“The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.”  Proverbs 11:25  NASB

Spending years with a dog makes it easy sometimes to explain how things come about. For example, there is a small perennial flower garden outside of my house near the front door which I easily attribute to Famous. Being on the north side, the area was fatigued from year’s of yard work resulting in a messy, muddy lawn throughout most of the winter. Normally, this would be of little matter unless a dog could run out of the front door across the lawn chasing a squirrel and then return to bring much of that mud indoors with him! So a mulched flower bed with rock border and stone path soon became a reality.

But not wanting to deprive Famous of his time when I might be working in the garden, I planted perennials which have been self-perpetuating through the years. I also installed a water sprinkler on a timer. If Famous and I time it right on a hot summer’s day, we get the benefit of being watered ourselves as we walk down the garden path. (A few neighbors have also been sprinkled!)

Father, hear my gratitude today for Your blessings which have been showered upon me and help me to share Your living water with the world.

“Jesus told this story to his disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs. One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer’s money. So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’ “The manager thought to himself, ‘Now what? My boss has fired me. I don’t have the strength to dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg. Ah, I know how to ensure that I’ll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.’ “So he invited each person who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe him?’ The man replied, ‘I owe him 800 gallons of olive oil.’ So the manager told him, ‘Take the bill and quickly change it to 400 gallons. ’  “‘And how much do you owe my employer?’ he asked the next man. ‘I owe him 1,000 bushels of wheat,’ was the reply. ‘Here,’ the manager said, ‘take the bill and change it to 800 bushels. ’ “The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light. Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home. “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”  Luke 16:1-10  NLT

How do I know if I am doing enough for Famous? How do I find myself accountable as the guardian for his well-being? Is what I do for him a true measure of my love?

I make sure he has water and is fed. I reward him with tasty treats deemed healthy and not in over abundance. I provide shelter, training, exercise, clothing for cold weather, and inoculations against infections, and comfort against fear. I do all of these things, and I wonder if I have loved him enough. And when, at the end of the day, I am satisfied I have done all that I could to bless this creature, I am still left with the overwhelming regret of not having accomplished enough for God that day.

I am reminded of this parable Jesus told, and I ask for forgiveness, for it should teach us to be responsible to God, not the world. But I do have reassurance that in the one matter of the stewardship of Famous, I am making the daily commitment to protect and share this gracious gift. If I learn daily about how he helps me to re-focus on my love for God, then perhaps my responsibility to God’s world will also find new awareness and commitment.

Thank You, Lord of Life, for allowing me even small guardianship of Your creation. 

 

Thank you to all who have read Our Daily Dog. To date it has received over 2,500 views! The daily blog is posted to my Facebook and Twitter accounts. You can also subscribe at http://www.ourdailydog.com. I am humbled to know it is of interest to you.

 

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”  Matthew 5:8  NLT

How do we really see God? Does God come to us in a vision? Does God appear before us at our beck and call? Does God defy all the laws of nature He has created so we can be amazed at his power? Rarely, although God reveals himself as He pleases at any time. We need only look for evidence of his presence.

If Famous is resting on the floor and gets up for a drink of water, I can walk across his spot on the carpet and feel his warmth on my bare feet. He may be out of sight, but I know where he has been. Had I been wearing shoes I would have walked over the same space and never experienced that connection!

A pure heart desires to be free of sin. A pure heart can be in touch with God’s movements and sense his presence where a sinful heart would be separated from God’s Spirit.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, that I may know Your presence and give You praise!

 

“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear.” Job 11:13-15  NLT

Besides rolling over for a good belly rub (a sign he is also comfortable and submissive to the person giving the rub), Famous likes to spontaneously flip over on his back and raise his paws in the air as he wriggles back and forth. This is usually interpreted by me as a celebration on his part such as after a meal or a treat, the announcement we are about to go for a walk, or while we are playing tag or catch inside. I rarely see him do this in the grass, dirt, or street, but inside the house, and it does not seem to matter if I am around or not. He is doing it out of sheer pleasure.

Doing this exposes his belly, something he would never do if he were afraid or aggressive. He is completely worry-free and happy as he could be. It only lasts for a few seconds. Then he turns over to see if he has missed anything.

I see his actions as a reminder to praise God spontaneously throughout the day in celebration of all He has done for me — even when things do not seem to be going according to plan. I can give thanks for food to sustain me and love to surround me.

I want to praise You this day, O Lord, with my whole heart for You have freed me from sin and fear.

“They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.”  Romans 1:25  NLT

Famous is a handsome dog and worthy of my affections. He is a wonderful companion and a great traveling buddy. He is generally kind to most strangers and obedient to most commands. He can be funny and playful. He loves the outdoors in all weather. He has a quiet demeanor but can exhibit great speed and energy to chase squirrel or rabbit. He is intolerant of noisy crows, but does not seem to mind the ones just sitting in the yard. He is eager to please and quick to forgive.

I hope through these meditations to remind others of the true Source of Life. My intent is not to be boastful of Famous himself or to worship him but to constantly remind myself he is a great gift, as is all of creation. When we elevate the things we own or the things we desire above God we commit idolatry and sin against God. These things, and even my precious dog, will pass, but God’s eternal praise will continue forever!

God, You are the Source of Life, Creator of all that is good. Teach me to honor You all of my days.

Source: September 16

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”  Psalm 23:4  NLT

Long work days and evening commitments require Famous to take a late night walk before turning in. We have street lamps in the neighborhood, but a full moon can illuminate our path even more. Still, Famous can move in and out of shadows, and were it not for his snow white trim I could easily lose sight of him momentarily.

This has become such a routine for us I rarely think of any danger which could be concealed by the night. I know I would not be walking at that time through the neighborhood if Famous were not there. And the constant connection I have with him on the leash, even if I cannot see him, reassures me I am safe and not alone.

We should all have strong connections to other people of faith, people who will pray for us and defend us and provide sanctuary and fellowship when we are in need.

Dear Lord, I pray for new and strengthened bonds to my family of faith and ask for direction in being there for others in their dark times.

 

“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29  NLT

I do not like to tease Famous, but I did have fun recently as I gave back one of his favorite stuffed toys after it had been through the washing machine. “Blue” never has made a sound, not even by way of a concealed “squeaker.” It just passively lets Famous dote on it, toting it around the house, sharing his doggie bed, and often carrying it out into the yard as one of the few privileged toys that gets to enjoy the sunshine.

But as I presented the stuffed dog back to him, I gave it several little leaping motions while I made what must have been a fairly convincing dog bark. After about the third bark Famous began to wonder if his puppet had come to life, and he wanted in on the action. (He must have figured out I wanted to play with him, or else I can make a very convincing dog bark!) But like I said, I do not like to tease Famous, so seconds later I surrendered Blue to him for inspection, and Blue soon found his way back to the bed.

How often do our words hurt rather than help? How often do we “share” articles on social media without verifying their validity? How often do we speak from our own needs rather than offering to assist our neighbor in his need?

As God is good, so it is that we cannot reflect God’s goodness with words which are foul, untruthful, or hateful. Yes, there is a time for hate, but only for those things which do not encourage others or serve God.

Jesus, let my speech be helpful and uplifting today. 

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”  Philippians 2:4  NLT

Fall is a great time of year for hiking with Famous. There are many nice walks near our home, but occasionally I like taking most of the day to drive up to the mountains for a steep climb and a great view. Many of these areas are public parks which require Famous to be on his leash. This actually works rather well for us and is a test for our team building and cooperation. The climb up can be tiring for a dog and his master. Working towards the same goal of reaching the summit, we try to pace ourselves. Without me, Famous would instinctively run to the top of any series of steps without stopping. With me we mount small ascents, and he even helps to pull me up. Then coming down he would race ahead were I not slowing him like an anchor, keeping him from misstepping or falling over the edge of a cliff.

As we travel through life, our Christian walks are marked with high and rough places which are better surmounted with others leading the way, guiding our steps, and keeping us from harm.

Open my eyes and heart today, Christ, to those who are ready to serve beside me. 

 

“Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”  Romans 12:11  NLT

Dog days —  those hot, summer days where it is too hot to do anything with enthusiasm, except, maybe to run back into the air conditioning. We still have a few hot days left before the nights become cooler and the heat gives way to warm autumn. I would still take a hot, sticky day to a bitterly frozen one any time. But Famous might choose the opposite, with one exception: dipping into a nice cool pool on a hot afternoon.

Talk about excitable energy! He cannot resist getting in and getting wet at the first opportunity. Then, when he is sufficiently saturated, he runs around the pool making a game of chasing me and barking for the fun of it. If eyes tell the story, his would say this was exactly what we needed!

God never said we should only serve him if we are comfortable. We have to find the excitement of sharing the gospel in the uncomfortable places where people have become lost and alone. Then, his life-giving water will be sufficient to quench every need.

Fill me with spiritual zeal in my walk and in my talk today, Lord!