Observations From the Kennel
Welcome to Observations From the Kennel. We at TLC Schnauzers of Texas have a dual purpose in our business and on our webpage. The purpose is to first recognize and glorify our Lord and second to provide high quality miniature schnauzers as pets to individuals who will love and cherish the puppy.
While feeding and caring for our puppies, it occurred to me that to give half effort to the task is to have hungry, unhealthy, dirty and ill kept puppies that no one wants and that demonstrates ownership that is cruel and undeserving of pet owners. Yes, it is troublesome to pick up poop and clean the pen for the three puppies that remain to be rehomed, but it is necessary to ensure the quality puppies we are known for. When I prefer to sit and watch a movie in solitude but realize the puppies must be held and loved on, it can become wearisome. However, that is the price of having high quality puppies for sale.
It is the same with us and the Lord.
“But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’
“When you bring injured, lame or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?” says the Lord. 14 “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the Lord Almighty, “and my name is to be feared among the nations. (Malachai 1)
How does that relate to us? While we do not offer sacrifices, (Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins) still the sacrifice the Lord requires of us is mentioned in Romans 12 where Paul says, “Present you bodies a living sacrifice which is acceptable unto the Lord. Be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds.” This is to say we should not give half effort to the task of serving the Lord but give our whole heart. We must pick up our cross daily and follow the Lord until that cross consumes our lives and it did our savior’s life. To do otherwise is to be a malnourished, unhealthy, a sin dirty servant of the Lord and not a high-quality servant. Are you presenting your body a living sacrifice before the Lord today?
About the Author
Dr. Kyle Cox holds a master’s degree and a doctor’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. He has also served as a pastor, missionary and denominational worker for more than fifty years. Today he and his wife Lois are small local breeders of quality miniature schnauzers in the Huntsville, Texas area. Their kennel name is “The Lois Cox Schnauzers of Texas”. They may be found on line at tlcschnauzersoftexas.com. If you would care to respond to this article, please email Dr. Cox at tlcschnauzersoftexas@gmail.com.