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“therefore the Lord God expelled the man from the garden of Eden so he would work the ground from which he had been taken.  After he had expelled the man, the Lord God placed winged angels at the eastern end of the garden of Eden, along with a fiery, turning sword, to prevent access to the tree of life”.  Genesis 3:23-24 ISV

When we first got Burt, he would whip his head around and try to bite you.  It happened when he was excited, had to go to the bathroom, needed your attention, and when he didn’t want to do what you asked him to do.  In other words, all the time.  The trainer came and recommended a collar and showed us how to hold it so he couldn’t get to you if he was tempted to bite.  As we all got better acquainted, this behavior was no longer an issue.

Burt tried to nip employees at doggie daycare for the same reasons, usually a lot of barking dogs and yes, I am making excuses for him.  We had heard no complaints for awhile and were always told he was fine.  So when it was suggested that we change our normal day for one where his trainer was working, I was suspicious and made inquiries.  Apparently, his nipping was still going on and after the suggestion was made, he tried it on the owner.  We were now told he would only be accepted half days on Monday and Wednesday and the cost was the same.  Basically, Burt was being expelled from doggie daycare.

Just like Burt, Adam and Eve had it made in the Garden of Eden.  They were given everything to enjoy but one tree.  The rules were presented but they couldn’t uphold their end of the deal when tempted.  Just like Burt, Eve took a bite and encouraged Adam to taste the fruit too. Just like Burt, they were expelled from the garden. God put an angel and a flaming sword always turning to guard the gate to make sure they never returned. I don’t think doggie daycare is going quite that far to keep Burt out.

We all must live according to some rules.  If we don’t do our jobs according to the expectations, we may be fired.  If we don’t obey the speed limit, we pay a fine.  If we disobey a teacher or principal we could be expelled from school.  When rules are broken there are consequences.

How about you?  Is it hard to break those old habits?  Is it easier to whip your head around and bite at those trying to enforce the rules?  Are we a rebellious people (Isaiah 30:9)?

James 4 tells us to submit to God and resist the devil and he will flee from you.  It instructs us to draw near to God and he will draw near to us.  Verse 10 says to humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he will lift you up.

We might not be able to get past the flaming sword with the “Keep Out” sign but God has swung open the gate to heaven when he provided Jesus as our Savior.  As we trust in him for our salvation, we are no longer expelled from the presence of God but are invited to come boldly into his presence (Hebrews 4:16).

Psalm 16:11 states, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore”.  Don’t get expelled from a heavenly eternity for the earthly pleasures of today!

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“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”.  Ecclesiastes 12:1 NIV

Seneca has always been a very energetic dog.  She was able to leap tall buildings in a single bound and go from roof top to roof top as gracefully as Spiderman’s dog.  We worked hard to contain her.  She wasn’t left in the yard to run free as the fence was just a suggestion to be ignored.  She always knew she had disobeyed but stubbornly went her own way unless she deigned to do your will when it suited her.

Like many of us, Seneca is slowing down as she ages.  Her arthritis is being treated but she frequently needs help into the car.  We let her out in the yard now without supervision and she enjoys her new freedoms.

Recently, the family received a text from my son saying that Seneca had jumped the fence.  Was she punished?  Were we upset?  No!  Text replies were sent saying, “Great”, “Yea!”, and “Praise the Lord!”.  Our priorities and outlook had changed.  What we once regarded as important had been replaced by joy in Seneca enjoying the energy and agility of youth in her senior years.

Ecclesiastes 12 can be rather depressing.  It tells you to remember your creator in the days of your youth and then goes on to list quite a few health issues we face as we enter our not-so-golden years.  Verse 3 mentions the grinders cease because they are few which is a poetic way to say that you’ve lost most of your teeth.  The windows grow dim refers to your eyesight and songs grow faint means your hearing is not as good as it once was while verse 7 has us as dust returning to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Yes, as we age our priorities change but we are encouraged to remember our Creator in the days of our youth.  Hopefully, we grow wiser with age and God will always be a priority in our life.

As adults, we have a responsibility to teach by word and example the love of God to those we come in contact with each day.  Then, they too can pass on to another generation the love of God so that we would all remember our Creator, God, and King in whatever stage of life we are in at this moment.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 ends by saying, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:  Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.  For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil”.

God is number one and that will never change.  Make Him your priority in your youth and in your senior years and your outlook will never change!

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“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”  Genesis 2: 15 NIV

Lilly is an 8 week old English Pointer.  She has been blessed to be able to go to work with Daddy and enjoy the great outdoors.  It’s a partnership where she is provided with lots of exercise, food, water, shade, and her Daddy’s presence to keep her on the right track.  Lilly in return gives lots of company, love, affection, and obedience as she enjoys the great outdoors as she walks with and follows her father.

God desires to partnership with us in our work and day to day activities.  His ideal plan was set in place when he created a perfect garden and placed us in it to take care of it.  He walked and talked along side us in a loving relationship until we chose to disobey.

I Corinthians 3:9 in the Good News Translation states, “For we are partners working together for God, and you are God’s field.  Colossians 3:17 tells us, “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father”.

God has called and partnered with his creation all through the Bible.  He called Moses and Moses told God in Exodus 33:15, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here”.  David conquered kingdoms with God leading him (Hebrews 11:32), Daniel lived to see morning when placed in the lion’s den as their dinner, and Joshua lead the people around Jericho; watching the walls fall after marching around the city for seven days.

We are not alone.  God has prepared a place for us.  We are not here by accident.  He is our heavenly father and he wants us to work with him. Just like Lilly is taken care of each day, Psalm 121:5 tells us, “The LORD watches over you–the LORD is your shade at your right hand.”  His face shines upon us and he shades us in the heat of the day.  He leads us by still waters and restores our soul.  His presence goes with us and we have nothing to fear.

Lilly learns love and obedience and so will we when we enter into a personal relationship with our heavenly father and his son who died for us.  Go to work with your daddy today and give him all the glory as you trust the Holy Spirit to lead and teach you daily.

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https://youtu.be/Rp0RDKrrspA

 

“Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan.”  Matthew 4:25 ESV

One of our family vacations included a trip to Hollywood where we were excited to find out they were actually filming a movie nearby.  The streets were closed off and everyone was standing across the street from all the action.  We eagerly joined in wondering if we would see Julia Roberts filming another Pretty Woman or Johnny Depp in all his glory.  Well, at least I was hoping to see Johnny Depp in all his glory!

We finally saw the signs announcing The Muppets were filming a new movie.  Miss Piggy and her entourage rode up to the theater in a limo and we all pushed to be able to see the stars.  I’ll admit it was a bit of a let down but still fun to see all the Muppets being lifted up to say their lines then drop down like limp puppets till their next scene.  I’m sure actual living, breathing stars would have required more crowd control and more high maintenance than our precious Kermie.

The gospels are full of Jesus’ star status.  Large crowds followed him wherever he went.  He provided food for over 5,000 followers when they were hungry.  The mountainsides were so full that he escaped to a boat to preach and teach.  News of his travels and miracles made everyone want to come out and see this man from Galilee.  Zacchaeus even climbed a tree to be able to get a better view.

Palm Sunday brought the peak to Jesus’ popularity.  By the end of the week, it wasn’t the acceptable thing to be seen in his presence.  Even his closest friends betrayed and denied knowing him.  Though some still followed.

Today the crowd can go either way.  It’s acceptable to follow Jesus when we are in church but is it when we are with our co-workers at work?  Some have been asked to leave out Jesus’ name when we pray as that might offend someone.  Where you are and who you are with can determine the popularity of Jesus at any given time.

But some still follow.  Do you?

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“The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.”  Isaiah 40:8 ISV

It will soon be a year since Danni died.  I still cry and miss her on a daily basis.  It still hurts but sometimes I feel guilty because life has gone on without her.  Sometimes, the memories aren’t as strong and I think I have betrayed her.  I’m afraid she is going to fade away if the pain of losing her is not as intense as it was yesterday.

The dictionary describes fade as to lose brightness or vividness of color.  It means to dim, disappear gradually and to vanish.  Our memories can turn from severely painful to  bittersweet and healing.  Danni will never disappear as she will be a part of me forever.

Things in this world started to fade when sin entered the picture in the Garden of Eden.  I John 2:17 states, “And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave.  But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever”.  People and our most cherished treasures here on earth must pass away from this earth but we have a home in heaven that will never pass away.

Jesus hung on a cross willingly dying for each of us; his very life fading away.  Three days later he rose from the grave giving all who believe a resurrected hope and future.  I Peter 1:3-4 tells us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade”.  Though we fade away in our earthly bodies, we will be resurrected to live with Jesus forever where nothing will ever fade away. Jesus told his disciples that heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35).

It is horrible to watch a forest fire destroying the trees.  Our plants die from lack of water.  Our loved ones grow older and may forget our names.  This world and the things of it will pass away but with Jesus we have a hope and a future that will never fade.  Put your trust in him today!

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But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4 NIV

We have all seen the pictures of rescue animals before they have been adopted.  They are underweight and malnourished.  Burt’s ribs were showing the day we took him home at a whopping 45 lbs.  Danni weighed in at 49 lbs. wearing a harness at her first veterinarian appointment.  Both dogs filled out nicely and quickly tipped the scales at 60 lbs.

Many of us do not have the problem of being underweight.  Some of us are exactly the opposite and trying to watch what we eat so the pounds aren’t packed on over the years but it is possible to be overweight but malnourished.

Malnutrition is described as a lack of sufficient nutrients in the body.  Some causes of malnutrition include a poor diet and digestive issues.  As Christians, we can suffer malnutrition.  When we have a poor diet of spiritual nutrients, our bodies and the body of Christ suffers.

A diet packed full of personal time in God’s word, fellowship, bible study, gathering for public and private worship are all spiritual nutrients.  To lack time with God is to starve yourself and when one of God’s children are malnourished, the body of Christ is also operating on a poor diet.

The Parable of the Sower is found in Matthew 13.  A farmer was out sowing seeds and some of the seed fell on rocky ground, some fell along the path, and some seed was planted with thorns and other plants that choked the seed out making it unfruitful.  How you digest the word of God is also very important.  If you have digestive issues, you could become malnourished.  Don’t let anything stand in the way of the word of God taking root in your heart.  James 1:22 states, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says”.

Good nutrition provides maintenance, growth, reproduction, and health.  Proverbs 3:7-8 tells us, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.  This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones”.

Make sure you are getting all the proper nutrients from God’s word.  We don’t want to be malnourished Christians, starving ourselves and God’s family.

BURT AND DANNI CAME FROM THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD; TO DONATE CLICK HERE

For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12 NIV

Seneca is ten.  She has slowed down in recent months which only means she is more like other dogs now.  We can let her out in the yard to play and not worry that she will be in the next town within seconds.  She is not going to jump the fence, look back and smile, and be on the neighbors roof observing them through their windows.  Some changes are good but I still have a problem with people saying she is in her geriatric years and she is an old gal.  Some things I just can’t accept.

On a recent visit, Seneca was throwing up.  You could tell she wasn’t feeling well.  She wasn’t jumping on the bed or in the car with any enthusiasm so her senior exam and bloodwork were scheduled.  She was given supplements for her joints and seemed to be doing fine.  The results of the bloodwork showed elevated liver levels and an ultrasound was recommended.

The vet called with the test results and compassionately announced a large dark mass that extended well past her liver.  We could go to an oncologist and have a biopsy done but cancer of the liver was likely.

Cancer is a word most of us dread hearing.  It is a malignant growth or tumor resulting from the division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.  Many of us have had loved ones, human and furry that have been affected by the disease.  On the outside, things are going along fine but on the inside something is abnormal and growing.  When symptoms appear, we go to find out what is wrong.

Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Things might seem okay on the outside but on the inside sin is affecting us.  The growth left unchecked will eventually produce symptoms that will get our attention.

When sin is brought under the light of God’s word it can be eradicated.  The growth of sin can be stopped and entirely washed away by placing your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Our verse today states that God’s word is alive and active.  Hebrews 12:1 tells us to throw off anything that hinders us and the sin that entangles us and fix our eyes on Jesus.  1 John 1:7 in the Amplified Bible reads, “but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].

Go to God and his word today so that no unwanted growths are found that could destroy your quality of life and eventually kill you.  Jesus came that you might have life and have it to the full (John 10:10b).  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10a).  Don’t let that happen to you!  Live sin free.

SENECA CAME FROM BERKELEY COUNTY, WV:  CLICK HERE TO HELP OTHER ANIMALS FROM THERE

“Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes.  To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ-their Lord and ours:  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”.  I Corinthians 1:1-3 NIV

I receive reminder post cards from the veterinary office telling me that one of the dogs is due for certain vaccinations and testing.  I also am reminded of veterinary appointments already scheduled and emails fill my computer addressed to Danni and owner, our puppy that died almost a year ago.  This type of correspondence shows me that I am not known on a personal level even though the information may be welcomed.

Most of us have composed a letter starting with the words, To Whom It May Concern.  I know I’ve sent out many cover letters for job applications with those words.  I always feel as I type them that I am probably the only one that is really concerned.  As we write emails and letters we always hope our audience will be interested in what we have to say.  We want our correspondence to be appreciated and read.  We hope our letters accomplish what we sent them to accomplish.  To grab our readers attention, writers start out with a hook; something that they hope will hook their readers.

Paul starts his letter to the Corinthians telling who the letter is from and identifying himself with his audience.  He says who he has become is because of God.  He binds the audience to him because we are all one in Christ Jesus.  He has called us and makes us into his image.  We are related to each other in the family of God.  There is a connection.

When God sent his word he sent an angel to a young virgin and told her not to be afraid.  She would carry and give birth to the redeemer of the world.  God spoke from a burning bush to call Moses into leadership of the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land.  Both methods got the expected attention of the hearer.

There are 66 books of the Bible.  These books and letters are written to Whom It May Concern.  No matter where you are in life, the word of God does concern you.  It is packed full of attention grabbing hooks to keep you reading.  Whether it is a flood with every animal coming two by two or angels bearing messages to be fulfilled; it is directed at you, God’s audience.

John 3:16 states that God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  God reached out to you first when he sent Jesus, his word, to die in your place that if you believe you will live forever.  It is an attention grabbing hook that tells you that the To Whom It May Concern is you and God is concerned.  He loves you.

Is he calling you today?  Have you read his letters?  Do they grab your attention and do you identify with them as one of his own?

Don’t hit delete before reading God’s letter to you.  There is a message personalized with your name!

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“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope”. Romans 15:4 NASB

When we lose a pet our heart breaks.  Memories of Christmas toys and treats, road trips, walks, nights spent cuddling, and the many unique habits, personality traits, and quirks of our beloved best friend fill our minds.  As the memories hurt a little less, we wonder if we are betraying our faithful friends who loved us unconditionally.  We might even bring in a new pet to love but never replace the one your heart aches to see again.

We are told in Philippians 3:13 by Paul that it is a good thing to forget what is behind us and keep looking towards the future.  We do not want to get stuck in the past or be bogged down in guilt for past mistakes and forgiven sin.  We are told to keep pressing on to the future and becoming more like Jesus.

We are also told to learn and grow from our past.  The past shapes us into who we are today and what we will become tomorrow.  Each person we meet leaves an impact on our lives.  The past is full of lessons learned.

The Bible tells of Old and New Testament hero’s that kept the faith.  Words written for our instruction fill the pages so that we have a hope for tomorrow as we follow their example.  Deuteronomy 6:7 tells us, “Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up”.  We are to pass our memories along for our children and others to know the past.  When we read the stories of the prophets of old, the Promised Land, David and Goliath, and many others, our faith is built up and we will push into the future knowing God is able.  He will provide.  He is with me and will take care of me.

Memories are a part of who you are and what you will become.  Pass them on so that others might know the hope that you have placed in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  He has seen you through good times and bad times.  He was there yesterday and today and he will be there tomorrow.  He loves you!  Remember that!

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“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God”.  Hebrews 12:2 ESV

I always tell the dogs while we are out for a walk that if they ever get lost they should look for the church steeple.  When they first came to our home and were not familiar with the area, I would repeat those words often.  The church steeple stood tall on a hill and was easy to see.  If they would head for the steeple, they would reach home.

I told that story to a friend who was new to the area.  Not too long afterward, she was out walking her dog and found herself turned around and wondering which way to go to reach home.  She remembered my directions to our dogs and she looked for the steeple and soon found herself headed home in the right direction.

Unlike my home which has many streets and alleys to reach the same location, there is only one way to reach our heavenly home.  In John 14:6, Jesus tells us, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me”.  Matthew 7:14 states, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it”.  Acts 4:12 states, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved”.  Jesus tells Nicodemus in John 3:17, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him”.

Many are accused of being narrow minded and judgmental when proclaiming Jesus as the only way to heaven but Jesus said himself that he wasn’t sent to condemn the world but to save it.  Sin separates us from God and placing our trust and faith in Jesus Christ as our redeemer and Lord closes that gap and sets us on the right road to reach home.

Just as looking to the steeple sets my path to reach my earthly home, looking to Jesus as my Savior starts my journey toward my heavenly home.  Knowing him as the author and perfecter of my faith sets my feet on the solid rock as I place my faith in him.

Jesus took our punishment and paid for our sin.  There is no judgement just love in the finished work of our Savior on the cross.  Look to him and you will find your way home.

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