“But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”  Proverbs 1:33  NLT

The world is full of many voices. A dog needs to be able to discern and react to his master’s voice. I remember when Famous was in puppy school the instructor taught the owners to speak often and directly to our dogs. From an early age Famous needed to know my voice from all of the other voices in a crowd. By speaking to him (mind you, this was a little strange since I was living alone) he could learn the names of objects in my southern twang as well as the tone of my voice. He knew what the meaning of treat, out, and “whizz” (which became a very helpful command during quick trips out in the dark or the rain).

Our society has become inundated with voices throughout the day. We even have artificial voices now that can wake you up or give you directions! There are voices that tell us what to eat, what to wear, how to find love, and what to believe. There are even voices that will tell you exactly what you want to hear, whether or not it is true. And there are voices that will deceive you without regard to your wellbeing.

Just as it is important for Famous to follow my commands, trusting I only have the best of intent for him, so it is with us and our Father’s voice. It is the voice against which all other voices can be weighed. His is the voice which can pierce the darkness, comfort the lonely, and calm the waters. It may seem strange at first if you have not practiced the art of listening to God’s voice, but it will soon become second nature, just as it became natural for me to talk to Famous throughout the day.

Dear God, if this is a day where fear presents itself, help me to hear only Your voice of truth and love.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’ He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.”  Mark 6:31  NLT

One of the questions of pet ownership is what to do with him when you go on vacation. Why not take him with you? Famous does very well with our daily routine, but as hard as I try, I cannot avoid leaving him on the periphery when my day gets complicated. So to promote renewal, bonding, and stimulation, he gets packed up with the suitcase and off we go!

On a road trip Famous is with me 24/7. This takes planning and maneuvering, and cooperative hosts. The bonus for Famous are all the new sites, smells, and sounds. For me, I have companionship, an instant conversation starter with complete strangers, and an extra sense of security. Win-win.

Christians have a responsibility, and in fact an example in Christ, to allow retreat into their lives. Taking a break from a hectic world can give new perspective and direction for accomplishing God’s will. The insight and energy God will give you can last long after the vacation is over.

Even today, God, give me moments of renewal and refreshment!

“So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?”  Ecclesiastes 2:24-25  NLT

When he was just a puppy, it was hard to feed Famous fast enough. At meal time, he was ready for the food before it hit the bowl. And before I could put his dog food bag away he would have finished his portion in the bowl. He obviously had a need to eat and took great pleasure in it.

As he grew I also learned he was most satisfied when he had a purpose, whether that purpose was following a command, being gentle with children, or just being by my side. The worst thing for a dog or a human is to have no purpose, to exist from day to day for no reason.

These are God-given desires and pleasures. The secret is knowing that only God can provide for our physical and spiritual needs. He does so appropriately. If we try to usurp his supply, we may fall victim to avarice and gluttony. And, I do think these gifts are most enjoyable when we remember to give thanks to God for them.

Teach me, Father, to understand and appreciate the pleasures you have brought me. Help me share with others out of that abundance.

“I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me.”  Psalm 3:5  NLT

It is my duty to provide a safe environment for Famous. But besides doing my job, I can tell Famous has an expectation he will always have care, and his gentle, gregarious manner proves he trusts me and others. Even while traveling, when we are around complete strangers, he believes everyone will treat him well. It’s my job to make sure they do.

And while we are away, he does not have his familiar surroundings and his favorite spots for sleeping. Instead, he finds security instinctively by sleeping near my foot or leg so that he would be alerted if I had to leave or react in the middle of the night.

God never will abandon us. He gives us the opportunity to experience his love and protections in order to accomplish great things for his purposes. He understands our need for restorative sleep in which we rely on his consistent love.

God, help my thoughts today to be bold because of Your steadfastness .

 

“Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the LORD came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.” I Kings 19:3-8  NLT

It can be a bit complicated when traveling with a dog. Recently, we had the good fortune to take a vacation covering hundreds of miles each day and staying in different cities and hotel venues. It is always appreciated to see the support and hospitality of our hosts whether in a hotel lobby or a sidewalk cafe. Famous is usually greeted with adoring tones and belly rubs, and restaurant staff are quick to bring him a bowl of water. Now, whenever I sit down, he has come to expect there will be water magically appearing almost instantly.

While God expects us to work for the Kingdom, He recognizes our human need for rest and sustenance. He provides for all of our needs, many without us being aware. It may seem at times that we are beaten, that we have missed out, or that we have nothing else to offer in life. But do not give up! There is new life and new meaning which flow from God’s grace. Listen for God’s direction which will also strengthen and renew.

Help me, Lord, in my distress. Help me to listen to my body’s physical need for rest and recovery.

“I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”  Psalm 16:8  NLT

One of my favorite things about putting Famous in competition was doing our work together. We spent time training and traveling together and finally showing together. All of this activity made him even more comfortable being around me and trusting me to direct his stance, his gait, and his obedience. Much of the performance depends on the dog’s focus and ability to perform despite the distractions of other dogs and noises going on around him. It is the teamwork that makes or breaks the dog’s chances of winning.

God offers a daily opportunity to walk with him and follow his guidance. Obeying God teaches us how to manage the events in our lives which would otherwise destroy us. Feeling God’s nearby presence gives confidence to live life without fear and worry.

Help me, Lord, to follow Your lead.

 

“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.”  Proverbs 17:28  NLT

I continue to find Famous’ personality remarkable. He is usually calm and well-tempered during our walks. This is even true when we encounter barking or “yapping” dogs throughout the neighborhood. I suppose it leads me to believe he is smarter, at least in the sense he plans on saving his energy for other things. I can just imagine him thinking when he encounters such a “hyper” dog,  “What’s your problem?” Of course, if the same dogs were to walk through his yard, he would probably alert me as well.

What never seems foolish is the testimony of a follower of Jesus Christ. Even though it may sound intimidating to share personal thoughts with others, it is foolish to think that another person will just know your faith by watching you. It is important to voice your heartfelt love for Jesus, especially in a day when others who profess Christ as Lord and Savior are barking out false and erroneous proclamations.

Jesus, give me boldness to speak and temperance to share only those thoughts You have revealed as true. 

“So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.”  Hebrews 4:11  NLT

Ever try to get that much needed night of rest but the dog is not sleeping and, instead, is barking every few minutes? It does not happen often, but whether he sees movement through the window or hears another dog barking or some frequency beyond the perception of human ears, I will experience an occasional night like this with Famous. I understand he is trying to alert me to something strange, and when I have tried to take him outside to prove everything is OK, we might have turned up the random opossum.

If we are trying to enter the blessed rest of heaven on earth or in eternity, we cannot pull the covers back over our heads and expect it to happen. We have to work to obey God’s commands so that others may join in the effort of securing that blissful shore. If not, our peace on earth is interrupted, and we may fall short of our eternal home.

Help me to work for You today, Lord, so that I may find blissful rest tonight and in that promised day to come. 

“In that wonderful day when the LORD gives his people rest from sorrow and fear, from slavery and chains…”  Isaiah 14:3  NLT

Famous gets his heartworm and tick prevention once a month. And soon he will be vaccinated against Lyme’s disease. Without these precautions he runs the risk of exposure to vectors which could harm his health. He is calm while he gets his inoculations, and the monthly tablets are easily consumed with his supper. My fears of leaving him unprotected during the warmer months when we might hike though woods and meadows are relieved.

It would be nice if even these precautions were not necessary. But God does promise freedom from all despair to those who proclaim him Lord and are willing to join him in the day of salvation. Certainly, a life lived without fear of abandonment or enslavement to sin and evil is one worth receiving.

Today, free my heart from fear and worry so that my life can be a living testimony of Your grace.

“But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”  Mark 4:37-40  NLT

Out of the still night came the booms of fireworks exploding around our house. It was our Independence Day, and people were taking advantage of the opportunity to celebrate with the loud and colorful “artificial fire.” Famous alerted me to the noise, and I told him not to worry. But I knew he would not be satisfied until he could make sure nothing was threatening us.

So off we headed through the neighborhood with bangs and whistles firing off around us. He remained calm even though he was annoyed by the erratic and loud noises. Once around the block and he was ready to head indoors convinced the sounds were not right outside our house.

Storms may threaten our well-being, our health, our neighborhoods or our way of life. Out of the dark an evil can possess someone to commit murder or terror. And many wonder “Where was God?” or “How could He allow this to happen?” The answer is He is alway with us. He is with us as the sense, the reason, the calm returns. He is in the good Samaritans, the first responders and the medical teams that help us through the chaos. He teaches us to not give in to fear but to grow in faith.

Jesus, protect me this day from tragedy, but even so, keep me mindful of Your abiding presence.