Saturday 31 July 2010

We were not designed to backup!



Scripture: “For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall.” Psalm 18:29


Back! Back! Back!

Seldom have I observed a horse backup on its own without a rider or trainer coaxing it. If a horse finds itself in a place where it has to backup it is usually not by choice. Horses want to be able to run, escape or get away. They cannot see behind them so backing up is something they try to avoid. When a horse backs out of a trailer it is not a very graceful sight. They can’t see where they are going, usually the last step out is traumatic and yet at our urging and coaxing they do it. Amos backs up when I urge him to but he does not do it gracefully at all. He would prefer to go ahead and just re-circle or try another approach.

I don’t retreat very well either. Yet, I find myself going ahead without paying close attention to my Lord and find myself in big trouble spiritually. I say things that are inaccurate and have to “backup” and correct what I said. I am even learning to ask for direction and admit when I am lost, which is a relief to my wife. The less we have to backup, the better. How are you doing?

Prayer Thought: Jesus, as I go forward today, help me not to get ahead of you. I really would prefer not to have to backup.

Thursday 22 July 2010

How is your future looking?




Scripture: “For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:18

Future

I am not sure what the future for Amos the horse I ride is. I know that he has to be cared for as long as he is alive and that includes many more trail rides. His health is good even as he is starting to approach his senior years. However, someday he is going to die and be buried without much fanfare. Oh I will miss him and think of the good times we had, but basically, unless God has some other plan for animals, Amos’ usefulness is over. In fact, if I am still riding horses when that day comes I will just get another horse.

Not so for you and I. God’s ultimate plan for us is still somewhat of a mystery. This time on earth is short compared to our time in eternity. I do hope that horses are part of the eternity picture but if not I know that my Savior has great plans for us. One thing is certain; we shall “worship the King of Kings.” I am excited about God’s plan for us and I am planning to be there. How about you? Maybe we can even go on a trail ride together. See you later.

Prayer Thought: I am thankful for your Word, which promises a future with you Lord.

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Default!!



I have a new iMac computer! I love it! As you can tell I spend quite a bit of my time on my computer. One of the things I like is the ability to "Default" some of the settings. For example, when someone sends me a web link I have set my computer to open up that link into my "default" browser - Google Chrome. I also use Firefox and Safari web browsers. But right now Google Chrome is my default.

When I open up up any of the three browsers my default homepage is my facebook wall. Cool! I like this default feature.

Are you a Christian? Do you claim to be putting Christ first in your life? Is it fair to assume then that when your mouth opens up with conversation that your conversation "defaults" to Christ? When you are sitting with friends or family - where does your conversation go to? Does it default to a Christ centered conversation? I don't know about you, but I have to work on this!!

Friday 9 July 2010

Courage!



The picture above looks fairly normal. These are two of my three grand children - looking at something in anticipation. They are curious, looking up, and yet seem relaxed. Notice that they are also wearing some kind of harness.

In just a few minutes they will climb a 40' staircase up a tower, hook up to a zipline and step off - for the first time. How did they get the courage to do that??!! First, many family members encouraged them. Then, they prepared, they put on harnesses. When you face tough times you usually get lots of encouragement - but do you prepare? There is no way they would go up that tower without a harness!

We prepare for tough times by reading God's Word, Prayer, counsel with others - getting spiritually fit and prepared.

By the way, they both went down the zipline!! Cool!!

Thursday 1 July 2010

Trust & Obey


The past several weeks the Lord has been talking to me about Trust & Obeying. I am not sure why, maybe because of mama's current fight with cancer. I don't know. I believe I am trusting, and I certainly want to be obedient. Pray that I see what God wants to write on my heart.

I thought of this picture when I thought of trust. I put my grand daughter Sydney up on Amos' back. I believe it was the first time she had ever been on the back of a horse she trusted me. Even her dad and mom trusted me as I hoisted her up. She was relaxed and not scared - even though this was new. She didn't fight, she was obedient. How are you doing as God puts you into new situations? Trusting I hope.