“Eyes, Nose, Ears.” I had made this note while reading one of the Dog Whisperer books. He says that’s how dogs learn, through their eyes, nose and ears. Praise the dog every time he or she looks at you, so they will recognize the pack leader. Dogs learn a lot about the environment and us through their noses–hence the intimate sniff-over strangers get upon arrival at my house. Dogs need to learn to recognize the pack leader voice and her commands. (Wishful thinking on my part that as the human female I am the pack leader. Those puppies recognized Dick as the alpha dog the minute he came home!)
I pondered these tips for successful dog education when I read Deuteronomy 27:1-8. Moses and the elders commanded that the Israelites keep all the commands given by God. To help them remember after they have crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land, they are instructed to set up large stones, coat them with plaster and write the words of the law on them. They are to build a stone altar, no iron tools used and use it to offer burnt offerings to God. At that place, they are to sacrifice fellowship offerings, rejoicing in the presence of God. They are to very clearly write the words of the law on these stones.
Perhaps we learn in a similar manner to my puppies. To remember God’s expectations, I need to hear them. Occasionally I hear the audible voice but usually God “speaks” to me during my personal reading of the Bible. When I read the scriptures I need to have my listening ears ready to hear. Too often, I have to call Molly several times when she is playing with Mickey, to get her to listen to me alone. I imagine God calls to me many times before I listen to Him and not to the distractions of the world.
I know I learn better when I have written down what I want to remember. My desk and files at the office have cryptic notes with numbers, names and partial words. Usually I know what they mean and they remind me to take action. My bathroom mirror often has bits of scripture taped to it so I’ll focus on them beginning first thing and work that day to apply them to my daily life.
Finally, I do need to “Keep my nose to the grindstone” and conscientiously learn, review, apply and do what God has asks of me and expects of me. Each day I want to incorporate my learning from God’s word into my whole day, not just five minutes first thing. I think about what I’ve “heard” while brushing my teeth and driving the car. I ponder how I can apply or use God’s word in my daily actions. This takes effort and commitment on my part. I need to be busy with my “nose” to the following God’s word “grindstone.”
“Ears, eyes, nose" that's how I learn to follow God!
I pondered these tips for successful dog education when I read Deuteronomy 27:1-8. Moses and the elders commanded that the Israelites keep all the commands given by God. To help them remember after they have crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land, they are instructed to set up large stones, coat them with plaster and write the words of the law on them. They are to build a stone altar, no iron tools used and use it to offer burnt offerings to God. At that place, they are to sacrifice fellowship offerings, rejoicing in the presence of God. They are to very clearly write the words of the law on these stones.
Perhaps we learn in a similar manner to my puppies. To remember God’s expectations, I need to hear them. Occasionally I hear the audible voice but usually God “speaks” to me during my personal reading of the Bible. When I read the scriptures I need to have my listening ears ready to hear. Too often, I have to call Molly several times when she is playing with Mickey, to get her to listen to me alone. I imagine God calls to me many times before I listen to Him and not to the distractions of the world.
I know I learn better when I have written down what I want to remember. My desk and files at the office have cryptic notes with numbers, names and partial words. Usually I know what they mean and they remind me to take action. My bathroom mirror often has bits of scripture taped to it so I’ll focus on them beginning first thing and work that day to apply them to my daily life.
Finally, I do need to “Keep my nose to the grindstone” and conscientiously learn, review, apply and do what God has asks of me and expects of me. Each day I want to incorporate my learning from God’s word into my whole day, not just five minutes first thing. I think about what I’ve “heard” while brushing my teeth and driving the car. I ponder how I can apply or use God’s word in my daily actions. This takes effort and commitment on my part. I need to be busy with my “nose” to the following God’s word “grindstone.”
“Ears, eyes, nose" that's how I learn to follow God!
