the First Week of Advent
Click here to learn more!
Read the Bible
Simplified Cowboy Version
2 Timothy 1
1 I, Paul, a cowboy for Christ, chosen by God, gather the lost and bring back those who have strayed away by telling others of the life promised to those who put their faith in Jesus.
2 To Timothy, a man who is like a son, may you ride in grace, love in mercy, and live in peace that comes from God through Christ Jesus.
Keep Your Chin up and Your Toes Out
3 Timothy, I am more thankful to God for you than you'll ever know. I ride through this world with a clear conscience and my head held high, just like my granddaddies did. There's not a day that goes by that I don't pray for you.
4 I can't wait to see you again. I remember the tears we shared when we shook hands and said goodbye. That memory will stay with me until it can be replaced with another handshake when we meet again.5 I recall how authentic your faith was. Your grandmother Lois and your momma, Eunice, did a good job of raising you right. Their faith continues to be strong living within you.
6 Don't let the fire go out by not using the gifts God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God did not give us the spirit of a sissy, but a spirit of strength, love, and self-control.8 Don't ever be ashamed about telling someone of your love for the Lord. I ask that you not be ashamed of me either. I know what others say because I'm in prison. But I'm locked up because of my love of the Lord, not because I did something shameful. As you grow in strength, so will grow the bullseye on your back. The strength you need to endure will come from the good news, not yourself.
9 God saved us and called us to ride a trail of holiness. We didn't deserve either of these, but that was his plan all along. His plan was simple—to show us grace through Christ Jesus. 10 This grace wasn't just talked about, it appeared in person as our Savior. He shattered the power of fear and death and blazed a new trail to life and immortality through the good news. 11 And I was chosen to be a voice in the darkness, a teacher in times of trial and trouble, and a cowboy who gathers the lost with the good news.12 That's why I sit and suffer in this dark cell. But I do not hang my head in shame. I keep my chin up and my toes out as I continue to serve the Lord, regardless of my circumstance. My trust is in God and I know he is able to deliver me in life and in death as I wait upon his return.
13 This is the way I want you to ride. Follow this trail that I've left. It is not a trail marked by sign, but by faith and love for Christ Jesus.
14 But the power we need comes not from our own might, but by the strength of the Holy Spirit who rides with us and in us. Keep this truth locked deep in your heart.15 You know everyone who rode with me from the province of Asia has turned tail and run, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 I pray the Lord will show favor and mercy to Onesiphorus. He is one of the few who has cared for me. He never boogered at the chains on my feet or the blood on my face.
17 He even came all the way to Rome to find me. He searched every draw and coolie around until he found me. May the Lord give him a special reward for the kindness he showed, not just here in Rome, but also in Ephesus.Simplified Cowboy Version
The Simplified Cowboy Version. Copyright ©2021 by Kevin Weatherby. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide. For quotations over 500 verses or questions, please email admin@savethecowboy. com or write to Save the Cowboy, Attn: Bible Rights, PO Box 428 Kiowa, CO 80117.