Study Desk

We are not trying to change people's brand for selfish motives or personal gain. We didn't try to trick y'all like smooth talking horse traders.

Instead, we rode through your herd like little kids at their first branding. We cared for y'all with the gusto of a protective stud watching over his mares and foals.

Now that you are branded with the Holy Ghost, you've experience just how hard it can be to be a real cowboy. You've had trouble from your own friends, family, and countrymen because of the cowboys you've become. You're not alone in your suffering. This is what had already happened to the outfits in Judea. Those cowboys suffered horrible things from the Jews just because they rode for the brand of Jesus.

The Jews have a habit of killing God's cowboys. Some of them are even responsible for the death of Jesus himself. If they did it to them, they'll do it to us. Your troubles aren't because you've done something wrong, but because you are now doing things right. We are living evidence of this fact. But make no mistake about it. God ain't pleased with them or their ways. They, and the others of the world like them, stand in the gate to the narrow trail in hopes that a little difficulty will make those destined for eternity turn around and run.

We created a diversion in Athens that allowed a single cowboy to get there when we all couldn't. He is young, but he is as handy a cowboy as God has ever put on this earth. He's been there for every wreck and successful branding. We sent him to y'all to show y'all the ropes.

He warned y'all of the trials and tribulations that come for riding for the Lord. Y'all know top hands ain't made by riding old broke nags and kid's ponies. When you ride the rough trail, you've got to be able to ride the rough stock. It's what makes you who you are.

When I couldn't stand it any longer, I sent Timothy to give y'all a hand, but also to check on y'all. I was scared the devil might have snuck in and turned you away from the life God had called y'all to. I was hoping and praying all our hard work hadn't been for nothing.

Timothy has made it back with nothing but good news. He's told us about your faith and love for all people. He told us y'all remember our teachings and continue to ride in the manner in which we taught you. He said y'all can't wait for us to come see y'all and we feel the same.

We ain't got enough words to thank God for every single one of y'all cowboys.

May he give y'all the strength and courage to continue in your ride for the brand. Only then will you be allowed into the presence of God when Jesus comes riding back for the final gathering.

As for some other things, we've taught y'all the fundamentals of how to ride for the Lord. But don't be satisfied with a little progress. Continue to grow and ride further every day.

God wants for y'all to be top hands. He wants you to be holy. They are one and the same. You can't do that if you're working for the Lord during the day and visiting the whorehouse at night.

Don't be like those wannabe cowboys who run around with their tongue hanging out so far in lust they could accidentally zip it up in their britches. I don't care what they say, these wannabe "cowboys" don't know God and sure don't ride for the brand.

I don't need to repeat myself about loving and looking out for each other. God himself is the author and giver of the love y'all have.

I know y'all ain't selective about who you look out for. I know you care what happens to the other cowboys riding for the brand all through Macedonia. Keep on caring. Don't give up on that. It's not a weakness, but the very strength you've been given. It doesn't keep you from being a top hand, it's what makes you into a top hand.

This kind of life will win the respect of those we are trying to reach. Ride into a herd this way and they'll stand quiet instead of throwing their tails up and heading for the brush. When you become this caliber of cowboy, you won't have to worry what others think.

Jesus himself will come riding back from heaven, he will then give the loud command for the archangel to blow the trumpet of God so all those cowboys who have died will lead the charge back over the hill.

Those who are lazy won't be ready. Those who are drunk won't be able to catch their horse. It'll be too late for them.

Since we live in the light, be ready at all times to whip and spur for heaven's hills. Faith and hope will be our chaps and the hope of being saved is the hat we wear on our head for protection.

Our destiny is not for destruction in the prescribed burn, but for the endless water and grass of heaven's salvation which is Jesus Christ.