Horses Slip...

Psalm 20:7-8 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”

This verse is a no-brainer for me.  I have never trusted horses.  One time Jorge was riding a horse down a steep cobblestone street in Jamaica. His horse slipped and slid all the way to the bottom, doing a split with both its front and back legs, and then took off in a wild gallop to the ocean to cool down the raging road rash it got on its horsey parts.  My poor hubbs could not control the huge beast and was being whipped back and forth like a rag doll.  And it's not like I could take off and help because I was on a blind donkey being led by a stable boy named Paco. Thank God that as soon as the horse hit the water, it calmed down. But still, it was crazy scary.  Ergo, I don't like horses!

Before any horse lovers get mad at me I want to clarify that I am aware that the preceding paragraph is a poor refection on me.  I know that with the proper training I could learn to enjoy the company of a horse.  The bigger point is the one these verses make.  Ultimately, our trust is in God.  It’s not in anything we own, it’s not in our training, it’s not in our equipment, and it’s not in our arsenal; it’s in God.  Yes, we prepare, we practice, we strategize.  We plan, we diagram, and we implement.  BUT, let us never think for one second that any joy, peace, provision, love, protection, or hope comes from anything we can do for ourselves; victory comes from the Lord!

Horses slip and chariots rust.  But God? He makes sure we “rise up and stand firm!”

The best place to start demonstrating our trust in God is through prayer.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We ask for blessings over our “horses and chariots,” but we trust You for victory! Help us rise up and stand firm. In Jesus’ name, AMEN~

He's Not Letting Go~

Greetings!

Once upon a time in 1989 Jorge and I went on a cruise. We docked In Jamaica, and one of our activities was climbing Dunn's River Falls. It was truly majestic and beautiful, and there is one thing that stands out mightily in my mind. 

It wasn't the clear wading pools waiting at every landing or the way you could stand behind the falls and watch from the inside out, or even the fact that Tom Cruise had filmed part of his movie, "Cocktail," there.

The rocks we had to climb to get to the top of the falls were really slippery, and all along the way there were folks with bloodied knees and sore elbows. I myself lost my footing right at the beginning, and from that moment on Jorge grabbed my hand and did not let go until we got to the top. 

And it was not your typical husband and wife moment, holding hands tenderly. No! Jorge held my hand super tight, as if I were a toddler and we were crossing a six-lane highway. It really made an impression on me because until that moment, Jorge had never held my hand that way. 

He DID NOT LET GO until we got to the top!

Jorge is not the only one who has a firm grip.

Isaiah 41:13 (Message Version) "I, your God, have a firm grip on you, and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic.' I’m right here to help you."

Aren't you glad God's grip is firm? Unyielding and solid?  Living life is way more perilous than climbing a slippery rock, and God knows it. He's not letting go!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, As we start this New Year we thank You that You wrap us tightly in Your love and protection. We move forward into 2016 hand in hand with You. Anything is possible! In Jesus name, AMEN~.