Glorious Riches from Our Master

And my God will meet all your needs according to His Glorious Riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19
We have a 3-year old, 55-pound, chocolate lab, named Jackson Brown. His coat is a shiny auburn color, his bright green eyes sparkle. He has a bubble-gum pink tongue, perfect white teeth and a sweet disposition. I'm sure part of the reason for his award-winning appearance is the “caviar” dog food that my husband purchases at the feed store in our town. Jackson loves his food, it is the perfect daily nutrition for him; BUT, just like the Israelites he has become dissatisfied of late. He does not realize that I am onto him...but, I am beginning to glimpse his true nature…. and it is a lot like mine.

Every morning I get his “manna” down from the cupboard and watch him devour it with intensity. Then, he always comes over, licks my hand to thank me, and appears satisfied…. but I see now that this is 'just an act.’ Lately, as I prepare my breakfast, he lurks, in another room, listening for a crumb to drop on the floor, then he comes rushing in, outta nowhere, swoops up the food and takes off running. EVERYONE tells me that “chocolates” begin to mellow out by about 3 years old, their curiosity wanes a bit, and they become the best dogs in the whole wide world…. not this one…he is unveiling a dark side.

My beloved Jacks, ate a turkey this past weekend… a raw 12-pound turkey! We figure he got up on the counter, lifted the defrosting thing up out of the sink, dropped it onto the floor, dragged it out back and feasted on uncooked poultry & gizzards for hours.

The naked carcass was finally discovered this morning, buried behind the backyard fountain and the plastic Willy-bird wrapper was tangled between thorns in the rosebush. The whole incident strikes me as such a betrayal. Just when I thought he was maturing and could be left alone without stealing, chewing, peeing or biting anything, he has managed to do all of the above. He is showing little sign of remorse. It just breaks my heart.

In the past he has eaten a pie, a birthday cake, several baguettes, shoes, sox, underwear, sticks of butter, a whole bottle of B vitamins, and half a bag of Hershey’s kisses. He is quick; he is sneaky; and he is not to be trusted. When questioned about his evil deeds, he adopts a “who me, head cocked to the side, look of innocence.”

How can he be so rebellious, when we are providing him with the best of everything? I got to thinking this morning about how much Jacks and I are alike. We are both people-oriented and lovable; yet capable of unspeakable things if push comes to shove. Are there things you do when no one is looking? Are there things that waste your time, or get you onto a downward spiral, or potentially hurt others? Are there behaviors that distance you from God?

I think, "Lord, what is wrong with this stupid dog?" and then I find myself eating out of a Ben & Jerry’s container in front of late night TV or finishing off a bottle of wine, or not returning phone calls. Lord, wake us up! You gifted us with brains that have the ability to know You and ask for help. We fall into bad habits so easily. Teach us to drop our pride, stop acting like we have it together, and admit our need. We need a Savior; thankfully we have The Ultimate Master, Jesus Christ, who always knows what’s best for us.

Lord, help us ingest more of Your Words of Life and less garbage. Thank you for loving us perfectly! Jehovah Jirah, Great Provider, humble us, remind us that every good thing comes from Your nail-pierced Hands, from the glorious riches found only in YOU.