I have never liked horses. As a matter of fact horses smell like crap to me. I would rather wade neck deep through human waste than have to smell a horse or a horse-stall. I’m sure at one time horses were absolutely necessary, but now, at least in the United States, they serve little or no purpose. OK,- if you’re some kind of old school cowboy ridding the range, or you’re Amish, you might have a reason to cozy up to your Equine-stench bag; but other than that, they are basically glue bottles on legs to me. Now before you start hating on my dislike of horses let me say a couple things:
1. I do not advocate the torture of horses or any other animal.
2. I know in Revelations 19:14 it talks about the Army of heaven following Jesus on white horses. That being said, I will either be on foot; or I will be part of the air-strikes/sorties; or I will be in charge of giving the play by play over the heavenly PA system. God revealed this to me in a dream, so don’t even dare question its validity.
The way I feel about horses is the same way God feels about our doubt and unbelief. It smells like crap to HIM! In these days of milquetoast Christianity doubt and unbelief are embraced like a warm rebellious blanket that believers try to hide under when they believe God has dashed their hopes and dreams against the rocks of reality. This is evident by the countless number of trash books, whinny blogs, and other media fundaments out there masquerading as spiritual manna.
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| Yep, I screwed up! Not God. |
I believe that it is time for followers of Jesus Christ to Hebrews 12:12, 13-up! Lamenting about our aches, pains, and failures will not get us anywhere. My wife and I have recently experienced having our own hopes and dreams shattered against the rocks of reality, but never did we question God’s plan, or His love for us. I personally thought that I either screwed up, jumped the gun, or took a wrong turn in Albuquerque…but I knew God would continue to be ever faithful. The one thing I have learned about God is that HIS Word will never fail! In Matthew 6:26- He has promised that HE cares for us more than the birds of the air, therefore HE will always provide for us; so worrying about tomorrow is really an act of foolishness, and self aggrandizement.
Christians have to realize that we are currently living in a war zone. Satan and his minions (which includes people) are doing everything in their power to make a mockery of the Christian faith. Now is not the time for doubt and unbelief. Now is not the time to whine about what we do or don’t have…unless we want to be the stench in the nostrils of God? Like Matthew 25:23 I want to hear the Lord say: “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Are you, or have you ever been a stench? Do you like horses??
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| Don't be that guy/gal |
Horses, take 'em or leave 'em! I hope I'm not a whiny blogger! I try not to be :) But sometimes life sucks and it seeps out. I think some of us have to work through the whiny/victim phase (especially if we have been a victim of something awful) to finally see the triumph of God. It's why I wrote my book. I didn't know or even think that I could have VICTORY over having been molested. I just figured I was going to deal with the crap and notions that came from it. I don't think most women (and men) know that God promises to set us free and he WILL DO IT! I think I'm no longer a stench :) Just took a while to get to the cleanser aisle.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Mel
Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God
I think there are some things going on Christianity that are worth doubting - so in that sense I'm not against the doubt movement. I also think it's immensely helpful for people to know this is a normal thing, and to not feel like they must always toughen up and take it like a man.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you are a whinny blogger:-> My point was that doubting God and the Bible seems to be very in style these days. I don't care if you take issue with man. Heck, a good chunk of my blogs are about having run-in's and disagreements with sick dogma, piety, and false ideologies.
ReplyDeleteGood line about "getting to the cleanser aisle:->
Nothing wrong with doubting man-made ideologies and concepts. The problem arises when we cannot rise beyond our own personal circumstances. Some people like to dwell in the land of learned helplessness instead of putting their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and becoming a servant of others.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to post Charlie, and I would never tell you to toughen up and take it like a man.:->
Interesting take on the stench--but I like horses, but I agree, dislike the smelly stuff. And I do believe that I get lost and lose my way from God, as He is always there waiting and hoping we'll return. (Just like I hope and pray mu daughters' faith will return!)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately there are many many lost souls out there as they have never had any direction toward God EVER, how can they know not what they do? Those are the ones I truly am afraid. That is why I was ever so glad for my Christian (Catholic) foundation, was easier to come back to the fold rather than not knowing there is a fold to which to return.
ReplyDeleteI like horses too, but as long as I've known Mark he's always thought they were stinky.
ReplyDeleteI agree, God is always there waiting for us. God wishes for a relationship with all of us so He is always willing to accept us into His arms even if we've turned away from Him.
Also, I think most people go through a season a doubt in their relationship with God and it usually builds their faith. What is frustrating is that doubt is a bigger seller in Christendom right now. There are books and websites all about it. So if someone is struggling with what they believe and they check these things out all they are getting is more doubt. I think its great that Christians are learning not to condemn others for their doubt and struggles, but we also need to be able to give them answers when they come looking for it. After struggling with doubt myself my faith increased and grew and I haven't doubted God since or His love or presence in my life. But I have doubted man made ideologies and organized religion. You won't find Mark and I questioning God too much but you will find quite a few criticisms of institutions and doctrines supposedly created in His name.
I like horses too, but as long as I've known Mark he's always thought they were stinky.
ReplyDeleteI agree, God is always there waiting for us. God wishes for a relationship with all of us so He is always willing to accept us into His arms even if we've turned away from Him.
Also, I think most people go through a season a doubt in their relationship with God and it usually builds their faith. What is frustrating is that doubt is a bigger seller in Christendom right now. There are books and websites all about it. So if someone is struggling with what they believe and they check these things out all they are getting is more doubt. I think its great that Christians are learning not to condemn others for their doubt and struggles, but we also need to be able to give them answers when they come looking for it. After struggling with doubt myself my faith increased and grew and I haven't doubted God since or His love or presence in my life. But I have doubted man made ideologies and organized religion. You won't find Mark and I questioning God too much but you will find quite a few criticisms of institutions and doctrines supposedly created in His name.
So true. It is easier to return to a faith one has left behind than to find God when you've never had any guidance to begin with. I have my own ideas about those who have never heard about Christ, but that is probably a different blog all together!
ReplyDeleteIn Romans 1 Paul says that we are all born with an innate sense of God but in Romans 7 Paul also says that we all also are ruled by our flesh and carnality and Jesus is the only way to overcome that. So what I get from that, is that we all basically have this battle being fought within our selves, but what decides which side overcomes? I think many times people who are raised in the faith will overcome their the sin that resides with in them (by chooses a relationship), but what about those who are never exposed to God? Are they judged by the same standards? I don't know. But I do know God is merciful...
Susan - yes we are so lucky that are parents were Christians and we have faith in God. I work with some younger people in their 20's and they have never been to church because their parents didn't go. So yes their are many lost souls in our own community.
ReplyDeleteVery good stuff here. I'm not a big fan of the horse myself but what you said about doubt and disbelief kind of hit home with me. I really whine to God a lot and if I were him I would have disconnected the line a long time ago. Praise Him that he is ever faithful even when we are not!
ReplyDeleteGreat post:-)
Although I like horses and some days I dream of being a rodeo cowgirl (not much demand of that in Florida though) I loved your comparison of horse stench and people stench. "...they are basically glue bottles on legs to me." Hilarious.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting Heather! The horse comments have received some negative attention, and I'm now getting advertisements/offers for free pony rides and other "horse experiences". I think its a set-up to draw me out in the open so that they can give me the strap...or maybe worse. I'm on to them though! Anyway thank you for stopping by and for your sense of humor:->
ReplyDeleteBlessings,