Wednesday 29 September 2010

"Outlive Your Life"


Max Lucado has a new book out entitled "Outlive Your Life". A small group of us last evening started a group study of this book based upon the first 12 chapters of the book of ACTS. The emphasis seems to be "You were made to make a difference."

I do not think you an I really grasp this. We seem to think its some specific task or accomplishment we we have to do that we can point to and say, "There, I have accomplished that. " Sorry, I think rather it is a lifestyle of service to Christ. When you get up each morning, our focus needs to be on service.
I am in the process of writing a daily devotional book. I decided this morning to pull up my devotional I wrote over a year ago for today. Here it is. I think it fits.
September 29th

Scripture: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45

Purpose

For me, Amos and I have two purposes. First purpose is to trail ride, and secondly to have fun. That’s why I purchased him. I tried a couple different horses before settling on Amos as the horse I wanted. I wanted a horse that knew how to walk and not have to be up on edge all the time. Amos walks, and relaxes on the trail, which makes trail riding fun. Accomplishing that purpose is what makes me eager to go out and see my horse.

God sent His son to earth with a two-fold purpose. First, Christ came to earth to serve, not to be served. We miss that and even his disciples missed that. Christ wanted us to learn to serve and not be served. The purpose of Christ coming to earth that we quickly see is His second purpose, coming to be a ransom for many. The challenge for you and I is to make sure that God’s purposes for His Son are accomplished in our lives.

Prayer Thought: Jesus, I know you came as a ransom for my soul, but also help me to serve others as you want.

Wednesday 22 September 2010

Divine Appointments today?

September 22nd

Scripture: “Now an Angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south …”

Acts 8:26

Divine Appointment

Now this may seem to be a strange topic “Divine Appointment” when it comes to discussing horses – but maybe not. Lets see what we can do.

I sincerely believe that my time on horseback has resulted in some Divine Appointments. First, a Divine Appointment is a “planned meeting” by God where he wants you to take a specific action, my definition. I have been trail riding with Amos when discussions of the scripture and/or Christian living have been discussed with other riders. This may sound like a strange time to have these kinds of discussions, but I don’t think so. These were appointments for me, given by God.

You and I need to walk through our day asking God to show us any Divine Appointments He may have for us. We do not want to miss them.

By the way, if you read the complete story above, Acts 8:26 – 39, the man from Ethiopia was riding in a chariot. I suspect that horses were pulling that chariot – in fact I envision a team of two beautiful black Arabian horses. Oh, I wish that could have been my appointment!

Prayer Thought: Jesus, any special plans for me today? Maybe I will go for a horseback ride – tomorrow, first full day of fall.

Friday 17 September 2010

I Don't Understand !!



I like this picture! I see several things. I see mama who is my life - and yet in the vastness of our amazing God's creation she seems so small. Yet, He cares for her and me as well. The pinnacles rise to the skies and seem almost endless and yet my prayers go beyond the pinnacles.

But as I type this a first time mom has given birth to her first born - excited, a grandma traveled many hundreds of miles to be there - and yet unless God intervenes this child will be with Jesus shortly - why? As awesome as our God is and all the things He can do, it is moments like these that frustrate me. I do not understand. But I serve a wonderful God who is weeping with all of us at this time. I believe He is STILL in control of this vast universe - even if I do not understand. Please pray for this very young family.


Note: Early this evening, Friday, little Marshall went to be in the arms of Jesus. Please keep this young family in your prayers.

Monday 13 September 2010

God's Creation!! Definitely Intelligent Design!



As you look at this picture you can not help but be amazed at God's Creation and Intelligent design. This picture was taken Tuesday, September 7th in the Badlands of South Dakota. I think the colors are amazing !! As you look at how the grey tones glisten in the blue skies you can see God's handiwork. amazing. Then if you notice even the pink colors as they highlight the background - true the pink slacks were not "manufactured" by God - but they do highlight His creation - and yes, the Blackhills are spectacular too.

Did you think I was describing the Blackhills?? No, rather mama. She is the spectacular image in this photo - grey hair and all.

We tend to forget that of all creation, God was more interested in man than He was of anything else He created. Man He wanted for fellowship, not just something to look at. Only man was "created in His image". How are you doing today fulfilling God's desire for you? You are His creation highlight!

Saturday 4 September 2010

Road Trip!


Monday I get to take the little girl above on a nice road trip through the upper midwest. We will start in Michigan then go to Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, upper peninsula of Michigan, then down to home. The two of us have not been on a trip like this by ourselves in years. We are very excited - so, we will see you when we get back.

Did I mention that the picture above was taken over 60 years ago? She still has that smile! I love that little girl!! XO (for the little girl)

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Fire! Fire! Fire!



I hate - fear - fires. They are vicious and deadly, plus very destructive. I have had bad experiences with deadly fires. I have watched them destroy homes and even been to fires where loved ones have lost their lives. Our reactions tell us to flee a burning fire - but we sometimes make foolish decisions to return - go back in.

At work one time we had a major fire. We lost the entire building, but evacuated over 750 employees. I was responsible for the decisions made until the fire departments arrived. I actually had to lock the doors to keep people from going back in! One employee forgot their car keys and wanted to go back in and retrieve their keys. I posted one of my employees at the door just in case someone was still trying to get out.

Horses have a fear of fire. If in the wild, they will try to put distance between them and the fire. If domesticated, a horse may try to return to their stall - for security, even if the barn is on fire. Actually willing to put their bodies at risk.

We sometimes return to the same sins that have beset us in the past. You would think we would learn or use good judgment - we don't always do that. But we have a heavenly father who still forgives our foolish choices. I am so glad He comes into that burning barn and leads us out - now STAY OUT!