Run With Horses

How are your Priorities? Part 2

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
 
Today we continue thinking about how we can be intentional about making spiritual progress in our life. Last week our focus was to clarify our purpose this week we think about our priorities.
 
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are lots of moving parts to the journey but our foundation is built on the solid Rock. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep making steps forward on your spiritual journey.
 
Last week we talked about seeing the needs in the world. Particularly important is the need for more harvest workers. I asked you to focus on prayer for those workers and to pray for a greater burden for the work and mission of Jesus. I moved on to consider how God made you and has designed you for a purpose. We took John 15:9-17 and looked at some things that God wants for you.
 
This week we turn toward living out that purpose. Hopefully you have spent some time considering what God has to say about you and about the call that Jesus made to all His followers. “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
Actually the way I like to put it is to combine two verses. “Deny yourself, take up your cross, follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.”
Your purpose, regardless of age, income, job title or current address, is to be a disciple maker – an ambassador for Christ.
 
So how do you see your priorities every day? How do you know what to focus on? In other words, how do you live out your purpose?
The world gives you lots of ideas! Many churches take Peter Drucker’s advice.
 
 
Resources
https://andrewsobel.com/article/peter-druckers-five-magic-questions/
******
Peter Drucker’s Five Magic Questions
The management guru Peter Drucker framed his consulting advice around five critical questions. With the answers to these five questions, you could run and grow your business.
Here are Drucker’s five questions:
 
1. What is your mission?
 
2. Who is your customer?
 
3. What does your customer value?
 
4. What results do you seek?
 
5. What is your plan?
 
Sometimes he would spend an entire day on the first question, challenging the leadership team he was working with to redefine what business they were really in.
 
*****
 
I can see some value in those questions, if they are answered the right way. But too often churches answer the question, Who is your customer? With some kind of demographic survey and an ideal person in their area.
 
My customer is Jesus. What does He value? Answer that and you are well on your way to determining your best priorities for the week.
 
After a short break we will look at some biblical advice for our priorities.
 
 
PART 2
 
The Bible doesn’t tell you exactly what to do each day but God does tell you what is important to Him and what you should value in life. That is a pretty good place to start when you consider your priorities.
 
Matt. 6:33
 
Luke 10:38-42
 
Matt. 22:35-40 –
Deut. 6:4-7 -
 
Romans 12:1-2 –
 
1 Timothy 2:1-2 –
 
1 Timothy 3:1-7
 
Matt. 28:18-20 –
 
What does that look like in your life? How are you living out these truths? Next week I plan to bring in some family for a Christmas show but we will return to building an intentional life of following Jesus for the New Year weekend show.,
 
Thanks for joining me again today! What is God doing in your life this holiday season? How are you focusing on abiding in Christ in the midst of a busy schedule? I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

How are your Priorities? Part 1

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
 
Today we continue thinking about how we can be intentional about making spiritual progress in our life. Last week our focus was to clarify our purpose this week we think about our priorities.
 
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are lots of moving parts to the journey but our foundation is built on the solid Rock. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep making steps forward on your spiritual journey.
 
Last week we talked about seeing the needs in the world. Particularly important is the need for more harvest workers. I asked you to focus on prayer for those workers and to pray for a greater burden for the work and mission of Jesus. I moved on to consider how God made you and has designed you for a purpose. We took John 15:9-17 and looked at some things that God wants for you.
 
This week we turn toward living out that purpose. Hopefully you have spent some time considering what God has to say about you and about the call that Jesus made to all His followers. “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
Actually the way I like to put it is to combine two verses. “Deny yourself, take up your cross, follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.”
Your purpose, regardless of age, income, job title or current address, is to be a disciple maker – an ambassador for Christ.
 
So how do you see your priorities every day? How do you know what to focus on? In other words, how do you live out your purpose?
The world gives you lots of ideas! Many churches take Peter Drucker’s advice.
 
 
Resources
https://andrewsobel.com/article/peter-druckers-five-magic-questions/
******
Peter Drucker’s Five Magic Questions
The management guru Peter Drucker framed his consulting advice around five critical questions. With the answers to these five questions, you could run and grow your business.
Here are Drucker’s five questions:
 
1. What is your mission?
 
2. Who is your customer?
 
3. What does your customer value?
 
4. What results do you seek?
 
5. What is your plan?
 
Sometimes he would spend an entire day on the first question, challenging the leadership team he was working with to redefine what business they were really in.
 
*****
 
I can see some value in those questions, if they are answered the right way. But too often churches answer the question, Who is your customer? With some kind of demographic survey and an ideal person in their area.
 
My customer is Jesus. What does He value? Answer that and you are well on your way to determining your best priorities for the week.
 
After a short break we will look at some biblical advice for our priorities.
 
 
PART 2
 
The Bible doesn’t tell you exactly what to do each day but God does tell you what is important to Him and what you should value in life. That is a pretty good place to start when you consider your priorities.
 
Matt. 6:33
 
Luke 10:38-42
 
Matt. 22:35-40 –
Deut. 6:4-7 -
 
Romans 12:1-2 –
 
1 Timothy 2:1-2 –
 
1 Timothy 3:1-7
 
Matt. 28:18-20 –
 
What does that look like in your life? How are you living out these truths? Next week I plan to bring in some family for a Christmas show but we will return to building an intentional life of following Jesus for the New Year weekend show.,
 
Thanks for joining me again today! What is God doing in your life this holiday season? How are you focusing on abiding in Christ in the midst of a busy schedule? I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

Purpose and Priorities Part 2

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
 
Today we consider how we can be a little more intentional about making progress in our life by clarifying our purpose and priorities.
 
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are lots of moving parts to the journey but our foundation is built on the solid Rock. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep making steps forward on your spiritual journey.
 
Last week we talked about the year end depressions that hits so many. Loneliness and isolation have a lot to do with it and we stayed there a lot last week. But as the New Year draws closer and more people begin to think about the future, past the Christmas parties and New Year gatherings what waits for you in the next year? If you are thinking next year will be a replay of last year I can see why you might be discouraged. But I don’t believe it has to be more of the same for you.
 
You may not have control over your circumstances or the people around you but you have a loto of influence over your response to those circumstances and people. More of the same from them doesn’t have to mean more of the same from you!
 
But change requires CHANGE.
Where do you start?
Prayer and fasting. What is God doing in you? What is God doing in the people around you? How does God want to use you this year to influence those around you toward Him?
 
Work Goals: What you can do.
Faith Goals: What only God can do.
 
First pray about the big needs you see in the world. Most people need to know Jesus in a real and personal way. The evidence of that is in the news every day. How often do you pray about it instead of complain about it? Where do you see evidence of this need in the people around you?
 
Who are the people working to meet those needs? Pray for workers. Get to know the workers in the harvest field around you. How can you help and encourage them? Don’t know? Pray for wisdom, then go and ask those workers how you can help them!
 
If not NOW, WHEN? If not YOU, WHO? - Ask God to give you the burden and vision for His work.
 
Want to have a better year next year? Pray about how you can serve others more and better.
 
After a short break I will be back with some thoughts on how to use some strategic planning principles to clarify a new direction for a new year in a way that can get you excited about what God is doing in your life!
 
PART 2
 
If you follow my advice you will spend some time at the end of this year and the start of the next in intentional prayer and fasting. Although it is easy to focus on the negative in the world, God uses difficult times to open hearts. If you look for people who need a friend, you will find them. Pray for the compassion of Jesus to guide you in the coming year.
 
Second, after spending time with God, reflecting on Him and the work He is doing in the world, spend some time praying and considering how God made you and what He made you for. You have a purpose.
 
John 15:9-17
 
However you may think about your purpose in this life, I encourage you to consider the FIVE truths from this passage.
 
1. God wants you to Abide in Jesus. John 15:4
 
2. God wants you to have real Joy! Galatians 5: 22-23
 
3. Jesus is a true friend, even when you have no one else. Proverbs 18:24
4. You are chosen! God wants you even when no one else does. Ephesians 2:10
 
5. God wants you to live a fruitful life! Ephesians 2:10 – Created for Good Works! John 15:16 – Chosen to bear fruit!
 
What does that look like in your life? How are you living out these truths? Next week let’s look a little more at how you can narrow down all that you COULD do, to a few things that you can commit to in the coming year. Even one or two small changes in your weekly schedule can make a big difference in your spiritual life. This week, pursue knowing God in His Word, meditate on Who He is and what He is doing in the world around you.
 
Thanks for joining me again today! What is God doing in your life this holiday season? How are you focusing on abiding in Christ in the midst of a busy schedule? I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

Purpose and Priorities Part 1

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
 
Today we consider how we can be a little more intentional about making progress in our life by clarifying our purpose and priorities.
 
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are lots of moving parts to the journey but our foundation is built on the solid Rock. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep making steps forward on your spiritual journey.
 
Last week we talked about the year end depressions that hits so many. Loneliness and isolation have a lot to do with it and we stayed there a lot last week. But as the New Year draws closer and more people begin to think about the future, past the Christmas parties and New Year gatherings what waits for you in the next year? If you are thinking next year will be a replay of last year I can see why you might be discouraged. But I don’t believe it has to be more of the same for you.
 
You may not have control over your circumstances or the people around you but you have a loto of influence over your response to those circumstances and people. More of the same from them doesn’t have to mean more of the same from you!
 
But change requires CHANGE.
Where do you start?
Prayer and fasting. What is God doing in you? What is God doing in the people around you? How does God want to use you this year to influence those around you toward Him?
 
Work Goals: What you can do.
Faith Goals: What only God can do.
 
First pray about the big needs you see in the world. Most people need to know Jesus in a real and personal way. The evidence of that is in the news every day. How often do you pray about it instead of complain about it? Where do you see evidence of this need in the people around you?
 
Who are the people working to meet those needs? Pray for workers. Get to know the workers in the harvest field around you. How can you help and encourage them? Don’t know? Pray for wisdom, then go and ask those workers how you can help them!
 
If not NOW, WHEN? If not YOU, WHO? - Ask God to give you the burden and vision for His work.
 
Want to have a better year next year? Pray about how you can serve others more and better.
 
After a short break I will be back with some thoughts on how to use some strategic planning principles to clarify a new direction for a new year in a way that can get you excited about what God is doing in your life!
 
PART 2
 
If you follow my advice you will spend some time at the end of this year and the start of the next in intentional prayer and fasting. Although it is easy to focus on the negative in the world, God uses difficult times to open hearts. If you look for people who need a friend, you will find them. Pray for the compassion of Jesus to guide you in the coming year.
 
Second, after spending time with God, reflecting on Him and the work He is doing in the world, spend some time praying and considering how God made you and what He made you for. You have a purpose.
 
John 15:9-17
 
However you may think about your purpose in this life, I encourage you to consider the FIVE truths from this passage.
 
1. God wants you to Abide in Jesus. John 15:4
 
2. God wants you to have real Joy! Galatians 5: 22-23
 
3. Jesus is a true friend, even when you have no one else. Proverbs 18:24
4. You are chosen! God wants you even when no one else does. Ephesians 2:10
 
5. God wants you to live a fruitful life! Ephesians 2:10 – Created for Good Works! John 15:16 – Chosen to bear fruit!
 
What does that look like in your life? How are you living out these truths? Next week let’s look a little more at how you can narrow down all that you COULD do, to a few things that you can commit to in the coming year. Even one or two small changes in your weekly schedule can make a big difference in your spiritual life. This week, pursue knowing God in His Word, meditate on Who He is and what He is doing in the world around you.
 
Thanks for joining me again today! What is God doing in your life this holiday season? How are you focusing on abiding in Christ in the midst of a busy schedule? I’d love to hear from you, write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

Cheerless Holiday Part 2

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
 
Today we consider how we can be a little more intentional about making progress in our life by clarifying our purpose and priorities.
 
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are lots of moving parts to the journey but our foundation is built on the solid Rock. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep making steps forward on your spiritual journey.
 
December is here! And along with thoughts of Christmas, family gatherings, Christmas programs, brief thoughts about the real meaning behind all of this and daily life that keeps intruding; there is a glimmer in the back of your ind that says another year is almost gone, another one is about to start.
 
Any traditions for us?
 
What comes to mind when you think about holidays, Christmas, ending one year and going into the next, Susan?
 
Did you know that many people are depressed during this time?
 
****
Resources
https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/new-years-depression-yes-its-real-heres-what-you-can-do/
It’s a well-known and researched fact that the holiday season worsens or triggers mental health symptoms in many people. If you already have depression, this time of year can make it worse.
The entire season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, causes stress, anxiety, and depression for many reasons:
Stress is a major component of holiday blues. The stress associated with buying gifts, making big dinners, and attending parties can become overwhelming.
High expectations also trigger bad feelings, especially if you can’t meet them.
Finances cause a great deal of anxiety this time of year, particularly when coupled with the expectations of gift buying.
Some people end up isolated during the holidays, which can trigger depression.
Grief is often amplified at the holidays, especially if you have lost a close loved one.
The colder weather and shorter days may trigger seasonal depression.
All of these issues, and more, apply to New Year’s depression as well, but there’s more to this phenomenon. Loneliness and isolation are major factors.
Another issue that differs from the rest of the holiday season is the focus on reflection. Many people look over the past year and see a lot of disappointments. This is especially a problem if you tend to compare your own achievements with those of others.
****
The holidays can be a real struggle for many, but they are also an opportunity.
 
We will take a quick break and be back with some thoughts about how to avoid the holiday blues and maybe help someone else along the way.
 
*** PART 2 ***
 
We are talking about the very real issue of holiday depression. Particularly I want to focus on the isolation and loneliness issue but first we can touch on the stress caused by expectations and the feeling of being overwhelmed that so many face. How do you handle it, Susan?
 
The more people who are involved the lower you need to put your personal expectations of meeting your dreams for any activity. Be flexible.
 
Be realistic. Lots of people mean lots of opinions.
 
Ask for help if you are in charge of being dinners or events! Don’t be stubborn! There is no reward for working yourself to death during the holidays.
 
What about the deeper issues? Loneliness and isolation are real issues for a lot of people.
 
***
Resources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860
What are the benefits of friendships?
Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too. Friends can also:
Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
Boost your happiness and reduce your stress
Improve your self-confidence and self-worth
Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one
Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise
Friends also play a significant role in promoting your overall health. Adults with strong social connections have a reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). In fact, studies have found that older adults who have meaningful relationships and social support are likely to live longer than their peers with fewer connections
***
Accept invitations! Go to dinner with people you don’t know well, that changes over time. Invite people into your life. Coffee, lunch, dinner, or a walk in the park!
 
Look for community events and take part.
 
Be available. Be Kind. Be a good listener.
 
Romans 12: 9-13 – 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
 
1Peter 4:8-11 – 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
 
People are always busy. Maybe even more so during the holiday season. If you can slow down and be available for people around you, you may be just the spark of light that someone else needs to keep going. Join me this year and let’s try to show radical love to those around us! Who knows what conversations and friendships, might result from our efforts.
 
Thanks for Joining me today! What are you doing to reach out during the holiday season? Let me know! And If you have questions or comment about today’s show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.
Until next time, keep running!

Cheerless Holiday? Part 1

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
 
Today we consider how we can be a little more intentional about making progress in our life by clarifying our purpose and priorities.
 
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are lots of moving parts to the journey but our foundation is built on the solid Rock. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep making steps forward on your spiritual journey.
 
December is here! And along with thoughts of Christmas, family gatherings, Christmas programs, brief thoughts about the real meaning behind all of this and daily life that keeps intruding; there is a glimmer in the back of your ind that says another year is almost gone, another one is about to start.
 
Any traditions for us?
 
What comes to mind when you think about holidays, Christmas, ending one year and going into the next, Susan?
 
Did you know that many people are depressed during this time?
 
****
Resources
https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/new-years-depression-yes-its-real-heres-what-you-can-do/
It’s a well-known and researched fact that the holiday season worsens or triggers mental health symptoms in many people. If you already have depression, this time of year can make it worse.
The entire season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, causes stress, anxiety, and depression for many reasons:
Stress is a major component of holiday blues. The stress associated with buying gifts, making big dinners, and attending parties can become overwhelming.
High expectations also trigger bad feelings, especially if you can’t meet them.
Finances cause a great deal of anxiety this time of year, particularly when coupled with the expectations of gift buying.
Some people end up isolated during the holidays, which can trigger depression.
Grief is often amplified at the holidays, especially if you have lost a close loved one.
The colder weather and shorter days may trigger seasonal depression.
All of these issues, and more, apply to New Year’s depression as well, but there’s more to this phenomenon. Loneliness and isolation are major factors.
Another issue that differs from the rest of the holiday season is the focus on reflection. Many people look over the past year and see a lot of disappointments. This is especially a problem if you tend to compare your own achievements with those of others.
****
The holidays can be a real struggle for many, but they are also an opportunity.
 
We will take a quick break and be back with some thoughts about how to avoid the holiday blues and maybe help someone else along the way.
 
*** PART 2 ***
 
We are talking about the very real issue of holiday depression. Particularly I want to focus on the isolation and loneliness issue but first we can touch on the stress caused by expectations and the feeling of being overwhelmed that so many face. How do you handle it, Susan?
 
The more people who are involved the lower you need to put your personal expectations of meeting your dreams for any activity. Be flexible.
 
Be realistic. Lots of people mean lots of opinions.
 
Ask for help if you are in charge of being dinners or events! Don’t be stubborn! There is no reward for working yourself to death during the holidays.
 
What about the deeper issues? Loneliness and isolation are real issues for a lot of people.
 
***
Resources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860
What are the benefits of friendships?
Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too. Friends can also:
Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
Boost your happiness and reduce your stress
Improve your self-confidence and self-worth
Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one
Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise
Friends also play a significant role in promoting your overall health. Adults with strong social connections have a reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). In fact, studies have found that older adults who have meaningful relationships and social support are likely to live longer than their peers with fewer connections
***
Accept invitations! Go to dinner with people you don’t know well, that changes over time. Invite people into your life. Coffee, lunch, dinner, or a walk in the park!
 
Look for community events and take part.
 
Be available. Be Kind. Be a good listener.
 
Romans 12: 9-13 – 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
 
1Peter 4:8-11 – 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
 
People are always busy. Maybe even more so during the holiday season. If you can slow down and be available for people around you, you may be just the spark of light that someone else needs to keep going. Join me this year and let’s try to show radical love to those around us! Who knows what conversations and friendships, might result from our efforts.
 
Thanks for Joining me today! What are you doing to reach out during the holiday season? Let me know! And If you have questions or comment about today’s show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.
Until next time, keep running!

Bible Meditation

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
 
Today Susan joins me for a discussion of biblical meditation and bible memorization, to important parts of our daily spiritual life.
 
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. There are lots of moving parts to the journey but our foundation is built on God's Word. How are we doing at daily engaging in it?
 
Confession time. I struggle with memorization. Particularly with remembering the references. It takes a lot of work to get them and then I forget them easily if I don’t constantly review them.
 
But we aren’t starting with memorization! Let’s begin by considering what it means to meditate on God’s Word.
 
First a definition. From Merriam-webster's dictionary; to meditate - to focus one's thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over. This is the definition and style of meditation that we are talking about. not meditation as a mental exercise that focuses on your breathing or a mantra in hopes of achieving some kind of spiritual breakthrough.
 
First, Why?
Psalm 1:1-3 – 1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
 
Psalm 63:3-8 – 3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
4 Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
6 When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
7 Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
8 My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.
 
Colo. 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
 
Second, How?
Journaling
Considering the words, their meaning and their relationship to each other. (Mrs. Gutwein)
Asking questions meant to help you draw out the intent and application of the passage.
Understanding the Bible:
1. What do we learn about God?
2. What do we learn about people?
3. What do we learn about relating to God?
4. What do we learn about relating to others?
 
Applying the Bible:
1. What does God want me to understand?
2. What does God want me to believe?
3. What does God want me to desire?
4. What does God want me to do?
(taken from - The Simple Questions to Ask Every Time You Open Your Bible
JUSTIN TAYLOR, JUNE 19, 2017 -https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/the-simple-questions-to-ask-every-time-you-open-your-bible/)

Bible Memorization

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
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Today Susan joins me for a discussion of biblical meditation and bible memorization, to important parts of our daily spiritual life.
 
First Why?
 
Psalm 119:9-16 – 9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
 
 
Second, How?
1.To keep track of the verses you are learning:
Verselocker app - https://scripturememory.com/verselocker/app/index.php
 
Index cards
 
2.How to learn them.
Verselocker has different ways, quiz yourself through, removing words, showing only the first letter in each word, etc.
 
Write them out. Good for those verses you find difficult.
Repeat, say them out loud.
 
Have a card available while doing a mindless task. Running, walking, etc.
 
Thanks for Joining me today! How are you doing at meditating on Scripture and memorizing those key verses that are so helpful to have stored away? Let me know! And If you have questions or comment about today’ss show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.
Until next time, keep running!
 

Pastor Nick Spencer Part 2

23_11_18_sat -Ep.277 and 278 -Run With Horses Podcast
 
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
 
Today I talk to Nick Spencer of Grace Fellowship Church in Rockwell City, Iowa.
 
Thanks for Joining me today! If you have questions or comment about todays show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.
 

Pastor Nick Spencer

23_11_18_sat -Ep.277 and 278 -Run With Horses Podcast
 
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
 
Today I talk to Nick Spencer of Grace Fellowship Church in Rockwell City, Iowa.
 
Thanks for Joining me today! If you have questions or comment about todays show, email me at norman@runwithhorses.net or look up the Run With Horses podcast facebook page.