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

It is a comfort to walk with Famous close beside me. If he chooses to walk a little ahead, he will sometimes turn his head for assurance that I am still with him. He rarely lets me out of his sight, but if the corner of a house or a tree does separate us, he will run back quickly to find me.

I cannot imagine walking a lonely road to death. Today is my sister’s birthday, and she walked that lonely road six years ago. Because she never walked while she lived, the image of her walking through the valley of death depicts a special bravery. Even through the pain and discomfort of her final days, her faith comforted the rest of us, for we knew she was aware of the closeness of God.

I have heard it is easy to forget the sound of a loved one’s voice once they are gone from our lives. But to this day, I remember her interest in my dog, Famous, and her query, “How is the good ol’ boy?”

Father, today I pray a special prayer for all those who need to know You are their shepherd.

“For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity.”  Proverbs 2:6-7  NLT

With springtime comes the tradition of honoring students of learning by their graduation ceremonies. Famous had his own graduation from obedience school. After weeks of practice with clickers and treats, he passed all of his tests and received his diploma. (And for those of you who have not been through the experience, most of the training is for the humans!) We have both enjoyed the benefits of behavior upon command, a certain wisdom which comes in handy throughout the day. And even as he approaches middle age, he is smart enough to learn new tricks which gives us more satisfaction.

If wisdom is a gift from God, then learning and education are the disciplines necessary to earn it. And by “earning it” I mean creating a focused and open mind to receive the information imparted  to us. But true wisdom involves discernment, not accepting all information or propaganda as true. Often the test of true understanding is not what we believe or have been taught, but what God has revealed to us in his wisdom time and time again.

Father in heaven, open not only my mind to understanding, but also my eyes, my mouth, and my heart. 

“The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”  Hebrews 13:6  NLT

After a rainstorm the road is littered with small branches and twigs. Sometimes Famous likes to chomp on them and drag them as if he were helping me clear the debris. His efforts may or may not help to clear the street, but it would appear we have the same purpose as we clear the sticks from our path.

Rather than seeing God as distant and disinterested, He is constantly with us to heal, teach, and correct. He is our Advocate. And with such an Advocate, why should we ever fear? Famous is a continuous reminder of God’s presence, of his protection and favor. He reminds me that I should be working in unison with God’s will for my life. Walking my daily path with him, I have no fear of the pain, hate, or violence I might encounter.

God, I ask your protection from harm, knowing that even in the face of danger You are with me, and I shall not fear.

 

“I command you–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9  NLT

I cannot conceive of a greater demonstration of loyalty than a companion who wants to be wherever you are. If I am in the yard, he wants to be with me. If I am in the middle of a lake, he wants to be with me. If I am upstairs, he wants to be upstairs. If I am downstairs, well, you get the picture. He knows I have to go away at times, but I am sure he thinks it would be better for me if I would let him come along.

There are many things that make me doubt the people around me. They are more concerned about telling others what to do than looking in their own closets for skeletons. They are more concerned about defending their beliefs rather than looking at how they came to hold those beliefs and why they might differ from those of another person. They only understand a religion of victory and reject any religion of suffering and service. They adhere to blind faith where they fail to see the destruction they can cause.

I cannot conceive of a greater reminder of God’s presence than to view Famous as his gift to me. He is a reminder of God’s love, the great shield from evil. He is a very present representation of the Comforter who breathes life and health into each moment. Knowing Famous would defend me in any situation reminds me of God’s command to have the courage to seek truth and goodness. And most of all, he lifts my spirits, preparing me to share joy and not hate.

Lord, give me the courage to question my faith and to always seek your face in others.

 

“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.