Study Desk

But don't step in to help if her family should be doing it. If they ride for the brand, let them take care of their own, tell them to do this. This is how they should honor their mothers and fathers. And plus, God likes it too.

If a widow truly is all by herself, I guarantee you she's relying on God to give her a hand. She's been praying every single day and every single night for help.

I'm holding you accountable in front of God and everyone else to do what I've told you to do. Like I said, don't play favorites. Everyone must carry their own load and do what God tells them to do.

But you're a cowboy of God. Whip and spur away from all types of sin. Instead, ride straight toward a life of right living and a godly life. Ride in faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

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.

The Boss is already saddled up and ready to come get us. He won't be a minute early or a minute too late. He's going to show up right when God, the Real Boss, High King, the Almighty God tells him to.

If a cowboy is rich, tell him not to think of himself as superior to any other cowboy. Money can come and go like a leaf in the wind. Teach him to trust only in God, not the things of this world. God will, and does, provide everything of importance we need to enjoy life.

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.

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.

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.

Don't let the fire go out by not using the gifts God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

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

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.

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.

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.

Think about these things and let God fill in the gaps.

Be gentle with those who deny the truth. Only God can convince an unbeliever. Hopefully, they will tie hard and fast to the truth before it's too late.

People's priorities will only be money and themselves. They will be arrogant and proud. Not only will they scoff at God, but their parents as well. They won't have a grateful bone in their body. Nothing will be sacred.

They'll stab their friends in the back for a buck and puff their chests out in pride for what they've done. Their pleasure will be other's pain and they will not know God.