Study Desk

Jesus (not the Lord, but the one we call Justus) also said to tell y'all hello. These are the only Jews who now ride for the brand of Christ who have joined me in this gathering. They have been great hands and a comfort to me on my journey.

When we first gathered y'all in the sick pen and doctored you with the good news, he produced a healing inside each of you. It wasn't our words that did it, but the power of the Holy Ghost. We've kept a watchful eye for y'all ever since.

We've run into people who tell us how you ride. They tell us of your improvement. They tell us you no longer have other idols, but that you follow God and God alone. They've marveled at how you welcomed us with open arms.

But it's the other things that mean just as much. Things like how you are waiting on Jesus to ride back one day. When he gets here, he will rescue us from the prescribed burn that will consume all things and all people who've chosen to ride for themselves instead of God's outfit.

We showed you we loved you, not with words, but with action and commitment. We shared the good news with y'all, but we also told you the hardship of the narrow trail we've ridden.

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.

These Jews have parked themselves in front of the gate and try to prevent us from bringing the remnants into God's green pastures. But God isn't turning a blind eye or a deaf ear to what they are doing. He's just giving them enough rope to either hang themselves or tie hard and fast to the grace that is available to all.

But, just because we've been separated physically (not spiritually), that doesn't mean we don't hanker to return and ride in glory with y'all again.

We, especially I, Paul, have attempted to return time and time again. But that old forked-tail devil has seemed to block the way every single time.

But he can never succeed. Y'all will be the trophy saddle in heaven one day when we stand before the Lord at the awards ceremony.

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.

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.

There were times we wanted to give up too, but Timothy's report has rejuvenated us.

Night and day we pray God will allow us to return and see y'all again; to witness your faith in action. But to also see how we can help y'all to be better cowboys.

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 did not invite us in to talk big, but to ride hard.

Anyone who scoffs at what I'm saying isn't rejecting me, but God himself. And it is the God who gives us all we need to accomplish his goals through the Holy Ghost.

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.

But believe it or not, you know when it will happen. It'll happen when you least expect it.