Study Desk

You are riding toward Christ, who is the rock in the corner of God's house. He was thrown out by his own people, but chosen by God to do great things and have great honor.

And you are also living rocks God will use to construct a spiritual sanctuary. Not only that, but each of you cowboys are his holy men spreading his message. Your sacrifice will not be in blood, but in the life you give to God through Jesus Christ.

Y'all know what I'm talking about. Y'all who ride for him have seen the glory given to him by God. But for those who turn away from him, the Good Book says, "The rock the builders found unworthy has now become the cornerstone."

But y'all ain't like that. No sir! Y'all are God's chosen cowboys. You are holy men, in a holy crew, belonging and riding only for God. This is why we must show others how to ride for him. He's called us out of the brush and into green pastures.

You are free, but at the same time you have chosen to ride for God and do whatever he says to do. Don't use your freedom to do bad things.

Unjust treatment doesn't include getting whipped for something you did wrong. But if you suffer for doing what is right, God will smile down upon you.

You were once like fence-jumping cattle that had run off. But now you have been gathered by the Top Hand, who is the protector of your soul.

Y'all ain't off the hook either, husbands. You should honor your wives. Understand that she is a precious gift as you live together. She may not be as physically strong as you, but she is equal in your new life that God has given you. Treat her right so your prayers will be heard.

The Lord is watching over everyone who does what is right. He listens to these cowboy's prayers. But the Lord will turn his back on those whose ways are belligerent."

But even if it happens, God will reward you for your right doing and the pain you suffer. Don't fret about their threats.

But whatever you do, be gentle and respectful. Do things the right way so your conscience is always clear. This way, when people speak ill of you to others, it will be the slanderer who is shamed because of your good conduct.

Don't you remember Christ was nailed to a tree in suffering once and for all time? He never messed up—not once! But he died like a sinner in your place, so you too could have a place in heaven. Even though he died a physical death, he was brought back from the grave in the Spirit.

But don't miss the point of all of this. Noah was saved from the water, but now we are saved by the water. The waters of the baptism don't wash away the dirt from your skin, but by washing away the sins from your soul by symbolically following Jesus through his death, burial, and resurrection.

This is good news because you will no longer be chasing your tails, but will be ready to ride for the Lord.

But one day, they will give account of their lives to God and it sure ain't going to pretty.

Now, let me speak to the young hands. Do what the jigger bosses tell you to. If they want your opinion, they will ask. Keep yourself humble and help each other out. The Good Book says, "God turns his back on the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

But don't think the suffering will last forever. God's grace is going to make you eternal, perfect, stout, strong, and with a solid foundation that cannot be knocked down.

and to godliness, don't forget about being a pard. But don't just be a pard to a few, love 'em all.

But those who jump the fence and chase after other things will become blind as a cancer-eyed cow. They will no longer be able to see that their sins have been forgiven.

I won't ever stop reminding you that you don't live for yourself, but you ride for the brand.