How Smart Are Dogs?

Did you hear about the dog who went to the movies? This surprised a fellow movie goer who sat near the owner and watched the dog react. At times, the canine wagged his tail when happy, drooped his head when sad, and even put his paws over his eyes when he was afraid. The man sitting beside them couldn’t resist. He whispered, “Wow! I’m amazed at how much your dog enjoys this movie!” The owner replied, “I am too, because he hated the book!” Funnies 

Whenever we visit our daughter’s home in New Mexico, we bring along our Roku for movie nights on the king bed! Our grands, and sometimes the dogs, join us for the family friendly features. It is always amusing to see their very intelligent Golden Doodle, Sophie, watching the shows along with us! She especially enjoyed a recent Hallmark that was about a veterinarian and his dog!😊

Sophie at Movie Night!

I see some amazing acts by canines on social media feeds and on television reality shows. These remind me that dogs are much smarter than we give them credit for being. Scientists tell us that even though dogs process information differently from humans, they still possess an average IQ of 100. Their intelligence might compare to a two-and-a-half-year-old toddler. As a dog owner back in the day, I can only imagine what some of you are thinking, “You haven’t met my mutt!”

Some of us are planning to read some books in the New Year. One of our family members has a goal of reading 85 in 2025. She read 72 books last year! Others I know, plan to read their Bible through this year. That is a worthy goal! Over the years, I remember using several different approaches to this demanding but rewarding task. The one plan that I’ve found very satisfying was to use a chronological reading of the Bible.

I commend this resource to those of you who want to read the Bible through this year in a unique way that flows like a historic novel. The Daily Bible (Harvest House Publishers) uses the New International Version as its central text and is a fresh, engaging approach with daily schedules and narrative commentary throughout. It has blessed me on several occasions over the years.

I have had some believers say, “Oh, I’ve read the Bible!” But I’m not sure that they have read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a systematic way. I can say that getting a big- picture understanding of the Bible’s story is beneficial. This helps us link creation, the prophets, the gospels, the establishment of the church, and the end-times. This perspective gives insight to the why of what God is doing through His Son, Jesus Christ.

I am not suggesting that a believer needs to read the Bible through every year! Although, we should be reading God’s Word daily. But if you have never done this or it has been some time since you did, this may be a box you need to check. It will inform you, shape your character, and deepen your faith. You’ll be exclaiming with the Psalmist, “Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.” (Psalm 119:33-34, NLT).

“He hated the book!” That cute dog story should never be told of us! Here’s what I predict, when you get into God’s Word, reading it for breadth and in-depth, you will fall in love with it and in love with the God who inspired it! Let’s read on in the New Year!

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
©2018-2025 All rights reserved.
Serve by Design. mjkministries.com

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2025 at 4:33 PM

    Thanks for the suggestion on how the Bible could be read. I think I will try it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2025 at 5:58 PM

    Thanks for another great post (with a good laugh 😆), Pastor Mike. Thanks for your Bible reading recommendation. I use a website/app called Daily Audio Bible - you can access it on a PC or download the app for tablet or phone. It covers The Bible in a year - each day: a few chapters from the Old Testament, a few from the New Testament, some scriptures from Psalms, and some from Proverbs. I love it! I can read along while listening and it’s helped my pronunciation on some of those difficult names. The readings are from a different translation each week, and are offered in multiple languages plus a chronological version!
    I wanted to share just in case someone else enjoyed listening or had visual challenges. Happy New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2025 at 6:46 PM

    🙏👍

    ReplyDelete

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