Key Bible Verse: "I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word" (Isaiah 66:2). Bonus Reading: Isaiah 64:1-4, 8-12

"Okay, Jess," I said. You swung one leg over the cantle, but froze with fear. "Get back in the saddle then," I said, pushing. "Now try again." Again you froze. I reached up, lifted you from the saddle, and tossed you to the ground.

You got up, your eyes brimming with tears.

"Now, Jess,'" I said, "I'm not trying to hurt you. You're safe in the saddle and on the ground, but not standing there on the side of the horse."

Then I took you in my arms and felt your wet, soft face pressed against mine. You held me, reaching for all the security and strength I could give.

"Okay," I said softly, "let's try again."

Up you went into the saddle, grabbed the horn in your little fist, swung your leg over the cantle, and dropped lightly to the ground. No hoof rose to strike you.

Maybe I was too harsh. But in your own way you learned the two sides of God. The one side is Jehovah, the Law-giver. He commands, and it's best if we obey. The other side is El Shaddai, the bountiful nurturer and provider of grace. Jehovah tells us to get mounted or stay on the ground. El Shaddai protects and encourages us.

—John L. Moore in Take the Reins

My Response: Between God's commanding and nurturing sides, which do I need a deeper awareness of? Why?

Thought to Apply: God is no puppet on a string / He ain't no carnival prancer / Open up the doors for the strong and mighty King.—WAYNE WATSON (in "God in a Box")

Adapted from Take the Reins (Nelson, 1997) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Almighty Creator, help me to grasp how totally different You are from created beings like me.

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