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There's a saying that your horsemanship will never rise any higher than the tools you use. In other words, if you're going to be a competent horseman, you've got to be equipped with the right tools for the ride. I only ride with good equipment, and I'm unapologetic about it. Why? I know I am only as good as the tools I use. Unfortunately, that wisdom was hard-earned. When I was a young woman just learning about horses, I didn't know about the value of good tools (quality horse tack). As a consequence, I often opted for a "cheap deal" instead. One night at a local auction, I bid on a saddle with a matching bridle and reins, all for $100. Amazing? Yeah, that's what I thought at the time. Then came that first ride. I saddled up my horse, climbed aboard, and kicked to go (big mistake). Suddenly, my horse bolted forward, and the game was on. I quickly pulled back on both reins (yep, another mistake) as we galloped like two crazy bandits across the open pasture. Next thing I knew, one of the stirrups attached to the cheap saddle came loose and hit the ground with a thud. Then, one of the reins broke. I was now literally riding by the seat of my pants, with only one stirrup and one rein. Instantly, I saw my life pass before my eyes! Finally, I managed to bring my run-away horse to a stop. When my feet touched the ground, I didn't know whether to shout "hallelujah", or slap my horse. I opted for both. But the truth is, my horse wasn't to blame that day. I was to blame. I had risked my life (and his) on one hundred dollars worth of cheap equipment that couldn't stand up to the test. Thankfully, instead of an untimely demise, I learned a valuable lesson. If you're going to ride, you better invest in the right tools.
Have you ever thought of the Bible as a tool? In 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 (see above scripture), we're told that all scripture is "breathed out" by God. Think about that for a moment. First off, that tells us that God's Word is not cheap! It is the living breath of God that we take in every time we read His Word. And that, my friend, is priceless. In fact, so great is the worth of God's Word that it is beyond our monetary power to purchase it. The only way you and I can receive God's Word is through faith. Faith is an extraordinary gift that God gives us in order to provide us with all the riches of His Kingdom. And what are the riches of God's Kingdom? Romans 11: 33 says, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" It isn't a bargain-basement mentality or finding a "cheap deal" that makes you and I rich. It is the wisdom and knowledge that is found in God's Word that makes you and I truly rich. This leads me to a final point. Why would God choose to give you and I such a remarkable and rich treasure? The Bible says that we were given scripture (God's breathed-out Word) in order that we could be fully competent, and fully equipped for every good work. Sounds to me like just the right tool for an amazing and wonderful ride!
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