Relationships play a very important part in our daily lives. The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:1-6, that we are to bear one another’s burdens in order to fulfill the love of Christ. A well known country singer, Johnny Cash recorded more than 1500 songs, had 14 number one hits, was awarded 11 Grammies, and sold 50 million albums. A very committed Christian, Johnny Cash’s wife June, through her love, encouraged his success. Johnny Cash’s wife knew the meaning of Galatians 6:2, bearing another’s burden.

            I’ve seen several preachers that walk around all puffed up thinking that they are superior to what they actually are. Galatians 6:3 talks about Christians who have failed because they have placed themselves above others. They tend to allow relationships to drain their energy and enthusiasm; they take but never return, and tend to second guess themselves. How can this person ever be lifted up to God without the encouragement of fellow Christians? Proverbs 13:20 stresses the importance of a relationship: “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise; but the companion of fools suffers harm”(NRS).

            Galatians 6:4 says that every man should prove his own work. When a person puts his faith to the test for the purpose of seeing how well he is obeying God, he can see himself as he really is. We are to rejoice over our accomplishments and not over another persons’ failure.

            Relationships should never be one sided, both parties should benefit from enjoyment, respect, trust, and an ability to reciprocate. Our relationship with God and our relationship with fellow Christians could be treated like a bank account, you can’t draw on them without making deposits. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 13:7 that love “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

            Life seems more difficult every day, it isn’t as simple as it once was, and we will see more and more of our friends fail victim of sin. Encourage someone so that they might have the strength to stand and put their faith in the cross.

            There was a time and not so long ago that Mary’s little lamb could follow her to school but now it is against the rules. The Lamb, Jesus has been kicked right out of our schools while we stood by and let it happen. Today Christians are being hauled off to court for praying in our schools. April 15^th, 2008 the Federal Appeals Court ruled that a New Jersey high school couch who bowed his head while students led prayer broke the law. He was contributing to the delinquency of minors. August 10^th, 2009 two Pace High School Administrators face criminal contempt charges over prayer offered at a luncheon. Two students charged that the school officials violated the Constitution by promoting religious beliefs in school. Pray for Lay and Freeman, their trial is set for September 17^th. They face fines of up to $500 and 6 months in prison (their jobs are also hanging in the balance). What has happened to the Constitutional Rights of those of us who choose to pray to our creator? Will the Lamb be banned from restaurants next?

            Prayer is very important in our walk with God, if it were not Jesus would not have spent so much time in prayer. Jesus even taught the disciples how they, and we should pray, Matthew 6:9-13. We know it as the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer is to be prayed in full confidence that the Heavenly Father will hear and answer according to His will.

            Jesus speaking begins in verse 9 by saying, “After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father”, (prayer should be directed to God the Father only and establishes our relationship to him) “Who is in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (says that God is worthy of love and demands respect). Verse 10 continues: “Your Kingdom come,” (releases God’s power) Your will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven (releases His purpose). Verse 11, Give us this day our daily bread (releases His provisions, natural and spiritual). Verse 12, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (it is easier to forgive when we remember what God has forgiven us for, His forgiving our part depends on our forgiving others). Verse 13 continues, “And lead us not into temptation (help us not to be tested) but deliver us from evil: (Satan himself) For Yours is the kingdom (the earth belongs to God, not Satan) and the power (through the cross) and the glory (belongs to God), forever (none of this will ever change). Amen.” Jesus gave us a prayer that allows us to enter each day for battle, with a promised victory, and protection against Satan’s attacks.

            We should pray until prayer becomes fixed in our heart. The Bible says in Mark 11:24, “In prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.” That means that if you are praying for rain, you better have an umbrella ready. Jesus taught us how to pray and Matthew 7:7 says to: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it will be opened to you:” Get to praying before Mary’s little lamb gets banned somewhere else, and pray that prayer gets back into schools.

            We are conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. A small moment to one may be a great moment to another. Birthdays and anniversaries are important personal times. Holidays excite others. My son never fails to call and wish me a Happy Veterans Day. There are historical events that have become great moments and disasters have their place also. One thing for certain, people may not remember what you did, but they will sure remember how you made them feel. Are you struggling to find something to celebrate and be to be grateful for? Psalms 118:29 tells us to give thanks to the Lord.

            The Bible says in Romans 12:2 not to let the world squeeze you into its own mould. Are you conforming to people, events, and circumstances? Who controls your life? God’s word tells us not to be conformed to this world. God meant for us to be faith based. You can stay a conformer or you can become a transformer. Align your thoughts with God and get away from you’re not, you can’t, and you’ll never be able to. Many times I have delayed doing things because I just did not have the confidence to do it, I just didn’t trust God. In cowboy talk you could say, “Grab the reigns, start drivin’ and quit ridin’”. There is a lot happening around you that you can do something about.

            Psalms 138:7&8 reads: “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You receive me: You shall stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand shall save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me: your mercy, Oh Lord, endures forever: forsake not the works of Your own hands.” God and His people are one so He is with us in the midst of trouble. No, God doesn’t say, “too bad” when we make the wrong choices. We should not go against the things that God has planned for us. When you are in doubt you just might have to ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?”

            Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it is still a gift. There aren’t any new sins, just a little more publicity. This world can be a real mess, let your gift of life be consecrated; set apart, sacred with God.

            Why me is probably one of the most asked questions. I often catch myself wondering why some seem to have so much while others appear to have so little. God knows what we need and no matter where you start, or how bad things seem to going, you can still end up in a king’s palace. Jesus was nailed to the cross so that our life could be molded into our greatest potential and free from why me.

           I spent many years listening to people telling me what I could or could not do, then one day, I began listening to God. I found out that as long as you are alive, you can keep producing. Don’t get intimidated just because someone else seems to be doing more than you are doing. We can’t all be on the same level in the eyes of man, God sees us as we reach the potential that was in His plans. March 1^st, 2009, God assigned the job of pasturing the Valley Cowboy Church. Just four months later God has moved 15 from that first service in a motel room to 52 at the first service in a church building. I see now that I was being prepared for a great movement of God thru this little church.

            The past several weeks have really been busy. Last Sunday, August 2nd, twelve were baptized in the waters of the James River with 35 in attendance. Praise God! Nearly two weeks of cleaning, praying, and a lot of repairs, has the church ready for another service. The lawn gets mowed, the church is cleaned, repairs made, and food is prepared in a fellowship that can only be ordained by God. Last night there were 16 at our Karaoke Gospel night. That’s more than the average attendance at the motel. People stop along the street to listen to the music.

            Next time you ask “Why me?” listen, God will probably answer. You may not like what you hear, but at least you will know “why me?”  (Phil 2:13 NIV) “It is God who works in you.” You might be having a struggle in your life over something that God wants you to do. If sometimes things around you say “no” while you keep hearing “yes”, you are probably getting that “why me” answer.

            The Cowboy Church began in 1972 by Glen Smith, who was at the time a professional rodeo clown. For a number of years the Cowboy Church ministered to the bull riding and rodeo circuits. Harry Yates and Joanne Cash started the Nashville CC in 1990 and the PBR was introduced in 1992; the Cowboy Church then really took off. Today there are over 5000 Cowboy Churches. Most of the Cowboy Churches are non-denominational and a big step away from the steeple bearing traditional church. Most are in a barn or similar structure. No, Cowboy Church is not for everyone, although it does offer a place to those who are tired of church as usual.

            I get asked why it is called Cowboy Church; in reply, I add that it’s just a name. The Merrian-Webster Dictionary defines cowboy: one who tends cattle or horses; usually a ranch-hand; a rodeo performer. The American Heritage Dictionary defines cowboy as: a hired man, especially in the western United States, who tends cattle and does many of his duties on horseback; an adventurous hero. David Dary wrote…”The Cowboy symbolizes the free life, closely tied to the out-of-doors and Nature. The Impact of the land, the grass, the rivers and gushing springs, the color of the sky and clouds, the climate and weather, these things are characteristic of the real and mythical cowboy cultures.” We each have our own vision of a cowboy hero.

            We have come a long way from the Wild West and the Saturday morning heroes and the code that they lived by.

            Hopalong Cassidy’s “Creed for American Boys and Girls”

1. The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be mindful at all times.
2. Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions.
3. If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way.
4. Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don’t be lazy.
5. Your good deeds always come to light. So don’t boast or be a show off.
6. If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways.
7. Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them.
8. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.
9. Our country’s laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.
10. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you are. Be glad and proud you are American.

Roy Roger’s “Rider’s Rules”

1.      Be neat and clean.

2.      Be courteous and polite.

3.      Always obey your parents.

4.      Protect the week and help them.

5.      Be brave but never take chances.

6.      Study hard and learn all you can.

7.      Be kind to animals and take care of them.

8.      Eat all of your food and never waste any.

9.      Love God and go to Sunday school regularly.

10.  Always respect our flag and our county.

Gene Autry’s “Ten Commandments of the Cowboy”

1.      A Cowboy never takes unfair advantage.

2.      A Cowboy never betrays trust.

3.      A Cowboy always tells the truth.

4.      A Cowboy is kind to small children, to old folks, and to animals.

5.      A Cowboy is free from racial and religious prejudice.

6.      A Cowboy is helpful and when anyone’s in trouble he lends a helping hand.

7.      A Cowboy is a good worker.

8.      A Cowboy is clean about his person and in thought, word, and deed.

9.      A Cowboy respects womanhood, his parents, and the laws of his country.

10.  A Cowboy is a patriot.

The Lone Ranger’s Creed

            I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one. That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world. That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself. In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right. That a man should make the most of what equipment he has. That “this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people,” shall live always. That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number. That sooner or later…somewhere…we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken. That all things change, but the truth, and the truth alone lives on forever. I believe in my creator, my country, my fellow man.

            These guys represented the good guys on television, someone to look up too. They were always fair and never needed a pat on the back. They were always on time and were exactly where they said they would be. Where did all the good guys go? Somehow, Sponge Bob Square Pants just don’t seem to match up to the Cowboy Code of the West.

            Folks, we need to live by a code. It’s hard to find folks that do what they say anymore. The old image of the cowboy began to change as John Wayne ebbed out and Clint Eastwood moved in. The good cowboys never shot another in the back; now as long as they get them shot, who cares. People just don’t live by the code of the West or any other code for that matter.

            Here is a code that I want to tell you about. God gave us the Bible, His word as a code to live by. We could call this code the Believer’s Instruction Before Leaving Earth. In cowboy talk we would say that there is a range war brewing. The good cowboy is God and the rustler is Satan. Which outfit are you riding for?

            I ride under the banner of the cross, with Jesus as my trail boss. Let me share from the code book, the Bible, John 14:1-6:

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansion: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 14:4 And whether I go ye know, and the way ye know.

John 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

            There are layoffs everywhere, questions we can’t answer, and lots of pain and suffering. Jesus has prepared a place for us if we only follow him. He always has room for one more new hand. The code of the West may be losing its character, but God’s code the Bible still stands strong. Start today making your code the Bible, Believers Instructions Before Leaving Earth, and know for certain which outfit you ride for.