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

Week of 4/23

CRUSADER’S DEVOTIONAL

04-23-2013/ Tuesday

Well how do? Hope every one had a safe a blessed week. Must be a whole lot of praying going on cause there sure has been a lot of spring snowin’ going on. That’s great, what a blessing to all, what a wonderful Lord we have. 

Hey, I wanted to write about what I’ve been hearing. I’ve had both ears full of way to much talking. People talking about what they can or can’t do. What someone else should or not should be doing. The conversation usually is pulling some poor, not even around, person down or worst yet boasting of themselves in half truths. The fact of the matter is the tongue is capable of causing great harm, not only to the listener, but also to the one doing the rambling on. The tongue reminds of a good Colt six shooter. In the right hands it is a great tool, in the wrong hands it brings nothing but hardship. My friendly advice is just to keep your tongue holstered.

We have all been around that one person that could talk the hide right off a cow. Most of the time it’s just wind of no use. Now that I actually think about, it it’s worse then the wind coming from a horse with a case of bad gas colic. Their talking so much and so fast it would spin your spurs. Cussin’or complaining spreading rumors or out right lying. Then there is the fella that can talk so polished yuh could skate on it. It’s called deceit. This is what ya really need to keep your back to the wall for. The Devil loves deception, and why not? We fall for it all the time. The “Sliver tongue”, yes folks that is what we need to keep a good watch on is the man or women with a sliver tongue. Now God has a lot to say on the topic, let’s look at what is written.

God spoke the world into being by the power of his words (Heb. 11:3). “So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” (Jam. 3:5) “Some people make cutting remarks but the words of the wise bring healing.” (Pro.12:18)

Are we using words to build up people or destroy them? Are the words from our tongues filled with hate or love? Bitterness or blessing? Complaining or compliments? Lust or love? Victory or defeat? The tongue reveals what is in the heart. A tongue under control is a mark of the spirit’s power.

Lurking within each of us are varying degrees of discontent and other destructive tendencies. The tongue takes hold of these things and strikes out, often with a push from the devil. This happens every day among strangers, friends, siblings and worst of all among husbands and wives, the very people who next to the love for the Lord Jesus, we should have the most love and kind words for each other. Paul describes those who are dead in sin “Their throats are open graves.” (Rom.3:13)

We need to be “set apart” from the world. We need to be living by God’s standard. No one can tame the tongue, as with so many things in this life with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Matt:19:26) Let your words be used to manifest the power of our faith. 

Remember: After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you’re full of bull, keep your mouth shut.

I pray that as we all grow we learn self-control and let it start with me.

In the name of your Lord and savior Jesus Christ of the Nazarene.

Cowboy Pastor Ty 

Week of 4/16

CRUSADER’S DEVOTIONAL

04-16-2013/ Hope

Have ya ever seen that person walking around look’n as helpless as a cow in quicksand, or like a gun fighter with one bullet? Or maybe some one feeling like the ugliest mare ever foaled? You can see it in their face and feel it in the air around them. God gets us in deep water not to drown us but to cleanse us.

I was standin and lookin at a colt that a friend was making plans for. “If I could just teach him to move off this leg. One day I’ll move him to this bit. He will be rein’n off the neck in no time.” I turned and looked at her, and she says “least I’m hopin for that anyway. A little hard work and dust mixed with sweaty saddle blankets anything is possible right? Least that’s what I’m plan’n for.” I said to her “if any one can do it you can”.

What came to me most was not her plans or her enthusiasm, but that her heart felt hope. Hope for her, hope for her horse and hope in their bringing it together. It is hope that changes us; it is hope that changes the world. Most people think of hope as wishful thinking. That is not what the bible means by hope.

The biblical definition of hope is “confident expectations”. Hope is firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown. Without hope, life loses its meaning. (Lam.3:18). As expectant as a sparrow watchin’ a worm hole, that’s what makes for a believer not thinking if but when. Hope in the return of Christ is the basis for believers to purify themselves in this life. As we have hope in God, he has hope in us. “Now in this hope we are saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.”(Rom. 24-25).

Certainty of this blessed future is found in trustworthy promises from God gives us hope. We may boast in this hope and boldness in our faith. “Those who do not place their trust in God are said to be without hope.”(Eph.2:12). A virtue of the Christian life, love comes from hope. “Hope produces joy and peace in believers through the power of the spirit.” (Rom. 15:13)

Part of showing love is hoping and part of hoping is seeing potential in others and ourselves.If you ever had a person believe in you and share a hopeful attitude for your future the you have experienced some of what (1 Cor. 13:7) teaches. As long as there is love there will be hope.

Remember: it don’t take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep. 

May God Comfort you with all the hope that has been promised.

In the name of Jesus Christ of the Nazarene.

Cowboy Pastor, Ty

week of 4/9

Crusader’s Devotional

04/09/2013/ Tuesday

How do? May be ya had the chance to watch the movie “The Bible” on the History Channel. WOW! What can I say? If you did not see it you can now rent it or buy it, or better yet read it. It’s a book titled coincidentally, by the same name, the Bible. The movie is touching, the book is moving. If a person gets into the book the book gets into the person. Trust me on that.

So much happened this week there is a lot that comes to mind that I should write about, but one thing keeps pulling on my rope. Now, you all know I love you and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for any of you. It is written that it is better to be slapped by a friend then kissed by an enemy, I feel as if we got the wrong horse saddled. Maybe I should explain at the best place to start and that’s the beginning. 

Last year at the “Miles for Hope” walk, a walk that raises money for the war on brain cancer, the Crusaders met Dalton. He was the spokesperson that year for the cause. All seemed at that time that the young and strong was going to win the battle. Dalton died on March 29, 2013. Good Friday. He was laid to rest April 5, 2013. The very next day his mother and family were there at the walk in support of those still fighting the fight and for all those who know not yet that the battle could be theirs. The Crusaders were putting on temporary “Superman” logo tattoos on themselves and Dalton’s family and who ever else wanted one. See, Dalton wanted to get that logo along with a silver ribbon behind it that represents the brain cancer cause as a real tattoo. 

A lot of people were at the walk, but we told a lot of “Christian people” about the walk. We told a lot of our Christian brethren, “Church” people, even secular friends about the walk and that it meant so much to so many. I heard it all, “We have plans that weekend for a trip to the mountains”, “Just so busy with the kids and all”, I even heard “It’s not my ministry; I’ve got a motorcycle ride this week.” What good is your faith if we so easley shame the name of Christ Jesus? Ask yourself were would Jesus be? Christians where are you? Is it all symbolism over substance? When there is war, why are we not reaching for the sword? Jesus is with us and promises victory but first we must obey and show up. We must not back up or slow down when the enemy calls us out. Rebuke and fight. My brethren, I love you and need you. In the mist of battle, I cried out for you and you were gone. Excuses are nothing more than the devil’s laughter. 

At the beginning of the walk, the very next day after the burying of her son, Dalton’s mother, Cassandra, released a balloon. In the distance were a clump of bare branched trees. The wind carried the balloon straight for the sharp balloon popping branches when all of a sudden the balloon got caught up in the branches momentarily. The people grew quiet. Then the wind of God took the balloon straight up. The crowd of people cheered. Experience God in person-- don’t just hear about him while in the pews. I know it’s easy to be mad at the man who talks of such things straight as a rifle barrel from the heart, but is that not our job? 

REMEMBER--why is it the last place some men fall is to their knees?

May our loving Father be with you and his hand bless you in all ways.

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

Cowboy Pastor Ty

Week of 4/2

CRUSADER’S DEVOTIONAL

04-02-13/TUESDAY

Hello to all and thanks for reading this week’s devotional. I hope everyone had a happy and blessed Easter. You know it does not matter if you spent time in church, with family or friends or maybe even by yourself with God in prayer. What matters, is the fact that all our sins were wiped clean by the blood of Jesus and that we acknowledge that, with gratitude. The grace of God should never be over looked, that is for sure and for certain. Who’s to say that the showing of gratitude for one man is the same as for another? I for one, like to show the good Lord my love for him and all he has done by doing the passions the Lord has placed in my heart. Spending time with just him, the family he has so blessed me with and hearing their laughter and seeing their smiles and living my life in nature to its fullest. Living in no fear, knowing that victory was given to us all if only we ask for it, accept it and acting on it. “Death where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55).

This week, a brave young man and a heck of a good horse took the trail to the other side. Strange as it seems, inside is great sadness but at the same time, a smile now and again will come to my face knowing where and who they are with.

Dalton is the young man the Crusader’s met last year at the brain cancer walk. Dalton spoke to the crowd and spoke apologetically to his family about all he had put them through. Never once talking about himself or his afflictions, but other people and the battles they were going through. Dalton never turned his back on Jesus in anger but only seemed to love him all the more. Dalton was a warrior that not only was a privilege to know, but also his company was humbling. I have a picture of Dalton smiling ear to ear in the heat of battle. Now that is what I call a warrior fighting the good fight.

“Joker” was a horse, we here at the Second Chance Ranch adopted on 01-09-2013. Joker was 27 years old and had a bad knee on his on side that kept him at a limp. I heard that “back in the day” Joker was the horse to beat at roping and gymkhana events. Even up till his last days, Joker never had a mean bone in his body and seemed as happy as a skunk in the moon light. He gave my grandson a bareback ride that was priceless to witness. Just watching Joker day in and day out, I’d say he was as smart as any good sheep dog. I’ll miss his gentle ways.

It might seem odd to mention the young man and old horse in the same breath, but they were both warriors cut from the same cloth. If you look, things are not always as they appear. Both seemed to bear their burdens without complaint or blame. Both man and horse were content in knowing what is, is and content with the pleasures given to them, no matter how small the gift given; it was a reward for the faith shown by both. See, life is of spirituality, not biology. God loves man most of all his creations, but he gave life to all living things. A horse in heaven? I say sure, why not? God can do anything. See the book of Revelation. I’m sure God has the greatest remuda there ever was. Both this man and horse taught me the meaning of contentment. Jesus has told us to be content with what we have. Jesus gave us a direct command not to worry about things of this world. Both Dalton and Joker took what life gave them. May peace be with them and courage shown in their legacy. Thank you both for your lesson of contentment. May it not be overlooked by the deaf and dumb.

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

Cowboy Pastor Ty

Week of 3/26

Crusader’s Devotional

03-26-2013/ Tuesday

Hello to all! Hope everyone had a good week and learned lessons of the good of God and the evil of the liar. I’ll tell ya, I feel sometimes like a newspaper reporter at a wild horse round up! A little dazed and confused and just trying to not get ran over. Let me explain one of this week’s lessons for me. 

My friend May and I went to a “western” supply store this week and I saw a lot more than I wanted. I saw eighty dollar pants, three hundred dollar pair of boots, City “dude” hats and almost everything you could think of marking ways that symbolized a lifestyle, but had no concept of the substance of the people they were trying to sell their stuff to. What I thought of most were all of the crosses I saw. I saw cross necklaces, boots with a cross on them, hats with crosses on them and belts and buckles covered with crosses. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love seeing the cross and people wearing them, but remember the old saying, “Never call him a cowboy until you see him ride?” Sadly, it seemed to me the cross has become a selling trademark rather than its true, much deeper meaning. 

I ask ya, does wearing a Denver Broncos jersey make you a Denver Bronco? Having and wearing nice clothes make you a person of class? Does wearing a cowboy hat make you a cowboy? Does wearing a cross make you a Christian? 

Being honest, I’ve seen some men with some sort of the cross on them so drunk he couldn’t hit the ground with his hat in three tries. I’ve seen women in their cross jewelry struttin’ like a turkey gobbler in a hen pen and heard both men and the women folk cussin’ so bad it would burn the grass for yards around while wearing the cross. It makes me think of my personal favorite passage, Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

When we wear the cross, it is saying that you are a Christian and that symbol means we must conduct ourselves in proper ways. Once you put that cross on, in any form, your actions and words are no longer yours. People will judge the Kingdom by your representation. 

“For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of uncleanness.”(Matthew 23:27). Atonement, through the Cross of Christ, means that God can put us back into perfect oneness with himself through the death of Jesus Christ, without anything coming between us any longer. Never tolerate, because of sympathy, what is not in good keeping with the Holy God. Place your words, actions and very thoughts under scrutiny of God himself. Think of that next time you put on your cross. Represent the kingdom well and make all Christians proud. Make people say, “I want to be like that.” Love all of ya. 

Remember: Don’t forget to live all the days of your life.

May grace and peace come to you and thankfulness for it to be given. 

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

Cowboy Pastor: Ty