Week of 5/28

                                            CRUSDAER’S DEVOTIONAL

                                                  MAY 28^th / TUESDAY

I sure hope everyone had a great Memorial Day, being with family and friends and enjoying the freedom that allows doing so. The dictionary puts it this way, “A legal holiday in the U.S. (the last Monday in most states) in memory of members of the Armed forces killed in war.” That’s every member of the Armed forces, from today (Sadly) to the very first American solider. Some we don’t even know their names, but God does. He knows all of them. There is no greater love then too lay your life down for your fellow man. May all the respect and gratitude they deserve be theirs, and to the greatest spiritual solider, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice saved all who believe. We will never forget and thank you.

A little ways back, I went with a friend who just got interested in horses to pick up a gelding he had purchased. Climbing into his truck we joked about his needing to buy a new truck not a horse. His excitement was more than obvious. The barn, stall, water and hay all in place. He even went as far as getting a saddle and all the tack that a world champion would be just in having. You could say he took to it like a bear to a honey tree.

Once at the place of his new found love, he picked out a nice one. A two year old buckskin that was already close to sixteen hands. I asked had he ridden him (named “The Scout”). “Nope, but ain’t he something? I figure I’ll have plenty of time to ride once we get him home.” When we got “The Scout” to his new home, it must have taken us 30 minutes to get him under saddle (that didn’t fit). The head stall was too small and it was the wrong bit for a young green horse. My buddy looked at me and said, “I guess I got ahead of myself, now what?” This incident comes to mind when I’m asked, “I am a new Christian, What do I do now?”

 First thing I say is congratulations. You have just began your new eternal life (John 3:16). Your sins have been forgiven and you now have a clean slate to start on. Start by reading the Bible Find one that speaks to your heart. There are many translations but no perfect one. Find one that is faithful to the original text. Maybe start with the Gospel (or book) of John or any of the other three Gospels in the New Testament. This will help you understand what Jesus taught and did during his time in earth. Do not be afraid to ask questions to better your understanding. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”(2 Timothy 2: 15).

Next begin praying. Prayer is just talking to God. Pray without ceasing. If you desire to know God, you must speak to him. Then as you begin to sprout get baptized. Baptism symbolizes your new life in Christ and shows the world that you are now committed to Jesus. Even Jesus was baptized. Jesus calls his followers to be baptized. Then build friendships with other Christians. We all need the encouragement and prayers of others. Help others. The Spirit will call you to show God’s love (1 John 3:17-18). I’m thinking then tell others about your faith. Being a Christian should not be a secret. Christians are still called to share the hope within us with others.

You have been saved by grace through faith, apart from any works of your own. God started the work in you and he promises to finish it (Philippians 1:6).

May God bless you all and have courage to do what is right.

In the name of Jesus Christ of the Nazarene.

Cowboy Pastor Ty

  

Week of 5/14

CRUSADER’S DEVOTIONAL 

MAY 14TH, TUESDAY 

I hope that all is well and that the glory of the Lord has shined upon you and those you hold dear. Let me be straight out and say there was no devotional for the last two weeks. See I’ve been on vacation last week for the Kentucky Derby. Oh, I didn’t go to Kentucky, but I’ve been. I guess you could say its “hallowed ground” for me. I followed every minute of it on HRTV and TVG. The coverage is outstanding. You could say that I find it beautiful to watch something do what God created it to do. No sir, no gambling, no parting, why no foolishness at all. To watch the pageantry, the power of the horse and the skill of the men who ride them, what excitement. To me it all has the finger prints of God all over it. God’s blessings are seen through many different eyes. Only the eyes of the blind and lied too are never given the gift of witnessing. Taking time off to breathe my pony is just what was needed. It seems that we all get so busy with the day to day stuff and all the lists of things that must be done that we some times forget to just be still. Like tryin to scratch my ear with my elbow, I find myself getting wrapped up in the follies of this world. Conversation of little or no importance, paying great attention to matters of no significance. I have written it before and I do it again. 

THE DEVIL LOVES DISTRACTIONS. 

Misdirected attention can cost us dearly in spiritual warfare. There is 1440 minutes in a day, how many of them do who spend in prayer? Prayer opens the heart to God and it is the means by which the soul, though empty, is filled by God. I, for one don’t care much for talking about myself, but if the story can help one person I will do it. In the last passing weeks I was involved in spiritual warfare. With a demon that is very strong not only in the Old Testament but today as well. As in any warfare casualties are inherent. I lost two dear friends in acting upon the answering of my prayers. Doing the right thing is not always the easy thing. On the up side my allies proved to be courageous, loyal and loving. I’m humbled by their brave acts done in a loving way. The point is that I received my orders through prayer. When go to your knees in prayer, we stand tall; when we close our eyes, our vision improves; when we speak soft words they echo throughout heaven. Prayer is the steering wheel not the spare tire. Many wonder if there is “intelligent life out there”, Christians know there is and we should talk to Him everyday. My heart has heard you say “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord I am coming.” (Psalm 27:8) “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, Who is unseen. Then your father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6). Remember that it is God to whom you speak. Be respectful and open. “And when you pray, do not keep babbling like the pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” (Matthew 6:7). God knows what is in your heart, most of all be honest. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). There may come a time when we are not sure of how to ask for what we need. The wholly Spirit will make intercession (speak for us), this is good. Remember: Prayer is love in need appealing to love in power. 

I ask Father, that we honor your answers to your prayer and that your will be done not ours. 

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of the Nazarene. 

Cowboy Pastor Ty