Meet The Pastor
Sr. Pastor Dan Baty
In the wide-open pastures of the Lord’s presence we can unbridle our heart, remove the saddle, give it a gentle pat and let it run free without fear and without restriction.
We don’t have to couch our words in "religious speak" or preface our feelings with disclaimers. (“I know I need to be thankful that I even have a job, Lord, but…”)
The Lord already knows what we know and everything that is in our hearts.
In our daily interaction with one another, love dictates we not give full vent to everything in our hearts because words can wound or even destroy. It is also sometimes very caring to qualify comments that can be easily misunderstood.
However, with the Lord no such caution is necessary. If we are too far off He will certainly let us know through the indwelling Holy Spirit. That's His job!
Therefore, we are free to give unqualified expression to our hearts. So, let it run! Snorting. Mane blowing. Tail-swishing. Spirited high-hoofing.
This can mean shouting out loud in anger or unrestrained exaltation in a victory. Have you seen how a horse rears up? Or how athletes give out a primal yell when they’ve made a big play? That’s what I’m talking about! Or it can be the quiet, full embrace of a passionate aspiration. Let the tears of desire flow! He knows how to handle it.
This all comes down to one simple word: Honesty! Disclosing what we really feel, saying what we really mean and being where we really are. It doesn’t mean the Lord will agree with all of it or that He will give us everything we ask for. It means our relationship with Him is becoming more authentic and therefore precious to Him as well as to us. Remember, what the Lord values most in His relationship with us is “truth in the innermost being” (Psalm 51:6).
Let it run!