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Listen while you read: "Take Up Thy Cross"1 (Lyrics) |
Deuteronomy 5:33 – Walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. (NIV)
My young colt, Jesse, is the shadow of his brother Frank. At nine weeks of age, he copies Frank's movements both within and outside of the corral. When we take Frank out to be harnessed to his cart as we prepare to go for a ride, Jesse stands directly opposite him on the other side of the fence and watches this process intently, nickering softly to us as we work. One time, in response to his pleas, we decided to try taking him with us. We led him from the corral and attached a lead rope to his halter, which my daughter held onto as we eased Frank and the cart away from the hitching rail onto the pathway. Amazingly, Jesse stuck to his brother's side like glue, matching him stride for stride. How pleased and impressed we both were to see such behaviour in this little tyke. It strongly suggests that Jesse will one day be a clever, well-behaved cart pony just like his brother Frank, which would be a very good thing.
Likewise, God also calls His people to be copycats. When the Ten Commandments were given to Moses, they outlined the principles of God, those things which God esteems and values. They are commands which, when embraced, offer life and prosperity and well-being to all those who follow them not in their own strength but in the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ, our brother, the One whom God sent to earth to save us from our sin and empower us to be copycats of Himself, which is always a very good thing.
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You have laid out for us in Scripture the way in which we should walk, that we may live and prosper and prolong our days in the land which You have given us. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, Who came to this earth obediently that we might know and trust Him to save us from our sin and guide us in Your ways of righteousness. Bless us, this day, to be copycats of Christ, our Brother, that we might glorify You, which is always a very good thing. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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Tuesday, January 21, 2025 – In Durham, Ontario — Pray for Durham Presbyterian Church, Durham, Ontario, as they begin hosting a new community youth programme in their church building, that there may be harmony and good fruit in the community. Pray that this leads to some youth giving their hearts to the Lord.
daughter: "Update December 30, 2024: And please touch her heart that she may turn to YOU.* November 12, 2024:..." 
Amen sister!
Another good one Lynne.
You said it all!
To belong to Jesus tops it all!
Alleluia!
Dear Lynn, This is a very helpful metaphor about how we can try to be “copycats” of Jesus. I wish I could take a ride in the cart, especially with Jesse along!
Dear Lynne,
I loved the story of Frank and Jesse! Such a great analogy of our walk with the Lord. Thanks for sharing this precious story. May you continue to write for His glory.
Lynne, that’s quite interesting. It’s funny how animals copy each other. I don’t know much about horses but I often see that behavior in my cats; guess they’re just living up to the name “copycat.” Now if only we can do the same in imitating our Lord, we’d be much better off.
Blessings.
Your stories never fail to touch me deeply Lynne. How I thank and praise God for making such loving connections through this internet and technological society. What a wonderful thing it is to see how God continues to make new things out of His creation.
The phrase you used that really got me this morning is … “that we follow and imitate the commands NOT IN OUR OWN STRENGTH BUT IN THE STRENGTH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. My greatest fears and sadness come from the fact that I cannot keep all His commands, like not envying, not worrying, being quick to forgive, not understanding or having wisdom …” so many things in life that we humans actually cannot achieve on our own.
When someone reminds us that one of our foremost needs is to call Him into every moment, every situation, every decision, every need, it amazes me that I forget so easily. Your words bring comfort and confidence and I am most grateful. God bless.
Beautiful illustration and well-worked application, Lynne.
Keep writing.
Thank you Lynne!
I copy your advice to copy God’s commands.
God bless us all!