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Kids and Parents

¹ Kids, listen to your parents because you ride for the Lord. This is right in the eyes of God. ² "Honor your father and mother." This is the first rule that has a promise attached to it. ³ If you honor your father and mother, "you'll make it to the end of the trail in one piece after a good, long life."

⁴ Dads, don't be too hard on your kids. Raise 'em up with discipline and love for the Lord and what he says to do.

Slaves and Bosses

⁵ Slaves, do what your bosses tell you to do. If you have to, just think of it like you are serving Christ. ⁶ Do what you're supposed to do at all times, not just when they are keeping an eye on you. We are all slaves to Christ and should do this. ⁷ Work hard, just as if it were Jesus standing there telling you what to do. ⁸ In the end, we will all receive the reward for the work we've done, regardless if we are slaves or not.

⁹ Bosses, treat your slaves in the same manner. Don't threaten 'em. You may be the boss, but you and your slave serve the same master in heaven. Remember, he doesn't play favorites.

The Get-up of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong like God made you to be. ¹¹ Put on the get-up of God so you will be protected from the devil and his devilish ways. ¹² We ain't fighting a battle against men, but evil in all its forms and places.

¹³ Put on every piece of God's get-up so you will be kept safe. After the battle, you may be bloody, but you will still be standing. ¹⁴ Stand your ground with the belt of truth and the armor of God's goodness. ¹⁵ Put on boots that will carry the good news to the furthest pastures. ¹⁶ Put on the chaps of faith that will protect you from the arrows of fire the devil launches. ¹⁷ Put on the felt hat of salvation and strap on the sword of God's word.

¹⁸ Be in prayer at all times and all occasions. Stay alert and sober for any ambush. Pray for all the cowboys who ride for the brand, no matter where they are.

¹⁹ And don't forget to include me in your prayers. Ask God to give me the things he wants me to say that reveal his great mystery, which is the good news for everyone. ²⁰ I'm locked up in chains right now, but I'm still spreading the word. Pray that I will continue to live courageously for Christ.

Adios

²¹ Just so you know, Tychicus will tell you everything that has been going on with me. I love him like a brother. ²² I'm sending him to you to tell you everything. I hope you will all be encouraged.

²³ Ride in peace, pards. Take the love and faith God offers us through Christ Jesus. ²⁴ May the grace of God keep you in the saddle until Jesus comes back.