Study Desk

We don't brag about what we've become. We brag about what God has done. It's him who gets the credit. He is the Boss, the King Forever, the one who is never seen, but always there; he alone is God. Amen.

Tie hard and fast to your faith in Christ. Don't do anything that will make you lose sleep at night. Some cowboys think their sorry deeds don't go unnoticed, but it weighs heavy on their hearts. They might still be in the saddle, but their faith was left for the buzzards on the trail a long way back.

Eve was deceived by Satan, but even though Adam knew better, she convinced him to follow. The result is the sorry world we live in.

But through her womb and all of her daughters, Jesus eventually came and so did the cure for what ails us. Every woman will share in the pain of childbearing, but through faith, love, and decency, she will also share in eternity with everyone else.

Don't let this go in one ear and out the other, whoever thinks they're ready to be a wagon boss on God's outfit desires a good thing, but it'll also be hard. Don't choose them based on looks.

He shouldn't be a drunk or a man prone to fisticuffs. His nature should be gentle but tough, not quick-tempered or money hungry.

But let's not forget about the cowgirls. They should be well respected, not idle gossipers. Self-control and faithfulness should be their way.

Being a tough cowboy is good, but doing things God's way is even better. Godliness has great benefit here on earth and in the eternal life to come.

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.

But keep a wary eye out for widows who don't really need help, but get the attention they desire with tearful sob stories. A woman who'd do that is dead already.

Keep a list of the widows in need, but they need to be over sixty. They also must have been a faithful wife to their husband.

If there is a young widow, I encourage them to find a new husband, but do it the right way. She should have children, take care of their home, and not give in to idle talk about others. These latter things just open the door to the devil to come in.

But if a cow boss slips into sin, don't just correct him in private. Let everyone know you've dealt with it. That way, others will know you mean business and you don't play favorites.

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.

I know your stomach causes you problems. Don't just drink water, but try a little wine and see if that helps.

Some people's sins are as plain as the nose on their face, but others are not.

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.

But those who ride with a pure heart and contentment are the real ones who will prosper.

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.