“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good.”  I Thessalonians 5:16-21  NLT

Guiding a puppy to learn behaviors and obedience will strengthen the communication between master and dog. I wanted Famous to be comfortable in most situations, to obey rules for safety, and to “live up” to his full potential. Observation on my part to discourage bad behavior was equally as important as rewarding good behavior.

Obedience is not equal to instilling fear. Famous is rewarded with praise, not discouraged with violence. It was also important to me that he would keep a few characteristic instinctive behaviors, so that in many occasions we might be a little closer to partners in our adventures.

In our Christian walk we should reject anything or anyone that suppresses the Spirit of God, anyone who motivates by fear the gullible and disillusioned. We must always be vigilant, even as I continue to guide Famous into behaviors which will benefit him the most. But more importantly, we must always approach the task with prayerful glee which springs from a thankful heart.

Lift my spirit and help me to challenge those who show no regard to Your Majesty by their actions. 

“I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. Interlude You don’t let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray! I think of the good old days, long since ended, when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now. Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion?”  Psalm 77:1-9  NLT

Do we cry aloud or do we wait patiently for the Lord? Famous has different ways of getting my attention. Sometimes he want me to hurry up, and he will sing his low howl indicating he wants something to happen now. But he also can petition me by coming and sitting directly in front of me, his unblinking eyes focused directly on mine. He makes no sound nor movement but indicates his attentive presence and his focused expectation.

How often do we resort to complaining to God rather than waiting on him to act? For many of us, waiting is tiresome. We should be able to find the expectant joy which comes from anticipating the very best from God in his perfect timing. Then, the waiting comes as part of our eternal journey.

Help me to be quiet and listen for Your direction and blessing today, O Savior!

“For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God.”  Hebrews 3:4  NLT

You may have wondered about what I could accomplish from my relationship with Famous, what I hope to gain. Unlike a child whom you would expect would outlive me, my dog’s life will not last long enough to see me become an “old man.” All that I have taught him, the whole of our routine, the comfort of his presence — all of this will vanish.

Rather than thinking of what we have built as master and dog, I realize God’s plan as master builder is to take the events in our lives, the desires of our heart, and use them in laying a foundation for our spiritual selves. Famous’ life may be short in human years, but his gift to my life and others may continue longer than either of us could imagine.

Let the inspiration of a greater purpose guide my thoughts and deeds today.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”  John 10:10  NLT

Forces are in our world every day that work to diminish our lives. Think about the number of people who never reach their true potential. Life presents us with obstacles and difficulties. Some become insurmountable. Others become challenges that bring out the best in us and help us to open new chapters in our lives.

Just as Famous would warn me of someone who tried to break into our house to harm or rob us, so we must be on constant vigil to fight the forces meant to diminish our potential in life. Some are obvious such as natural disasters, criminal activity, or social plight. But others such as guilt, revenge, lust, and fear can be subtle.

Just as I try to give Famous a happy and satisfying life, Christ comes into our lives to fulfill God’s purpose for helping us reach our full potential.

Show me the satisfaction, joy, and richness that abide in Thee, O Christ.

 

“You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.”  Psalm 4:7  NLT

Joy is the celebration of life. It is appreciating the gifts of breath and safety more than the gifts of wealth and power. While hope belongs to the future, joy transcends time and place. Joy is both a gift and a choice. The celebration is choosing to receive the gift.

Famous has the instinctive joy of celebrating the opportunity contained in each moment — moments to appreciate fresh air, warm sun, a full belly, and gentle caresses. When we choose to accept the joy God offers to us, it brings us greater reward than could be measured by any material sum.

Help me to choose eternal joy and share it with others. 

 

“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”  Ephesians 6:2-3  NLT

Famous is a great guest at family gatherings. Except for the occasional canine stretch up to the countertops replete with cooked meats and tempting morsels, he adapts well to new surroundings and crowds of people. He likes to keep me in his sight whether I am eating, sitting by the fire, or playing the piano, so I do not feel left out when siblings tote their families in for the reunion.

Promises are important for Christian living. Respect for those who have made sacrifices for us teaches us to work together to create a greater good and to promote a peaceful existence. We should be thankful for those who model God’s unconditional love.

Today and every day, teach me to recognize and give thanks for sacrifices made on my behalf, especially Christ’s sacrifice of love.

 

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”  Lamentations 3:22-23  NLT

Each morning walk with Famous is new and different. The path may be the same, but he shows me how the experience changes as new scents and new distractions can meet us with each step. Today we walked on wet pavement for the first time in a while since it had rained in the early morning. The last time it rained was a couple of weeks ago. Scents can be stronger in wet grass, so Famous spent more time trotting through the grass and under the bushes.

My gratitude for the rain might have been diminished by the fact his newly washed coat was slowly losing its white brilliance to the reddish clay dirt that had been accumulating for weeks. Obviously, this presented no concern for Famous. He was grateful for the walk spent with me and reminded me to be thankful for the rain and all things.

I will be reminded today of the special gift of living life in the shadow of the Lord.

“You are radiant with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game.”  Psalm 76:4  NIV

The fall air was chilled this morning on my walk with Famous. Our timing was perfect to reach the end of the road just as the sun crested the eastern horizon. I was just happy that for a few seconds we could feel its warmth knowing that it would continue to rise and brighten the day ahead. It felt like a sort of reward for making it this far when it might have been cozier staying in bed.

And then it happened. The sun was high enough for Famous to be able to step out of the shadows and into the sun’s light. He was glowing! All of the gratitude I was feeling was replaced by the wonder of his resplendent white trim as it shimmered as he moved across the pavement.

God’s majesty is far beyond our comprehension, far beyond what our thoughts can conjure up as important or certain. His love surrounds us as a reminder of the value He has placed in each of us, not just the ones who remember to pray to him or the ones who believe they are good in his sight. We are all so much more valuable than we can know. But God keeps trying to remind us.

Teach me to seek Your light in the most unexpected places today, my Lord!

“If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”  Romans 14:8  NLT

And, if we love our dogs, it is to honor the Lord. That is to say, if our lives matter only because of the Lord, and this is my belief, then everything we do, say, or value becomes part of our witness to our faith in God, the Almighty. My thankfulness is to God for the gift of Famous. He reminds me of my source of blessing and joy.

Famous is usually awake while I am awake, watching and keeping up with what I am about and where I am going. But if we are both settled, he may feel comfortable enough to drift off to sleep and present a face which is both relaxed and serene. When I catch a glimpse of him dozing, I instantly am reminded of the peace which dwells in my life.

You do not have to own a dog for God to change your heart. It might be your family, a skill, or a passion. God will use the entire universe, if necessary, to demonstrate the love He has for you. And until you can testify that your heart is pure love, you must keep looking for every way to honor him.

Increase my gratitude so that all that I am honors You, my God.

“You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.”  Psalm 92:4  NLT

The weather was in transition this morning. A front with crisp, colder winds came through as if in a hurry to move the season along. “No more September weather! It’s almost December. Now, move along! Winds, take off those leaves. Shadows, point the birds in the right direction. Ground, protect your inventory for the cold night ahead.”

All of this commotion made for Famous and me a perfect kaleidoscope. The early sun was shining on the bedroom blinds, but first hitting the dancing leaves still on the trees, making a bright  motion picture, our own Fantasia, right on the window. Famous seemed mesmerized as he watched the flickering light, possibly looking for any recognizable shadow of cat , bird,or squirrel. It made me stop in the middle of my morning routine to stand and watch the display with him.

God does not want us to take the earth and all there is about us for granted. He wants to thrill us with his love, a love which can transform the earth and our inner selves.

I am expecting nothing less than pure joy for what You have to show me today!