Saturday Nights All Right

You don't have to be a cowboy to enjoy Bull Riding. It is the most dangerous sport anywhere on the planet. It is also one of the top watched events in television sports today. For those of you new to Bull Riding, the object is to sit on a bull, hold on to a rope wrapped around the bull, and when the chute is opened you hold on and stay on for 8 seconds. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, it doesn't seem like that long now, does it. But try to hang to a 1,500 to 2,000 pound bull who wants nothing more than to get you off of his back and 8 seconds can seem like an eternity. Got the picture!?

For those cowboys who ride bulls it's an everyday occurrence, you just have to maintain the nerve to repeat last weeks ride or not depending on how bad you got hurt. These guys are tuff. It's mental an physical. Sort of like ridding down a bumpy dirt road in the back of a Pick-up Truck going 50 miles per hour with nothing more to hang onto than a rope. Let me know how it works out. On second thought don't even try it, I don't want to know. Leave it up to the pros, ok?!

I met Jeff Robinson, who owns a number of PBR bucking bulls, a few weeks ago and he was telling me about a Bull Riding event he was putting on here in Asheville at the old Stockyards on the river. That's all I needed to get involved, other than Jeff's' permission. Scott Collins, who attends our Cowboy Church, is a rodeo judge and he is also one of the judges for the bull riding here in Asheville. So I went down to the Stockyards almost everyday last week just to let Jeff know we were serious about helping and then we watched them transform the stockyards into a bull riding arena.

The whole goal of our Cowboy Church is to share the gospel with those who like to cowboy and those that like to be around cowboys. You don't have to be a cowboy to enjoy Cowboy Church, just come as you are and worship the Lord. God wants to know each of us personally. The way we develop that relationship is to ask Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Saviour.

I don't want to see any of the bull riders get hurt but if something should happen while they are riding, I want them to trust in Christ for all their needs. Ask Christ to make you into the kind of person He wants you to be.

Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Gospel Cow Dog

Our dog Fletcher is an Austrailan Cow Dog. He comes from a working cattle ranch in Florida, he's mixed with Catahoula which makes him a little bigger than most Cow Dogs. When we first got him he was just a puppy and many of our friends warned us that cow dogs by nature are an aggressive bunch. But from the time I brought Fletcher home we trained him and had him around people. He has a great personality for people and the other day helped me share the Gospel.

Each Wednesday I go over to the Canton Livestock Auction to meet new people for our Cowboy Church. Not to mention it's a great place to hang out. The owner Ed Johnson and I met back in the summer and he has allowed me to come over and hold bible studies and promote our cowboy church. Many of the men there are from the area where we hold our Cowboy Church, so it's a great way to meet new people and promote our Thursday services.

Fletcher has not been around alot of cows since we moved to Asheville; horses yes, cows no. So I thought it would be fun to let him get a taste of a real stock yard.

Fletcher and I were standing by the truck when a man come over and asked if my dog was a Blue Heeler, so we began to talk about dogs. I told the man that Fletcher was from Florida. He noticed immediately that Fletcher had a nice personality. I told him that Fletcher is the official dog of Cowboy Church. This gave me the opportunity to share with my new friend how we started a cowboy church in North Buncombe county. His eyes lit up. He told me that he goes to a small church outside of Canton but the Cowboy Church seemed like a great way to share Jesus with people that don't like the typical church.

This whole conversation and meeting began all because of Fletcher. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul says, I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.

As the day went on I met more and more people because of Fletcher being with me, he helps me break the ice with people. I even took Fletcher back into the chutes to help work the cows going into the "Tub", but it was very noisy and crowded and Fletcher wasn't having any of that. The men working the cows liked having Fletcher back there. But in the end sharing Christ with someone is my goal. Some times I find it difficult to just go up to someone and hand them a Cowboy Church postcard and say "come on over!" I tend to be a little shy sometimes. Meeting new people can be intimidating, yes even for a church planter.

You may have something you enjoy that can help you share the Gospel, a way to break the ice with people that you haven't thought of yet. Take a moment today and think about what you do and the talents you have. Your witness is within those talents. If it pleases God then allow that part of your personality to help share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

You may be the only Christ people ever know.

Black Ice

There is a phenominum that occurs here on our mountian roads when it is wet and the tempurature gets to freezing. Moisture freezes on the paved surface and as you drive down the road it looks like a normal road. But you come over a hill and the next thing you know your sliding out of control. Black Ice can be dangerous if you're not expecting it. So when it is raining or even begining to snow the news stations will warn drivers of Black Ice on wet roads. While driving on these mountain roads you have to be aware of the dangers that could cause you to wreck.

John 1:9 says, The true light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. This verse talks of the coming Christ. The coming Messiah would reveal a flawed system of trying to reach God and provide a way for a relationship with God through faith, grace and forgiveness. If you don't know there are dangers ahead how do you know what to look for. As this season approaches watch for the signs that indicate you are getting close to slippery surfaces. Sin doesn't come into our life with flashing lights and red and yellow warning signs in our path. It sneaks into our lives a little at a time.

Let the true light shine in your life and through this Christmas season. You will be surprised how your light provides a wide beam even for those who may need to see a path during this maze of Christmas confusion. Christ is the light of the world.

Good Grief

What a weekend. The news over this Thanksgiving weekend was pretty grim. With the news from Mumbia, India and the throngs of crazed shoppers breaking down doors just to shop was just a bit much for my senses. It made me reflect on the approaching season. My wife has been having a difficult time getting into the "Christmas mood". She doesn't really watch the news that much so her seasonal distress comes from getting the Cowboy Church started and building a home at the same time. Each of which has it's own set of challenges and triumphs.

So as I was searching for some words of comfort I found something that made a lot of sense. It talks about Blessing God. Psalms 104:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty,

Just how do we Bless God. It was explained to me like this. If you have children, at Christmas time do they by you a present? If they do then where do they get the money to get the present? Usually it comes from Mom or Dad, right! Your children get excited about giving you their present. Then on Christmas morning they come in and say "we have a present for you."

When it comes right down to it you paid for your own present but it was a blessing because it was given with love.

That's how we Bless God. We give back what He has already given to us. His gift was His son Jesus Christ. If we accept this gift what we give back to God is our talent, time, our service. Take a few moments this morning to reflect and think about how your life is a Blessing to God.

Day after the big meal

I'm not sure where I got it but I was sick all day yesterday. On Tuesday night I visited the Asheville Buncombe Christian Community Ministry Vets Quarters where we had dinner and then Wednesday I had lunch at McD's. But what ever it was it made me ill for two days. My Mom always puts on a feast for as much family as will show up. Suzanne, my wife, and Mom put on a major spread. My cousin Rick and his wife Jing drove over from Boone to eat with us. I really felt bad not be able be more hospitable. So today I am going to take it easy and recover. I'm starting to feel a little better today. We may go out and brave the Asheville "traffic".

We wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Warm Stove and Warm Hearts

Each time our family sits down for a meal we take time to say a blessing over the food. We want to teach our children that prayer is an essential part of our relationship with God. Clay our 7 year old son likes to say prayers that include our horses, the dog, his freind up the street, Mom and Dad and usually a couple of new items he is thinking about. Devin who is 13 sometimes is less enthusiastic about praying in public but she still prays.

Many times when you pray you may ask God to change some circumstance or situation you are going through. I've done it, it's not the most mature prayer I have prayed. As we grow in Christ we are expected to not act like new Christians. For example a new Christian may not understand how to read the Bible, the reason for attending a small group study, or making church attendance a priority each week. As we get around other Christians it will cause us to grow and mature in our faith. When you pray don't go to God with a laundry list of your desires. God wants to know your needs but at the same time if you are not applying your faith each day how can you have a healthy relationship with God. The model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 is a great example of how to communicate with our Father in Heaven. It exalts God, humbles us for He supplies our needs, we are all sinners in Gods Holy sight, be forgiving, temptation is all around us and God will strengthen us, but no matter the situation Gods will is plenty.

Today as we all sit down for a Thanksgiving meal remember to thank the One who provides all of our needs and gave us His son Jesus as payment for our sin and brought us into communion with the maker of all. Happy Thankgiving.

Fall Leaves

Here in Western North Carolina we have been experiencing a drought, many of the creeks and springs have run dry. People that depend on wells for their water are struggling to find water for their homes. I was talking with a woman that carries water to her cows from a few hundred feet away. No matter who I talk with I find out that even in difficult times people do what ever it takes to get the job done. Even if it means having to change the normal routine and our level of comfort.

Planting the Land of the Sky Cowboy Church has had its' own set of challenges... all of it man-made. We have a core group of people that want to see Cowboy Church in North Buncombe grow and they have become good friends and people we can depend on. They help provide laughter and encouragement as well as strong hands when there is work to be done.

Because of the drought when the leaves were changing this past fall I noticed that they were not very bright. We are surrounded by mountians, it's a beautiful sight. The lack of rain caused the leaves on the trees to look dull, it was still a sight to see. Usually they bright with colors and the mountians appear to have flames running from hill to valley. You could see areas that had been effected by the drought and areas where water was still plentiful.

In Acts Paul and Silas were going about their business when they were beaten and thrown in prison. Not something they were expecting that day. Around midnight that night Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns. When is the last time you were sick or down on life? Did you sing and pray to God or was it more like a pitty party for one? I've been there, and it was a challenge to pray and praise God in difficult times. Like those fall colors, the trees still reached skyward even though to my eye they looked dull, the colors still changed bringing a new season to the Western Mountains. Because Paul and Silas did not allow their personal comfort to interfere with their ministry duty the very guard that imprisoned them came to know Jesus Christ as his Saviour, then the guards entire household came to Christ and all were baptised that night. Remember it was midnight when this was going on.

So let's review;, drought, dull colors, surounded, midnight, locked-up and beat-up! Have you got the picture? "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved". It's that simple. We all have things going on that can distract us from being saved, it is right there for the taking, so take a hold of Christ the Saviour. Psalms 145:10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!

Be Thankful, today as you look around you many are hungry and in need of a kind word or a friend with an ear to listen. Christ calls us to proclaim His joy where-ever we are.

Ground Tied

"Ground Tied" is a term Cowboys use when they can get off their horse and drop the reigns to the ground and not tie them to anything but the horse will not move from that spot even thought he's not tied to a post or a tree.

Look at the picture again, there is a fence but the reigns are not tied to it. This horse is not by himself there are three other horses near him and they are all "ground tied", not to mention the 20 people standing near by. There is a lot of activity going on but this horse stands fast and doesn't go anywhere. A cowboy has spent alot of time with this horse training and working him. This horse knows his place and waits for his rider to return, pick up the reigns, climb on and go back to work.

Gods asks us to wait on Him, Jesus said, " I seek not my will but the will of Him who sent me.", John 5:31. It is easy for us to have our own will and our own plans and ambitions. Our world is going through a precarious time, tomorrow seems blurred by the news of uncertian terms in finances and politics. Gods will for you is very different you may not see it right now but the way to find it is to stand still in His corral. Those fences infront of you are man made and we insist we be tied to it for security and comfort. But tie that horse to that fence and if he get spooked his 1200 lb body will pull those boards right out of the post dragging that length of lumber around, hurting himself and others around him. Seek Gods will for your life and you will find freedom in you everyday life. God doesn't want to tie you down but He wants to give you freedom. That is freedom from death and sin. His son Jesus Christ has given us that freedom from sin and death because is His death and resurrection on the cross. Today ask God to take hold of the reigns of your life and learn from Him, so you can experience life without being tied to lifes fences.

Gravel Road

When is the last time you drove down a gravel road that you didn't know where it went? Or have you ever noticed when you drive down a familiar gravel drive you don't always hit the same hole twice. When I drive up the road to our house every now and then I hit a rut and I think "I don't remember seeing that in the road."

Some dirt roads are smooth while others have those chatter bumps that resemble speed bumps put really close together and if you drive around 35 mph you seem to skip across the tops but any slower or faster it will shake all of the loose change out from under your seats. And some dirt roads have large holes that seem to appear out of no where.

As Christ followers we are going to find the ruts in the road. Our lives don't become easier because we begin to live for Christ, however, we can live free from the constant striving for success and care that the world puts on us. A life with Christ at the center allows us to see the ruts and things that would distract us from living a life full of promise and hope. The promise Christ gives us is that of freedom from sin and hope for tomorrow. God wants the best for you and brings out the best in you if you allow Christ to work through you every day. Even though there are bumps and holes along the road of our journey Christ will lead you through if you let Him.

Planting with intent

North Asheville Baptist Church invited us to their Missions Banquet, which was Friday November 21. Two of our core members, Scott and Sally, joined us to help pass out information to the visitors at the banquet. We had a great time talking to a few people about Cowboy Church.
We have been talking to North Asheville about them becoming a local church sponsor.

We put together a short video from our weekend at the Southern Finals Rodeo for the event, so take a look and enjoy. We held cowboy church on Sunday before the rodeo and we had 100 people attend the service. Remember, Cowboy Church is more than Rodeos, we like and support all types of equestrian events, English, Hunter Jumper, etc. Our daughter enjoys English style and has done barrel patterns in her english saddle.

It is not necessary to be a pro rider to attend Cowboy Church. Romans 12:2 says be transformed by the renewing of your mind... By not allowing the distractions of the world to take you off track you can begin to understand Gods will for your life. Have you ever thought to yourself...how do I know what Gods will is for me? If you don't ever read your bible, participate in a small group bible study, or attend church you will never know. God wants the best for you and if you spend time with Him - His plan for your life will be revealed. Be intentional in your worship.

Join us on a Thursday night at 7 PM in Weaverville, please be our guest.

Giving Thanks

Welcome back, we've been out doing Gods work. This past summer was a challenge like no other. We were focused on the business of ministry and as many of you may already know isn't were God calls us. What I mean is God did not call me to the business of Cowboy Church but rather the delivery of His message through the Cowboy Church. I begin this series with a bit of disappointment, a group that wanted to fund our Cowboy Church at the last minute decided to not fund our Cowboy Church. They wanted us to take COWBOY CHURCH out of our name. This comes from a group of pastors that seem to be more focused on the business of church rather than the ministering of the Gospel.

Don't get me wrong I am not disappointed about any of the funding because God is in control and provides my families every need. It did break my heart because of the attitude with which they approached me. All we can do is pray for churches that are holding on to the traditions and things of the past. The bible says old things are past away, 2 Corinthians 5:17.

What kind of challenge is the greatest? Is it a physical obsticle that we must over come? Or a mental thought that takes up our waking moments? Each is something we must face but not alone. We can have challenges but the Lord must be our source for all answers. He gives us the abilities and capacity to evaluate the challenges in terms of understanding and acceptance. In turn we make a decision on how to handle the obsticle in our path.

Lean on Gods understanding today, make a concious decision to put His will first. I have first hand experience with this. When I try to do it my way and it is contrary to Gods will for my life it falls short of my expectatoin and when it is the way God has planed for me then it seems to be effortless in it execution. Thats a fancy way to say that it works out for Gods purpose.

You have a purpose and God wants to show it to you but you must give your life to Christ and ask Him into your heart today.

Not Church

January 27 was a day that will go down as a day... well... as a very different day. Land of the Sky Cowboy Church was asked to help sponsor Cowboy Day at Swannanoa First Baptist Church. The day would begin with a breakfast and then a cowboy style service. You just don't say that to a cowboy pastor if you don' mean it. Steve Rayburn, pastor of Swannanoa gave us the reigns and said one thing, "preach the gospel". There were 150 for breakfast and around 600 for the service. Steve told the congregation that they came within 10 people of setting the Sunday School attendance record.

Our ministry team from Cowboy Church really made an impact. My wife Suzanne in conjunction with, Natilie, Nikki, their Dad Mike along with Matt and Lacie all brought out their horses and greated everyone as they drove up to the church parking lot. Now that's Cowboy. The service started with a Stick Horse Stampede featuring 30 children from the Kingdom Kids ministry of Swannanoa First Baptist. From there we "Cowboy'd Up" and gave the gospel cowboy church style. The people at Swannanoa First Baptist made us feel very welcome. My Mom has been the organist for this church for 42 years, so most of the members know me because I grew up there or they know my Mom. It made me a little nervous knowing that just about everyone there knew me when I was in High School, yikes! Gods plan for my life continues to unfold each day as we move forward. None of this could have happened without people praying for us. If you are reading this I would encourage you to please pray for this ministry. It is our mission to share the Good News of Jesus Christ within the Cowboy Culture and help others become effective Christ followers.

From Suzanne and myself we want to thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Time to Cowboy Up

It's January 1, 2008 and what a better way to begin the New Year then getting Land of the Sky Cowboy Church running. Since we've been here in Asheville we have seen Gods hand at work despite some of the obvious obsticles. The great thing is, God is bigger than anyone or any problem. I'll give you an example. Last week I was speaking to a Raymond Bell the founder of the Cowboy Church of Virginia and we were talking about our new work here in Asheville. Ray and I had talked a few times over the past couple of years but had not officially met. We talked for about 2 hours on the phone. A few hours after we had hung up he called me back and asked what we were doing Saturday, Suzanne and I had nothing pressing, Ray asked if I would like some company, sure I said, and the next thing I new my wife and I were making plans for our guests to arrive.

Ray and his wife Linda showed up at our house around 10:30 am Saturday morning that meant they left their house in Roanoke, Virginia at 6 AM. One thing is for sure when you do something out of the ordinary you find out really quick who your friends are. Ray and Linda spent the better part of Saturday with us just getting to know one another. I know this sounds strange to say but Suzanne and I haven't really found many friends here in Asheville that understand what we are undertaking with the Cowboy Church plant and how it can take a toll on you. I am not quite sure why that is, we have reached out to alot of people here but maybe we just haven't been able to connect with anyone locally yet.

I know Suzanne has had alot on her plate with home schooling and also hepling me with getting the church started. Ray and Linda listened and shared their experiences from years of ministry work and service. The Cowboy Churches in Virginina, like here in the Carolinas, are seeing tremendous growth as God works through the men and women of the Cowboy Church. It's not just about having a new niche to share the Gospel or impressive music but it happens because men and women are praying for change in peoples hearts. Only Jesus Christ can make that change possible, if we are ready.

All I can say is that it energized us to meet people that are out there on the front lines of ministry, doing what the Bible says,...GO! And go they did right here to Swannanoa, NC and shared their light with Suzanne and I. I'll never forget that day and someone lending a hand of freindship for Christ. Now that's being a light and an example for how Christ says we are to act towards one another.

On Thursday January 10 at 7PM we will begin holding services in Madison County. We have already been asked to start another Cowboy Church in Haywood County this spring. Please continue to pray for Suzanne and me as we share the gospel in the Cowboy culture.

Thanks Giving

I sat on the hill over looking my parents farm tonight and just watched the sun go down over the mountains. Since we moved here I don't think I had taken time to just sit and look at the mountains or watch the sun set. It was one of those moments that I just stopped to watch the horses eating grass and let Lucy the dog (not our dog, just one that comes up to the house when we show up to chase Fletcher, our dog) curl up beside me and we just sat there listening to the wind and the sound of the horses moving through the field. When is the last time you stopped and let the world go by so you could slow down? The time to say "thanks" to those that have made a difference in your life. Then "give" back to those with who you can make a difference. God gave us His great gift in His son Jesus Christ, we say thanks by being faithful to Gods words and sharing what Christ has done for us with others.

Wagons Ho

When is the last time you moved? I don't mean a job move, where a compnay pays the expenses and you have a job waitin' for you. Have you ever moved to a new town with nothing more than a dream and a plan to make it happen? That's church planting.

After planting a Cowboy Church in Kissimmee, FL we felt Gods leading and now we are in the process of planting a Cowboy Church here in the Western North Carolina region just outside of Asheville. It is quite an experience, we have visited a few churches and spoken to many pastors about our plans and just about everyone we have met has offered their assistance. One thing is for sure, though, not one of the churches we have visited have had anyone followup with us or come by to visit. Even the church I grew up hasn't called or come over to visit even after we filled out 4 Visitor Cards. That's not a complaint but an observation. It would have been nice if some of the people from the church would have stopped by and asked if we needed anything or just brought a plate of Grits over. Ha ha.

That to me is a good example of why church plants are so needed in this area. A church planter understands the basics of a servant heart. When Suzanne and I first got here we went by the church office, of the one I grew up in and where my Mom serves in the music ministry, and asked if there was a ministry in the church that could maybe give us a hand as we moved in, but their response was, "We really don't have anyone for that". If churches aren't able to reach inside their own community what good does it do to travel half a world away and build a building. We need to look at the needs around us.

I saw a friend of mine from Orlando here in Asheville at Wal-Mart and his first words to me were " we need to get people outside of the Stained Glass Prison." He's so right. The leadership in many churches seem challenged by church plants in their communities. Reaching the unchurched is not a subject I take lightly. Only with God leading us are we able to fullfill the work He has called us too.

Cowboy Church here in Ashveille will reach people that don't go to church now and become a ministry of example. The time has come to put all the teaching that we have learned in Sunday School, and Church to work in our neighborhoods where we live.

National Day of the American Cowboy

This should be a hoot! An entire day, July 28 2007, devoted to celebrating the heritage of the American Cowboy, or if your from Florida The Cowhunter. When I first heard about this holiday I was excited because I'm always looking for ways to meet people in the cowboy community here in Florida. Any chance I get to share Christ whether it's at a rodeo, horse show, or a Holiday that's dedicated to the continuing education of a lifestyle that engages the memories of youth and mystic of the old west. If you don't know the history of the Florida Cowhunter you may want to do a little research and discover why the Cowhunter is one of the most unique styles of Cowboys with a history that rivals any story from the old west.

Our plan for the holiday is to bring a little cowboy entertainment to Lakeland which is about half way between Orlando and Tampa. At the same time let the community know about our Cowboy Ministry.

So come and join us Saturday July 28 at Conibear RV on North Highway 98. You can find more information about The National Day of the American Cowboy at http://www.cowboyday.com/ or you can visit the Mill Town web page http://www.cowboyministry.com/ for more information.

Come on by and visit with us Saturday July 28 and experience the Cowboy in you.

Listen'n to the Trail Boss

We just got back from 2 weeks in Asheville, NC where I grew up. Our first stop was with Jeff Smith of the Cowboy Church Network. He held a conference for all of the Cowboy Pastors at his ranch near Charlotte, NC. It is very encouraging to so many men mobilizing to spread the gospel through the cowboy culture.

There are alot of people who like to trail ride and compete in all types of equestrian events and the men involved with Cowboy Church have a call to go to where these people are. Many times just being on the trail with a few people is enough to share Jesus Christ in a way that is comfortable to those your riding with. The Cowboy Church is growing and it's impact is being felt in unique ways. Some people that haven't been to church in many years enjoy the layed back atmosphere, in some locations tourists stop by to visit just to take in some of the local traditions.

While we were in Asheville we visited the Blue Ridge Cowboy Church near Asheville and the Cross Country Cowboy Church of Shelby. Each of these churches is serving a needed ministry in their community.

During our trip to Asheville we had planned on relaxing a bit but our first few days were spent at the emergency room. Suzanne had a pain in her side and the doctor thought it was her appendix but thankfully it turned out to be less serious but no less stressful.

The night we went over to the Blue Ridge Cowboy Church Jeff spoke about Listening to the Trail Boss. If you've ever been on a trail drive or just seen one in your favorite western you know there is typically one man in charge of the operation. You take all your direction from him while your on the drive. It can mean the difference between getting a paycheck at the end of the drive or even life and death. Jeff used verse from John 14:13-14. Verse 14 says "If you ask Me anything in My name (Jesus), I will do it."

If the trail boss knows you and you know him chances are you can go to him with a request or concern and he''ll listen. Our relationship with God is much the same, if we have a relationship with His son, Jesus, then He will listen when we talk to Him. If we don't know Jesus we don't know God and He doesn't know us. I realize this might sound harsh but it's the truth. If we ask God to answer our prayers He wants us to be living a life that is worth blessing and is in tune with what God expects from us.

I find myself not always listening to the Trail Boss and that's when I usually begin to wonder off the trail into some deep forest. I don't know about other ministries but the more I try to do things my way the more difficult it is for the Trail Boss to communicate with me. We always have great ideas and strategies for events and ways to bring people in to participate in Cowboy Church but that's not always what God has in mind.

Maybe God has been trying to talk to you on the trail and you've too busy to listen. Take some time and get alone with Him, clear your mind of the duties and commitments and the things that would distract you attention. Get into a right relationship with God, ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and ask Him to make you into the kind of person He wants you to be and then commit yourself to living each day for Christ taking your direction from the only Trail Boss that will ever count.

On The Trail

This has been a year full of exciting trails for the Cowboy Ministry. One thing is for sure, if you know God is calling you, it's best to head that direction. We've traveled to Rodeo's, Horse Shows, and Cattle Drives. And each time we travel to a different location we see Gods' had move in a mighty way.

Last night I went to Lake Alfred to the South of Heaven Rodeo. Tucked away, off of Hwy 17-92, down a dusty road, drive behind the house it opens up to pick-up trucks and lots of boys and girls wearing hats and boots and a small rodeo arena. This is a training facility for Cowboys and Cowgirls to learn how to Rodeo. It is owned by CJ Brown. He helps young Cowboys learn the "ups and downs" of the rodeo business. Each Tuesday they have a "Buck Out", this is a chance for new riders to learn how to get on and off Bulls or Broncs (horses). CJ and I talked about his training and he told me how important is was to him not just to teach how to ride but also how to live. Life lessons are important to him and he conveys that to the young cowboy's at his ranch.

So we have a standing appointment each Tuesday to go over, pray with these young men and women and watch them learn a little aboutlife one ride at a time.

Cowboy Church in the News

NBC Nightly News ran a feature segment on Jeff Smith and Cowboy Churches. Jeff is a Cowboy Pastor and Missionary who is starting Cowboy Churches across the US as well as being a mentor to me and our Cowboy Church ministry here in Central Florida.

Watch the video

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The Goal

Recently, during one of my morning devotionals, I was reading about a missionary who said, "Here let me burn out for God." They weren't talking about job overload but rather a fire for Jesus Christ burning hot and bright.

If you have a job you really love, over time, it's easy to feel overwhelmed with the daily tasks and duties of our work or business, over time we forget the reason we started doing it in the first place. It may be that our priorities have changed or the company we work for has lost the vision of it's original purpose. You may or may not have the luxury to change jobs. The responsibilities to our family and financial duties may not allow us just pick up and move to a new job.

Friday night I met a young Bronc rider, next year he will be in 9th grade. After we finished praying for the riders he grabbed me and asked if I would help him set his rig on the horse he had drawn. We'll I hadn't put this kind of rig on before but I said ok. He got on this 1,100 pound horse which was getting ready to bust out of the gate and this young man probably topped out at 95 pounds, yet he was focused on the task at hand. When the gate burst open, the horse turned left and shot straight into the air. The young bronc rider lasted about 3 seconds and then was thrown to the ground. As he walked from the arena over to the chute we exchanged a high five. "Good ride" I said, "how long you been ridin?" I asked, "Just about two months!", he replied.

This young man isn't too different from many of the boys, girls, men and women I meet at rodeos. When they get knocked down they get right back up and start preparing for the next ride. That night our young bronc rider rode again and this time made the 8 second buzzer just in time to be thrown to the ground once more. This young man had a light burning bright from the inside.

Ephesians 5:14 says, for what makes everything clear is light.

Sometimes our light can't shine because we're expecting someone else to turn on the switch. The only way that switch can be turned on is by letting Jesus work in our lives. How do you do that? Ask Him to make you into the person He wants you to be. Your passion may be horses or cowboy poetry, maybe playing the guitar, what-ever it is you can let your passion shine by using that talent for Christ. What makes your light shine? As we read deeper in Gods word and discover His will for our lives it will become apparent were we fit in to His plan.

For a light to begin to burn something has to strike it and cause it to ignite. So go beyond your job description or place in life and look to the passion hidden deep inside you. God has a purpose just waiting for you where you can burn brighter than you thought possible. Isaiah 40:31 says this, But those who trust the LORD will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.

A cowboy climbs on an 1,100 pound horse or a 2,000 pound bull and holds on with one hand trying to make an 8 second ride to win a few dollars but one injury can take all that away. Cowboys and Cowgirls depend on performance to make a living, so what happens when the horse goes lame or becomes to old to ride? Living for God is a daily relationship, He wants you to become the person He made you to be. Make Jesus Christ the source that fuels your light. Yeah! living for God takes effort but the rewards are not temporary they are eternal.

Find what makes you shine and give it to God, take it and place it before Him and let Jesus use it for the good of Heavens benefit and your friends, family and others you come in contact with will be changed because of Jesus light shining thru you.

Galations 6:14
But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.