Spreading the love of Jesus...the Cowboy Way!
CAMPFIRE MESSAGES from Pastors & Ministers of ICCAN
Come sit around the campfire and
let the Word of God speak to your heart.
Comment
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Comment by Tom Borror on June 28, 2011 at 8:23am
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Do you know why a car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on.
Phil.3
[13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before
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Comment by Lynn D. Walker on June 28, 2011 at 7:54am
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Please visit us at COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH
June 27th, 2011
JUST FOR TODAY: Don't do the right thing for the wrong reason. When you obey the commandments of the Lord Jesus, are you obeying to make your self a better person? God looks at that as PRIDE. Jesus said that if you LOVE Him, you will obey His commandments. Make sure that Love is overriding Pride when it comes to obedience. A Loving Relationship is much more precious to God than Rules and Regulations. ~Pastor Lynn
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June 26th, 2011
JUST FOR TODAY: Don't do the right thing for the wrong reason. When you make the effort to get up out of bed this mornin' and come to church, make sure it's because you want Realtionship with God (Worship) and Revelation from His Word. Your Faith and Humility will overcome Pride and send you home Justified. (Luke 18:9-14) ~Pastor Lynn
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June 24th, 2011
FROM THE PASTOR'S PORCH: Thus saith the the Lord!
Isn't modern communication amazing? We've come a long way since ancient man drew pictures on rock walls to tell their stories and natives beat on log drums to send messages through the jungle. I remember as a young boy getting in a lot of trouble for catching one of Momma's quilts on fire trying to send smoke signals like the old time American Indians! Yes, communication has certainly changed over the years.
Not that I'm an old man or anything, but I remember our families first telephone. You know; the one on the two party line with a rotary dial, and you had to dial “O” for the operator to make a long distance call. I can remember kin folks and neighbors coming over to use the phone. Why, we might call long distance all the way to California to talk to Uncle Woody or Uncle Vernon. I still remember the first time I tried to use a cell phone and I couldn't figure out how to get a dial tone on that stupid thing! Now we all have cell phones and the internet and here I am typing away without whiteout or even paper. Pretty snazzy, huh?
Well God has changed the way He communicates with us over the years as well. Oh, but you say, “I thought God always stays the same and never changes”. That “never changes” thing pertains to God's nature and His Character but our God is very creative. He never changes His message, but He certainly has changed His methods over the years.
Back in Old Testament times, God spoke to His people through His Prophets. How grand to read the Old Testament and hear the Prophets of old shout “THUS SAITH THE LORD!!” Then along comes Jesus, and everything changes. Now during the life of Christ, God is speaking to mankind through His son and we have a wonderful record of what Jesus said in the Gospels of the New Testament; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. And then everything regarding communication changes again at Pentecost with the rushing sound of the Holy Spirit. Since that time until now, God speaks to us through the wonderful Holy Spirit.
Why does God speak to us anyway? God speaks to us because He Loves us and He wants more than anything else to have a personal relationship with us. How could we have a relationship with God without communication? How could God reveal Himself, His Purposes, or His ways to us without communication? Thank God for “Thus saith the Lord” through the Power of the Holy Spirit. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and the Holy Spirit enters into us, we then have a wonderful councilor that is able to speak to us clearly at any time and “teach us all things”. The Holy Spirit also speaks to us through the Bible, other people, prayer, the Church, and even our circumstances. The big question is are you listening, paying attention, and obeying what the Holy Spirit is saying. We must always remember that When the Holy Spirit speaks to you He is not only revealing God's word to you but also Gods timing. How many times have you “revealed” your will to your children and then had to say, “I DON'T MEAN SOMETIME NEXT WEEK; I MEAN NOW!!”. When God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit it is not a time to argue or procrastinate or “ I'm gonna have to pray about this”. It's time to act, be obedient, and do it NOW!
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Please visit us at COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH
June 22, 2011
JUST FOR TODAY: Pride is one of your worst enemies and the favorite tool of Satan to spoil your relationship with God. Pride is a form of idol worship and makes you think more of yourself than you do God. Pride leads to Stubborness. Stubborness leads to disobedience. Examine yourself and see if the areas that you are disobedient in are rooted in Pride and Stubborness. Humble yourself and quit being Stubborn!! ~Pastor Lynn
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Comment by Songs of Faith Ministries on June 21, 2011 at 12:44pm
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Ride To the Whistle
by Mike Burns
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it (1 Corinthians 9:24).”
In the Bible an athletic contest is often used as an illustration for the Christian life. Most often it is portrayed as race. Runners train with self-discipline so that they can compete with staying power. Likewise, cowboys and cowgirls, who compete in rodeo rough stock and timed events, train hard to be the best in their sport. No matter the personal sacrifice or physical pain that must be overcome, their goal is to have the best time, or ride to the whistle and, in so doing, win the coveted prize for their event.
Once on the trail, you’ll need the same self-discipline to continue growing spiritually and living victoriously. You must be willing to chuck everything that will trip you up. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run, with endurance the race that is set before us.” Remember, that you make it to the short-go, not by how well you perform, but by how well you let Christ perform through you. 2 Timothy 4:7 says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
For the faithful servant, there’s a trophy buckle when you finish the work God has called you to do. Philippians 3:14 says, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Just as every successful athlete keeps looking toward the goal, so you must keep looking to Jesus. The real test of the Christian life as in an athletic contest is steady progress, not spasms of effort or emotion, toward the goal to win the prize.
O I want to be like Jesus
As I walk along this pilgrim way;
O I want to live like Jesus,
Showing forth His beauty ev’ry day.
This my prayer and deepest longing ---
To be pure without, within;
O I want to be like Jesus,
Cleansed from dross and free from self and sin. ---Peterson
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Please visit us at COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH
June 21st, 2011
JUST FOR TODAY: Is the Lord Jesus your personal Saviour? If so, quit worrying about yourself and start doin' what Jesus said that a "royal priest" should be doing. Pray! Pray for the sick; Pray for the the poor; Pray for your church family and for all Men and Women. Pray knowing that you are perfect only through the Lord Jesus and not because YOU have done your best and are now worthy to pray. ~Pastor Lynn
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Please visit us at COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH
June 20th, 2011
JUST FOR TODAY: Communicate with the Lord. He wants to communicate with you; it is His nature although not always with words. He was there when the strong South wind was in your face this mornin' as you walked. He was there as your grandchildren looked into your eyes with joy and Love. He was there when you were experiencing some great emotional pain that no one else could understand how bad that you were hurting. Seek Him for He is there....always. You will find him when you seek Him above all else. ~Pastor Lynn
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Please visit us at COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH
JUST FOR TODAY: Know that God Loves you. Therefore, concentrate on enjoying your walk with Him. It is more important to keep in step with God instead of trying to anticipate His plans for you. Trust that God's plans are always to prosper you and never to harm you. Relax a little....... Slow down a little....Enjoy this present moment and all the blessings God has given you this beautiful day. ~Pastor Lynn June 18, 2011
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Please visit us at COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH
JUST FOR TODAY: Let's start the day with a good Laugh!! Yes, LOL!! Remember the first time you heard your baby laugh? What joy did that bring to your soul!!! That's just how God feels when He hears His Children Laugh! God Himself rejoices when we Trust Him enough not to worry and enjoy our life. Do not miss the Joy of God's Presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. ~Pastor Lynn
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FROM THE PASTOR'S PORCH: Are you wearing the right Yoke?
My wife has taught me many things over the years, and one of the best things she has taught me is the value of a good garage sale. Especially, if it's out in the country because that's where the best treasures are found. Well, that's if your a country boy! Why, just last week me and the wife found all kinds of treasure out at country garage sales. I really hit the jackpot when I spotted an old store bought yoke. Now I've never owned a store bought yoke before. My daddy just always made them from a forked tree limb with some baling wire or barbed wire. This one will sure look good hanging on the wall at the cabin or at COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH. Very rustic decor you know.
For those of you that don't know what a yoke is, this type of yoke is made to keep cattle “in” the pasture. This device is put on over an old wild cows head and keeps her from sticking her head through the rails or wire strands of the fence. Makes it a lot harder for her to push the fence down and get out. This is also the type of yoke that the old Devil wants to shackle you with. You see, Satan doesn't want you getting out of the control of sin and death. He wants to keep you “yoked” so you can't get out and have a relationship with God. I don't know about you, but I don't want any part of wearing the Devil's yoke.
Thank God there is another kind of yoke that we can wear. This type of yoke is made for pulling tools like a plow or a wagon; some kind of load. Jesus gave us the great invitation in Matthew 11:28 to “Come unto me, all of you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Now Jesus didn't mean he was gonna put you to bed and let you sleep. What he meant was he wanted you to join him, be yoked to Him, and you could have rest because He Himself was gonna help you “pull” the load that this old world has put on you. Yes, the yoke that Jesus has for you is a “two hole” model. One for you and the other one for Him.
Jesus tells us to put on His yoke and learn about Him. If you will do this and take time to learn about Jesus you will find that He is just what He said He was and He will do just what He said He would do. You will find that He is gentle and that He Loves you very much; more than you can possibly imagine. You will also find much needed rest for you mind, will, and emotions because His yoke is easy and His load is light. Why is that?? Because He is doing almost all of the “pulling”. Jesus is the name above all names; He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God almighty has given Him all things and all power!! He has all the resources that you lack and then a whole lot more!
My question for you today is this: Which yoke do you want to wear. The Devil's only has one hole and it's for YOU. He ain't gonna help you and he sure ain't gonna Love you. His yoke ain't gonna do nothing but keep you away from a Loving Relationship with God and completely destroy you. I think the yoke of Jesus is definitely the best choice and you do have a choice today. You can choose the yoke of Love, companionship, and eternal life or you can choose the yoke of sin and death. All you have to do is “Come unto Him”.
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Your Sidekick
by Mike Burns
“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God (1 Corinthians 2:12).”
One of the most serious problems facing the plains pioneer was that of obtaining an adequate supply of water. Without such a supply, he couldn’t exist. Those who lived in the valleys along streams were fortunate as they could get water from springs or from the streams themselves. The mechanical windmill, therefore, was crucial to settling the West. They permitted ranchers and farmers to bring water up from deep below the surface and, thereby, live and work on land where there was no reliable water supply.
By using the wind power readily available to them, ranchers and farmers were able to get the water they needed. By using the power of the Holy Spirit available to us as Christians we have the ability to live as we should and as God intended. One of the most profound and noteworthy promises Jesus made during His earthly ministry was His promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Before He left them, Jesus promised His disciples that God would send the Holy Spirit to guide them in their lives. John 14:26 says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things I have said.” His last commandment was for them to wait in Jerusalem until that promise was fulfilled. Acts 2:1-4 is the account of the disciples receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Since that day, when people believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and are saved, they receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who will be their sidekick forever.
When you are saved, the Holy Spirit lives within you and gives you a “new nature,” which is the nature of God. This new nature helps you to understand spiritual things because the Holy Spirit is riding with you. Knowing this should be of great comfort. God is always with you and no matter what comes your way you’ll know that God, working through the Holy Spirit, will guide you through it.
Holy Spirit, faithful Guide, ever near the Christian’s side,
Gently lead us by the hand, pilgrims in a desert land;
Weary souls fore’er rejoice, while they hear that sweetest voice
Whispering softly, “Wand’rer come! Follow Me, I’ll guide you home.” ---Wells
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Comment by Don Adkisson on June 13, 2011 at 5:47am
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Hmmm, did anyone get a bloody nose over the weekend? Must be someone who had a scuffle and was popped in the nose, or maybe walked along and stumbled and fell flat on their face. I have found over the years that there are few folk out there nigh onto perfect, so those who are there can ignore these thoughts. However, for the rest, how did you get bloodied?
Paul has several lists of sins, things that can beset us, and notice in each of these letter where there are lists the letters are to Christians, not to unbelievers. Some may have fought with drugs, or depression, or sex, or anger, or alcohol, or greed, or gambling, or bitterness, or . . . . Let me pass on a few ponderings I had.
1) Remember, God knows you better than you know yourself. He was not surprised at the fall, or the scuffle, or even if you lost. He made you, therefore, He knows what you are going through.
2) Get up, wipe your face--the person who loses is the person who stays down, the person who finally succumbs and says "what's the use." He who endures to the end shall be saved. Ol' Charles Greenaway used to say, "We may not look like much when we get there [heaven] but we're going to make it."
3) If you're saved and you know say "Amen!" Grasp the words of Paul in Philippians 1:6, HCSB: "I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Says something about trust, doesn't it?
4) In the seasons of life, I also see that the wrestling match isn't always with the same thing. I know a person who used to fight with temper, now his fight is with depression and loneliness. Be ready for it, a new foe in every round.
Sure, the Lord doesn't expect us to sit around and just let him work on us. He is the Trainer, and, therefore, we have to exercise, discipline, and workout. That brings me to one more thought today.
5) Look at the blood coming from your fall. That should remind you of His blood. Now, there should be a deeper appreciation of the term called "grace." It is by grace we are saved! We fall, or get knocked down, but we don't throw in the towel. Grace wipes our face and we get up and say, "thank you Lord, my soul's in your hand."
D. Adkisson
--"...For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10, HCSB)
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JUST FOR TODAY: Have you presented yourself as a living sacrifice today? God says that this is your reasonable duty, and He doesn't want just any old dirty, sin stained body; He wants you Alive and Holy!! Do you believe that you can't be Holy? That's a lie from Hell! Jesus shed His blood on the Cross to make you white as snow and give you Victory over sin and death and you can stay in that condition. Just listen to the Holy Spirit and He will teach you all things. The dynamite that blows sin out of the water is when you listen to the Holy Spirit and OBEY. Obedience must overcome your stubborness if you want to be Holy. ~Pastor Lynn
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JUST FOR THE WEEKEND:"Remember that you can never give someone else what you have found (Spirirtually), but you can cause him to have a desire for it." ~OSWALT CHAMBERS. This means to smile and let the Love of God shine through YOU!! Most folks won't understand why you Love them, they may not even percieve that it is Love you are showing them, but one thing is for sure, they will want what you got!! ~Pastor Lynn
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FROM THE PASTOR'S PORCH: What are you gonna do next?
I have fourteen grandchildren now. Am I bragging or complaining? Well, I'm bragging of course. I Love my grandchildren and I Love to watch them. My favorite thing is to watch them grow. I have one grandson who is only 5 weeks old; he's got a lot of growing to do. Then I have one 17 years old that wears a size 14 shoe; he's already done a lot of growing, and he's not done yet! Growth is the one thing that all kids have in common, and with growth comes activity. You gotta do something if you're gonna grow. When kids are active and on the move that always tells me that they are growing. When they get bored and start asking, “What are we gonna do next!!”, that always tells me that their growth has slowed down.
Knowing this, what do we need to do for our children and grandchildren when we see their activity slowing down, and they become bored, and their growth begins to slow? GIVE THEM SOMETHING NEW TO DO!!
Our kids depend on us to help them grow. When we challenge our Kids, show them something new to do, give them just a little more knowledge and they do it, they immediately experience growth; they know more. This concept works in all areas of their life; Spiritual, emotional, and physical. What happens to kids who aren't motivated to do something new or just plain refuse to “do” the right thing? If you look into the history of any troubled kid, or adult for that matter, you will find that all the trouble starts when a kid stops doing the things that he knows are right or he doesn't know the difference. He gets distracted and loses his self-control and begins to do nothing (no growth) or he starts doing the “wrong things” and growing in the wrong direction. The first is bad and the second is even worse. It is a very dangerous thing to refuse to continue learning and knowing and doing the right thing.
My question for you today is what are you gonna do next? Are you willing to do what it takes to experience Spiritual growth? Are you going to be obedient and do the good things God is calling you to do or are you going to create your own opportunities to sacrifice yourself to. 1 Samuel 15:22 says, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice....” God does not want you to be satisfied with who or what you are right now or what you once were. There is always room for Spiritual growth in all of our lives and it only comes by knowing and doing the right thing and when we continually learn new things from repeating this process over and over we will reach the goals that God has set for us; SPIRITUAL GROWTH.
Don't ever set your sights too low because God wants you to become something that you have never seen .......yet. Those storms that come into your life often come to motivate you into action because you won't do what God has called you to do on your own! That's why it is a very dangerous thing to refuse to continue learning and knowing and doing the right thing. Spiritual Growth for a believer is not really an option; God likes to watch his children grow too. John 13:17 ~ “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them”.
Thanks to all who read “FROM THE PASTOR'S PORCH”. I hope it is a blessing in your life and helps you to have a better relationship with the Lord. He
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