Horses and faith : Doing life

We have an eight year old gelding and a 25-year-old gelding, observing their relationship over the past six weeks has brought me amazing insights into many things emotional and spiritual.

Horses are the most amazing animals. They’re huge and could be scary to some people. Yet they are able to calm humans who have had trauma or need emotional support.

Horses are mentioned throughout scripture. God must have loved horses, He made them with a sense of understanding human emotion. I have experienced this personally and I know many therapeutic horse riding facilities exist because of the horse/ human connection which calms people.

Horses are animals who love relationship and yet they also love time alone. When one horse is tired and chooses to lay down the other horse stands at attention and is on duty against predators.They have each other‘s back basically.

It reminds me of our relationship with God, our Jesus! Jesus wants to be in relationship with us as people created in His image. He, Jesus, at times, would step aside and be with God ( as at Gethsamane) and yet Jesus, also loved community. Jesus is our protector and our comfort.

Just as a horse doesn’t prefer being alone we don’t prefer being alone. There needs to be a herd leader in a horses pasture. There needs to be a leader in our walk with Jesus, and it can’t be us.

Psalm 59:16-17 NLT
But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. [17] O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.

The leader of the herd is the one that the others follow for safety and for survival. The leader of the herd provides a wall of protection against others who may want to hurt.

Is Jesus not an amazing refuge, our leader and shelter for us in stormy and challenging times? Yet our relationship with Jesus can bring peace and happiness when we spend time in His presence. Horses are no different, they bring similar calming emotion.

As I watched our gelding horses share a drink of fresh water, I thought how much more happiness I have in sharing life with Jesus. His living water brings refreshment, restoration and fills me with liquid joy.

Psalm 16:11 AMP
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Just as horses need a herd, we need a community of faith to sharpen us in truth and bring His wisdom.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

My fellow Christian’s friends in life, in community and on this blog community bring a joy and love that reflects the love of Jesus to me!

I am grateful to all the amazing interconnections by my God that encourage and nurture daily life.

Psalm 20:7 AMP
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, But we will remember and trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Broken yet set free

Did you know your broken pieces can be used to bring glory to God? Did you know that Jesus came to set you free?

2 Corinthians 4:5-10 NLT
You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. [6] For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

Did you know none of us has it all together? Did you know you don’t have to walk alone? Did you know the One who created you is your Father God? Did you know even if a human father has not been the best example you still have a Creator Father whose spark was at your conception? He longs to have relationship with you, however, He will not force this relationship, He gives you free will to choose Him.

Did you know our broken pieces can be used for amazing things? Each of us has a story to tell of our life and the faithfulness of God. The devil would want us to give up. But God wants us to trust in Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

We can experience the joy of a relationship with Jesus. His peace happens when we reach out to our Creator God.

Did you know there is a triune God? The triune God : our Creator; God the Father, His Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit!

We get to experience Him when we ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior! When we repent of our stupid human sins and let Him direct our lives, our broken pieces are put back together for His glory to shine through our lives.

[8] We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. [9] We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. [10] Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

His amazing grace is available, and His mercy requires your submission; heart, mind and soul to His plans.

Do you want to be set free of the brokenness and be used for His God given purpose? We are not promised a smooth life after we ask Jesus into it, however, we are promised He will not abandon us. Our faith in Him brings endurance and hope regardless of the trial.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. [17] For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! [18] So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

The song “Broken vessels” by Taya and Hillsong powerfully impacted me today!

Broken Vessels Hillsong Worship

What are you holding onto that has become an idol but cannot save you? Material things will not last. But faith in Jesus is eternal and can change the trajectory of not only your life but the lives of generations to come.

His grace saved the wretch in me. He comes to bring you a new life with Him. Don’t let the enemy take what God has planned for you. He will use the broken places and seal the cracks into an amazing masterpiece of His creation; you are loved, chosen, made in His image.

God wants to be your everything. Call out His Name, Jesus!

“Jesus, I need you, please forgive me of my sins, I repent and turn from anything that has blocked my relationship with you. I want to know You,Jesus! I fix my eyes on You and teach me Your ways. Thank you for loving me! I give you permission to direct my life. Thank you for giving me a new life with you! I choose you, Jesus, in You Name, Amen!”

He has better plans for you, let Him direct your life. Seek your Creator Today!!

Hey grapes…He is the Vine.

Fall harvest brings an abundant crop of grapes soon to be crushed and processed to wine. This photograph is breathtaking and shows a vineyard ready to be harvested. Solid soil, abundant rain and water through irrigation, delicate care and time produce an earthly blessing.

John 15:1-10 MSG
“I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken. [4] “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.

We are created in the Image of God for great purposes. At our conception, the spark of light shows God is there. He is the Vine, we are the branches as in a vineyard. We need Him to guide our lives.

John 15:5-8 “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is-when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples. [9-10] “I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done-kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.

God wants to be an integral part of our life. He loves you, period! He wants to fill us with His wisdom to guide and protect His precious child. In the case of this photo of grapes ready to harvest, my dear friend explained that when the grapes are ripened, birds, coyotes, fox and rabbits will steal the finished product before wine can be produced. ( It is not much different for each of us, there are distractions and others who don’t want you to achieve God’s purposes). The white pouches in the photo of grapes are a protection from the potential loss of this valued crop.

We are no different to our Vinedresser, Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. He gives us free will to take the umbrella protection of His love and use the wisdom to bring a productive purpose filled life. We have the potential for great things, however, we must bend our knee and turn our will over to the One who made us, God.

I love the simplicity in His love. I have been reading an awesome book, Finding God’s Life for my will. Here is an excerpt:

I love how Mike Donehey, Author of “Finding God’s life for My will” and musical artist with Tenth Ave. North explained this concept. We need to find God’s Life for our will.

We need to let God transform the broken parts of our life, we need Him. He moves toward us in love.

The power to transform us is in Him!

He is the Vine and we must allow Him to tend our lives as a farmer tends the grapes in a vineyard. You are His treasure. Let Him bring His solid ground wisdom ( He is the Rock), may you allow Him to pour His Living Water into the cracked places. The time is today to make an eternal change. May you find peace and purpose as you let Him transform your life today.

The Wisdom of His Word

When we look at world, national or even our personal family events we can become overwhelmed, and feel like giving up. God is calling us into relationship with Him ( Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit) there is no other place we can go.

There is no greater peace than gaining the knowledge of God through His Word, the Bible and a relationship with Jesus. When we are walking with our Creator God, He saves us from eternal death and brings us into the kingdom of God and His Light.

No matter what goes on in the world, our nation, our community, Jesus wants to help us carry our burdens.

Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Trials can cause you to doubt God, but you must run to Him anyway, He is the place of wisdom from the beginning of time into the future.

1 Peter 5:6-9 NLT
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. [7] Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. [8] Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. [9] Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

Jesus wants us to seek Him and a supernatural peace can be our reward. When we walk and talk with our Savior, He gives us the capacity to be strong and courageous.

Hebrews 10:35-39 NLT
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! [36] Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. [37] “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. [38] And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” [39] But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.

By the way, all people can have a new life in Him, there is no person better than another, we are all His children. He created each of us in His image for a purpose. His hand extends as a shepherd to His sheep. Our mistakes do not disqualify, our humble repentance and seeking forgiveness can bring us to His feet and we can be renewed in Him.

Psalm 95:3-7 NLT
For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods. [4] He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. [5] The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. [6] Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, [7] for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?

Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com.

“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen.”

If you have prayed the sinners prayer, Welcome to the family of God!

Next, Open your Bible, start reading in James. It is written by Jesus half brother and there are many relevant principals to put into practice right away. If you don’t have a Bible access one through the Youversion Bible app on your phone.

This is a sample of James 1. Make steps today to be led by the Word of God, it is life changing.

James 1:2-8,12 NLT
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [4] So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. [5] If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. [6] But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. [7] Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. [12] God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Powerful scripture to memorize in trusting God:

Colossians 2:2-3 NLT
I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. [3] In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Get the picture!

There are times when I am still with God that I find myself an awe of His creation and also of His power. The Lord led me to the book of Job this morning. Slowly read this particular chapter Job 37 and see the hand of God in His creation.

If you don’t know anything about Job, I’ll give you a quick background. He loved God and he was blessed by God. And then he went through a time of challenges and trials. These trials included: death of family members, friends stepping away from him, his wealth depleted, and yet even though he wrestled with frustration Job still chose to trust God.

We may be going through a time of questioning, and God can still be trusted. I hope this scripture encourages you. Just like God didn’t forget Job, God will not forget you. But you have to walk with Him. You have to walk with your Creator God, the only King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the only God worthy of praise and worship.

Job 37:1-18 NLT
“My heart pounds as I think of this. It trembles within me. [2] Listen carefully to the thunder of God’s voice as it rolls from his mouth. [3] It rolls across the heavens, and his lightning flashes in every direction. [4] Then comes the roaring of the thunder- the tremendous voice of his majesty. He does not restrain it when he speaks. [5] God’s voice is glorious in the thunder. We can’t even imagine the greatness of his power. [6] “He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down. [7] Then everyone stops working so they can watch his power. [8] The wild animals take cover and stay inside their dens. [9] The stormy wind comes from its chamber, and the driving winds bring the cold. [10] God’s breath sends the ice, freezing wide expanses of water. [11] He loads the clouds with moisture, and they flash with his lightning. [12] The clouds churn about at his direction. They do whatever he commands throughout the earth. [13] He makes these things happen either to punish people or to show his unfailing love. [14] “Pay attention to this, Job. Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God! [15] Do you know how God controls the storm and causes the lightning to flash from his clouds? [16] Do you understand how he moves the clouds with wonderful perfection and skill? [17] When you are sweltering in your clothes and the south wind dies down and everything is still, [18] he makes the skies reflect the heat like a bronze mirror. Can you do that?

Our God can do anything! He created all things, He loves you with unfailing love, He wants to hear your voice, He wants to guide your life, let Him!!

Let God harvest the fields of your heart, mind and soul! He will pull up the weeds and chaff and bring amazing produce to your life. He is the Creator of all things. He has plans for you. Cry out to Him today. He will hear even your whisper, “ Jesus, I need you!”

Concentrate

What is the definition of Concentrate?

Merriam Websters’ definition: to bring or direct toward a common center or objective : FOCUS!!!

There are too many distractions that pull our focus from what matters most to our future and our God given purpose.

Whether it is the voice of peers, families, culture or social media, the constant drone of voices and opinions can leave a person placing their hands tightly over their ears or over their eyes to block out the lies.

Have you ever felt the overwhelming cacophony of sound? Louder and louder, intense opinions that seem to counter the peace and wisdom of God.

No matter the storms of life, the distractions to our peace can be silenced. Nature and thunderstorms used to scare me, however, I love to see the message of hope in the midst of the storm. The rainbow of God and His covenant of peace from Moses time still holds true for us today.

I found the Message version of Proverbs 4:18-27 relevant for today. It’s truth can bring us back to peace and stability.

Proverbs 4:18-27 MSG
The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine. But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker—travelers can’t see a thing; they fall flat on their faces. [20-22] Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they’re bursting with health. [23-27] Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.

As you travel the road of life realize, His message is in plain view. Concentrate on discovering His life giving Words in scripture. They bring more hope and health.

Forget the banter and white lies. Don’t let gossip detour your peace. We must keep a watch on the words we speak; truth over lies, blessing over cursing. Keep your eyes looking forward not at slideshows. Let your steps be directed by Jesus. He has better plans for you.

It is one day at a time holding onto Jesus and His promises!! I am so grateful for new revelations and His grace as I learn a better approach to life.

Philippians 1:6 NLT
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Drop the Mic

Wants over needs. We want to feel happy, we want to be similar to peers, we want to fit in, we want to keep up with the Joneses, we want stuff that never satisfies; bling, clothes, cars, a big house and status.

What do we need? We need to seek God first; seek Him for our futures, seek Him for our daily struggles like comparison traps, seek Him for provisions of community, shelter, food and peace. Peace with Him and His plans trumps the world view of constant discontent and changing cultural norms.

Status in Him seems crazy to those who don’t know Him. Yet He is our Almighty God, our Jehovah Jireh ( provider), Jehovah Nissi ( Love), and the all sufficient One, El Shaddai!!

Genesis 17:1 NLT
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai-‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.

Just like Abraham in the book of Genesis, our God is the El Shaddai. We must serve Him faithfully and seek to be content with what He wants to provide not our selfish desires and needs.

1 John 2:15-17 MSG
Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.

Now I am dropping the Microphone!!!

Solid Rock

As I took this photograph of the Mt. Baker Mountain range, I was in awe of the majesty found in God and His creation. His goodness and strength is unfathomable. He is the solid rock for our life. All wisdom comes from Him.

Matthew 7:24-29 AMP
“So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. [25] And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. [26] And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish (stupid) man who built his house on the sand. [27] And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great and complete was its fall.” [28] When Jesus had finished [speaking] these words [on the mountain], the crowds were astonished and overwhelmed at His teaching; [29] for He was teaching them as one who had authority [to teach entirely of His own volition], and not as their scribes [who relied on others to confirm their authority].

Seek the guidance of Your Creator God for your steps. The journey may have trials and forks on the trail of life. But you will not walk alone. No other words needed.

God is near! Reach out to Him!

Only You, Lord

I am doing a mini study on the phrase “Only You”. when I ponder this phrase I realize that I must reflect this action. Only you? I make the choice to move in the authority of Christ who is in me. Only the Lord, He gives me the capacity to be strong and courageous as the Lord did for Joshua.We must be strong and courageous but not in our own abilities but in the power, might and authority of our Lord. We need to keep our focus on God. Wars raged in his times and they still rage today.

Joshua 1:7-8 AMPC
Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. [8] This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.

Joshua 1:9 AMPC
Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

These are powerful scriptures to remind us that His promises follow each of His children. Only you can start the process of transformation by submitting to God. His Word declared aloud brings us the voice and hearing to claim its promises for our families.

Another important preparation for our next level intimacy with our God requires our action. Job 11:13-20 describes how we can prepare our hearts and hands to Him.

Job 11:13-20 NLT
“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! [14] Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. [15] Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. [16] You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. [17] Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. [18] Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. [19] You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. [20] But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death.”

We need to access the promises of God. We need to meditate on His Word, again declaring it aloud. Repeat aloud Job 11:13-20. Repeat over and feel the declaration change the atmosphere in your home.

Psalm 25:5-6 AMP
Guide me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You [and only You] I wait [expectantly] all the day long. [6] Remember, O LORD, Your [tender] compassion and Your lovingkindnesses, For they have been from of old.

For only with the Lord guiding and teaching us His truth can we in expectancy be changed from the inside out. We can open ourselves up to a deeper understanding of His goodness, compassion and grace. He is a just God who wants our active participation in relationship. We must move into His arms, His truths, and be given more hope as our reward.

Psalm 25:7-10 AMP
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; According to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD. [8] Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way. [9] He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way. [10] All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and goodness and truth and faithfulness To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.

If only we would worship and bow down to Him. Kneeling before our Lord, our maker! He is our shepherd, we are His sheep, the flock under His care.

Psalm 95:6-7 NLT
Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, [7] for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!

He who made the heavens and earth wants you to take steps on the Rock, when we look to the mountains, we see majesty, firm foundation and endless beauty. He is the Rock on which we must stand. ( paraphrase Psalm 121)

So only you can make the decision for yourself! Your parents, families faith in Jesus may have or have not brought you wisdom in religion, however, there is a reason we each need to personally seek the Lord, Jesus. It’s a one to one partnership of wisdom, grace, mercy, comfort, help, hope, direction and peace. Ask Jesus and receive a bountiful reward. It is not only for you but for generations behind you.

Matthew 7:8 NLT
For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Photo by pexels.com

A Mother’s Day Message from Christian Mommas

Today, as we celebrate Mothers worldwide, we pause to express our profound gratitude for the women who courageously and selflessly embrace the noble …
A Mother’s Day Message from Christian Mommas