The Horse That Learned To Trust Again

There was a horse that frolicked in the fields all day. When he got tired or hungry, he would walk to the big apple tree that stood by the creek. He would grab an apple and lay down in the shade of the tree. He grew up with that tree and he loved that tree.

He thought the tree would always be there.

But late one afternoon, as the horse sat under the tree, a terrible storm came to the farm. It came so fast that the horse was caught off guard and had to stay under the tree for shelter.

But as the winds roared, the rains poured , the thunder rolled and the lightning stuck, the horse was feeling uneasy.

Then the tree was struck by lightning. As it caught fire, sparks flew down and the horse’s mane caught on fire. He ran out into the rain to save his mane and ran to the barn as fast as he could.

As he stayed in the barn, he started thinking how could the tree do this to him? He had spent a lifetime with that tree. Why would the tree hurt him so?

He spent several days in the barn. Depressed and anxious about going back into the fields. But as the days went by, he became lonely, and his belly started grumbling.

He took a few tentative steps into the field and he wondered if he would ever be okay again. Would he always feel this way?

He looked back at the barn and started to wonder if he could really trust it, even as it had never given him a reason not to.

Days went by and he started to heal and he would sometimes look at where the charred remains of the tree stood.

Sometimes he missed the tree. Sometimes he missed the apples and the shade.

But as each day passed, he grew more into who he was meant to be. He grew stronger, he grew healthier, and he found the true love and happiness that was inside of him.

He looked at the barn and smiled, because he even learned to trust again.

What Christmas Present Will You Give Jesus?

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Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how many presents under your branches are for me?

How many presents are under the tree for Jesus?  It is his birthday. He is the reason for the season.

What presents can you give to Jesus you wonder?  There are many and I bet you have never thought of them. Maybe some of you are giving Him these presents every day.  Maybe some of you give them one day and take them back the next.

Present one:  trust.  Do you give him all your trust?  Do you trust him even when things are going bad? Do you trust his plans for your life? Do you trust him completely, 100%? If not, maybe this year is the year you give him the present of your trust.

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Present two: your heart. Do you give him your heart?  Does he come first in your heart? What does your heart treasure the most? That new job promotion? Your wife? Your football team?  This season put Jesus first in your heart.

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Present three: love people. Do you truly love others? Do you know your neighbor’s names? Have you forgiven those that have hurt you? Have you reached out to people that may not know about Jesus?  Do you live your life that will lead other people to Jesus? Are you making disciples?

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Present four: family. Is Jesus part of your family? Do you talk to him like you do your spouse or children? Do you share with him your heart? Do other members of your family treat him like he is part of the family?

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Present five: time. How much of your time have you given Jesus today?  Have you set any time out of your busy day to just spend with him?  Five minutes of quiet time with just you and him? Two minutes? One ?

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This post was inspired by a devotional I read that really spoke to me so I wanted to share it with you.

What other gifts can you think of that you can give to Jesus?  Not only on Christmas but every day.

Where’s The Line To See Jesus by Becky Kelley – 

A Gift To You by Kids Worship Childrens Ministry –  

Jesus What Can I Give You by Oceans Edge Music – 

Give It All by We Are Messengers  – 

Christmas Must Be Something More by Taylor Swift – 

Nothing To Give by 7eventh Time Down – 

Little Drummer Boy from the cartoon –    

What Is Christmas by Kutless –  

Baby Boy by For King and Country – 

Give by Jason Crabb – 

What God Wants For Christmas by Darius Rucker –