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Listen while you read: "O Worship The King"1 (Lyrics) |
When I was a young child, I started to ask for a pony for my birthday. We lived in a town where there was a good-sized empty acreage across the road from our house. I thought that a pony could live there and that I could ride it every day. I was sure that Dad could build a shed to keep my pony in from the cold weather. Dad and Mother could not change my thinking or expectation regarding this once-a-year possibility. As a child, I spent many hours hoping for a pony, not knowing the cost and labour of love necessary with owning one.
It was not until I was married and living on a farm that I got a horse. I had great times riding. Sometimes, the ride was for pleasure; sometimes, it was to help with chores, rounding up sheep and cattle. I had King for a number of years.
Psalm 33:17-18 – A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love. (NIV)
My years of hoping for a pony had only a possible outcome, but believers who hope in Jesus Christ, God's Son, have the certainty of His coming to take us home to be with Him. Jesus showed His love for humanity when He came to take the penalty for sin on Calvary.
Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (NIV)
Those who believe in Jesus can be thankful for God's gift of faith that helps us to put our hope in the finished work of Calvary for our eternal future.
1 John 3:2b – But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (NIV)
Until He comes, what kind of behaviour are we meant to exemplify?
Titus 2:11-13 – For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. (NIV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to put our trust and faith in Your Son Jesus Christ. We ask for Your help to live a godly life with regard for believers, family, friends, and neighbours. Thank You for Calvary. Keep our hope centred on the surety of Jesus' coming to take us home. Amen.
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Thanks, Ruth, for the encouraging thoughts.
Faith in the Lord helps us confront daily challenges.
Hi Ruth:
Somehow, I cannot visualize you on a pony/horse.
Thanks for another thought-provoking message.
Good afternoon, Ruth.
Thank you for today’s devotional, you sure picked some nice Bible passages.
Blessings.
Thank you, Ruth, for your positive and encouraging words this morning. Yes, as we trust and remain faithful to our precious Lord there is great security for our future life with Him. Blessings for your special writings.
Dear Rose, I share with you a lifelong desire to have a horse. I have written many stories that talk of that and until a year or so ago I was still praying. I am on my way to seventy-six and doubt I could climb up on him. More than loving horses, I share with you a hope we have in Jesus Christ. I loved the memory verses that you gave us.
Thank you, Ruth. Praise God for the hope we have. As someone said yesterday in my ladies Bible study, “How do those people without this hope manage to live?”
Thank you, Ruth, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
I’m reminded of our lives on the farm and our Welch Pony gal. What a hoot she was! Blessings.