There was one thing that our previous Jack Russell loved to do more than anything else – that was to go for a walk. Jack would bring socks to inspire us to get up off the couch and get with his agenda of being outdoors walking. He had little patience for socialization along the walk and would tug the leash if stationary too long. Our greatest joy (and his) was to allow him to be “off leash.” We had worked with him so extensively that when a vehicle would come by – all we had to say was “car” and he would come and sit by us until the vehicle had passed. We have to say that it was so enjoyable to take him to his favorite park and allow him to explore and enjoy the trails as we walked and exercised ourselves. Jack had an occasional nemesis. Every now and then there would be an alluring smell that would just overwhelm him and cause him to either lag behind or get to far ahead. The distraction would override his ability to obey our commands and keep pace. He would get “stuck on a sniff.” We would have to stop our progression and in some form or fashion get his attention.

A great attribute of Holy Spirit is His ability to reinforce Kingdom principles through these everyday situations in our lives. Just like Jack – we believe that Yahweh enjoys us walking with Him. Being able to hear His voice keeps us on pace and free from danger. Our greatest adversary has to be the alluring “smells” along the way. We don’t need to get “stuck on a sniff.” Abraham is a great example – you can become stuck – even on a word from Yahweh. Abraham would have sacrificed his son Isaac if he had not been in the place to hear the current and ongoing word from the Father and find the ram in the thicket (Genesis 22:13). Whether the sniff is peer pressure, goals, lust of the eye, pride, or being weary in well-doing we need to be vigilant and alert for any course corrections from our Heavenly Father.

It really brought us great joy to see Jack do what he was created to do and know that we just wanted him to be obedient to us to keep him safe. How much more does Yahweh rejoice over us, as we are diligent to hear His voice, keep pace, and fulfill His purpose on this earth? Your Kingdom come Yahweh, Your will be done in and through us.