The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-24

(From Pete Briscoe) One morning, I drove my family into the raw beauty of east Texas where a close friend of mine was waiting with a trailer of horses, saddled and ready to go. We climbed on, uncertain at first, not sure of where we were going or what the ride would be like. The horses walked at first, carefully circling. Then we headed into the unknown for six hours.

Through the brush, up over hills, building up speed as we went down into a creek bed, galloping full speed in about six inches of water. In my mind, scenes from that day still play in slow motion, like a movie; water spraying into the deep blue sky, glittering like shards of crystal in the rays of sunlight. Hour after hour with my wife and three kids—it was as near perfection as life can get on earth, I think. Just an amazing day.

I always have a hard time coming up with a vivid picture of what life “in Christ” is like. But that day got pretty close to a life lived in the grace of God. I see that day very much like Kingdom living on earth.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Jesus, the Son, saved us by grace. God, the Father, like my friend, prepares good works in advance for us to do. He gets the horses saddled up for us. And then the Holy Spirit prompts us and pushes us, empowering us and producing fruit through us.

What’s your job? Get on the horse. Stay on the horse. Be carried along. Trust… and hang on.

Abba Father, thank You for this day. For a day full of Your mercies that are new this morning one more time. Take me for the ride, Lord. I saddle up, and I hang on, trusting You with whatever this day might bring my way, ready to allow Your Spirit to propel me into any work that You have prepared for me. Amen.