September 3rd

Read: Psalm 23 and the Scriptures which follow each stanza of the poem

Oscar was a short, stocky, black and white dog who lived with us for a while. He had been owned by a family of missionaries to Brazil while they were on furlough in the United States for some time. He was part spaniel and part terrier and a very active dog who loved to play with anyone who would give him some time. He was not always obedient, but he obeyed my commands often enough to warrant the following poem.

THE VOICE OF HIS MASTER

1. “Come, Oscar, come.” 2. “COME MY CHILD, COME.
His head swivels ’round. YOU’RE STARTING TO STRAY.”
His tail at alert, “You go on ahead, Lord,
He comes with a bound. I know the way.” Mt. 7:13

3. “Come, Oscar, come. 4. “COME, MY CHILD, COME.
‘ Tis time now to eat.” COME FEED ON MY WORD.”
I hear in an instant “Lord, I’m too busy;
His scampering feet. Besides that, I’ve heard.” 1 Peter 2

5. “Come, Oscar, come. 6. “COME, MY CHILD, COME.
Your bath time is now THERE’S PURGING AHEAD.”
He droops and he shivers, “That’s much too hard, Lord.
But comes anyhow. I’ll stay here instead.” John 15:2

7. Come, Oscar, come. 8. “COME, MY CHILD, COME.
That cat likes to claw. AND SAFELY ABIDE.
He comes to my feet ” Oh, Lord, ’tis but Satan
And offers a paw. From him I can hide.” 1 Peter 5:8

9. Which one is safer?
Which fully fed?
Which clean and healthy?
Which truly led?
Which shows obedience?
Which one is free
For love and communion
In humility?

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to hear Your directions and commands and to submit to You each time. I, too, want to be safe and healthy for free communion with You.