“Do not come any closer, ” God told him. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.”  Exodus 3:5  NLT

Shoes! Sandals, sneakers, and wingtips! Once I brought a puppy home, I had to make a new strategy for looking after the shoes. Normally, I would return home and kick off my footwear, enjoying the freedom of bare feet or socks. But when Famous came into the family, every shoe had to return to the closet. Plus, with the frequent walks and occasional spills around the water bowl, it just became more routine to keep the shoes on.

But God insisted Moses  remove his sandals when he was in his presence. God may not call to us from a burning bush each day, but He does invite us to continuously draw close to Him. Until we have prepared our hearts for listening to God’s voice, the routine of the normally busy world obscures these encounters.

We have similar customs in today’s worship: wearing head coverings by women or the removal of a man’s hat when praying. We do this in honor of our Creator and in preparation for the encounter with the most holy Lord. If we consistently pray to God and listen for his guidance, it can become an integral part of our day–just like the habit of putting shoes out of the dog’s reach!

Dear God, I prepare my heart to be in your presence this day. 

“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. This all happened on the sixth day.”  Genesis 1:31  NLT

We cannot be certain of God’s design for humans and the beasts we have made our pets. We do know, according to the Genesis narrative, that people and dogs were created on the same “day” and that we were given dominion over all the animals. Does this possibly affirm the connection we have with our pets?

It does if they help to remind us that we are all God’s creations. God has created every perfect gift and provides for all of our needs. There are many individuals who have found a kindness in dog ownership, a reminder that they are not alone. God cares for us. When we are able to care for another individual or creature out of our bounty, we remember and honor how God has first loved us.

And if when your dog gives you that loving gaze it reminds you of God’s love in the world, then you are opening yourself to thankfulness and joy.

I praise You, God, for showing your love to me in so many ways. 

“He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together.”  Colossians 1:17  NLT

History began with God’s creative force. For his purposes He created all that is in the universe. He established what we call the laws of nature and physics so that the universe would be ordered and not chaotic. God gave us time, days, and seasons so we would have renewing cycles. He gave us form and spirit. And then He placed us as masters and caretakers of the world!

I may not be able to manage all of Earth’s conservation, but each day I am given the task of caring for one of its occupants. Just as we can assume that somewhere in history domesticated dogs and humans found some aspects of living easier, or more enjoyable, by co-existing, I find life to be rewarding by nurturing a bond with this particular animal I have named Famous.

The thought, therefore, does not escape me that out of all the time the world has known, and out of all the creatures that have ever existed and have yet to be born, God has placed in the same moment both dog and master. Hurtling through intergalactic space, Famous and I are both hanging out of the planet’s window with cosmic winds blowing our ears back! A unique moment. A unique gift.

I will worship You, Lord of all, and give my best to honor the gift of your creation.

“So all Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord’s covenant to Jerusalem with shouts of joy, the blowing of horns and trumpets, the crashing of cymbals, and loud playing on harps and lyres.”  I Chronicles 15:28  NLT

Watching a young dog energetically chase a ball, greet a four-legged friend, or pick up the scent of another furry creature is seeing a true celebration of life. Instinct helps him to be totally focused on the most interesting task at hand. Often, I have been dismayed when Famous would not heed my calls once the scent of a rabbit sent him racing down the fence line!

But then, is he not doing what comes naturally? And I suppose a more telling question is why we view adoration or praise as a bizarre or abnormal behavior. Obviously, the Israelites were worshiping God with every ounce of energy as the Ark of the Covenant was transported. Would it not be similar to the energy we see today inside a sporting arena? We are most certainly capable of impassioned public displays! But let someone try to get excited about life in general, and we tend to think they have lost touch with reality!

God created us. He created our emotions and our passions. Famous reminds me to celebrate at least a little bit of life every day.

Father, receive my most enthusiastic praise!

“All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining through the clouds. This was the way the glory of the Lord appeared to me. When I saw it, I fell face down in the dust, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me.”  Ezekiel 1:28  NLT

This encounter between the Lord and the prophet Ezekiel underscores God’s holiness and magnificence. So overwhelming was God’s glory that Ezekiel had to throw himself to the ground. He realized in an instant how insignificant he was! But from the dust of the ground he was able to hear God’s voice.

When we first recognize we are in the presence of the Lord, we too should see how unworthy we are to stand before Him. Compared to God, what are we? But if we humble ourselves before Him, then God Himself begins to draw us into an affirming, nurturing relationship. We have to learn to hear his voice instead of our own.

It is important to provide our pets with a protective and nurturing relationship. At times them may bark and drown out our instructions–the very instructions intended to teach them safety and disciplined behavior. In the case of our dogs, we have to earn their trust in order for them to listen to our voices. But with our heavenly Father, we have to learn to trust Him.

I pray for humility so that your voice would be ever clear to me. 

“Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with fragrance.”  John 12:3  NLT

This passage from John is astonishing! Mary’s act of devotion was both extravagant and physical. She had to sacrifice money, time, and energy to perform this anointing of Jesus’ feet which Judas Iscariot criticized as a waste of money. But Jesus rebuked him and foreshadowed his own burial.

I am almost startled on mornings when Famous washes my feet with his tongue before I have the chance to slide into my bedroom slippers. Maybe he likes the saltiness of my skin. Perhaps he is reconnecting with me following the separation of sleep.

It would be easy (and a lot less ticklish) for me to refuse him this “service.” But as I endure a few sloppy licks, I am reminded of the place in my heart which allows me to recognize and receive such blessing. These feet which will carry me through the day will also allow me to serve the Lord. If my dog can show what I choose to believe is this simple act of devotion, then how much more should I perform humble acts of service and sacrifice to my God each day of my life?

Father, guide my feet in grateful service to You this day.

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”  Deuteronomy 6:5  NLT

What can be more endearing than to have your dog gaze into your eyes as if he understands the very depths of your soul? I know the intensity of his sweet expression is probably directed more towards determining the scent of what I ate for lunch or studying the expression on my face than conveying the human emotion of love. But our dogs do have a bond with us which grows with the passage of time.

Let this be a lesson when we say we love the Lord. We should not be guilty of putting on mere faces of piety. If indeed we are seeking to adore the One true God, are we also sacrificing the time it takes to conscientiously pour our intentions, our passions, and our energies into the task?

Through the eyes of Famous I am reminded that I am loved by the One who made me. In receiving His love I am reminded that He expects nothing less than everything in return.

Lord, fill me with your love so that I will know how to surrender every fiber of my being unto You. 

“Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me.”  Psalm 103:2  NLT

For me, one of the most enjoyable parts of “puppy school” training was rewarding Famous with exuberant praise for a positive behavior. For example, in teaching the puppies to return to their owners upon command (a response which could potentially save their lives from traffic or other hazards) the owners would kneel down, hug the pups and praise them over and over again if they successfully ran into our arms.

But in praising the Lord, our own lives are saved. The puppies were learning to follow the promptings of our voices. We must learn to recognize the voice of our Master and eagerly run into his arms with praise.

I at times deal with people who believe that there is nothing good about their lives. They cannot seem to understand God’s love even though they so desperately need it. They are as dogs who can no longer hear the voice of the One who is showing them the way to salvation. They have forgotten the good things that God has done.

Father, I eagerly await your voice that guides, protects, and blesses me each day!

“I have heard all about you, Lord, and I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done.”  Habakkuk 3:2  NLT

I enjoy talking about my dog, Famous. So much, in fact, I ordered a photo book to document our first year together. If anyone had any doubt about my dedication to him during those twelve months, the photographic record gave evidence of our hikes, holidays, and training classes.

My hope is to be able to demonstrate with equal ease and enthusiasm my amazement at God’s work in my life. For although I physically interact with Famous when we jog or play catch, when we greet guests at the door, or when we settle down in front of a fire, it is the awesome God who blesses, protects, and guides me as we interact each day.

There are times in our worship when we are bound to be silent because nothing can express our awe of God’s glory. But we should not refrain from sharing with others our joys He sends every day of our lives.

Help me to be a witness to the wonder you bring into my life this day, O Lord.

“I love you, Lord; you are my strength.”  Psalm 18:1  NLT

The Hebrew word for strength is often used to describe the steadfastness of God as it would a rock or a fortress. It helps us to understand our God is not a mythical Hercules on steroids, but an awesome bulwark against the storms brought by time and living. Everyday we are bombarded with physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual arrows. Without God’s strong protection we cannot weather these assaults!

In days when I have felt the onslaught of the world, Famous has been a source of steadfastness in my life. Always willing to be at my side, to lay his head in my lap, to remind me of how precious a moment can be, he becomes a vessel of God’s faithful love and grace.

Being able to recognize God’s handiwork in this creature allows me to grow stronger. I am reminded of my relationship with the One who created the entire universe. For out of the whole universe and out of all of history He has remembered me this day and has placed this devoted pet into my life.

My love for you, God, knows no limit. Your love for me is eternal.