What Dogs Teach Us About The Kingdom Of Heaven

By Sandra Wolfe

Heaven’s virtues are being spiritually displayed right beside you. Are you missing God’s priceless reminders of His teachings and ways modeled by His precious fur angel creation? Most Christian dog lovers do not realize, or perhaps have even contemplated, that a dog’s heart and soul emanates a radiant witness of divinity traits-with the greatest of these is love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandra Wolfe
• Release date: Feb 14, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452305233

Book preview

What Dogs Teach Us About The Kingdom of Heaven

Precious Light Bearers in the Sacred Images of Divinity

Sandra Wolfe and Larry Leonard

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

Sandra Wolfe and Larry Leonard on Smashwords

What Dogs Teach Us About The Kingdom Of Heaven

Copyright © 2010 by Sandra Wolfe and Larry Leonard

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

Extracts from the Authorized Version of the Bible (The King James Bible), the rights in which are vested in the Crown, are reproduced by permission of the Crown’s Patentee, Cambridge University Press.

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Smashwords Edition License Notes

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Acknowledgement

There would have been no book to write like this if God in His great love and compassion for mankind had not chosen to create and gift such a wondrous animal as the dog. Because of His loving care, dogs have intricately weaved their way into the hearts of millions upon millions of people’s lives for thousands of years. Therefore, the greatest of my thanksgiving and praise must first go straight to God, the Father Creator of all, His Son, Jesus the Savior of the world, and the miraculous workings of the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, I would have not known what to write without the unending love and devotion of Quincy and Aunna. Without their daily inspiration, I would not have witnessed the close relationship of their divinity nature and the life lessons it can teach dog owners everywhere in their walk with the Lord. As always, lots of love, kisses, and hugs right from the depth of their Mommy master’s heart.

Last, but certainly not least, my deepest heart’s gratitude goes to the man whose name appears with mine on this work. His unselfish and sacrificial nature to share the concept with me early in our friendship because of our joint love for dogs is why this book came to pass. His unending encouragement to allow access to all his ideas and principles, along with joint collaborations and then permit my heart’s vision and voice to compile it is why this portion of the book was written. Thank you seems so insignificant for it does not totally encompass the major contributions, input, and strengthening of my own ideas throughout the process of compiling the book, but I will say it anyway. I thank you from the very depths of my heart.

Table of Contents

Explanatory Comments

Dedication: Quincy, My Heart

Introduction

CHAPTER ONE: A BELOVED FOREVER FRIEND

Traits of the Highest Friendship Love

Pictures of Heaven’s Divinity

Constant Companion (Sacrifice of Self)

A Comfort in Times of Trouble

Mutt Love

Doggie Kisses

In Love There Is Courage

A Servant Heart

Good and Faithful Servant

Conclusion

Summary

CHAPTER TWO: EVER WATCHFUL

The Family Protector

Be Not Afraid: The Heart of A Protector

Jesus’ Commandment-Test the Spirits

Wise Discernment

Let Tomorrow Take Care of Itself

Offense

Defense

Dogs Can be Deceived Too

Prepare Your Defenses

Put on the Whole Armor of God

Helmet of Salvation

Breastplate of Righteousness

Loins Girt With Truth, the Sword of the Spirit and the Shield of Faith

Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace

Never Leave or Forsake Us

Summary

CHAPTER THREE: KEEPER OF THE FLOCK

A Guardian Dog’s Psalm

The Great Shepherd

The Master Gate Keeper-Owner of the Keys

The Heart Gate

Eye Gate

Ear Gate

Nose Gate

The Poo-Poo Patch

The Nose of a Rescuer

Mouth Gate

The Comical Side

Lamb Gate

Conclusion

Summary

CHAPTER FOUR: COMMANDMENT KEEPERS

The Cornerstone of Obedience

Love With All The Heart, Soul, and Might

No Other Master

Abide With Me-Learn of Me

Follow Me

Come Unto Me

Conclusion

Summary

CHAPTER 5: HEART BONDING

Love is the Most Treasured Gift of All

CHAPTER 6: GOD'S DIVINE WORK OF THE DOG CREATURE MAGNIFICENT

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Explanatory Comments

The definition of the following terms used throughout the book will assist the reader in determining what the authors are attempting to convey.

1.When God is used, this can be interpreted to and/or include the Trinity, or God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; whatever the reader‘s personal preference.

2.Mankind is the biblical word encompassing all people; men, women, and children. Therefore, this is the predominant term used throughout the text although human, humans, and humankind have been used albeit sparingly. The word man is used in the same context as mankind.

3.When the word dog is used, it includes any and all; whether a pure or mixed breed; male or female, young or old etc. There are other instances where he or she is used regarding the dog, but this does not necessarily mean the topic would only apply to the male gender, but was used for the sake of general discussion instead of having to note he/she each time.

4.When the word master is used, this encompasses all human interactions a dog would have with those in which it resides having authority over its obedience and care, whether it is a single person or a multiple member household. In the case of more than one member, we believe a dog will favor the one who gives more love and attention as the master even though it obeys and loves the others who dwell there.

This book is about the spiritual virtues found within dogs likened to those from the Kingdom of Heaven. For example, all dogs have a deep love for their master, just as Christians have a deep love for Jesus. Additionally, Christians need to be faithful followers, obedient and submissive to the voice and words of our master, Jesus, abide in His love, draw near to Him, be full of unconditional forgiveness and love, and express adoration and worship. These spiritual virtues, along with many others are found within the heart and soul of dogs. Those that love and hold their dogs deep within the heart know these spiritual attributes exist. My hope is that the reader will be attentive to all the different divinity traits weaved within the following pages of this work.

There are going to be instances that I am sure some of the servitude traits in particular will not apply to every single dog or at the intensity of the description to the reader‘s experience. Attributes such as this are probably more dependent upon the character and personality of the dog or a specific breed, although dogs of the same breed may not have them to the equivalent as others within it. Additionally, it is dependent upon the interaction, love, affection, and attention given by the owner with the right mix and balance of discipline, dignity, honor, and respect.

If by chance you do not see any of these within your dog, in my opinion, there are a couple of reasons why. If you are a Christian reading this book, I strongly suppose you are a Bible believing one and familiar with the scripture references used throughout the book, so that is probably not the reason. However, this could be one explanation for those who do not proclaim Christianity or any other religious belief. In the majority of cases, I believe what has taken place is the inconsistency involving a relationship with the heart of your dog. To experience and see the spiritual nature your dog possesses take a lot of time, attention, and love-just as any relationship. It very well could be that the kingdom of God traits within your dog were there all along, and reading this book opened your eyes unto them.

Although we have found a truth dogs have likenesses to heaven instilled within them, it certainly does not mean anything discussed drains all the mystery from the subject to any level of perfection. Most likely, we will have to wait for that fine day when we become residents of God’s Kingdom.

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Oh, such a high, noble work of animal kind is the dog creature magnificent and most adorable;

So perfectly designed and arrayed in the wondrous beauty of God art.

Angel touched from Above to be a love blessing of the heart and a beloved companion by our side;

And for true dog lovers, a holy kiss from Heaven’s sweet lips.

(From Precious Light Bearers in the Sacred Image of Divinity, Part Two)

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Dedication: Quincy, My Heart

There always seems to be times in life that become a turning point whether it is a devastating experience or one of complete joy and happiness. These periods are never forgotten, but remain incised forever, each little detail deposited and readily accessed deep within the mind and heart. I remember such a moment in time: January 1989.

I was in the process of having to accept the fact that I was going to lose my mother to death very soon. The hands that once held mine seemed so lifeless; the eyes that gazed at her children with love scarcely opened now. The arms, which surrounded us all in comfort and safety no longer held the strength to encircle those she bore. Memories of this magnitude lead to a time of profound agony, sadness, and helplessness with each downward turn of health. The exact date and time that Jesus called her home to Heaven is eternally imprinted upon the chambers of my heart.

After five months of dedicating every waking hour to her care, a sad realization presented itself that everything temporally was so insufficient in comparison to the significance of the physical body hovering between Heaven and earth. Although I was receiving good support from grandparents, siblings, Mom’s friends from work and church, they had their own families and lives, therefore visits and telephone calls from most were brief. Without a companion to lean upon, there were many times I found myself completely empty and utterly alone in a grief stricken state of how to survive such an immense loss. My relationship with the Lord was broken for I chose to walk along forbidden paths. However, Jesus is faithful and in His tender mercy brought tangible peace and strength to this sorrowing soul. I testify to a doubting, skeptical world Jesus is real, and with great compassion He cares and loves unconditionally.

With this irrefutable truth, I turned to place my life in His hands. However, my ignorance of the scriptures did not give the intended comfort nor could I grasp and apply them as many stronger in the faith have in situations like this. The only promise fully embraceable to all the anguish of this experience is my mother is in the presence of Jesus and God for all eternity. With this assurance came the recurring hope that a sweet, blessed reunion would take place someday. Although this promise gave undeniable peace in the lowest state of suffering and the Christian guidance and support of Mom’s best friend came to my aid, I still found myself with an aching desire to feel needed. Caregivers reading this will understand the full impact of that statement.

As around the clock nursing care became a necessity, past thoughts of adopting a puppy returned with intensity, especially at the urging of one of the nurses. A visit to the local animal shelter brought forth a four-month-old female shepherd-collie mix I named Quincy; the one who was so in need of care and love. A deep bond formed immediately and with it came an almost angelic sweetness of love and humility giving such joy, comfort, and renewed strength somehow. When everyone had departed and the house was empty, cold, and still, her life giving virtues were tightly gripped to all the days that followed Mom’s death. As I cried out to Jesus, uncontrollable waves of sorrow drenched a portion of her soft fur in tears. Engraved forever are memories of golden girl eyes peering up into mine with understanding commiseration as she tenderly licked the remnants of grief and sadness away. No doubt,