My son Jeffrey’s dog, Bella, passed yesterday. Patty and I were dog-sitting her as Jeff and Nicole are presently in Greece. Everybody who knew Bella loved her … a great dog! She was a golden doodle. I lifted the following commentary to provide some thoughts on the death of pets.

Although we cannot definitively say “all dogs go to heaven” based on biblical teaching, we can affirm several important truths:

1. God values and cares for all His creation, including animals.
2. God’s ultimate plan involves the renewal of all creation (Romans 8:19-22).
3. The love we feel for our pets is real and valuable, reflecting God’s own love.

While “all dogs go to heaven” is not a biblical concept, we can trust in God’s goodness and His care for all His creatures. As we comfort those grieving the loss of a pet, let us point them to the God who knows when even a sparrow falls, and whose love encompasses all of creation. Let us encourage them to entrust their beloved -*companions to the merciful care of our Creator, confident in His wisdom and love.

Deut. 34

God would not let Moses enter the Promised Land, but He gave Moses a glance at it from the top of Mt. Pisgah. Then Moses passed away, and God Himself buried the retired leader.

Moses had laid his hands upon Joshua to impart the leadership mantle.

God imparts spiritual gifts through the laying on of hands. It was a NEW ERA.

Deut. 31-32

Quite possibly chapter 32 is a song that Moses taught to the Israelites to help them preserve their faith. He knew that “What’s learned in song is remembered long.”

The AI overview says this: Written near the end of Moses’ life, this song is considered his final speech to the Israelites. It praises God, recounts the history of Israel, and predicts that God will eventually vindicate his people.

I remember the scripture songs we sang in church in the 70s. I still remember them. I wish we still sang them.

Deut. 30

This book was essentially Moses’ final sermon to the Israelites before God took him home. The do’s and don’ts were reinforced by parallel blessings and curses that would be dealt out as recompense for their behavior.

We all really deserve to die because of our sinful nature. But, Christ Jesus took our curse upon Himself. We will FOREVER praise and worship Him for what He did on THE CROSS. We are BLESSED!

I have long been intrigued by King David’s linking long life with integrity.. [ Ps. 26, a preservative]

My father had great personal integrity and lived to 97. My mother outlived all her siblings, and she was the oldest.

When we give our hearts to the Lord at an early age, we are more likely to live long, full lives.

Deut. 19

Most civil laws that govern our society are based upon the Mosaic law. It was equitable and practical. GOD knew we needed boundaries to get along.

Can you imagine a football game with no referees and no rules?

Deut. 16

It is clear in this passage that God is extremely opposed to any form of corruption… taking bribes, skewing judgement for any personal advantage etc. Personal integrity is critical. If anything, He favors advantage to the poor and weak.

We need leaders who love God and comport themselves with great integrity. Pray for revival!

Deut. 11

God’s eyes are constantly on the land of Israel. He planned it for a place for His People to live. When they obeyed Him, the living conditions were optimal.

You can try it. Keep His commands and watch the miracles start to happen.

His FAVORITE REAL ESTATE is your heart. Day and night He broods over you in His love.

Deut. 10

God gave Moses a 2nd chance with the tablets of stone. The initial tablets had been thrown down in anger and broken. Have you ever lost your cool with God?

God told Moses to get two more tablets … to try it again.

God has patience for you too.

Deut. 6

Moses warned the Israelites about forgetting to be grateful to God for their blessings. They lived in ” great and splendid cities which they did not build, and houses full of all good things which they did not fill, and hewn cisterns which they did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which they did not plant, and they ate and were satisfied.”

It’s too easy for US to likewise forget to acknowledge God’s goodness to us.

Give thanks in EVERYTHING!