Wisdom of God / Gift of horses

The wisdom of God is indescribable. No man can stand against it. Smoke and mirrors. Chaos and conflict seem to rule the day. Media supports a mindset of unrest and lately, fog, low clouds and torrential rains have taken over weather patterns. But none stands against the Lord.

Watching the power of a horse as it runs through the fields is so awe inspiring. These majestic animals can run at 44 miles per hour. They have sensitive hearing and their ears can rotate 180 degrees.

They can see nearly 360 degrees so between hearing and sight it is virtually impossible to sneak up on them.

HeartMath Institute did research on the horse and human heart connection. They are social, emotional animals and being in their presence calms even the most hardened hearts. Personally I have experienced this wonderful gift, and a hug from a horse is priceless.

Horses can sleep standing up, which gives them the ability to fight or flee if there are predators. According to the website: spca.bc.ca “Horses have a “stay-apparatus” which is a system of tendons and ligaments that allows the horse to lock their legs in position so they can relax without falling over. When not sleeping, horses also use this apparatus to rest while standing for long periods of time. This allows them to conserve energy while standing so they are ready to take flight if needed”. 

Horses are muscular beasts used in wars. We humans, also must be prepared for battle. We are seeing the battle of good and evil reflected in current events.

“Ain’t No Grave” happens to be a song from a few years ago by Bethel worship. I just heard it for the first time recently, a powerful declaration of the power of God over man and circumstances. We must remember there “Ain’t No Grave” that can keep us down when we accept Jesus as our Savior! He will never leave us and gives us the ability to stand in the battle for our day.

Let this song bring hope and boldness to stand with God and let the Commander, Jesus bring victory!

Ain’t no Grave -Bethel

“No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Praise the Lord and be Himpowered!!

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Musings on God

Lately, I have felt certain phrases come to my mind in the midst of challenges. I share the declarations the Holy Spirit laid on my heart, mind and soul.

Opie our senior horse and his buddy by MM

Mary’s paraphrase of scripture:

Just like a horse needs relationship with its rider/owner to be a team, we need Jesus to guide us by His Word. Jesus is our best friend.

Intimacy with God is sustenance for life.

1 Corinthians 8:3 AMPC
But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].

I have wordless awe for the work of God in my life when I let Him guide my steps.

Psalm 37:23-24 NLT
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. [24] Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.

We need Jesus, on our own we would act by feeling not wisdom beyond our understanding, as He promises in scripture.

Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

He is faithful and just, we need to trust Him even in the hardest circumstances.

Jeremiah 17:7 AMP
Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the LORD And whose hope and confident expectation is the LORD.

The Bible is filled with pearls of wisdom, it rewards you with amazing hope. This is one of my favorite scriptures:

Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [10] For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

God loves you! He wants the best for you. He believes in your capacity to fulfill the purposes He ordained before you were born.

Times are rough

Life can be a challenge, being a follower of Jesus Christ does not mean it’s easy. However, when we are being challenged, whether it’s personal, physical, emotional, there’s is one thing that is true and will never change.

Those who call on Jesus Christ and ask Him to be their Savior will never be alone.

Jesus promises to be with us in challenging and joyful times. He reminds us that in this world there will be trouble but He has overcome this world.

John 16:33 AMP
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Allowing Jesus to be the authority ( meaning the one we turn to for wisdom above the world culture) gives us the ability to have supernatural peace, instructions for every day and the power and authority to be warriors in victory for His Kingdom.

Romans 10:8-13 AMP
But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach— [9] because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. [11] For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].” [12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the same Lord is Lord over all [of us], and [He is] abounding in riches (blessings) for all who call on Him [in faith and prayer]. [13] For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD [in prayer] WILL BE SAVED.”

It is not an easy process to let Jesus direct our lives through the Holy Spirit (one of the three parts of the Father God, Son and Holy Spirit).

Because we want to direct our own path. I admit it, I am selfish. However, I am learning trusting the Holy Spirit brings the best steps. His wisdom is free and His love unconditional.

His scripture is my template, the more I read and seek Him the greater my insight from Him not my emotions.

Micah 6:8 AMPC
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?

This song, Still Waters, is a powerful declaration by a gifted trio of musical artists, Leanna, Ben and David, who are great humble witnesses with their personal stories of Gods goodness and faithfulness.

Hold onto Jesus! Or if you need to make a change call out to Him today and He will amaze you.

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Stars

God made the stars

Coming soon to the heavens and nighttime skies near you, cosmic connection of planets in a row. I can’t wait to see this amazing light show.

According to earthsky.org , “in January 2025 there are four bright planets – and two faint planets – in the evening sky. Yup. They’re arrayed in a line across the sky”. Many other astronomy experts including NASA, support this premise.

I’m not sure about you, but I sure hope in my state, the clouds will not obscure an opportunity to view this amazing site of planets and stars.

The Creator God, Himself spoke all things into existence, scripture supports this truth.

Psalm 33:4-9 NLT
For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does. [5] He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth. [6] The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.

Even Genesis, the first book of the Bible describes, God made the lands and the seas.

Psalm 33: [7] He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. [8] Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him. [9] For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.

Just as God made the heavens and earth, the skies and the stars, God made you, Perfect in His image for great purpose.

As we begin the year 2025, meditate on the fact a new year brings great new possibilities. Forget 2024 , looking back at the mistakes or challenges, but look forward in 2025. God will be working in your life if you let Him guide.

Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [10] For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

It is not where you start, but where you finish that matters the most. You are His Masterpiece. Trust Him ( God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) by receiving His free gift of grace and mercy.

Change the trajectory of your life. Stop listening to the lies of the enemy.

James 4:6-10 NLT
And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [7] So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

What is described in James 4: 8 -10, is an explanation of repentance and surrendering your life to God.

9] Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

God has good plans, a hope and a future. But we must seek Him wholly for He is holy!

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. [12] In those days when you pray, I will listen. [13] If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

Welcome in a new life 2025. Time is wasting. Time is now!

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Horses and faith : Doing life

Drinking with a buddy by MM

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.

On duty senior horse by MM

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

Photo by Belle Co on Pexels.com

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.

Preparing the grapes by P C

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.

Protecting the grapes by PC

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.

Harvest

Wyoming harvest by MM

There’s something about the fall that brings about a sense of deeper purpose. I live in an area where there’s lots of harvesting whether it’s corn or alfalfa or wheat.

It’s a time of moving forward. It’s a time for the farmers to see the fruit of their labor in the production of those crops: corn, alfalfa, wheat, and even sugar beets. These crops are needed for so many different things. They are needed for sustaining life on the food chain.

The Lord created our earth, its crops in the beginning and forever. Our God provides us with what we need for life. Our God provides people with the capacity to share their gifts in farming and ranching for the benefit of His people.

Luke 10 remind us, the harvest is great, and the workers are few.

Luke 10:2 NLT
These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.

This message is true of farmers/ranchers and also, of those who share the message of love and Jesus with others. It is because of our love for Jesus that we share not in judgment but because we are called by God to love like Him.

Sometimes, I find myself on a two lane country road, slowly following a huge tractor, harvest truck or other farming heavy equipment. I am learning not to fuss about the delay in my journey. It gives me a moment to pause and consider the work of a farmer/ rancher raising livestock. It’s hard work, lots of time committed.

The next time you’re on a farming two lane road and wanting to pass a farmer and a tractor or a huge truck that’s bringing crops to be weighed for use give those guys a smile and be patient.

We also have to remember the importance of guarding ourselves from the stuff we value. The simplicity of farming and ranching cannot be under estimated.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 AMP
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction, [13] and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]. Live in peace with one another.

A farmer and ranchers work blesses all of us. Thank you God for your provision and for them.

Not too young

Temptations abound, distractions for our teens and us. We are made for His purpose, warts and all. He is our Healer! Our Jehovah Rapha! ( Hebrew for God of healing).

Don’t be afraid of Gods calling in your life!!! The one sure truth is that God does not create His children for a life of evil and death. We are each created with a God given purpose.

Take a walk with God

Psalm 139:13-18 NLT
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. [15] You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. [16] You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [17] How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! [18] I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

There is a great plan for us, our children, and family. The distractions of the world bring white noise and the yapping of a parent like in a Peanuts old cartoon video, “ ya ya ya ya.” But God calls us to greater wisdom.

Psalm 139:1-12 NLT
O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. [2] You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. [3] You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. [4] You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. [5] You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! [7] I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! [8] If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. [9] If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, [10] even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. [11] I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night- [12] but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.

Oh Lord help us to see, you never abandon your children. We choose to step away from Your protection and that is a life consequence. Our enemy then works to destroy us, we need to humble ourselves before our Creator God and seek His wisdom for life change.

Psalm 139:19,21-24 NLT
O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! [21] O LORD, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? [22] Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. [23] Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Just like Jeremiah, who felt too young and not equipped to speak for God. God will use you. He loves you and you were born for great purpose.

Jeremiah 1:5-8,10 NLT
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” [6] “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” [7] The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. [8] And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!” [10] Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”

Oh Lord God, Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, we need You. Thank you for multiple opportunities to turn from our pride, bitterness, and selfish intentions. Thank you that you see us in a greater Light. Today, we repent from our selfish desires. Search our hearts, create in us a clean heart and transform our lives for Your greater purpose. It is never too late, You can do all things when we submit to You! We love you Jesus. Mold us to the best version of ourselves, son and daughter of King Jesus, Amen!!

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