May 11, 2014

CRUSADER’S DEVOTIONAL

“Around The Campfire”

Hello all! Hope God’s blessings have been with you as I hope your prayers have been strong and heart felt.

The Crusaders I must give a tilt of the old hat too. Ya see last Sunday (04-27-14); the team was to be at the National Western Stock Show’s coliseum to help with the “Whiz kids” annual “Whiz Kids Rodeo”. It is a day that intercity kids get a once in a lifetime experience of the western life style. Understand these kids must earn the right to be there. “Whiz kids” is a faith based mentorship program serving about a thousand at risk 3rd through 8th grade intercity kids. The tutoring time is spent at a local church; it is a third faith, a third education and a third fun. State Governor John Hickenlooper has stated that whiz kids was the most successful program Denver has in helping students stay in school.

On Sunday morning it was raining/snowing, windy and cold out. It would have been very easy for any of the team members to stay home in warmth and comfort. Instead of loading gear, animals, trucks and trailers and driving all the way downtown, but each person held to their word. The oppressor did not have his way given this day. See the Devil loves to make things hard for those that try and do the work that the Lord has set before them. Angles gaze upon the scene, and heaven and hell await the issue. A lot of folks would do more prayin’ could they find a soft spot for their knees. Not the true believer, he who has poured out all thoughts of self and seeks too the love and kindness of others. “Freely you have received, freely give.” Matt. 10:8 nkjv

Christianity survives because it faces all of life, including the evil and wickedness of this world, it’s the whole picture. Christianity affirms that through all the trouble, pain and confusion there is a good outcome. The smiles will out shine the sorrow. A flower will grow up out of the mud.

Nobody can live successfully in this world without being strong, by the grace of God. Sooner or later the horse of life is going to give you a little buck or it’s going to buck so hard it rattles your teeth and unseats you right out of the saddle. In these times of adversity we must be strong in our faith, in all that is Jesus Christ, knowing that he is always with us and to not be afraid. As Christians we know his voice and come when he calls but, this means that we are acting upon his true calling and not just of our own feelings. This relationship comes from studying his word and prayer. This is the relationship that is above all others. Sometimes I think they are great virtues, to be strong and courageous. I think it is an outward expression of a great and powerful faith that comes from within. The Savior, unseen stands beside us as we help those who know not of this strength and courage or have yet to learn where it comes from.

I give thanks to the Lord for knowing all of you and honored to be riding this same trail with you. You all remind me of what I should be. With all my heart, may God bless you.

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:21 nkjv

And may it be so in the name of

Jesus Christ of the Nazarene.

Cowboy Pastor: Ty

PastorTy@CrusaderEquestrian.org

March 2, 2014

Crusader’s Devotional

Around the Camp Fire

Sunday March 2^nd, 2014

Hey everyone! I would like to thank you very kindly for responding to devotionals of the past. I feel honored and blessed with your kind words of enjoyment and encouraging feedback. I’ve got to tell ya that I have been doing a lot of studying lately and I’ll share an event brought that brought one of the Old Testament books right to life for me. A friend and I were bare backing our horses on last Sunday, when all of a sudden I left on an unscheduled flight. Seems something spooked our horses and before for you could say “what spooked them?” my hands were empty of reins and filled with dirt. I know that Virgil could out buck a bobcat whose tail is on fire; I wish it were a buck, at the least I would have something to hang my hat on but it was just a little crow hop and a spin. But, riding bareback I slid off so fast all I can give witness to is the sky the sun and how hard the ground was. I first landed on my rear end then my back, followed by my head in a close photo finish. I had to harrow up the arena the next day just to remove my body imprint in the dirt. I got complacent. I went my own way.

If we look at the Book of Jonah, the reluctant prophet, then take a good look at ourselves a lesson might just be learned on becoming complacent and indifferent. Seems that Jonah was Proud, stubborn, disobedient, unfaithful a grumbler, all in all bad tempered. Now God called on Jonah to go to Assyria and tell the Ninevites of their coming doom. They were living in spiritual darkness, God wanted the people to repent and come to him. Jonah was Jewish and thought of the Ninevites as pagans, human garbage that were “Untouchables.” To flee God’s calling, Jonah jumped on a ship going the other direction. God went after Jonah with a vengeance, causing a wicked storm. Jonah confessed what he was up to and the crew threw him over board into the sea. A “Great Fish” was appointed to swallow up Jonah. As it would be Jonah was in the fish’s belly for three days and three nights. Side note; once Jonah was thrown from the ship the immediate calming of the storm brought the ships crew to faith and salvation as a result of the observation of the power of the Lord.  Not to take the long way around the barn, Jonah went to the Ninevites and preached.

Now, as people don’t we sometimes take it upon yourselves to do as we see fit? Rather then living under the protection of God’s word. Then when things don’t turn out the way we were hoping for we curse the Lord, when all the time we find that we are way out of bounds. Freedom does not mean the freedom to do whatever we want whenever we want; freedom is to do what is right when the timing is right.

We are too occupied with our own whims and fancies, too taken up with passing things.  Rarely do we even conquer one of our vices; are we filled with the passion to enhance our relationship with Jesus day by day?

We would enjoy much peace if we did not concern ourselves with what others say and do. Just believers depend on the grace of God rather than on their own wisdom. Why do we converse and gossip among ourselves when we so seldom part without a troubled Conscience?  These things Jesus warns us about. Jonah’s live tells us about the heart aches of disobedience.

I know I should have warmed Virgil up before just jumping on. Its winter, the horses are fired up, feeling good and have lots of unused energy.  I know this, but I went my own way and took a hard fall. The fall I’m asking you not to take is the road of self satisfaction and going your own way. It will only end in a hard fall. Take the hand of Jesus and there will be no falling.

Thanks to the Lord for the wisdom of his words,

And the lessons well learned.

In the name of Jesus Christ of the Nazarene.

Pastor Ty

PastorTy@CrusadersEquestrain.org

Around the Campfire

CRUSADER’S DEVOTIONAL

“AROUND THE CAMPFIRE”

02-23-2014

Happy Valentine’s Day! Hope ya all enjoy this day to remember and be remembered by all those that we love. Isn’t it funny how fast time fly’s when we are with the ones we love or if we are doing something that we have a great passion for. Thinking of time “flying” by, early one morning I got stopped at a train crossing and boy it was a long one. It got me looking at each train car as a year or memory of my life. It was like watching my past and present pass right before me. Then all of a sudden it had all passed by, nothing left but the darkness and flashing red lights. I got to thinking what appeared to be so long went by so fast then, BAM it was done. In a shining moment it came to me that it is vanity to wish for long life and care little about a well spent life. I believe that many words do not satisfy the spirit; but a good life and clean conscience inspires great trust in God. Seems many err and accomplish little or nothing at all, because they try to become learned rather than well lived. On that coming day of judgment, I doubt we will be asked what we have read but what have done , not how well he have spoken but how well we lived. 

How many will fall because of vain worldly knowledge and to little care for serving God. If you do God’s will and not your own, you are truly learned. We should not ask who is talking but mark what is said. Men pass away but the word of the Lord remains. As you study the Bible, read it with humility, SIMPLICITY, and faith. Never desire a reputation for being well versed. A true heart at peace is found in resisting temptation, not satisfying it.  There is no peace in a worldly man, the one who seeks vain attractions, but peace is within the spiritual man.

As your train goes by what will you see? Make every car count. Love with all the passion you have while in the moment. Don’t take blessings for granted. Care about more than just what concerns you. Give your time and knowledge freely. Do not open your heart to every man, but discuss your affairs with one who is wise and fears the Lord. It is good for us to have troubles and trials at times, it reminds us that we control very little. Always look to Jesus and be thankful for his mercies. Always remember that lost time will never return.  

What will you think of next time you’re stopped by a train?

Go with God.

Pastor Ty

PastorTy@CrusadersEquestrain.org

06FEB2014

CRUSADER’S DEVOTION

“Around the campfire” Cowboy Ministry

Not to many decades ago, horses and mules were used to supply all the power to work the land. They pulled plows, racked hay, skidded logs and moved wagons full of heavy freight. They worked through out the year. Breaking the hard ground in the spring, not only would a man and his family work farming the land, but they had to be horseman as well. Every once in a while these beast of burdens would do some act way above the “call of duty”. Years ago, my grandfather would tell me of stories that always started out “seemed like it was just yesterday”. See, he came from a family farm in Minnesota and my grandmother came from a family farm in Iowa.   

I remember one story of “Fats” and “Miss. Ice” a drat team that would faithfully perform everything asked of them under the adverse weather conditions of southern Minnesota. One day as my grandpa was working on some repairs on the barn, he could hear the whinny of Miss Ice trying to get his attention. Grandpa went out of the barn and saw Miss Ice but nowhere was fats. For he know some thing was wrong “in his gut”. His team of horses were always together, rather hitched up or not.

Grandpa went looking all over the farm looking for Fats. At the very north end of the farm was small lake. Grandpa heard a small faint almost weak whinny. We walked around the willows and found Fats in some quicksand. Only fats shoulders, neck and head were above the quick sound. Quickly, Grandpa went to the neighbor’s farm to get help.

Grandpa and his friend (Will) hitched up Will’s team and grabbed a couple of ropes. Grandpa carefully got the two ropes around Fats chest and Will’s team slowly pulled the cold and stressed Fats from the deep sand. Well, Fats was blanked and placed in his stall next to Miss Ice, so he could warm up and claim down. Grandpa, Grandma and the neighbors gathered in the kitchen for coffee, pie and of course the retelling of the rescue. Grandpa said he was grateful for the warning whinny of Miss Ice and that I should always keep an hear out for the “warning whinny” rather it be from horse or from the Holy Spirit himself.

A few weeks ago, I meet a young man (Mid-twenties) that had a learning disability that made reading very hard for him. He could read at about a second grade level. He asked if he could read to me this book he had been working on. I listened as he read his book that consisted of about ten pages with large lettering and single syllable words. Although he read the book with pride that he could do it, I could hear the “warning whinny.”

Mr. Bowls who just found his faith and was baptized last week (Praise the Lord) but ya can’t help but notice that Mr. Bowls is shinning brighter then the headlights of a Ford 550. Remembering the story of the faithfulness of the horse team, I thought of a plan. I asked Mr. Bowls if he would help this young man with his reading, he was only to honored and happy to do so. I went and found a children’s Bible, complete with simple words and drawings. A couple of days later, I saw Mr. Bowles and the young man sitting

on the ground reading from the book given them. What better way to learn to read then to read the words of God?  I was so humbled by the display of love by one man and the courage of the other, that I could fell the hardness of my heart crack away. The Holy Spirit is everywhere if you look to see and open yourself to be used for the purpose of the one who forever loves you and will give you victory over every evil if you will only walk with him. Listen for that “warning whinny” of the Holy Spirit and act upon it, whether it is by actions or words, for your own good or someone else.

When Christ went to the cross, he set all believers free. That is what he meant when he said, “Now will the ruler of this world be cast out.” (Jn 12:31). Pray and when you’re done, pray again. Then you shall see and hear things that were invisible to you before, you will hear that “whinny” that ya feel in your gut. Then do what must be done. The Labor is great and the laborers are few. Have courage and do not be afraid. We are children of God and are never sent alone.

By this all men will know that you ride for me, if you take care and love one another.

Blessed be thee.

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

Cowboy Pastor Ty Nazarenus

PastorTy@CrusadersEquestrian.org

Jan 13 2014

CRUSADER’S DEVOTIONAL

“Around The Camp fire”

I must admit that I took some time off. Not time away from God but time away from “it all”. The Advent season I spent a lot of time praying, studying God’s word and waiting. I felt that I needed time to make sure of my mission. Sure of what God wanted me to do. We must never use feelings to justify what we are doing but know that it is he that works in us to produce the fruit that comes from our seed, the seed that he gave us. I would like now to share a story that showed me who I’ am and where I’m should be.

I would say about thanksgiving time, the board members of the Crusaders came aware of a horse in need of help. Not just help, but life saving help. It was Cindy who first took “Rusty” in. When I say in, I mean to love, protect from the cold give medicine too and feed very carefully. An around the clock job. Then Crusader board members voted to adopt a very skinny, sick horse that had a small chance of come back. “Rusty” was a good horse with lots of spirit that gave one Crusader girl, Maize, some memories that will last a very long time. 

The board members knew it was no easy choice, money is always the issue, but in this cause they voted to try and help a horse that the Vet didn’t even know what the problem was rather then the team being able to ride in the stock show parade. Board members Tracy, Carmen and Robert spared no coast of time or money on hay and vet bills to try and help Rusty. They set up a stall with the help of team member Mike to give Rusty a stall with shelter and heated automatic water. They hand cut the grass from a large bail of hay cause that’s the way Rusty liked it. Rusty was watched around the clock. Taking his temperature, checking on his water consumption, making sure he was eating all his meds. As all things Rusty belonged to God and God called upon Rusty to go home. I’ve said this in the past, but in my fifty years I’ve seen a lot of good horses called home. I know God must have a stable like no other. Like people he takes them home when they must be needed most because we sure do miss them down here.

Rusty stood for more than just a horse, and taught us a lot more that just riding. Rusty reminded us of putting others before ourselves. He taught us that sometimes you see people at their best when things are at their worst. People willing to give until it hurts. That’s when you see people at their best. When it’s about nothing else but pure love. Tears fall from sadness and joy but when they fall from lost love, those tears are not in vain but rather at being our best despite the odds. Fighting the uphill battle, taking it on the chin and giving glory to God what ever the outcome might be.

My only question is are we giving all we have for Jesus. Giving till it hurts, pouring ourselves out till we fill empty? Fighting the good fight no matter where the battle may be, rather if there are thousands around to watch or if there is no one but us and the devil himself. Are we giving it all we have? Are we giving all we have for love or are we saving the best for our own interest. As for those people and that horse, we are small but we are mighty. Praise the Lord.

May the love of Jesus help all of us to reach out for more than ourselves.

In the name Of our Lord Jesus of the Nazarene.

Cowboy Pastor Ty

PastorTy@CrusadersEquestrain.org

Thanksgiving 2013

AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

CRUSADER’S DEVOTIONAL

Hey everyone! Hope your journey has been a blessed one since last time and that we all have grown closer to Jesus and learned something about him, ourselves and others along the way. I’ve seen so much over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had a hard time deciding on the topic that most touched my heart. I prayed on it and meditated on it before the Holy Spirit came forth within me to share what he wanted taught. 

So, now if I may share it with you , it seems as if we have become a people of easily disposing of things that no longer serve us, despite a vow, a promise, or just plain the right or wrong of it. 

My wife and I saw our only son, Nick, sent off to war at the age of eighteen. He served two tours in the Middle East. When he returned he was not the same man who left us. Let’s just say that his faith in God was in doubt. The government did not care if he lost his soul over there nor seemingly did the people he fought for. But, due to his faithful young wife, Jessica, his relationship with Jesus was restored. Thank God for the strength provided her. As a matter of fact, Nick along with Jessica and their son were all baptized last Sunday. Praise God, Jessica kept her wedding vow allowing her to keep her husband and son intact. 

Why, I can think of people who get rid of a horse because the horse is getting a little older and slower and might need a little extra care, but is still a faithful and trustful beast of burden. Not interested in what the animal has done for them in the past or even caring what may become of the horse, they just go out and get a “new” one to succumb to the same fate. Where is the promise of love that was given when the horse was “new”?

Then people who get out of a vow of marriage, a promise before God and man, because it has become difficult; where is your faith in yourself, your spouse and in your God? I understand the hardship, that is why we must think before we act or speak. Pray first always, knowledge will shortly follow. No reason to head south when you live north. 

My fellow brethren, I don’t like to get up in people’s grill, especially when I fight the battle of being a sinner myself, but this we must fix. Our vows, our promises must be of substance. We cannot take the sacraments on Sunday and then jump into the deep end of the world’s secular pool on Monday. We must be people of the word, studying it, and living by it, most of all by representing it. Watch your words, for they watch you as you stumble then laugh when you fall. 

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”(Ps 32:8). That’s a vow and promise I know is true and will remain unbroken. Say what you mean but mean what you say. Oh Christian, you represent so much more than you know of. Make sure your heart is full of love and compassion before your mouth is full of insincere words that fall upon a trusting ear. 

“The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned.” (Mt 12:37). We all bear responsibility for the words we speak. Hold fast to the words you speak, the promises and vows we commit to will be judged by others as the content of our character. And by the utterance of such things the Lord will judge our hearts. Remember He promises we will be victorious when we do the things that bring glory to his name. 

I guess all I can say is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mk 12:30). Then and only then, coming from a true heart will your words have truth in them. 

Making them tested by the fires of dependability, sowing the seeds of trust. Showing if your words can be trusted so can the Lord whom created you, to an unbelieving world. And that is not disposable. 

Love ya all. 

Cowboy wisdom: Remember even a kick in the caboose is a step forward. 

May the Lord care for and bless you well. 

Cowboy Pastor Ty 

PastorTy@CrusadersEquestrian.org

11/06/13

Around The Camp Fire

Crusader’s Devotional

11-06-13/ Wednesday

Hey ya all! Hope you’re all well and your blessings are many. I’m just going to jump right in and tell ya of a much too often told story of a broken heart, sorrow and a troubled soul. Now this memory happened many winters ago but I found it in one of my yearly journals.

It begins on one of those nights where the snow is lightly falling and it’s ten o’clock at night. I drove past Cal’s house (we all called him “Cal” because of his coming from California, It only came up once but he would never again admit to it.) I pulled into his driveway and with the aid of my headlights I saw Cal, a bottle, and a shot glass all on the tailgate. I pulled into the driveway and asked what in the world was he doing. Cal said “Have a seat.” I climbed on to the tailgate, sat down, and Cal said “Have a shot.” I picked up the half empty bottle and looked at it. Cal said “Don’t worry, it’s the good stuff.” Sure enough it was pure Kentucky Bourbon whiskey. To my reasoning, if Kentucky breeds the best race horses in the world they might have a grasp on whiskey as well, besides where I come from it’s rude to turn down a man’s liquor. I filled up the shot glass and down it went, burning the whole way down then landing like a brick in the bottom of my belly. I could tell Cal was hurting; he never even looked at me. 

Cal had a girlfriend, mighty pretty but lacking in the more important areas. Here is what Cal had to say in his own way. “She was long gone before she ever left. The fact she’s gone will come to me eventually. I wonder who’s gonna tell this last heart of mine?”

We sat there on that tailgate; snow still slowly falling as Cal filled another shot and handed it to me, and then took one himself. I didn’t say a word, to my way of thinking I was just there to listen. Cal then ran his fingers thru his hair, pulling it back from his face and said, “Blame whoever ya want, the end is the same. Guess I’ll just blame me.” Then he finally looked straight at me and said, “Have ya ever just watched something die, then try to do something about it? I’ve watched plenty.” I sat there listen’en as Cal poured out his pain. He went on to say; “Does it show? Every smile a lie probably shows in ways I never know.” Those were no hollow words. Cal spoke what he thought. Cal, my friend was hurting. The loss of love might just be the greatest and most painful hurt of all.

As we sat there in silence, the Wyoming snow slowly coming down but now the flakes starting to get bigger. We must have sat there for ten or fifteen minutes without a word said. Cal was a Christian man, so I told him the way I saw it, hoping it wouldn’t fall on a hardened heart caused by loss.

These are the words I told him. “Cal, I’m sorry. She must not have been in his plans for you. Ya know God has a sense of humor. Sometimes he places a nugget of blessing in a bundle of heartache. He wants to see if you will look through the bundle for the nugget or just live bitter with the bundle. For some unknown reason he loves you and I. God wants to show his love through us. You may have lost a girlfriend but don’t lose your faith. Of course you know it is a test and sometimes the more painful the test the more blessing received, if we remain true to our faith in him. Surrender your understanding to him and know that he has our back. Jesus has promised better things for you.” Then there was nothing. Cal seemed to sit there and ponder.

After a couple of minutes, Cal reached over and put the cork in the bottle, picked up the bottle and shot glass, then jumped off the tailgate. Then looked at me with a stone cold face with a single tear coming out of his left eye and said, “Thanks, thanks Ty for being here.” As he started to walk towards his house he finished with; “Only fools sit out in the snow, see ya on the healing side.”

Cal is now married to a great gal and owns a small ranch in southern Wyoming. Guess he found his nugget in that bundle after all. Cal is and always will be my friend. 

“Lord, hear my prayer; let my cry for help come before you. Do not hide your face from me in my day of trouble. Listen closely to me; answer me quickly when I call.” Psalm 102: 1-2

May God bless those with a broken heart. May they too find what they need in that bundle. 

In the name of Jesus Christ of the Nazarene I pray.

Cowboy Pastor Ty

PastotorTy@CrusadersEquestrian.org