Peanut Butter Cabinet

Posted bymusingsofmanettekayPosted inChristian Living, Devotional, PrayerTags:, , , , ,

I have two small dogs named Tucker and Webster. They do their jobs of being my companions and security alarm system. If someone knocks at the door or enters my home, they tell me, “someone’s here!”

Both dogs love peanut butter. When necessary, I use it to hide pills. After Tucker was on a course of daily antibiotics, they developed a keen sense to distinguish the sound of the peanut butter cabinet door from five other identical cabinets.

When I open the peanut butter cabinet, even if not within eyesight, they both race into the kitchen, skidding to a halt near my feet. Hopeful eyes look up at me, begging, “Peanut butter, please?”

My peanut butter lovin’ pups.

To my ears, there is no distinguishable difference among the six cabinet doors; not a squeaky hinge, loud latch, or creak of wood and yet they know it’s the “peanut butter” cabinet. Their ears are always tuned.

A parallel exists between my dogs’ ability to differentiate cabinet doors and the story of Jesus being the Good Shepherd. The dogs use their God-given acute sense of hearing to discern sounds. God has given us a discerning ability too. If we know Jesus, we will catch the difference between God’s voice and the deceiver’s lies.

Supporting Scriptures:
“The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. . . The sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will never follow a stranger. . . because they don’t know the voice of strangers. . .

“All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved. . .

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me. . . But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. . .” (John 10:2-18, CSB). The bold italics were added by me for emphasis.

Dear reader, how do we differentiate between the subtly of an enemy lie and the voice of God? The same way the dogs recognize the sound of the cabinet door—by listening intently.

Inspiration for this post came from “The Promise of a Taste” by Beth Alisan, author of Lessons from a Lab. Beth writes about spiritual lessons she learns from her family’s two Labradors. If you’re not already familiar with her website, I encourage you to check it out by clicking either link. Meanwhile, listen attentively for our LORD.

Prayer:
Dear Father God, thank you for providing us with the ability to know your voice. Holy Spirit, help me to be ever vigilant to you. Let me never miss a single utterance you speak. Put in me the desire to obey every command and heed all advice you give. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.

Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.

Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.

Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.

Image of a kitchen by Solomon Rodgers from Pixabay

Published by musingsofmanettekay

Sharing bits of memoir in the format of devotionals, prayers, short stories, and occasionally a poem.

22 thoughts on “Peanut Butter Cabinet”

  1. What a lovely analogy Manette. It reminds me of Millie our cat who slept in her pet carrier in another room, but she always knew when I was awake before I even sat up in bed and was meowing “Good morning” first. How much we need to remember the sound of His voice in our life, and distinguish it from frauds! Thank you for this post sister, God bless you today.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Tucker and Webster are so cute. I love this post of keeping our ears tuned to the voice of God. Such a good reminder. I know so well what you say, my dog appears when he hears certain sounds that involve getting his treats out.
    Thank you for sharing this sweet reminder Manette

    Liked by 2 people

  4. This is a great word picture, Manette Kay! Our world is full of “cabinet doors” that can imitate the sound of God’s voice. But there is only one God, and we must listen for his still, small voice. I agree with you about Beth’s site. She always creates great content, and do you. Blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wow, David. I like the way you described the other cabinet doors of the world. Imitators, and there are many of those.

      I want to develop the discernment Jesus spoke of to hear and know His voice from all others. Thanks for your beautiful addition hear in the comments. Yehovah bless you.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Linda, I’m glad this connected with you.

      Father God, I pray you provide your peaceful presence in the midst of the health circumstances Linda’s husband is going through. You are the great physician and healer–Yehovah Rapha. Meet their needs physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Our little dog has many faults. One, he is too cute and two, selective hearing. Great analogy Manette and the truth of us hearing or not hearing depending on our listening is one we must pay attention to. Thanks for that nudge.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Gary, I’ve had to occassionaly do self-examination about “selective hearing” with God. As sinners, we may all be prone to, “I don’t think I heard you correctly? You want me to do what?” when we’re pressed out of our comfort zones towards greater sanctification.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Yehovah bless you.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Manette, I was beyond thrilled to discover you had written this post!! I love the truth woven into this peanut butter cabinet lesson- “The dogs use their God-given acute sense of hearing to discern sounds. God has given us a discerning ability too. If we know Jesus, we will catch the difference between God’s voice and the deceiver’s lies.” Thank you for introducing me to Webster and Tucker through your writing. They have the sweetest faces.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Praise God for the original inspiration through your story, Beth. It’s wonderful to see God work through each of us on WordPress. We can inspire, encourage, teach, and spur one another on in this race.

      I think their faces are sweet too. It’s amazing what we can learn from God’s creation and critters when we slow down enough to look and listen. Yehovah bless you.

      Like

  11. I love the special times when God speaks so clearly to me that there’s no denying His voice. I pray for my heart to listen intently to what He has to say. Thanks for the encouraging post, Manette!

    Liked by 1 person

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