John 15:9-10 – As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. (ESV)

We have a dog called Daisy. She is the sweetest, fluffiest, cuddliest dog that anyone could ever wish to have. I tend to be the one who feeds and does the necessary when called upon to keep everything shipshape, and I appear to be the boss in her world.

She is fussed over by the rest of the family, which, in truth, is rather gratifying. She certainly has had a marked influence for the better on our family's state of mind and is a pleasant distraction from the world that daily touches, as a source of stress, upon our existence.

She often reminds me of myself. I delight in being in the eternal family of God, knowing that I am cared for, safe, loved, and accepted. In my independence, I know that Jesus is my Master, Who is there to clear up my mess. I recognize His voice, especially when I am spiritually hungry or in need of His provision via the Holy Spirit.

Show Daisy the opportunity to chase small rodents, cats, birds, and moving balls on her territory, however, and her terrier-ness is revealed. She is off like a leopard, feet hardly touching the ground as she bounces at speed towards the target. Like flicking on a switch, she goes from cuddly-ball-of-fluff to chase-and-subdue: bang! This is often followed by barking to declare her territory. Sadly, I, too, am often enticed into running towards life's temptations. Each one of us has our own predilections for being tempted. We declare our rights to have stuff. Praise God for His voice that calls us back into the fold.

Typically for a Westie, Daisy has selective hearing and an independent mind that comes to the fore whenever we want her to comply, maybe to come in out of the cold or rain. She is also a very intelligent dog. As soon as my back is turned, she has an annoying habit of returning to something that I have told her not to do. She does this because she wants her own way to enjoy herself. God's back is never turned, however, but ours often is — and that disobedience can lead to sin.

On the upside, treats are her Achilles heel, when her hearing abruptly returns and she runs straight back into the house on the prospect of a tasty morsel. Being the biggest in the litter of pups, I guess that she liked her food, for which I am thankful. The weakness that draws me back to God is remembering that I am saved, loved, and accepted by Him.

Jesus, the Shepherd, calls us to come inside the safety of His presence, His realm of peace and love, the kingdom of God. We, who have acquired selective hearing, need to hear, run back, to gain a blessing when we have sometimes found ourselves suckered into the preoccupations of the world. He knows our heart, our gifts, and the territory that we have been given. Today, under His kingdom rule, we can declare His love where we stand.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your love. May we hear Your voice and be blessed, and in turn be a blessing to those with whom You set us today. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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