Spiritual Lessons from the Dogs and 1 Peter 5:8
Saturday Morning Devotional – by Jay Sikes
We have learned many lessons from the dogs over the years, and this past week was no exception. Here are some spiritual lessons from the dogs and 1 Peter 5:8 that we saw in our own life last week.
If you have ever visited “Home With Grace and Joy,” there is a very good chance you learned that we have been huge dog lovers our whole life. In fact, the first time Susan and I really got to know each other (many years ago) was over Fred. Oh, I’m glad you asked….Fred was my Pitbull dog.
Over the next 40+ years, with the exception of a few months when we lived in an apartment, we have had at least 1 dog and as many as 6 at one time. We even raised our children with the instructions to look for a spouse who is a Christian and a dog lover.
Susan loves dogs so much that I have instructed her to bury me in a dog costume when I die. At least I know she will shed 1 or 2 tears!
Ally’s Playful Personality
Here is a look into how Ally plays. She looks so fierce, but she couldn’t hurt a fly if she tried! However, she doesn’t just play for a little while – she doesn’t stop until all parties are completely worn out!
Weekend Dog Fun
Last week, our daughter-in-law and granddaughter came over and brought our grand-dog, Gus. We love when Gus comes and spends time with us and our dog, Ally. Gus is so ready to see us and Ally when he arrives, and he is so ready to depart from Ally when he leaves, for good reason.
They love playing together but Ally is a large dog and relentless. Gus is a mini Australian Shepherd so he is smaller than Ally, but he holds his own and will put her in her place when he has finally had enough. Ally is rough and constantly slobbering around Gus’ neck and on his ears.
After a bit, he’s like, “Ally, let’s just chill for a while.”
Ally is like, “Are you kidding, I wanna play forever!”
Lessons from the Dogs – From Gus
So this past Saturday, the dogs were outside. We have stairs going up to our deck, and on each side of the stairs are large terracotta planters. If they want, the dogs can go between the steps and the planters to get under the deck.
We happened to look out and see Gus laying with his head sticking out of the opening between the steps and planter. Ally was about 6 feet away with her rear in the air and laying on her front legs in a “ready to pounce” position waiting for Gus to come out.
He was ready and waiting for the right moment to bolt to the doggie door to escape his crazed playmate! When Ally looked away, Gus would rise and take a step forward until Ally looked his way and then he withdrew to his safety zone. It was hilarious!
Gus tried to escape several times only to withdraw again. He was on high alert.
Ally loves to play long and hard, and she is a super sweet girl. She simply plays aggressively. So don’t get confused with her nature as I share what I learned and the reference to our enemy the devil. She is by no means a devil dog! In fact, she does not have a mean bone in her body!
Gus was basically under attack, because he had enough of Ally’s rough housing. He recognized the threat and resisted. At the same time, he used his surroundings as his armor. As well, he kept his eyes on the security of the doggie door and his humans inside.
In watching this transpire, I thought about our journey through life. There are threats all around us every day. The difference is, our threats are not someone wanting to play with us but the enemy wanting to destroy us and the faith of believers.
Lesson 1
Gus recognized the threat. We must do the same.
Lesson 2
Gus resisted the threat. We must do the same.
Lesson 3
Gus used his surroundings as his armor. We must do the same.
Lesson 4
Gus kept his eyes on security. We must do the same.
Lesson 5
Gus gave no opportunity to his threat. We must do the same.
Gus and Ally always have a big time, and all turns out well. Gus usually sleeps on the way home, and Ally is asleep shortly after Gus is gone. Afterwards, they are both worn out for a day or two.
We get lots of laughs from our crazy dogs that we love dearly. Their play time is fun, relentless, aggravating, and exhausting, but they always love to hit replay next time.
Lessons from the Dogs – For Us
On the other hand, we have a great enemy that is real. He is a deceiver, liar, thief, killer, destroyer, and an imposter. The devil is relentless and never tires.
“And the devil who had deceived them.” Rev 20:10
“…for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” John 10:10
“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
2 Cor 11:14
Last Lesson from the Dogs – From Ally
Enjoy your dogs or whatever brings you much love, fun, and laughter. Watch for lessons from the dogs, because there are many! At the same time, be watchful and resist the devil. Keep your eyes on the prize – the Lord Jesus Christ!
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Remain On Alert, Resist Your Enemy (1 Pet 5:8-9)
Until next week…
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“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
(Taken from the Word of God – CSB)
It seems your dogs bring a lot of joy to your family. I liked the life lesson–great choice of Bible verses. My daughter has a big dog–part lab. Remi is a great protector of their chickens. SSPS #34
They are such joys! I bet she can learn many lessons from her Remi as well!
How much fun are they! I’ve learned more than I ever thought possible from our dogs so this was a fun read. They really do teach us lots of life lessons in good seasons and in bad. Watching them have so much fun together makes me realize Piper needs a playmate. Dogs definitely have a language all their own! Big hugs, CoCo
So true! I can’t imagine not having a fur baby! I love seeing pictures of Piper!!! Oh my goodness – that precious face!!!
Oh my goodness Ally is precious! I hear you on learning from dogs. I have a spoiled rotten delightfully amusing beagle named Little Girl. She’s such a diva and doesn’t like to be disturbed from her naps to go out for potty. Lol. This really made me smile today.
Visiting today from SSPS 295 #100,101&102.
I bet Little Girl is precious! I can’t imagine life without dogs!
It appears that your family is quite happy with your dogs. The life lesson was well-chosen Bible texts, and I enjoyed it. My daughter owns a large lab mix dog. Their hens are well-protected by Remi.
We do love our babies! I bet the hens are very well protected! Dogs are amazing! Thank you so much for your kind words.
I adore dogs as well, Susan. We have two, which is about all the hair I can handle, LOL. I love this darling story of how you found a lesson from the bible that the dogs shared. I will pay more attention to our dogs and see if I can learn a few things from them. I love reading these fun stories.
Thank you! What kind of dogs do you have? At one time we had 6 – WAY too many! We are down to one now, and we get to spoil her. I understand about the fur though. It is really bad! It goes in seasons, but we are starting a shed-season now.
thank you