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There's nothing that I like about chains. I don't like how the word "chain" sounds when it rolls over my tongue and out of my mouth. I don't like the noise that chains make when they clang together. I don't like the way that chains bind and restrict one's freedom. Shoot, I don't even like Aretha's song, "Chain, Chain, Chains"! Of course, I know chains do have some valuable uses, but I just can't think of any right now. Ahhh, then there's the subject of chains and animals. Dogs and horses, especially, have endured the painful experience of chains ever since man discovered these twisted and tortuous links of metal, and the variety of ways in which they can be used.
When it comes to animals, I have no tolerance for the use of chains, or the varied excuses of people who use them. It's not because I'm some sort of tree-hugger - far from it. It's because the use of chains is inhumane in every sense of the word. In my humble opinion, chains are nothing more than a barbaric substitute for one's lack of appropriate training and provision for the animal that God has placed in one's care. If a person doesn't have the time or the "want to" to train and provide a safe environment (a fenced run, for example) for their animal(s), then for goodness sake, that person should liberate them by finding them a home where their needs can be properly met! Alright, I've done gone to meddling, so let's move on to the heart of this message. Sadly, animals aren't the only ones who suffer from chains. Let's talk about the chains that attempt to bind God's people...
God will break every chain!
The beginning text of Isaiah 9: 4-7 (see above scripture at top of newsletter) opens with a bold and prophetic declaration. We're told that God will break the chains that bind His people. Even God hates chains, and He intends to break all of them! The fact that this scripture says "God will break the chains" as opposed to "He has broken the chains" tells us this is an actual future event that is going to take place, and not a discourse concerning our salvation experience and the chains of sin being broken from our life. If you've got your eyes open, your ears perked up, and your "discerning spirit" turned on to all that is transpiring in our world today, then you recognize we're quickly catapulting towards that prophesied event right now. A few years ago, we might have asked ourselves, "What chains is God talking about?" Today, God's people no longer have to ask. We're talking about the chains that try to bind us. We are already beginning to feel the political and often invisible tugs of the cold, metal links as the chain tightens more each day in an attempt to bind our personal, religious, and national freedoms - little by little, one by one.
So, are God's children without hope? In spite of the circumstances that we face in this rapidly changing world, the answer is unequivocally "NO"! In fact, we, above all people have reason to hope! Why? As Isaiah prophesied, we have been given a Savior - Jesus Christ, the Messiah. And the Bible tells us that there is coming a day when you and I will see our Savior face to face. The Bible also tells us that when we see Christ face to face, we will know - even as we are known. What does that mean? In part, it means that today you and I have many questions, but on that day we will fully know the answer, Himself! The Bible also tells us that His government (yes, God has a government) will be one of "ever-expanding peace" where battle gear will no longer be issued, and no uniform will bear the mark of blood. In that day, there will be no more sickness, no more sorrow, and no more death. At last, all of God's people and all of His creation will truly be liberated. Somebody ought to be shouting "Hallelujah, and Praise The Lord" right now. Why? Because He is, indeed, the Chain-Breaker!
*Some Good News
For Quarter Horses...
AQHA PUTS AN END
TO THE USE
OF LIP CHAINS
The American Quarter Horse Association is putting the horse first with new animal welfare-related rules barring the use of lip chains in show horses. The new rule will take effect as of January 1, 2016. At the AQHA convention held in March, 2015, a hot debate took place concerning the use of lip chains at horse shows, and especially in halter classes. A lip chain is one placed under a horse's upper lip and across the surface of his upper gum. The chain then hooks to the halter and connects to the handler's lead shank for control of the animal. Thanks to AQHA for making this honorable decision that will not only free show horses from the inhumane use of chains, but will help to assure that handlers must now provide their horses with the appropriate training needed for the class in which they hope to compete.
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