I wish people could be like dogs!

Psalm 12 (New International Version, ©2010)

 ¹ Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore;
   those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. ² Everyone lies to their neighbor;
   they flatter with their lips
   but harbor deception in their hearts.

We have a dog. "Copper" is a Basset Hound who acts like a cat, sometimes. (I hate cats!) Stephanie and I have had a long line of dogs in our lives. We have had Bitsy, Hershey, Tootie, Princess, and probably more that I can't remember. I'm not sure why we keep getting dogs. They can be a nuisance. They dictate our schedule sometimes. We can't go out of town without making some special plans to take care of the dog. But, the best part of owning a dog, they are loyal to a fault. People could learn a few things about loyalty from dogs. Regardless what type of day I've had, Copper is always happy to see me. When I've had a bad day, he doesn't ask a lot of questions, he doesn't pry, he doesn't have to know all the details. He just wants to spend time with me in silence. He doesn't feel the need to butter me up with less than heart felt praise. He doesn't criticize me when I make mistakes. He always wants to be with me regardless what I've done.  He never lies to me and he's never deceptive. He is what he is, a dog.

I wish people could be like dogs. It seems the real art of loyalty has been lost.  Faithfulness seems to be temporary. 'til death do us part is just a saying. Loyalty, is faithfulness or a devotion to a person, country, group, or cause.  I think this definition is missing one thing, FOREVER! You can't be loyal for a short time. You can't be devoted to something or someone unless it withstands the test of time. Loyalty is not earned through a set of rules or requirements. Loyalty, Devotion, and Faithfulness are all apart of my walk with Christ. The Lord of this Universe is the true example of Loyalty, Faithfulness, and Devotion. God walks with me regardless of the good, the bad, and the ugly. He is constantly waiting for me regardless of my mistakes. He is always truthful and never deceives. He is the most loyal friend I could ever have. I can only hope to be as loyal!

Cheerfully pleasing God

July 30, 2010

"Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions." 2 Cor. 5:9-10 (Message)

Since the beginning of the year I have been reading the new testament - The Message. I really like to read many different Bible translations/versions. I have found this one to be most enlightening.

Everything for God, Cheerfully? Are you kidding me? Don't get me wrong, I can't get enough of God. I study the bible and have a special prayer time with God every night. I read a devotional before leaving for work in the morning. I subscribe to Chuck Swindoll's Insight for Living Daily Devotional that I study during the middle of my day. I pray for people and situations throughout my day. I do all these things, not because I am this amazing christian. I do it because I realize how far I am from "cheerfully pleasing God, regardless of my conditions."

I am sure my daughters (all 3 of them) would tell you that I am classified as a "Grump". I don't really know how this came about in my life. I truly love life. I love my wife, my family, my grandkids, my work, the people at work, the kids at our school, and the community I live in. O really don't like to be thought of as a "Grump". I prefer to think of myself as "focused". But I would say being "focused" does sometimes get in the way of me cheerfully pleasing God. Even though God designed me, I am not satisfied with who I am. I want to change, but the change is slow. The funny thing, God is happy with who I am. God is happy with who we are but he is still trying to change me. As a matter of fact, I can't change on my own. I can only change through the power of Jesus Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit in my life. My family has always been patient with me and so much more. God is patient. In fact, he has forever. As long as I rely on him to change me and stay focused on him, I will get better. God knows I have a long way to go. I am truly thankful to have a God who is trying to change me, but loves me as I am. That is truly Amazing Grace!

Lord, please help me be a cheerful follower. Help me to show on the outside what amazing changes you are making on the inside. Help me to lighten up and trust you through all circumstances. Amen!