“Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.”  Romans 13:10  NLT

One of the requirements at dinner time is for Famous to eat his supper before asking for a dog treat. He knows that there are some pretty tasty morsels kept on top of the refrigerator, and an attentive look to me is my signal that he has done his duty, and it is time for dessert! But not too long ago he figured out how to get two treats. He will eat half of his dinner and pretend as if he is finished, waiting patiently for his reward. Then before the supper dishes are put away, he will finish his meal and give me that same hopeful look. And unless I am very busy, I usually let him outsmart me.

Without any mischief on his part, Famous believes he has satisfied what is required of him to receive his treats. What is required of God’s servants is that we base who we are and what we do in love. We do this not for the reward of heaven, but out of gratitude for the enormously satisfying love bestowed upon us by God.

Today I will allow myself to be showered by God’s love.

“Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.”  Hebrews 6:11  NLT

It is easy to become discouraged in life. Hebrews reminds us that God is not unfair, but when life does not go as we planned, we tend to think God is unfair, or at least his attention is elsewhere. Sometimes it is helpful for me to compare the journey of life with planning a road trip with Famous. You think you know where you are going when you start, but you often end up re-thinking the whole idea.

Even if I calculate the time in the car and provisions for the journey, there are several other things to consider when traveling with a dog. You have to stay in accommodations which are “pet-friendly.” Even then, you may be restricted to a weight limit of forty pounds. Since Famous weighs about 55 pounds, he may come under scrutiny even though his shoulder height falls below my knee. I could quickly become discouraged from going anywhere with him, but my love for him helps me to stay positive and learn as we go along.

If we are loving others in life, then God protects us from becoming spiritually dull and discouraged.

Father in heaven, open my heart to the love You give to us all so that I will continue to be encouraged.

“But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love.”  Titus 3:4  NLT

We have all seen the bumper stickers and t-shirts which read, “I prefer dogs to people!“ We get the message, but in many cases I know it would depend on the dog or the person. Relationships with our pets and relationships with our neighbors take work. The problem for some may be, unlike with our dogs, we cannot train our neighbors with treats, although the proverbial cup of sugar can go a long way!

I am pleased that Famous by his temperament helps me to be an approachable person in my community. I see this as one more opportunity given to me to listen to the tempo of life and interact with friends who would otherwise be unfamiliar neighbors. Encountering other people during the walks with Famous often gives me the chance to show small kindnesses or encouragement. While I am speaking with someone, Famous usually just takes a patient seat until our constitutional continues.

Christ is God’s plan for demonstrating his kindness and love. We must daily consider a plan to do likewise.

Dear God, may my gratitude for your kindness and love help me to pay it forward.

“Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.”  Matthew 6:21  NLT

A dog owner might well understand the reverse of today’s scripture: where your heart is, there goes your treasure! Owning a dog can be expensive just with food and vet bills alone. Then there are collars, leads, bowls, beds, sweaters, and toys. Just look through any specialty pet store or catalog.

I searched the internet for just the right dog collar when Famous came home with me. Indeed, I found it — a hand-crafted leather, turquoise, and silver dog collar. It could be his to wear with pride (the description on-line pointed out that your pet only deserved the best) for only $6,000. Alas, my pocketbook was not as full as my heart!

Christ sits enthroned in the hearts of those that love Him. Our motives, our desires, our vision, and our daily actions are guided by our conviction and dedication. He calls for us to put others first, sacrifice our time and earthly treasures, and incline our hearts to God’s leading. Famous deserves what time and affection I can give him, but my heavenly Father requires my whole heart.

Lord, help me to dedicate my all to You.

 

“The unfailing love of the Lord never ends!”  Lamentations 3:22a  NLT

We have all wondered if dogs go to heaven when they die. I have heard argument for both sides, but I have to admit I do not know the answer. To discuss such a topic here would be impossible for I would need to discuss the very nature of heaven and the everlasting life that is promised to believers.

I do know Famous is God’s creation, and he is mine to nurture and love while he lives on earth. I am convinced, however, that the love for him which I unashamedly foster will continue in my heart forever. And this brings up a point missed by many Christians. Heaven is not a destination granted to us by saving up good behavior mileage points. We have the responsibility of bringing heaven to earth each and every day. We are agents of light, of hope, and of joy. Truly, Famous does this better than many people I know!

So without reducing heaven to a future fantasy island where Famous and I will walk along golden shores, we can speak of and live a life filled with heavenly purpose. Such an attitude opens my heart to God’s unfailing love which I am certain will never end.

Lord, lead me in bringing a bit of heaven to earth today.

“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”  Ephesians 3:19  NLT

On June 28, 2008, my dog, Famous, came into my life. That day I made the decision to be his owner and guardian. Every day since then has been impacted by that decision. It began a remarkable journey of watching him grow from a puppy I could cradle in my arms, to a straggly “teen-age” dog, and then the regal and devoted dog he is now. The fact is I not only love him because he is my dog, but I love how he has changed my life with the lessons and reminders he gives each and every day. He brings vitality, beauty, and fun into my life. These, to me, are all blessings sent from God through him.

Just as I will never completely understand how a dog sees and interprets the world, or the subtle intricacies of how we interact, I will never completely understand the power and the depth of the love and sacrifice Christ brings to me. In 1971 I accepted Jesus Christ into my life, and every day since then has been impacted by that decision. My spiritual journey has had its highs and lows, long droughts in the desert, and joyous mountaintop revelations. But as I have grown from a babe in Christ to a mature believer, the road has become replete with reminders of his sustaining life and power. Famous is just such a reminder.

Though I can never fully understand your love, O God, help me to recognize the fullness of life you bring!

“Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”  I Timothy 4:12b  NLT

If you ever raise a dog, you soon find out he watches you constantly and intently. You cannot make a move without him wanting to know where you are going and what you are going to do. You may think he is sleeping soundly, but shift from your seat, and he opens an eye or picks up his head to make sure everything is fine. There are no closed doors and no privacy between a man and his dog!

This serves as a reminder that I will always be under scrutiny for professing my faith in Jesus Christ. If the way I live my life does not reflect God’s example for me in Christ, then many opportunities of serving God, his creation, and his purpose for my life are missed. By choosing to allow my dog’s watchful gaze to serve as a reminder of my duty to him and to God, it can also become the portal of God’s reassurance and grace.

God, thank you for your watchful and forgiving nature. May my actions show my heart belongs to you.

“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy.”  I Peter 1:8  NLT

My heart was ready for a dog before Famous came to live with me. Much like a parent expecting a child, I was wrapped up in “how to” manuals and name selection. Just shy of throwing a puppy shower, I made sure everyone knew a change was coming. Finally, I was notified of a litter born in the spring, and I received my first photo of the pups through an e-mail. With all of the pups being male and with the same coloration, I would not know for a few more weeks exactly which one would become mine.

I believe our trust in Jesus Christ to come into our lives without having seen Him in the flesh and grant us this inexpressible joy to be the evidence of an unbreakable bond which has always existed. Just as I had anticipated the difference Famous would one day make in my life without having seen him in person, the need in all of us for a Savior may be realized by opening our hearts and anticipating the love and joy He is waiting to give to us.

Jesus, I pray you will increase my heart’s capacity for trusting your future for my life.

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”  Romans 12:10  NLT

It is customary for a dog to “bow” before engaging in playful antics. I have seen Famous do this many times as an invitation to play fetch or the “just you try to take my bone” game. He kneels down on his front legs with his hind end up in the air while wagging his tail. The whole time, he is watching me for the slightest movement of eye or hand to give away my next move. Every shift of body is met with a counter move to give him the advantage. Together we enjoy the fun of seeing who is faster and smarter, and I concede he is usually the victor.

People honor each other when the occasion calls for a bow or a curtsey. It represents respect and acknowledgement of someone’s power or talent. It symbolizes humility when the bow is given to an appreciative audience. Just as I am learning to honor the life, beauty, and talent of my dog, Paul instructs us to honor these attributes and more in people around us just for the sheer delight of doing so. This is genuine affection if it truly honors someone rather than exploits them for personal gain.

God, make me an instrument of your love. Help me to affirm your glory in all that is around me. 

“Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good.”  Romans 12:9  NLT

So much is said today about groups who hate other people or their actions if they differ from their own interpretations of religion and scripture. They will even claim to do this in the name of love. If you listen carefully, you will hear that this is a “pretend” kind of love, not an actual love. We do not have permission from God to “love the sinner, but hate the sin” when our actions betray us as haters and discriminators.

Actions always speak louder than words. I may arrive at home late in the afternoon and greet Famous with a pat on the head and a promise to go right outside for a walk. What he sometimes will see, in fact, is my taking the time to change clothes, check the mail, and grab a snack before I finally focus on getting his lead in preparation for the walk I had promised to him ten minutes earlier. He does not let me get away with it either. Unless he sees me moving towards the door he can begin to issue a series of high-pitched howls as a tea kettle releasing steam until it is taken from the stove. I demonstrate my love not with the original intent, but with the final sacrifice of time and energy. And in most cases, the exuberant joy he exhibits in appreciation does in fact infect my heart and elevates me to a renewed wonder of the love we share.

Today, Lord, I pray you will change the hearts of others who speak hate yet justify it by saying it is your will.