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Hebrews 12:1 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (NIV)
I had worked very hard seeking to prepare my cart pony, Frank, for the July first Canada Day town parade. We had traversed many miles together along roadways and through forest trails where he was exposed to new sights, sounds, and smells. I even had the fire department sound their siren next to the corral, when they came to do a burn on our property, thus exposing Frank to this unexpected and blaring noise. In a town of only 350 people, however, there was one thing that I couldn't expose him to, and this worried me. Crowds of people lining the streets, clapping and shouting, only happen on July first, parade day. How would he react? I had no idea. He didn't mind vehicles but was always leery of people walking on the street, especially if they had dogs with them. And parade day always had lots of both.
The big day finally arrived. I was up early. Preparations were made. The cart was decorated. Frank was harnessed. We set off for town. I asked to be last in the parade line-up, in case I needed to remove Frank or get out of the cart and guide him through the streets. The sirens blared and the procession began. This was it. We turned from the side street onto the main avenue and there they were: crowds and crowds, even more than usual, due to another weekend event. People were clapping and cheering. Frank's big moment had arrived, and he aced it, straight and steady, start to finish, a born parade horse. I was so incredibly proud of him, but so were so many others who had lined the streets and cheered him on, knowing that this was his first parade. What an encouragement.
Likewise, as Christians, we, too, are surrounded by those who cheer us on as we walk through the parade of this life. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who are all pulling for us, hoping that we ace it for Christ through our thoughts, words, and actions. So let us, therefore, continue to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the parade route that God has marked out for us.
Prayer: Father God, thank You that we are not alone as we run the race You have marked out for us. Thank You for all those who consistently cheer us on from the sidelines of the spiritual realm. Bless us this day to remember that they are not judging us but running with us, co-partners for Jesus Christ, in this, our parade of life. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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A good word and a wonderful challenge Lynne.
Thanks for today’s devotion about Frank.
Happy Canada Day!
How appropriate! Really enjoyed the analogy. Keep writing.
Blessings.
Way to go, Frank. He has been trained well, and you should be justly proud of that.
The Lord bless you Lynn. Your devotionals are always thought provoking. I will try to march to the Lord’s commands. Happy Canada Day.
Amen! Nice devotional Lynne. I don’t know what I would do without the encouragement and support of other Christians. Thanks for sharing Frank’s story.
Blessings.
Dear Lynne,
What an inspiration this was for the many times we wonder how we will cope with the events of our lives! I once read a book entitled “Coaching for Improved Performance.” That is why Frank was so successful; you had spent the time to ‘coach’ him. We can be successful when, as you say, those of the family of God assist us along the way. Congratulations, my friend!
Ms. Phipps,
I always look forward to your devotionals. They are always so spiritual and meaningful.
I think also that there is a connection with the Canada Day Parade and your writings.
We were there for the Canada Day Parade in 1989. I had decided that I wanted to see as much of Canada as we could before we went off to other countries.
I can see the parade in my mind and Atlin, “the Little Switzerland”. What a picturesque place! I don’t know if you were in the parade in 1989. There were a number of younger persons on a hay wagon.
Good morning, Lynne,
Hope you are having a very Happy Canada Day!
As I read your Devotional this morning, I felt as if you had written it especially for me as a reminder. We often let worry seep into our lives and yet, why should we? We know we are God’s children, which is why He loves and cares for us… yet our human minds worry. And yes, we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses — some seen, others not — yet worry causes us to think we are alone.
Currently I am awaiting the results of a medical test and am praying that all will be fine. At times through this health issue, I have felt very alone and yet I know I’m not — God has blessed me with such supportive friends who are praying for me, call and email to check on me. When worry sets in, it truly robs us of our sense of calm, and the knowledge that God is ever-present to watch over us and keep us safe.
Thank you for the reminder that so often, our worrying is all for naught and things will work out.
Have a truly wonderful Canada Day!!!
God bless and keep writing.
Dear Lynne,
I thank God with you that your horse behaved well and that people cheered you on. Good illustration.
There could be another illustration there too: He followed a line of good examples: We follow Jesus Christ, His followers, many Christians through the ages.
Keep writing. I almost felt that I was in that parade too.
I also appreciated the prayer.
Dear Lynne:
I always love and am touched spiritually by your messages and this message taught me several things.
First you took time to prepare your friend (Frank) for the big event in His life. I wonder if we take time to prepare for and get ready for the biggest event in our lives, the second coming of our Lord.
Second – you trusted your friend to be steadfast even though you knew there would be distractions along the way. Can God depend on us to be steadfast when there are trials, temptations and distracted in our lives??
And the most wonderful part of the entire message was, Your young friend did not let you down but proved himself to be a loyal and trusted friend whom you could be proud of. Are we, as Christians, as faithful to our Savior and Lord as your dear little animal friend was to you?
Much to think about. I loved your message.
Thank you for all your wonderful messages.
Hi, Lynn,
I’ m using your devotional for the residents. I would like to know more about your farm, animals, crop etc. You’ve helped with this task. Thank you.
(BC)