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