Author Archives: lrbartel

Mar 22 2016
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Devos

Needed… A Divine “Horse Whisperer”

Breaking a horse
I’m an ol’ farm boy from Western Montana… When I read certain passages of Scripture images from the ranch pop into my mind… Today, during “Coffee with the Lord” was one of those days! Here is what the Bible says…
 
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go! I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle or it will not stay near you… Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” (From Psalm 32:8-11 ESV)
 
I don’t know if you’ve ever watch someone break a horse with a strong will or a mind of its own. It can be risky business for the person working with the horse and it can be a difficult experience for the horse (check out the picture… just one of many I could have chosen – some with even more action then this one).
 
Breaking or training a horse requires carefulness and patience!
But once trained – once broken – what a beautiful thing it can be! For example, watching a well-trained cutting horse work is an awe-inspiring, magnificent thing to see. The rider indicates to the horse which steer he or she wants cut out or separated from the herd, and the horse takes over. If the horse is well trained the question really could be raised; who is in charge – the horse or the rider? The horse knows what it needs to do and does it… And the slightest nudge or word by the rider is heeded. An awesome sight to behold! (Wish I could attach a video of it taking place!)
 
Oh, I want to be obedient and heed the voice of the Lord? I don’t want to resist Him and behave like a self-willed, stubborn, wild animal! The only one that gets hurt in that scenario is me! “Many are the sorrows of the wicked!” the passage says. Instead, I want to learn to heed the slightest command of my Heavenly Trainer! He promises to “Instruct me in the way I should go… to counsel me with His eye upon me!” He says His, “steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in Him!” Oh Lord, take the “wild” out of me and may I learn to be your obedient follower!
Mar 20 2016
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Devos

This weekend where can God be found? Where can you meet with Him?

Many people this weekend will enter beautiful temples to worship false gods… Others will enter awesome, ornate, opulent churches to worship… In either case God is not impressed with the buildings! It is the heart of the worshiper that matters most to Him!

 
Here is His word on the matter…
 
“Thus says the LORD: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” (From Isaiah 66:1-2)
 
Listen, the most humble gathering of believers “in His Name” invites the presence of “the Living God!” Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them!” (Matthew 18:20)
Mar 20 2016
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Devos

A song to sing… worship to offer… thanksgiving to give… for those who have experienced Divine deliverance or healing

A song to sing… worship to offer… thanksgiving to give… for those who have experienced Divine deliverance or healing:

“I will extol You, O LORD, for You have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You have healed me! O LORD, You have brought up my soul from Sheol; You restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit. Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to His holy name! For Hisanger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. As for me, I said in my prosperity, ‘I shall never be moved!’ … But You hid your face and I was dismayed! To You, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy: ‘What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it tell of your faithfulness?’ Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper! You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent! O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” (From Psalm 30 ESV)

If the Lord has ever done anything like that for you, the words of this Psalm might be an appropriate, heartfelt, way to praise Him… to thank him. You think? Just say’n…

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