It is quite unusual for me to post a picture twice, but this one deserves it. This is true because I know how merciful God is and that he answers prayer. When we decided to adopt Pal (who someone had named Starman- what a name is that for a dog?) we asked for prayers for him. And he is improving!!! The two dogs are inseparable. Pal copies what Buddy (again, the white dog) in many many things. Because he has never been around humans very much, he doesn't know how to act. And he still is very, very wary of any sudden movement, sound or dog. But, he has started taking treats from my hand, going through doors (he refused to do that for the first couple of days- I had to carry him) eating from a dish outside his cage and best of all- playing. He lives in the same house as Buddy, eats the same food, drinks the same water, but he is different. Yet, in such a short time, both Linda and I have grown to love the little guy. Believe it or not, I think what we love the best is what he does after he poops. Like most dogs, he scratches his feet on the grass (to clean them?) but, Pal does it with style. He does it with a flair that reminds us of a Karate fighter breaking a board. And sometimes he does it with a little growl, as if he is mad at the grass for daring to soil his feet. Once in awhile he will do this dance even after he pees. Strange, very strange- but entertaining. I guess this is just one of the things that endears him to us. Both dogs are individuals and we love them. God must feel the same way about humans. Consider this passage from the book of Acts that is part of the planned reading schedule for today.
Acts, Chapter 10
34 Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; 35 but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. 36 The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— 37 you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also*n5 killed, hanging him on a tree. 40 God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God.
Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.” 48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.
God treats us all the same!!! We all have the same opportunity to obey him and be blessed. Even the Jews who had became Christians recognized that Gentiles who had "received the Holy Spirit" had every right to be baptized and become Christians. We are all individuals (just like our two dogs are) but thank God that we ALL are treated fairly by God. Remember the verse from the Gospel of John Chapter 3...
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
One more thing- I wonder if God laughs at the things that we do??? Humm, I guess I will have to work on that bathroom etiquette thing....