists, even though I know he will be glad he did. A simple example is heading out the door and getting him to go into the car when he would prefer to take a walk. Often, if we have time, I take him on the short walk before the ride anyway. But if I am in a hurry, I might try to load him up right away. He has no way of understanding that after a short ride, we will arrive at the park, and he can walk to his heart’s content. His resisting only delays his pleasure.

At times, we resist the promptings of our Father in heaven. Because we try to obtain what we think is best, or try to determine on our own what order events must occur, we can be guilty of refusing to accept the blessings God has in store for us. In Jacob’s case, he had to belay his fear and understand God required him to move his family to Egypt where he would be reunited with his son, Joseph, and his family would be saved from starvation.

Dear God, allow me to hear and to follow your voice above everything else which distracts me today.

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you.”  Genesis 26:24  NLT

The veterinarian’s office can be a pretty scary place for an animal. Cold floors coupled with strange smells and distant howls can easily put a dog on edge. Waiting for the vet to arrive while sitting in a small enclosed examination room does not help the situation. Fortunately, we rarely have to visit our vet more than once a year. But even in the middle of summer, which is when our annual visit takes place, I have seen Famous start to shiver in fear. He will back up to me, and I will try to calm him with steady words of assurance and lots of back massages. The staff always does a great job with him, and then it’s back into the fresh outdoor air and a visit to the pet store for a special treat when it is all over.

When we are afraid, when we cannot tell what the future holds, it is helpful to know God knows more than we do. Drawing close to him for comfort and blessing can help us experience his peace and enable us to find strength and perseverance.

Thank you, God, for all of your protection. Help me to rely on You in all situations today.

“And blessed be God Most High, who has helped you conquer your enemies.”  Genesis 14:20a  NLT

“SQUIRREL!” The very sight of a squirrel sends instinctive shivers down the spine of Famous. Then there is the low growl, sometimes the whine, and then the barking to let me know we have got to do something! I will sometimes open the front door so he can scare the rodent back into the woods or out of the garden. Famous always feels a sense of accomplishment. (He never had the intention to actually catch it.) I suppose to him it is more sport than kill. Whenever we see a squirrel while walking, he usually ignores them, or at least watches them to make sure they are getting out of our way.

Our society is ready and willing to tell us all how to change our lives to make them better. Strength, beauty, intelligence, power, and wealth are some of the common lures. But lives without purpose have enemies attacking on all sides. How long do these worldly gods protect us from the enemies of fear, neglect, hopelessness, and abandonment? God blesses those who fear him, and He will not turn you over to the enemy.

Dear Lord, show me the way whereby I can see your victory over my enemies! Grant me the courage to believe in your power.