My favorite dog, Jumber

View this email in your browser Dear friends, I have a large German Shepherd named Jumber. Of all the dogs I've had, he is my favorite. Jumber's background, and how he came to live with us, is quite unique. I had previously purchased a German Shepherd puppy from a well-respected breeder. However, we had some issues with him being too aggressive as he grew older, and we had to return him. The breeder felt horrible and wanted to help us get another Shepherd. So he told me about Jumber, who he was boarding for a man from Germany, and who needed a new home. Jumber was already eight years old when Debra and I picked him up in Florida. He was well behaved and mild-mannered. I was nervous about bringing a dog that age into a new family, and wondered if he would attach to us. He lay quietly and a bit lethargic in the back seat of our rental car as we began our long drive toward Texas. Deb asked me a number of times, "Do you think he will like us?" as Jumber seemed to shy away from our attention. I told her I thought he just needed some time, but I also wondered if we had made the right decision. On the third day of our trip home, we had to stop in San Antonio where I had some meetings at a conference. While in one of my meetings, Jumber got away from Deb and tore through the banquet hall and meeting room, with his leash in tow, trying to find me. As you can imagine, a 110-pound German Shepherd running through the hotel, nearly knocking over tables, caused a bit of a disturbance!  Me and Jumber Jumber didn't mean any harm; he just decided, at that moment, he wanted to be with me. And from that day on, he has been my dog, and I have been his master. He loves to lie by my bedside and is so happy when I hug him and rub his head. He lets out these groans, almost like he is crying for joy, and his tail goes a waggin'. When he is in the other room and can't see me, he lets out these loud, pitiful cries that break my heart. Jumber is now, without a doubt, completely devoted to me and Deb. How could such a lovable and devoted dog, not be my favorite?  However, knowing Jumber's past explains some of his initial behavior toward us. Jumber's full name is Jumber Von Dironca, and he was an international show dog champion. He has competed in the highest levels and obtained the top levels of training certifications. A few years ago, he took first place in Mexico (see image below) and other countries. Lots and lots of time and money was invested in his life as a show dog, and his passport has as many international stamps as mine does! While it sounds spectacular, and Jumber was a world champion, we also learned that he had spent a bit too much time in a kennel that was too small for him. He may not have been "abused," but he certainly lived a difficult life without always receiving the love he does now.  "The fact is, my witness was very ineffective. I was spiritually arrogant and took pride in knowing the Bible and doctrine. I wasn't enticing people with my faith; I was telling them what to do and what to believe." Today Jumber doesn't have to perform for anyone. He went from a caged kennel to having free run of our large yard. He will live out his days with us, and he is a very happy dog. We have watched his transformation from a "show" dog to a devoted and loving companion. Jumber's transition reminds me of my own life. When I was a young Christian, I focused on doing everything right. I went to church three times a week, read my Bible through in a year, and volunteered for leadership positions. I tried to tell others about Christ and invite them to church with me. While these were all very good activities, I was actually trying to be a "show" Christian. The fact is, my witnessing was very ineffective. I was spiritually arrogant and took pride in knowing the Bible and doctrine. I wasn't enticing people with my faith; I was telling them what to do and what to believe. And I certainly lacked the inner peace of who I was in Christ. Today I have learned to just love God and to focus on being His child and companion. I focus more on my devotion to Him than counting my earthly accomplishments. When I focus on my relationship with God, I find myself making better choices and desiring to serve and love others. And the more I am devoted to God, the more doors He opens, in His time, for Kingdom service. "Do the right thing" is a common saying in society. I tried that way and failed. Now I focus on "Being the right person." Of course, we see this example in Luke 10:38 with Mary and Martha. One was busy "serving," while the other was busy "being" with Jesus. I have to confess, as a young Christian I never really understood this story. I would have identified more with Martha, who was busy serving the guests and wondered why she wasn't praised for her service.  Jumber's past life as a show dog winning first place in Mexico. Jumber didn't have a choice about being on stage, performing, being locked in a kennel, or being part of our family. But we have a choice. We can focus on our Christian accomplishments, or we can focus on our devotion to our Heavenly Father. I have been a Christian for 43 years, and it took me the majority of those years to learn the joy and peace of my relationship with God. Today it is much easier to speak about my faith, and people don't turn away. Over the years, I have received many awards for my work. These are nice, but they never compare to the joy of knowing Christ! Today, I understand why Jesus said that Mary had made the better choice by spending time with Jesus. Jumber's life teaches me a similar lesson. He reminds me of the value of simple devotion over the value of being a "show" Christian. Jumber didn't care about the ribbons and trophies, and he certainly didn't want to be locked in a kennel. He just wanted to be with a family he could love and be devoted to. Religion can cage us, but Christ sets us free! Thank you for reading my updates and allowing me to share these small lessons that God has shown me. And thank you for following along with us as we work toward bringing the one story of the Bible to all people. If you can help this month with your contributions for RevelationMedia and our iBIBLE project, it would be highly appreciated. February can be a difficult month for donations. Have a blessed Sunday! Steve Cleary (and Jumber) RevelationMedia SUPPORT REVELATION MEDIA SUPPORT iBIBLE Copyright © 2020 RevelationMedia, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. 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