Lessons from the Horse Farm – Part 2

As I shared in Part 1, I am still a greenhorn when it comes to most things horse. I’ve been volunteering at the horse farm since the beginning of May, and am still quite happy to just clean up after them and change out their water!

Once a week I show up in the morning shortly after they’ve been fed breakfast. I go into their paddock to clean up the presents they’ve left me, and they don’t even seem to realize I’m there. I know they are aware of my presence, but they don’t bother to say good morning with so much as a head nod! They may come by to say hello on their way to the water trough, but then they’re quickly back to their fresh, tasty hay. My friends are not easily distracted from the task at hand — breakfast is a top priority!

I’m thinking we could all learn a lesson from their focus, but not necessarily applicable to our coffee and toast.

Our time in the Word of God should be high on our daily priority list. Yesterday’s breakfast won’t do me much good today, I need something fresh! And if I spend too many days without food, I’m going to get weak. The same things are true of our Bible reading. We need to feed our spirits consistently with Truth.

Jesus prayed for the disciples, “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” (John 17:17 NLT) More people than ever before have access to the Bible, in printed or electronic form. Are we taking advantage of it, or taking it for granted?

Soak your mind and soul in the Truth each day, and find freedom! “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

When I was a teenager, we were encouraged to “do our devotions.” The meaning behind the word “devotions” was lost to me, and it just became something to check off on my task list. But devotion to Bible reading, prayer and worship should be anchored in and spring from our devotion (love for, dedication and commitment) to God. Are we devoted enough to Him to set aside time each day to spend with Him?

Once we determine that He is worthy of our devotion, we clear our schedules to interact with God and his Word.

And then come the interruptions. The phone buzzes, the clothes dryer beeps, the dog wants to go out, the sink is full of dirty dishes calling your name . . . so many distractions!!

At that point, it’s time to remember the horse. Turn the ringer off on your phone (remember, there was a time when people had to figure things out on their own or wait until you could get back to them, and the world didn’t fall off its axis!), take care of any immediate needs, and leave what can wait. Tune in to the Word, and let the world grow faint. It will still be there when you’re finished spending quality time with your Heavenly Father, I promise!

“How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” (Psalm 119:103)

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

Have you had breakfast today?