June 10, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Dakota Turned Out To Be A Good Lead Horse For The Pack Train (MQ)

Bible Study Verse

Hebrews 12:11

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (NIV)

Thoughts

After going to work for a Wyoming outfitter, I purchased a seven-year-old horse. The former owner said that Dakota had some mountain experience. 

After taking a six-mile ride, I found out that Dakota needed some training: When he came to a creek, he jumped across; if he saw a log across the trail, he jumped over it; when faced with a high obstacle, he walked in circles. He had to be directed around the obstacles. To insure a safety for the rider, Dakota had to be disciplined. So, whenever he approached an obstacle, I pulled back on the reins; and, if he tried to jump, I pulled back harder. 

(How often has God had to pull back on our reins and point us in the right direction?) Gradually, discipline and trust paid off--Dakota made the right decisions. When he saw and approached obstacles, he walked around, through, or stepped over them. As he acquired more training and experience, his nervousness decreased. During the hunting season, Dakota turned out to be a good lead horse for the pack train. 

(Tom L)

Action Point

Hebrews 12:10 reminds us, "

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness," (NIV).

 

Just as Dakota had to be disciplined and eventually learned to make right decisions, God wants us to be righteous by following His Word. As we become more like Christ, God promises us peace in our heart.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Spend time training and conditioning your horse before taking him into the mountains.