Study Desk

It'd be way too easy for me to brag about what I saw, but I really had no part in it. I can't take credit for a gift like I'd earned it or something. And just to make sure I remember, I was given a mesquite thorn in my hide to remind me of just how weak I really am.

But the Lord told me, "My grace is the only thing you need. Only in your weakness can you receive the power you need to accomplish the tasks I've set before you." This is why I will only brag about my weaknesses. When I am weak, Jesus's power is working through me.

As a matter of fact, I'm proud of these weaknesses. I don't even care when I'm insulted or when there are rough trails. I look forward to being persecuted and having problems, because it is in these times that I am the weakest. And it is only then that I am at my most powerful.

I know I've been talking foolish, but y'all made me do it. Y'all are the ones who should be bragging about me, not me having to brag about myself. I know I am nothing, but those "super cowboys" aren't any handier than I am.

I really am afraid that when I get there, God is going to humble me because y'all have done nothing you were supposed to. My tears will flow down my cheeks because you have given up your ride for the brand for a life of sin again. You have not rode off from your evil lies, sexual immorality, and sorry ways. I'm afraid you just hid them in a closet, not repented and rode off from them.

Listen close! I want y'all to ride with the same kind of freedom I do. I don't want you to be slaves of the Law. In that respect, I am like the outsiders. I am free of the prison of the Law.Y'all were real good to me the first time we met.

But what has changed? Am I now your arch enemy just because I told you the truth?

Now y'all know working hard is good for you. Y'all should be working hard regardless of whether I am there or not.

Although I am the least qualified cowboy of all, God gave me the privilege of telling the outsiders about the great treasures they could have in Christ.

I am the cowboy he chose to tell everyone about his crazy plan. He'd kept this crazy plan secret since he sunk the first H-brace in this dirt we call home.

Even though I am suffering greatly, don't lose heart. I suffer so y'all don't have to.

Even though I am in chains behind bars for gatherin' for Christ, y'all need to get out there and ride the thick brush and draws looking for strays like you're supposed to.

Everyone here knows I am in chains because I ride for the brand that belongs to Christ Jesus. The whole palace guard knows it too.

Because I am in chains, most of the other cowboys didn't become cowards, they became courageous. They are bolder now spreading the Gospel than they ever were before. These are real men and women riding for the Lord.

I've realized the harder way is the right way. I am convinced I will stick around and give y'all a hand.

But while we wait on all that, I am going to send Epaphroditus back your way. This man is my brother, pard, and fellow cowboy and has taken care of me like you asked him to.

That's why I am so eager to send him back. I know he wants to go and I know y'all want to see for yourselves that he's doing good.

This is the only way to become one with him and ride for his brand. I no longer believe I am right with God because I can obey rules. I am right with God because I have faith in what Jesus did for me. Following rules won't get you right with the Boss. Only faith can do that.

if you stay tied on to faith, both feet in the stirrups of hope that have been delivered through the good news. This is the story of Jesus you've heard me tell around campfires and in the midst of congregations. I, Paul, am a servant to his story and slave to his name.

Tychicus is going to fill you in on the rest of what I've been up to and how I am doing. He's a top hand for the Lord and I am so thankful for him.