"A-Horseback"

More time a-horseback,

Is what I always say,

When I am approaching,

Another New Year’s day.

I guess it’s not that serious,

There’s lots and lots to do,

But more time in the saddle,

I’ll honestly tell you,

Helps me do the other,

Better, so it seems,

Excel in things I ought to,

Including chase my dreams.

Churchill said it better,

Said the outside of a horse,

Helped the inside of the rider,

Describing me, of course.

Said no hour in the saddle,

Was ever wasted, see,

So you can understand it,

In the New Year there I’ll be.

In case you’re gettin’ worried,

‘Bout my walk with the Lord,

Trust me when I tell you,

I love the Spirit’s sword.

And I intend to use it,

And seek the Lord in prayer,

His Kingdom, first priority,

And show the world God’s care.

Live to please the Spirit,

And ask for Him to fill,

And every single day that comes,

Discern and do God’s will.

Share the Word with boldness,

Look for ways to serve,

Never compromise what’s right,

And never lose my nerve.

But all of this discipleship,

Is really helped along,

If I can just get horseback,

I know it is not wrong.

So cowboy up, my brother,

In twenty twenty-three,

I pray you’re loosed from evil,

And every blessing see.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…” (Matthew 6:33, NLT)

When Jesus said this, He was talking about dealing successfully with the things that worry us. He said if the Kingdom of God was our priority, we could trust God to supply our needs. It was the ultimate solution to overcome and escape worry. Very good advice! Seeking God’s Kingdom above all else does not mean that we only give ourselves to what we consider spiritual things. It also means we do the things that help us seek the Kingdom. Everyday life is filled with all kinds of activities. One of my old friends, now in heaven, said life was all about work, play and worship. Another said it was best lived if we have something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to. All of this is wisdom. But if it all revolves around Jesus as Lord and God’s rule in our lives, we’ll be all right.

Lord, help us seek Your Kingdom above all else, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Jason Rich, jasonrichstudios.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Jason, and God bless you.