M.R. Wells - Four Paws from Heaven: Devotions for Dog Lovers

HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS

EUGENE, OREGON

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Verses marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Verses marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Verses marked NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Verses marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189 USA. All rights reserved.

Cover by Left Coast Design, Portland, Oregon

Cover photo Betty Fletcher

Published in association with the literary agency of Mark Sweeney & Associates, 28540 Altessa Way, Suite 201, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

The information shared by the authors is from their personal experience and should not be considered professional advice. Readers should consult their own dog care professionals regarding issues related to the health, safety, grooming, and training of their pets.

FOUR PAWS FROM HEAVEN

Copyright 2006 by M.R. Wells, Kris Young, and Connie Fleishauer

Published by Harvest House Publishers

Eugene, Oregon 97402

www.harvesthousepublishers.com

The Library of Congress has catalogued the edition as follows:

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Wells, M. R. (Marion R.), 1948-

Four paws from heaven / M.R. Wells, Kris Young, and Connie Fleishauer.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-0-7369-4952-1 (pbk.)

ISBN 978-0-7369-4953-8 (eBook)

1. Dog ownersPrayer-books and devotionsEnglish. I. Young, Kris, 1953II. Fleishauer, Connie. III. Title.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

We dedicate this book to our faithful canine coauthors; our wise and loving heavenly Master; and our wonderful families and friends, who jogged our memories, cheered us on, and prayed us through.

Many hands made Four Paws from Heaven a reality. We are grateful to our agents, Mark and Janet Sweeney; our editor, Kim Moore; and the entire Harvest House publishing team for helping our dream come true. Were indebted to Pastor Jerry Wilke; Paige Evans, DVM; Dottie Adams; and Jonathan Klein for their invaluable comments and suggestions. We so appreciate the prayers and support of our families and friends.

Most of all, we thank and praise Godto Him be the glory!

Contents

I n the Old Testament book of Numbers we find the account of a prophet named Balaam, who was summoned by a pagan king to curse the children of Israel. God gave Balaam leave to go to the king, but warned him to do only what He (God) commanded.

So the next morning Balaam set out. But the angel of the Lord blocked his waynot just once, but three times. And though Balaam didnt see the angel of the Lord, his donkey did. The donkey balked. Balaam beat the donkey. At last God opened the animals mouth, and his faithful and long-suffering pet actually spoke to Balaam (Numbers 22:5-35).

Those of you who think this was a unique occurrence probably arent dog owners.

Okay, so mans best friends arent apt to launch into human speech at the blink of a Bible verse. But we believe God uses them nonethelessin the way Romans 1 describes: For since the creation of the world Gods invisible qualitieshis eternal power and divine naturehave been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20).

Parables of sheep, soil, and fig trees connected powerfully with the herders and farmers of Jesus day. Today, dogs play a vital role in many of our lives. Theyre often treated as part of the family. People connect powerfully with tales about these treasured pets. Even if God hasnt opened their mouths, we believe He can use them to speak to our hearts and build a bridge to deeper spiritual insights.

Back in Genesis, God gave man dominion over all other living creatures as a special gift and trust (Genesis 1:28). We who write this book count our dogs a gift and trust from Him. God has used them to love us, brighten our lives, and help us know Him better. In the hope that their stories might bless you too, or at least make you smile, we share the vignettes that follow. Its okay. They said you could read them.

Enjoy!

Biscuit Wells

A fluffy white American Eskimo mini, Biscuit mixes cover-dog looks with a Miss Congeniality temperament. A friend dubbed her Party Dog, and it fits. She loves to play hostess or entertain guests with her small repertoire of tricks. She even made one up herself. When told to roll, she spins in a circle and flips herself over. Biscuit also tries to play Mama Dog by helping me discipline my cats. And shes quick to flip into watchdog mode and woof if she hears a sound that concerns her. But mostly she just hangs with me. When Biscuit was a pup and I went to visit her litter of four, it was she who took to me the most. She has been my friend and writing buddy ever since.

Morgan Wells

Part sheltie, part potluck, and all personality, Morgan is a shy guy with a heart of gold. His black-and-tan fur is of varying lengths, and his feet are tipped with little white tufts. He loves to snuggle and could live on my lap. When hes happy he leaps straight into the air or rubs his paw against his ear. He runs like the wind, but he will tuck his tail and drag his doggie heels to stall. Agile as a cat, he can leap a baby gate or spring onto a garden wall. The way he sneaks where he doesnt belong has earned him the nickname Slink. I took him in as a two-year-old rescue, and he lets me know daily how grateful he iswhich reminds me I must thank my Savior too.

Gracie Young

Chunky and low-slung like a Eureka canister vacuum cleaner with legs, Gracie was probably the love child of a corgi-shepherd tryst. After a Good Samaritan found her wandering in a parking lot, Gracie made her way into my home and heart through prayer and providence. Sweet-natured and a little goofy, she had an uncanny ability to read my mind. Ill always think of this little tan dog as one of my best pals. Gracie truly was a gift from God.

McPherson Fleishauer