Restoration

While studying the 23rd Psalm, I found myself a little confused with Verse 3.  David was using the powerful imagery of the Shepherd and sheep.  However, he seems to get a little off track in the third verse as he talks about restoration.  But, as I studied this further, I came across the following information about sheep:

Cast(upside-down sheep)
If you ever see one of your sheep laying upside down, run as fast as you can to flip them right again.  If sheep are stuck laying on their back, they cannot expel gas from their rumen, and their lungs will eventually be crushed, leading them to die of suffocation. This can happen to ANY sheep of ANY age.  Rams, ewes, wethers...it doesn't matter.  Here are times when ewes are more likely to be cast: when they have a large fleece that is wet, when they are pregnant.  Once flipped right again, the sheep will begin to burp and pass gas.  It may take them some time to feel right again, so you may want to separate them from the flock and take extra care for them.

Is it possible that David is using the thought of restoration like upside-down sheep?  The word restoration in the Hebrew literally means to be put in right standing.  In order to survive and thrive, the sheep must be put in right standing so he can walk the paths before him.  Isn't that the same with us?

Sklyer, the dog pictured above, has been gone about a year now.  We miss him dearly.  As I thought about upside-down sheep, I thought of him.  Sklyer was a bit overweight for his size.  At times, when he would lay down, his center of gravity would shift so that he would have trouble getting up.  We would laugh at him.  I feel a little bad about that now that he is gone.

You know, though, I'm sometimes the same way (naturally and spiritually).  You probably are, too.  Sometimes, our center of gravity shifts and we find ourselves in an awkward situation - unable to help ourselves.  Sometimes it is due to our own doing; sometimes it just happens in life.  Nevertheless, we need the Shepherd to put us in right standing because we can't do it ourselves.  Left alone, we will die.  But, when the Shepherd restores us, we can then follow Him down the paths of righteousness.  Not for our sake (our glory), but for His.

I miss you, Skyler.  I miss helping you get up in the mornings off your pillow.  Thanks for teaching me a valuable lesson that came to mind as I studied Psalm 23:3.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  ~Psalm 23:3 

Light

I have noticed something about my dogs.  Whenever they are indoors, they will seek out the sunbeams streaming through the windows, no matter the season.  They love to lay down (or sometimes just sit) and bask in the light.  Some creatures scatter from the light.  We all know what cockroaches do when exposed to the light.  They scatter.  However, my dogs are drawn to it.  They love the comfort, warmth, and peace they find in the light.

Let's no longer walk in darkness, for we have been called from darkness into His marvelous light!

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:  ~ 1 Peter 2:9

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  ~ 1 John 1:7

Innocence

Just look at that face.  How can you stay angry when he looks at you with those cute puppy eyes?  I don't know how they do it - or even if they know they are doing it - but dogs have a way of getting away with it (whatever "it" is).  How can something that looks that cute be guilty - even though they may be guilty?  I can't stay angry for long. 

We sometimes do they same thing.  We may be guilty as sin, but we do our best to try to cover it up.  We try to look innocent.  While we may fool ourselves and even others, there is no way we can get away with it.  The Bible says, "Be sure your sins will find you out." (Numbers 32:23)  Adam and Eve started the process so long ago.  What they have started as an experiment in the Garden of Eden, we have mastered today.  We try to place the blame, we try to play innocent, we try to get away with it.  Who me?  I didn't do it.  Nobody saw me do it.  You can't prove anything.

I have often heard, and even stated myself, that if the dog gets into something, it is not his fault.  It should not have been left out where he could get it.  I should have been watching him.  Or, it is just his nature - he is just doing what dogs do.

Haven't we said the same thing?  It's not my fault.  I can't help myself.  The Devil made me do it.  Yet, in reality, we are all guilty.  Why not admit it?  When we admit our sin, repent of our sin, and follow the Lord, we are then truly free from our sin.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  ~Romans 3:23

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  ~Romans 5:8

Anger

 

Dogs generally give a warning before they bite.  It might be a growl, a bark, or showing their teeth.  When a dog gives the warning, it is generally best to heed that warning.  There is nothing wrong with anger.  And, I think it is OK to show that we are angry.  However, we must be sure to keep our anger under control and ensure that our response is measured.  

I have been angry a couple of times this week.  Some things really set me off, particularly when someone spreads untruths (lies) about me.  That happened this week, as well as being accused of a few other things.  It angered me.  And, I had to "show my teeth" a little.  And, sometimes, that is OK.  Just remember to not let your anger control you.  You must control it.

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  ~Ephesians 4:26

 

Desire

 

I have discovered that having vizslas (Hungarian Pointers) is an amazing experience.  This breed is extremely smart, very loving, and highly energetic.  I love this breed and I am proud to have my second one.  Rozsda was our first vizsla (1999-2009).  Dozsar, our second vizsla, is now two years old.

One thing I like about this breed is their God-given ability to hunt.  To me, I am not sure there is anything more striking than a vizsla that is pointing.    When Dozsar sees what he wants, when he has a strong desire, he loves to pursue his quarry.  However, when other dogs begin running full force at the object of their desires, the vizsla will often point and wait for just the right moment to begin the pursuit.

However, the chase is not just a reaction.  It is deliberate.  There is a plan of attack, a strategy to the pursuit.  Why?  Because there is a hunger to be fulfilled.  Desire.

The same is true in our lives.  If we have a hunger or a deep desire, it will help guide our pursuit.  Our actions should not be impulsive or on a whim or we very well may miss object of our desire.  No, we need to be thoughtful, deliberate, and strategic in our actions.  And, we need to desire the right things.

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.  ~Matthew 5:6

Serenity

 

My dogs are generally full of energy.  However, I have noticed that when they are tired, they can sleep just about anywhere.  It is fun to watch them as they begin to doze off.  Their heads get heavy and begin to bob.  Their eyes begin to close.  Eventually, they lay their heads down and succumb to the serenity of sleep.

I, on the other hand, can often find it hard to sleep.  When the cares of the world are on my shoulders, my mind often races through the problems and issues of life.  When that happens, it is hard for me to find serenity and tranquility.  All I find is restlessness and anxiety.  However, as I trust in the Lord and put my faith in Him, I can find true rest.

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.  ~Proverbs 3:24

Friendly

The neighbor's dog came down to visit last year.  I think his name was "Marley."  The family has since moved away, but when this picture was taken, they were on vacation.  The batteries on his collar were depleted and he was able to leave his yard.  While we were walking our dogs, Marley followed us home.  He didn't want to leave.  He was a friendly dog and wanted to spend time with us.  He was a good dog and we enjoyed our visit with him.

That is something I have noticed with our dogs.  They want to be with me.  Even as I type this, one is snuggled on my lap and the other is at my feet chewing a rawhide bone (then went to the bathroom to drink out of the toilet - but that's another story).  If I get up to go in the other room, they follow.  If I go outside, they want to go.  What other animal, with just a wag of the tail and wet, slobbery lick, can be so endearing?  Is it any wonder that dogs are called, "Man's Best Friend?"

Even when I am angry, upset, have been away for a while, or just because, my dogs want to be with me.  They show themselves friendly.  So, how do I react?  I am friendly to them.  It works!

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.  ~ Proverbs 18:24

Maturity

 

We often think maturity comes with age.  While it sometimes comes concurrently with age, maturity is not the result of age.  As far as I can tell, age only makes me older.  I mature by accepting responsibility.  I mature by being accountable.  Time and experience sometimes help make this possible, but not always.

I know some people who are "mature for their age."  We generally say this when we experience a young person who displays responsible characteristics beyond their years.  And, we all know people who do not "act their age."  A sixteen year old can be more mature than than a 45 year old.  It is possible.

So, how do we mature?  We learn to accept responsibility.  We learn to be accountable.  We learn to be examples - pawsitive examples!  These are not bad words.  These are good words.  No, these are great words.  How much better would we all be if we all strived for maturity?

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.  ~ 1 Timothy 4:12