Rebekah Holt

Poetry has never been a strong point in my writing (or even a real interest), however, I have found this year that the Lord gives me a message once written down, it finds itself in rhythm.  Of course, I haven't gotten the stanzas all to match in syllables--so you writing folks out there--I'm an amateur! But there's no denying that He gave me this poem very quickly on my drive home yesterday.  I could not rest or get anything done until I sat down and the words flowed forth, almost effortlessly.  I've edited it a little, but here it is almost exactly as He gave it (read below).

We have to be willing to receive from the Lord and be where He wants us. It takes a daily acceptance and saying "Yes, Lord--I will obey and trust You."   Yesterday, I felt it would be impossible for me to be of any use to the Lord--that my call to ministry would need to be set aside for a time.  I had given all I could and felt I could no longer be effective--so I thought. Yet the Lord answered many prayers and I experienced His work, His grace and His renewal in a very personal, shockingly quick way that has lasted to a new day.  No one can fully comprehend this--unless they too experience the Lord's vibrant work in their lives.  

There are times in our lives we so wonder "why"--every one of us, if we are honest, are going to have those times of "wonder" and even "deaths" (however great or whatever they are) that put us to that question. Yet--in Christ, if we are truly submitting our lives to Him, we realize we have a responsibility to respond to any trial as Christ would and to let His mindset be the "sieve" in straining out our thoughts to only dwell on His truths.  Much of our walking through shadows relies on our being willing to obey Him by faith and not doubt God's mercy, will or sovereignty.     

I hope you will be encouraged and realize, you too are chosen.  We when accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we truly have what we need to make it. He causes us to mount wings of eagles (Isaiah 40:31), soaring above the storm, restoring our strength--when we need to be restored.  He promises that no matter if we take the wings of morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea (Ps. 139:9-10), EVEN THERE, He is with us.  We are never alone and we are so safe within His will. 

I cannot know who reads most my articles or blog posts. I do not know your circumstances, but if you are human, there's probably a few of you out there today that need to be encouraged and experience a renewal.  Seek the Lord with full vigor. He promises to right all wrongs (Romans 12:19), heal the broken hearted (Luke 4:18), restore the weak and provide the grace in measure to each need (2 Cor. 12:9).  Remember when you confess Christ--you are chosen to be His and chosen to dip from His unending, overflowing stores of grace and goodness! Be encouraged, my friend and wait on the Lord--He will not fail you.

I am Chosen

Rebekah L. Holt

I am Chosen

When I confessed my Lord

The Savior of my Life

He died that I might live

Free from sin’s binding strife.

I am Chosen

Restored. Redeemed, Purchased.

His life He gave for mine.

The Amazing story becomes real

As I walk this journey in time.

I am Chosen

Because He loves me deeply

With unfailing, ceaseless love

Faithful to fill me daily

Sending mercies from above.

I am Chosen

To be His cherished one

Experiencing His provision

Overflowing and abundant

No restrictions in what is given.

I am Chosen

And wholly forgiven

Knowing the same measure

I too must all forgive

No wrongs must I treasure.

I am Chosen

To give and give and give

Not fearing slight or shun.

Freely given, freely received

God can never be outdone

I am Chosen

To rise, refreshed again

Triumphant—As He Lives!

A reflection of His Imagine

Submitted to what He gives

I am Chosen

To be joyously filled

To rejoice everyday

To find myself in raptures

Of delights He sends my way

I am Chosen

To keep on going

Tho’ the path the soul tries

His grace is all sufficient

He enables, satisfies

I am Chosen

To sing sweet praises

To the One Who made for me

The sunset and the dew drops

Children who laugh merrily

I am Chosen

To see His beauty

Daily framed in each glance

A world that dazzles, exclaims

Details Handcrafted--not “chance”

I am Chosen

To receive abundance

In kind and thoughtful deeds

By those also Chosen

Dear Believers, indeed.

I am Chosen

To be enriched

By prayers in United Band

These are also Chosen

Extensions of Nail Pierced Hands.

I am Chosen

To know Him

He is enough to fill

Every hole, every void

In storm, in grief or still

I am Chosen

To have no doubts

As to His real, tender care

He knows the very numbers

Of silver threads in my hair

I am Chosen

To wait for Him

His wing beneath to rest

Unknowns may vision cloud

His will is always best

I am Chosen

To see Him work

Every day in my behalf

Whatever guidance needed

He leads me with rod and staff.

I am Chosen

To travel Pathways

Enriched by Kingly gold

Wisdom, charity, peace

Spirit Fruits never old.

I am Chosen

To abide with Him

Every day with Christ Jesus

He lives in me; I in Him

Strength overcoming weakness

I am Chosen

A daughter of the King

Created to do His work

I am made for a purpose.

With His grace I will not shirk.

I am Chosen

You are chosen too

Your unique Life greatly counts

Say “Yes” to Him always

You He never will denounce

As Christians--it's important that we take the time to rehearse the work of the Lord in our lives.

While the Lord taught the Israelites He was their God after releasing them from captivity in Egypt, He instructed them to set up memorial stones--lest they forget.  Through the generations, God's followers rehearsed how He had delivered, judged, defended, provided, enabled, sustained, supported, redeemed, etc. (Read Ps. 105)

Likewise, today we find ourselves with many distractions that can perhaps tempt us to lose focus on the blessings today.  It boils down that we need to stop often to rehearse, remember and rejoice in what God has done. In remembering the works of God Who of yesterday, today and forever remains ever true--we will be refreshed and grateful for what He has done. 

I was thinking today of April 13, 2012. I was unemployed and had done all I could to pursue work, filled out multiple applications, pounded the pavement for nearly 4 months.   That day I remember applying "do the next thing" and waiting on the Lord.  That morning I was sitting down to sew a hot pink blazer.  My thought--I might not have work, but I'll prepare for it (my warewobe needed a facelift!)! My Dad brought me a phone and said, "Rebekah, maybe this is an interview!"  I was so hopeful!  

After saying, "Hello"...to my utter shock, the man on the other end of the telephone told me he had found my article on contentment and asked me to be a guest on his radio program that afternoon. 

I was not impressed and very skeptical.   I was wanting work--the last thing I ever thought about was being on the radio!!  I told him I'd think about it and get back with him.  I wanted some time to pray, consult with my parents and probe into checking out the radio program.  

It's often this way when following the Lord. Our agenda is not what God planned for the our day. Here I was having to apply my very words about being content and they wanted me to talk about it to listeners in Pennsylvania???

Having a need does not keep us from pouring out of it. The Lord instilled in me this was His work! For some reason, He wanted me in my state of learning to be content, to speak about it--despite my natural recoiling from such public experiences.

To this day, i have no idea who might have been listening.  I have no idea if anyone was blessed, encouraged, strengthen to be more content. Yet I know that I was personally renewed in contentment through studying for the most nervous 12 minutes I've lived thus far. Many times we are called to serve without knowing why we were.  We're simply the Lord's servants.  

You can listen to my nasal East Texan discussion about the article I wrote "A Christian's Twelve Practical Principles to the Path of Contentment" here:

Incidentally--the Lord didn't bless me with excellent paying work until November of that year.  I had a long stent of doing the next thing. I found myself doing what I could, where I could and learning to be thankful in it. I was seasonal help in a bakery; I did some photography and website work; I cleaned a house. Then the Lord blessed me with a happy, corporate job that lasted until the following November 2013--when I once again had to trust the Lord until March 2014 for employment!!  The Lord taught me that a Christian is never unemployed when in His service. I had plenty to do--and all my immediate needs were met. TRUE--I still haven't recovered my savings account to this day!!  Yet, I know my God is faithful and His ways are not my ways.  

Take a moment and do a little rehearsing yourself.  Remember what God has done in the yesterdays...it will strengthen your joy for today and your hope for tomorrow.

Ps. 77:11-12

I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.

Ps. 105: 1-5; 43, 45

Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord !Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth...

He brought out His people with joy, His chosen ones with gladness...That they might observe His statutes and keep His laws.

Praise the Lord!

Originally Published on Discover Equus

For the advantage of understanding how horses can be used as a therapy strategy for people, therapists have studied horse ambulation. Remarkably, studies revealed that the average sized horse's movement and foot placement simulates the cadence and length of stride for humans.

The horse's cadence in steps/minute is also similar to an adult's cadence. The average adult walks at approximately 110-120 steps/minute and a large horse walks at a speed of 100-120 steps/minute."¹

Horseback riding moves a rider's body as if they were walking. It provides a three dimensional, repetitive rhythmical motion to the rider's pelvis: rotational, medial/lateral and anterior/posterior. Such stimulation offers many equestrians health strengthening feedback for respiratory, circulation, muscular systems, etc. As anyone can attest that has tried it—riding a horse works the whole body!

Therapeutic Riding Instructors work to select horses with specific dominate movement as a suitable match for a rider's needs. Some horses walk, trot or canter with greater lateral motion, while other horses naturally have predominant movement that increases a rider's pelvic rotational and/or anterior/posterior response. Such sequenced movement from the horse has proven to be a breakthrough for many special needs riders toward an improved quality of life. Apart from the physical health benefits, learning to ride a horse increases spatial awareness and has proven to enhance cognitive processing (just to name a few of the advantages!).

As Christians we should stop and recognize what a gift our Creator Jesus Christ has given us in the horse. For ambulatory or even able bodied people, we might be tempted to forget the blessing of walking or good health—until it is taken away from us. Even then, for some people, riding horses provides a way for freedom of motion and strengthening activity once again. Without the "match" that horse ambulation provides to humans, the movement could be detrimental, overwhelming and/or ineffective to our bodies. Yet, God in His infinite wisdom has created all things for His pleasure and our benefit. He supplies our needs. When Christ the Creator proclaimed His creation as "very good", He foreknew that after The Fall many humans living today would need a four legged helper until in His time all things might be made new (Rev. 21)!

Let's not forget to praise the Lord for His benevolence in designing horses with just the right stride and three dimensional motion to enrich (and strengthen) our lives.

Psalm 104:24
O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches.

When I agreed to provide food and lodging for a 5 year old Miniature Dachshund named Dezi who was dissatisfied with his city life—little did I expect having a new horse tale to tell.

Before we go further—first envision the credentialed scientist that is no stranger to sorting out the complexity of the mysterious language of the genome. You would probably never envision such a man astride a horse, right? 

Well, that's because you don't know Jeffrey "Jeff" Tomkins, Ph.D. Geneticist 

eQuest For Truth/The Holt Family was honored to provide this brother-in-Christ an opportunity to nearly freeze in the saddle astride a horse. It was a miserably cold day and he decidedly braved the frozen trail with commendable determination and good humor. From the riding instructor viewpoint, it may be reported that Jeff demonstrated a balanced neutral position in the saddle with good alignment and the ability to skillfully control, steer and enjoy his horse!

Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins Riding Deacon

Jeff Tomkins currently serves as a Research Associate at the Institute of Creation Research. His work is frequently published on the topics surrounding human and chimpanzee genetic differences. Through recent studies of comparing the entire human and chimpanzee genomes, Dr. Tomkins' scientific contribution helps set the record straight in exposing commonly accepted inaccurate reports of humans sharing 97-99% genetic similarities with chimps. According to his research, the human and chimpanzee genomes are only about 70% similar. The Y chromosome of chimpanzee, only shows a 50% similarity overall to the human Y chromosome.

Jeff shares that "the Y chromosome is definitely the least similar of all chromosomes between humans and chimpanzees. The other chromosomes, including the X chromosome, are between 69 and 78% similar, depending on the chromosome."

A link to his research paper describing this data can be found here (http://legacy-cdn-assets.answersingenesis.org/contents/379/arj/v6/chimpanzee_human_chromosomes.pdf)

Be sure to check out Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins' latest book, The Design and Complexity of the Cell and his published scientific articles on www.icr.org.

It seems fitting that some of Christendom's champions, armed with the Truth of God's Word, are still riding horses!

Dezi in seems to be adjusting well to country living!Side Note: Dezi was offered with the description of being extremely good natured and barking with a southern accent. Well, what farm is complete without at least three dogs? And I love Dachshunds! Dezi seems to be delighted with his new life as top short farm dog having already starred in his first home video, A Wiener Western. So far, Dezi's favorite farm "duty" is finding a cow patty and making up for lost time by rolling in it to his little heart's content. After all, according to Jeff, Dezi always wanted to grow up to be a farm dog. Part of that dream must have included being "Stinky Pete."

Excerpt from: Putting on the Whole Armor of God

Rebekah L. Holt

Equipped for the Battle of Life –

To face the battle of life—the Lord has provided us with armor that is 100% impenetrable, bullet proof—spiritually speaking!

Ephesians 6: 10-18 is the familiar passage outlining the armor of God:

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

The WHOLE armor includes:

A Girdle/Belt of Truth –

TO “gird” [or girdle] up the loins” is a common expression in the KJV for putting one’s self in readiness for any service that might be required…The girdle was a symbol of strength, activity, and power…^”  This often referred to the skirt of a robe being tucked into a belt at the waist for freedom in motion.  Likewise, to gird one’s loins in battle was to protect vital organs and provide a useful utility belt that other articles could be hung on.

In a spiritual sense, truth is a foundation for Christianity.  Without being girt about with truth, we leave ourselves dangerously exposed for compromise and deception; our potential for effectively defending our Christianity is thus handicapped.  Mixing false ideologies (e.g. evolution, etc.) and heresies (e.g. theistic evolution, prosperity doctrine, etc.) limits the spiritual and intellectual freedom that our Savior desires us to engage in.  John 8:28 – “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”

“It was prophesied of Christ (Is. 11:5) that righteousness should be the girdle of His loins and faithfulness the girdle of His reins.  That which Christ was girded with, all Christians must be girded with.  God desires truth…  This is the strength of our loins; and it girds on all other pieces of our armour, and therefore is first mentioned.”

In the book of Psalms, truth is also said to be our shield and buckler—a method of defense (Ps. 91:4).   Scripture reveals that the wicked are not valiant for truth (Jer. 9:3), instead, they resist (2 Tim. 3:8) and turn away from it (2 Tim. 4:4).  Those who are devoid of truth are likened to the devil who “abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father of it” (Jn. 8:44). 

It is sobering to consider the words of Christ, “He that is not with me is against me…" (Mt. 12:30). Those who choose not to believe what God has revealed in His Son (Jesus Christ), His written Word (the Bible) and His natural revelation (a created world) are rejecting the truth.  They are without excuse (Ro. 1:20). 

Like many people today, Pilate asked, “What is truth⁴?” when the answer was standing before him.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6).