Around the Campfire, Cowboy Ministry

                                                      AROUND THE CAMP FIRE

                                                    CRUSADER’S DEVOTIONAL

                                                            09-12-2013/ Thursday

Howdy! Hope you’re all well and enjoying the blessings that come with every day and learning from the good and bad that is around each of us every day.

About two weeks ago I was hauling in the last load of hay for the summer. Now I took my time, used four straps, had it tied down pretty good I thought. See it was only a hundred bales of alfalfa and it stacked like bricks. So I talked with Lyle for awhile until the sun was getting low and the clouds were coming in. As I drove out of the long driveway, I adjusted my side mirrors so I could keep a close eye on the hay (a largeinvestment of time and money on everyone’s part). When I got to the first stop sign on the street and made a right hand turn, sure enough, off come two bales. They came from right in the middle of the stack where they rarely fall from. It was getting dark and I could also see the headlights of the cars behind me. I flipped a u-turn as quick as I could and they were just right in the middle if the road.

As I’m driving to pick them up a car pulls over. A little fancy Mercedes- Benz coupe pulls over and out gets this fella with a ponytail half way down his back and very city dressed like. Flashy rings on just about every finger. And he was as big as a twenty-mule- team freight wagon. He stacked the two bales on top of each other and waited for me as I pulled up. I pulled up and got out of the truck and said “thanks a lot, sure appreciate your help”. The big long haired fella said “sure man, no problem”. Then he picked up a bale in each hand and said “back of the truck good enough?” “That will work I said, then as easy as a kitten hoppin’ over a caterpillar, he throws them both at the same time into the back of the truck. We shake hands and go our own ways.

Driving home I’m now driving slower then usual. I have an uneven stack and didn’t want to be pickin’ bales of hay up out of the road or cause an accident. I can see a row of headlights behind me and as I stop at a stop light a car pulls next to me and the young male driver says “be careful, your tail lights are out”. All while this man in a van pulls to the side of the off ramp at the light and is yelling things that you wouldn’t hear at Sunday school none. I guess he didn’t care for my careful driving. The young man in the car next to me that gave me the kind warning and I just looked at each other and started laughing. I shook my head and said “the difference in people is amazing”.

It got me thinking about what the Bible warns us about other people and ourselves. Let’s start with the first guy. Expensive car, nice clothes, jewelry and long hair, obviously not living the same life style but made me think “do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment” (John 7:24) meaning if your going to judge, judge by the words and actions of a person. Judge what is shown by their heart not by their appearance. True,only God knows what is in the heart of a man, but if we listen and watch close enough signs will show themselves.

Thinking of the second guy, the young man who probably didn’t take too kindly to my slow driving but still had the kindness of heart to be patient and warn me of the danger of my tail lights being out. In the words of our savior “Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36) This young man took the time to think of another before thinking of himself. Howrare such thought. “…The lord has filed a lawsuit against you saying: there is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God in your Land.”(Hosea 4:1)

The third man in the story of three. The one who was usin’ double- barreled syllables while not swallowing his tongue at all. “ If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself and your religion is worthless.” (James 1:26).

Speaking for myself, I’ve been all three of these men, sometimes all in one day. But for sure and for certain I know out of the three the one I wish not to be. I guess in closing I’d say give as twas given to you in your time of need, love as the master loved you; be to the helpless a helper indeed; unto your mission be true. The whole thing makes me think of the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson; “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

I pray that we all are guided by the holy spirit in thought, words, actions and habits, making our habits and character Christ like in love and kindness. Let the world judge our appearance, let theworld see the Lord Jesus Christ in our hearts.

In the name of Jesus Christ of the Nazarene.

So be it.

Cowboy Pastor Ty

PastorTy@ CrusadersEquestrian.org

The Filly 08-30-2013

THE FILLY 

08-30-2013 

Hey howdy hey! Missed ya all the last week or two due to the teams barrel racing summer series coming to a close , fixing a truck, bring in the last of the hay for the season and well, chasing down loose young horses. This one I’ve got to tell ya and what it learned me. 

We received a phone call from a former Crusader saying that a two year old got loose on 40 acres and they tried but couldn’t catch her. So, you’re thinking that ya saddle up your best fastest horse and go have some fun and that’s what I did. When I got there, sure enough there she was out in the wide open, standing looking at a man that had “chased” her down using his pick up (not good) . I was riding “Wyoming” and thought that might settle her. Well, she made us feel about as welcome as a tax collector, all I saw of her after getting about twenty yards from her was tail and hoof , she took off as if there was a prairie fire coming her way. Course, Wy and I went right after her. Up hills, down hills, through marshes with willows as tall as I was in the saddle. On the crest of a ridge of a canal and even down through the canal (about three and a half feet deep). Now at this time I was having a ball, Wy was doing all the work, he was running faster than a two dollar watch and lathered up like a barber had prepared him for a shave. Wy knew what we were doing and there was no way this young lady was going to out run him. I know I sound like a proud hen, but what can I say, a twenty-one year old horse out running a two year old, guess I am proud of him. Long story short two friends showed up on horse back and we got her back home without incident. Fun you bet! But here is what I thought of. 

Temptation. The filly probably stood in her paddock thinking the grass looked a lot greener over on the other side. When a window of opportunity showed itself she took it. Let me tell ya that’s how it all starts for all of us. We look then we take. The battle is often lost at the first look. Sometimes looking can be the first step toward sin. We would all win over temptation more often if we followed Paul’s advice to run from those things that produce evil thoughts. One of the realities of sin is that its effects spread. Now this filly got people and other horses involved in her follies. Thank God that neither man nor horse was hurt. When we do something wrong, often we try to relieve our guilt by involving others. 

Sounds silly but a lot of times we act just as that filly did. Then we try to act as if God does not know of your sin. Have the courage to share all you think and do with him. And don’t try to hide or “out-run” him, it cannot be done. Honesty will strengthen your relationship with God. Remember the first sin came through a simple thought, then an action on that thought. We must take control of our thoughts. 

After the temptation of Jesus by the devil himself failed the devil went away, and angels came and cared for Jesus (Matt. 4:11). 

“For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from the evil world. And this world is fading away, Along with all it craves. But if you do the will of God, You will live forever.” (1 John 16:17) 

Remember: If you’re gonna go, GO LIKE CRAZY. If your mind is not made up, don’t use your spurs.

May the Grace and peace of your Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 

Cowboy Pastor Ty 

PastorTy@CrusadersEquestrain.org

8-13=2013

AROUND THE CAMP FIRE

08- 13-2013/ TUESDAY

I felt it appropriate to change the name of the devotionals to give you all a chance to see what a “Cowboy” sermon might be like, a sample if you will, seeing how a “Cowboy Church” is in the works. Now, I myself am a “Nazarene” That does not mean that you must be. What you must be is your own calling. Remember the “Great Commission”? “Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and he rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. He said to them “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16: 14-16) NKJV. There are many mansions in the house of the Lord, what is important “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) NKJV. Jesus said this to illustrate that God calls all people to respond to him, but relatively few choose to follow him. What I’m saying is call yourself what denomination you will as long as it is biblically sound and you can say “Christ died for me.”

That brings us to what I’ve learned last week from someone who probably doesn’t even know what God was showing through him. You see, this friend of mine is sick too the point that he might be fighting for his life. As it would be, he went and bought a brand new Harley Davidson “Fat Bob”. He called me and asked if I could help get the bike to his house. Sure enough I hooked up the trailer and down the road I went. When I arrived at the dealer, I saw the bike. Wow! All the custom bells and whistled, great bike. We placed the ramp on the trailer and he asked if I would ride the bike up on the ramp and into the trailer. I said sure. As I rode up the ramp, I was trying real slowly and carefully, then all of a sudden with the bike half in the trailer and half on the ramp I eased the throttle. I’m not sure but I think the ramp moved to the left side of the bike making me put my right foot down to catch my balance. Problem was I did not have enough leg to make up the distance between the ramp and the ground. Going from bad to worse down went the bike half on the ramp and the other half in the trailer. He and I muscled the bike upright and got it on the trailer. After inspection all we found was a little trailer paint on the front fender. Needless to say I felt at that point that my brain cavity was pretty small, like I couldn’t tell horse dung from honey. Much to his credit he said “It’s cool, no problem all is good.” Now if it were my bike I would have had a stroke right then and there. He knew I felt bad and what did he do? He bought me a metal Harley sign and offered to pay me. I felt as if I should replace his brand new bike and here he is giving me gifts.

Now here’s a man with his priorities straight. He knew I felt bad about dropping his brand new Harley and HE WAS THE ONE trying to make ME feel better. I can not say for sure if it is what he is going through or may it is just his nature. He showed more compassion for the person then anger of the incident. Knowing that illness is not unusual but that this man faces it with unusual faith makes me humble in his courage and honored by his showing of love.

I pray “The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.” (Psalm 41:3) NKJV

We all need to check our priorities. Are they where they should be? Love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness and self-control. Can people see it in your actions words and deeds? If it isn't right you better get it right, because that is what we are all called to do and be.

Remember: youth is a gift from God, but age is a work of art.

CRUSADERS EQUESTRIAN TEAM 

Cowboy Pastor, Ty 

PastorTy@CrusadersEquestrian.org

Week of 04 August

Hey howdy hey! I hope you’re all well and that you have received blessings this week and that those blessings haven’t gone unnoticed or received without gratitude.

I’ll tell ya, it’s been interesting behind the scenes of the Crusaders in the last two weeks. It seems that we have been donated two real fine rope horses. Tracey, Ali, Carmen and I went to look at two horses that a fella wanted “good homes for “. Both horses were easy on the eye and rode like they had been taught and handled with a gentle hand. Big horses and the gelding was so fast that he was throwin’ dirt in the eyes of a jackrabbit. The mare was built like something from a magazine.

Well, long story short, when we got the horses back to the “Second Chance Ranch” and tried again to test drive them, “Bow”, the gelding, was flawless. Now on the other hand, the mare “Lucy” was as crazy as popcorn on a hot skillet. She was knockin’ ‘round like a blind dog in a meat market. Lucy was like a different horse, especially when out of sight of Bow. Lucy leaned on Bow for her sense of security and comfort. Later that night it made me think of many Christians and there relationship with Jesus.

The first step in overcoming any fear is to realize that it is, for a fact, removable. Next comes the process of removing it. This involves a practice not popular with the present generation: self-discipline. You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience which you look fear in the face. Most fears are baseless and empty. I heard said that 92% of the things we fear never happen. The other 8% when we stand up to them and face them are all overcome. Don’t fear a problem- solve it with God’s help.

It is written “Man is born into trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7) and “In the world you shall have tribulation” (John 16:33). It is also written “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. This is what I’m thinking, if you are in fear and fell separated, remember (Psalm 73:24) “You will keep on guiding me with your counsel”. Ask God for guidance and follow it when it comes. Don’t panic , you will not be able to think clearly. Get quite, Pray to God and relax in faith. Don’t be overwhelmed and make the problem bigger. Don’t spend time on regrets, begin where you are. Seek a solution not for the whole problem but one step at a time. Ask yourself what is right and avoid what is wrong. Never give up, keep praying. Keep believing. “I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies, who surround me on every side.”(Psalm 3: 6).

Remember what Jesus said, “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35). If he is with us who could be against us? If your going to tie up with one “horse”, tie up with the greatest of them all Jesus Christ, there will be no need of any other.

The relationship God offers to you is not for a moment in time, it’s designed to last a forever.

Go with God and he will keep you well.

Cowboy Pastor Ty

PastorTy@CrusadersEquestrian.org

Week Of 7/16

CRUSADER’S DEVOTIONAL

07-16-2013/TUESDAY

Howdy hey, thanks for reading and I hope the following words will have meaning and use for you. I mean what good are words that can’t be put into action, or a witness that will not testify or a sword that is never used to defend. A friend the other day asked about “sermons”. He said that he was a believer but sometimes he had a hard time walking away fully understanding what the preacher was talking about. He said that there were a lot of ten dollar “preacher” words that he wasn’t sure what they meant. “It was like getting shot at with a shotgun rather then a bullet, first here with a story than there, just all over the place.” The way he said it made me smile, just his hand gestures and the tone of his voice was pure frustration. It reminded me of an old barn cat caught up in a tornado. 

Now, I’m not a wise man and am careful of those who claim or pretend to be, here is what come to mind and I told him like this. “It’s not hard, God does not want it to be, and man has muddied the water some. When it comes to the good book look at it this way, admit, submit, commit and transmit. Admit its truth; submit to its teachings; commit to learning and understanding all you can; then transmit it to others. If the Christian life is a good thing for you, share it with someone else.” He said “I can understand, but what’s the best way to share it with people?” 

“It’s the way you walk, the way you talk, it is the respect you have for others. A body can pretend to care, but they can’t pretend to be there. Be humble and thankful in all that you do, there is beauty all around you, which God has created. He has blessed you with the gift of life and the abundant promise it holds every single day. Make something of it.” I told him. 

I asked if he has ever heard of the “Four Spiritual Laws”. He said that he had not and that surprised me, being a regular in attendance at church since but a kid, I would have thought for sure he had heard of it. Then I got thinking most Christians know it but not presented in the simple form of the title. I want all who fight the good fight to know the “Four Spiritual Laws” it’s a great weapon to explain and defend your faith in Jesus Christ. So… here they are;

Law one:

God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life”. (John 3:16). Part of God’s plan; (Christ speaking) “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.” (John 10:10). Why is it that most are not experiencing life in abundance? Because…

Law Two:

Man is sinful and separated from God. Thus he cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for his life. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Man was created to have fellowship with God but due to his poor choices the fellowship with God was broken. “The wages of sin is death” [Spiritual separation from God] (Romans 6:23). 

Law Three: 

Jesus Christ is God’s only Provision for mans sin. Through him you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life. Jesus Christ died in your place (Romans 5:8). He rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). Jesus Christ is the only way to God (John 14:6). It is not enough to know these three laws…here is the big one. 

Law four:

We must individually receive Jesus Christ as savior and Lord; We must receive Christ (John 1:12), we receive Christ through faith, very important, look it up (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

After I told him of the four laws he said “how come I’ve been going to church for some thirty years now and it took the likes of you not to take the long way around the barn?” I said to him “maybe ya needed those thirty years of church’in.”

We had a good laugh, as good friends should. 

The “Four Spiritual Laws” you can find it more in depth at your local Christian bookstore or Newlife publications. It is estimated that over one-and-a-half-billion “four spiritual Laws” booklets have been printed and distributed in all major languages of the world. 

I pray that we all grow in wisdom of the Lord and will be the light and the salt of his holy word. 

I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ of the Nazarene. 

Cowboy Pastor Ty 

PastorTy@CrusadersEquestrian.org

Week of 7/8

CRUSADER’S DEVOTIONAL

07-09-2013/ Tuesday

Hello all, and thank you so much for taking time and reading what God is teaching me as I share it with you. Wow! This week, or should I say this one incident, brought the fruit that the Crusaders have been working toward for the last two years. It was not trophies, ribbons, or the cheering of a large crowd at a parade, or the applause of a charity event. It was in a hot, dusty, practice arena with no one around but the team. 

As popularity would have it, it seems we have be come a barrel racing team for all the girls. Now the trainers have not lost sight of horsemanship skills in place of speed, so we thought a good thing to work on would be the use of riding using the rider’s legs and lead changes for the horses. We were working on riding through the pole pattern. That’s when it all started. A young rider’s horse reared and flipped over. Now, if you have not seen such a thing, you do not want to. For those that have, you know how bad this can be for the rider and the horse. As God would have it that day; we had two parents who have worked in emergency rooms at hospitals. They went right to work checking the young girl for injuries. Long story short, they did not like what they saw. “Flight for Life” was called in and the girl was taken out by helicopter. 

During all of this, the rest of the team was told to dismount, untack, and quickly put their horses in their stalls due the helicopter coming. They and all the parents did so with out hesitation. After the rider was loaded into the helicopter, I watched it take off and fly away. My heart sank clear down to my boots. I said a prayer and turned around and what I saw, even at a time like this brought me great joy. The team had formed prayer circles. Some were on their knees- others bowed their heads in humility as the words were spoken. They have learned where the tall grass grows and cool water can be found. They leaned not on their own understanding but in God’s. The team showed courage and obedience to their worldly leaders as well as to the Lord. They showed the love of one of their own and then praise God, I, as one of the leaders and a teacher, was reminded once again that I am the student.

“Then what shall we say to these things? If God is with us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). As it turned out, the rider suffered no serious bodily harm. Some say it was the helmet that saved her, others say it was the way she feels about God. I believe “Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24). I believe she was under the protection of God’s promise, “…The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.” (Deuteronomy 33:12). I say it is because she and her family gave glory to God before darkness came. Every hope of the human mind will be fulfilled if it is noble and of God. But what is stressing is waiting for God. He will bring fulfillment, “because you have kept My command to persevere…” (Revelation 3:10).

Sometimes in life bad things happen to good people, it’s not Gods doing but it is written he will always be there. “Take courage I am here.” (Mark 6:50).

“Keep yourselves in the love of God.”

I pray this for all. In the Name of Jesus Christ of the Nazarene 

Cowboy Pastor Ty

Pastor Ty@CrusdaersEquestrian.org

Week of 7/3

CRUSADER’S DEVOTIONAL

07-03-2013/ Tuesday

I hope and pray that all of us have had our eyes open, our ears listening along your hearts softened enough to witness the truth and love of God’s written word shown to us in every day events. If we can only be still long enough to receive such blessing and astute enough to focus on what lesson is being taught to us at that moment. I’ve heard it said that people learn more by example than advice. A lesson that reminded of my bible study was taught to me by a single ant. It happened like this. 

Richard and I were working on my wife’s car that broke down. Richard had to go to his house and get a tool that was needed. I sat on the front bumper talking with Carmen about horse stuff. Just then, Carmen took notice of this red army ant carrying this large piece of cheet grass, as large as he was, through all the obstacles of dirt drive way. Carmen commented on how strong ants must be. The more I watched the more intrigued I became. Here was this ant that if it came to a stick or rock that seemed impassable he would simply turn around build up speed and try again. If that didn’t work after about the second or third try he undoubtedly went around what ever was the obstacle at that time. I moved all the tools and tool box out of his course and watched with admiration and gratitude as he went on his way doing what he was meant to do without the slightest sign of fear or surrendering. In this high tech world of all sorts of gizmos and gadgets I was reminded of a very powerful lesson by an ant. How humbled and thankful I was for the Holy Spirit to take time and show me an “example”.

“If you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more” (Matt. 21:21). The Bible is filled with people, whom just like that ant, did what they were to do despite obstacles. Think of Ester, Noah, Joshua, Daniel, Ruth, Job and the apostle Paul to name just a few. The most profound thing in a person is his will, not sin. With attention and care you have to work out what God works in you. Exhibit the evidence of a life based on unshakeable faith of the perfect redemption of the Lord. Do not bring an opposing will against God’s will-God’s will is your will. Follow it without fear or the thought of surrender.

Now there will be people who have nothing under their hat but hair. They live in doubt, fear and uncertainty. Why they have no more determination than a snake has hips. Do not walk with these people. Don’t let so much “reality” into your head that there’s no room left for dreaming. Believe

That God is the source of your will and that God not only expects you to do his will, but he is in you to do it.

“Be strong and have courage, all you who put your hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24). It reminds me of one of my favorite Gospel songs, “Stand by me”, there’s a verse that sings “I’ve never lost a battle stand by me.”

Grace to you and peace from our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Cowboy Pastor: Ty

Pastor Ty@CrusadersEquestrian.org