Study Desk

I know many who have quit God's outfit and traded eternity for riding for the devil.

If any cowgirl in the outfit has been caring for a young widow, she should continue to do so. Don't let her pass the buck to y'all. Let God's outfit care for those who really need it.

Don't hesitate to pray for people and lay your hands on them, but don't do what sinners do either. Keep yourself free from sin.

But the same goes for good deeds. Some are real obvious, but even those nobody knows about will not go unnoticed forever.

Anyone who is a slave should give full respect for their master. Not because of who the master is, but because of who they are. That way, God's ways are never questioned in any situation.

Be battle tested in the fight for the true faith. Tie hard and fast to the eternity God has promised all cowboys who ride for the brand. You accepted the challenge, now finish it, and finish it well.

Timothy, protect the duty God has given you. Yes, people are going to argue with you and start fights, but don't fall for the bait. They may seem smart, but their wisdom is like mud stuck in a horse's hoof.

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.

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.

For God did not give us the spirit of a sissy, but a spirit of strength, love, and self-control.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Teach others to ride for God the way I've taught you. Find other cowboys who can teach and show them how to truly ride.

When life knocks the breath out of you, suck it up just like I do. Be a great cowboy for the Boss.

This is why I never give up. I can endure anything if it helps people saddle up for eternity when they hear God's call to gather. Salvation and eternal life waits on every cowboy who rides for the brand through Christ Jesus.

They have rode off the narrow trail. They have convinced others to follow them saying there will not be a physical resurrection for the cowboys who ride for the brand.

But the bedrock of God's truth is inscribed with, "The Lord knows who his cowboys are," as well as, "All who ride for the brand must ride off from evil ways."

On a nice ranch that takes care of the cowboys, some horses are good and some horses are special. The special horses are used for special occasions while the other ones are for everyday use.