Study Desk

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.

I don't want to just ride for the Lord. I want to know him! This means experiencing the same things he did. I want to know the power of being brought back from the dead. I even want to suffer like he did so I can know the death he endured.

Now, I ain't put a loop on all of this yet. For some of it I haven't even taken down my rope, but I'm already tied on and I've got my eye on Jesus just like he had his eye on me.

I'm running across God's pasture at full-stupid so that I can win the prize that is waiting for me in Christ Jesus.

The real cowboys will agree with me. Even if some disagree to an extent, I know God will clear things up for them in time.

Saddle up and ride for the Lord the way we showed y'all. Pay attention also to others who ride the way we do.

It breaks my heart that many cowboys only ride for themselves. In doing so, they make themselves enemies of the cross.

They whip and spur, hell-bent on self-destruction. Their god is their voracious appetites for the things of this world. What they think is their glory is the one thing that shows their shame. They point their ponies toward an easy life without realizing they're headed for the hard pits of hell.

But our horses already have a stall in heaven waiting on us! We keep one eye on the sky as we eagerly wait for him to come riding back and save us all.

He's going to swap this frail, weak body we currently live in for one that is indestructible and will last forever. And it is with this power that he will make every knee bow down under his control.

Y'all keep riding for the brand! Stay true to the code of Christ. I can't wait to see y'all again my friends. Y'all have proved my work was not in vain. I'm sure I'm going to get a trophy buckle in heaven for the things y'all have done on earth.

A word to Euodia and Syntyche. If y'all really ride for the Lord, then you must quit your squabblin' with each other.

Keep your chins up! Celebrate God every single day for what he has done for you. I'll say it again, get glad about what you've got!

Don't fret about nothing! Instead, pray about whatever is bothering you. Pray about what you need. Pray to God and thank him for saving your sorry hide.

Only in this way will you find the peace you've been prowling the brush looking for. God's peace cannot be understood nor explained, only experienced by real hands. His peace will protect your heart and your mind as you ride for the Lord.

Keep on keepin' on with the things you heard and learned from me. That means riding for the Lord, not just walking around in your shiny boots and store-bought hat. God will ride with you and give you the peace you need.

I know how to ride with everything or nothing. I've learned the secret of life for every single trail. It doesn't matter whether your belly is full or empty. It doesn't matter if your pockets are full or empty either.

But I do appreciate y'all snubbing for me in this latest bronc of a situation.

I'm not bringing this up so y'all can send some more. I want y'all to be rewarded for what you've already done.

Howdy, boys!This letter is written by Paul, chosen by God to ride for his outfit, and our pard, Timothy.