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 Shane and Denise Jeter on April 24, 2012 at 9:47am
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Apples of Gold, a devotional in Rhyme
April 24
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
Do you want a new start
Do you want a new life
Because of what Jesus did
You can be delivered from strife
He is very able
To make all things new
And give a second chance
To even me and you
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Comment by Don Adkisson on April 23, 2012 at 3:05pm
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"He liked people, but he felt there was nothing like being alone in the desert or among the mountains, for it is then you begin to know them. The wilderness does not share its secrets with the noisy or the talkative; its secrets come to you with silence."
--Louis L'Amour
"Men must struggle or they deteriorate."
--Louis L'Amour
All believers will face the wilderness sometime in their life. Many will trek through one several times, and then there are some that may not realize that they are in the wilderness. The wilderness will put its stamp on an individual. There will be those who try to shrug it off, but others will recognize its profound effect. Anyone who survives the ordeal of the wilderness will be changed.
There are many reasons a person might find themselves in the wilderness just as there are many different types of wilderness experiences, and the length of the stay will also vary. When you find yourself in will it be to develop character, faith, and hope. It may be to challenge, to break, to train, or to humble. In most cases there are more than one reason to find yourself there.
A common reason to find oneself in the wilderness is to draw out faith. Faith will either be discarded and scorned because we do not understand or want to accept the hardship and deprivations that are before us; or else, we build a monument of "rocks" to exhibit faith. The main idea behind faith is not some miraculous deed, but being faithful. Being faithful despite the difficulties. This might be an action or a lifetime. In fact, the greater miracle is not just one particular deed or happening, but spending a lifetime trust God.
When you are hungry and thirsty do you remain faithful? When the opportunity comes will you discard your faith and go back to "Egypt" or will you remain faithful trodding the wilderness trails? Christ is looking for faithfulness. Testings may come that deal with our faith. When in the wilderness will be the opportunity to develop our faith, but there may also be opportunity to exhibit our faith.
There must also be an object for our faith. There must be someone or something in which we can put our trust. That trust in not in an idol made of rock or precious stone, but in the living Rock--Jesus Christ. To properly trust we must know in whom or what we trust. Because I know God, and trust in Him, I can be faithful.
D. Adkisson
"Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him."
--Hebrews 11:6 (HCSB)
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Apples of Gold, a devotional in Rhyme
April 23
2 Corinthians 4:13
"We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore I have spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;"
What we believe speaks volumes
It's what we say and do
It's what makes us who we are
And it's what sees us through
So be careful what you believe
Make sure you believe no lie
It will determine where you spend eternity
And what happens when you die
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Apples of Gold, a Devotional in RhymeApril 22
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;"
Paul had trouble on ever side
But God did not forsake him
He was persecuted but not destroyed
And although things looked grim
He knew in whom he had believed
And knew he would see him through
He would see him through his darkest day
And one day make all things new
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Apples of Gold, a devotional in Rhyme
April 21
2 Corinthians 3:5-6
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves: but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kileth, but the spirit giveth life."
Not rules not regulations
Not traditions of men
Can make you any better
Or keep you from your sins
It's the Holy Spirit in you
That has the power to save
Make you an over comer
And raise you from the grave
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Apples of Gold, a devotional in Rhyme
April 20
1 Corinthians 16:9
"For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries."
When the Lord opens a door
The adversaries may be on every side
But he will help you defeat each one
If in him you will abide
For there is no weapon formed against you
That ever shall avail
For the Lord will send you angels
More than tongue can tell
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“I’ll let the future take care of itself. Whatever falls, I’ll be ready.”
--Zane Grey
“It was no place for a fellow who didn’t have a lot of sand in his craw and a boundless store of hope in his heart.”
--Ernest Haycox
Look at the news, read the newspaper and there will often be found reports of tragedies. Sometimes it is the act of a group or individual against others, sometimes it is the result of an accident, and other times they are caused by acts of nature.
In some of these a person might be prepared and ready; they can be trained and have adequate knowledge and yet still go to meet their Maker. That was not their plan but the events of life overtook them. Were they prepared? Yes, they might have been, however, sometimes things happen beyond their means. The unexpected sometimes does happen. No matter how much training and how much preparation there are many things that can happen that is beyond a person’s control. Then there is the human element. Even though trained and prepared, often the mind can become disoriented or confused and does not react correctly to the situation. An unexpected storm, an unexpected injury, and unexpected length of time, an unexpected wrong turn and the final result--death. So many variables and they cannot all always be handled.
That is so true of walking through life. A person cannot afford to passively tip-toe-through-the-tulips of life. There must be proper training and then the use of that training before the fury of a storm assails. There must be vigilance, wariness, savvy, and alertness to avoid the snares and pitfalls that may be hidden along the trail. One must constantly study the sky and be aware of changes that could bring a storm. Knowledge of the area, the time of year, and the climate is important when going into a high-risk adventure or even a Sunday drive. And, as much as possible, alertness for the unknown.
Life, will at times, bring the storms down upon us. Life, will at times, bring havoc into our lives such as a crisis, a sickness, or an injury. Life, may at times, even throw a punch at us when we least expect or when we are not looking. If may be just part of life or it may be an attack from the enemy of our souls. Be alert, be wary, be vigilant; rely upon your training, but even more rely upon your Trainer. Our Guide, our Trainer, knows the path, knows the problems, even knows the unknown. It is vital to understand that living is to trust the Lord.
D. Adkisson
“Be self-controlled and vigilant always, for your enemy the devil is always about, prowling like a lion roaring for its prey.”
--1 Peter 5:8 (Phillips)
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Apples of Gold, a devotional in Rhyme
April 19
1 Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Some days it seems so futile
To toil and serve the Lord
Other days it's easy
When with him, we're in one accord
But we can know, that when we serve himOur labor is not in vain
For our rewards shall be many
Worth every struggle, worth every pain
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Apples of Gold, a devotional in Rhyme
April 18
1 Corinthians 11:3
"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."
God's order is so perfect
God's order is son right
If we honor his order
He will lead us through the night
He wrote the owners manual
Of life and death and grace
And if we follow his instructions
One day we'll see his face
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Comment by Lynn D. Walker on April 18, 2012 at 7:44am
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As a kid I used to sit at the table and listen to the stories told by the adults. Sometimes they were about family incidents and other times about the faithfulness of the Lord. It was this strength, this faithfulness, from my aunt Bern and Grandma that seeped into my life. Instead of patriarchs, I guess they were matriarchs in my life. Then I had, as I grew older and continuing today, the parents of my wife. Still faithful, from the new birth until death!
Faith of our fathers! living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword;
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear that glorious word.
I guess this week's hymn fits with the Paine that was written yesterday. How often do families know about the faith of their elders? How about those of the faith in years gone by such as: Moody, Finney, the Wesleys, and so many others? How about those who lived the faith despite the dungeon, the fires and swords, what is know of them or do people even care? I used to love when the missionaries came to our church with their stories of God's deliverance and workings in their life. Now, there are ten minute windows because we have to be concerned with our own worship service. Makes me wonder, can missionaries even preach anymore?
Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free:
How sweet would be their children's fate,
If they, like them, could die for thee!
Paul cried, "I count it all but loss...!" Do we dare shout the same? If so, why do so many then entangle themselves with the cares of this world? Jesus warned about that the world, its cares, worries, and promises will choke out the Word within a person. In these times of economic fears and anxieties should we not look back to the faith of our fathers who were able to stand the tests of their time?
Faith of our fathers! we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach thee, too, as love knows how,
By kindly words and virtuous life!
Oh, give us that faith that endured a fiery furnace. Give us that faith that dared to walk through the parted waters of the sea. Give us that faith where we can stand in the midst of the den of lions. Give us the faith of our fathers; let us never spurn it, nor mock them.
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!"
D. Adkisson
(lyrics by Frederick W. Faber)
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"Black's black. It's right or it's wrong. Don't clutter up your head with doubt or consideration."
--Ernest Haycox
"It's an ugly thing to die because some punk wants to prove he's tough. And you aren't tough...just, a mean, nasty kid."
--Louis L'Amour
This is a little different that what I usually write. It happened that I was reading yesterday and some verses in Proverbs just seemed to leap out so thought I would share them with you. They will be from the HCSB.
1.8, "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction, and don't reject your mother's teaching..."
1.10, "My son, if sinners entice you, don't be persuaded."
2.1, 5, "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you...then you will understand the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God."
3.1, "My son, don't forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands..."
4.1, "Listen, my sons, to a father's discipline, and pay attention so that you may gain understanding...."
4.10, "Listen, my son. Accept my words, and you will live many years."
5.1, "My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen closely to my understanding...."
7.1, "My son, obey my words, and treasure my commands."
There are other verses that I could add, but there is a clear picture given here. The children are to heed the instruction given by their parents, and we could probably include other authority figures in their life. That is one of the biggest things I have noticed over the past three decades. There is more belligerence, more smirking and scorning than in the past.
Sure I realize that young people need to be placed in leadership positions, but the purpose of that is to groom them for full leadership. Look around and see how many "kids" are actually in the position of leadership, and yet do not understand the responsibility. It takes me back to the story of Rehoboam. The new king is advised by the elders and the young men. He scorns the advice of the older men, and listened to the words of the young men, those who had grown up with him. Their advice was "Although my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with barbed whips." (1 Kings 12:11, HCSB)
Rehoboam was proving to be just a "mean, nasty kid." He tried to prove how tough he was and Israel was split into two kingdoms. Here he was the grandson of David, the man after God's heart. A true warrior and leader who when he sinned or made mistakes recognized them and repented. Not so, Rehoboam. I wonder if he read the words from his father's pen of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
D. Adkisson
"Hold on to instruction; don't let go. Guard it, for it is your life."
--Proverbs 4:13 (HCSB)
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Apples of Gold, a devotional in Rhyme
April 17
1 Corinthians 7:23
"Ye are bought with a price, be not ye the servants of men."
Do not fear mere man
Who can neither save nor forgive
But fear your God in heaven
Who causes you to live
He gave you breath and bought you back
From Satan here below
All his love and all his blessings
He longs for you to know
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"We've stepped off a cliff and are falling into madness."
--Ted Dekker
"Vigilance was the price of life."
--Louis L'Amour
The Lord gave us peripheral vision to help protect us. With peripheral vision a person could detect danger approaching from the side. The danger of that comes when we turn and look to the side, thus taking our eyes off what is in front.
I'm sure the cartoons are familiar--a pretty woman walking down the street and a man takes that sideward glance and smacks into a wall or pole. Maybe it happens while driving, that sideward glance and smash. That happened a little over a week ago, Easter morning as we were driving to church on Highway 105 just out of Cut and Shoot. I had stopped at a light. It changed and the vehicles in front of me started so I did as well, but then they stopped for some reason, and so did I, but the guy behind me didn't. I saw him through the rearview mirror as he swerved at the last moment but he ran into the back of my truck. When I later talked with him he said he saw me go, and then he glanced out the side window and didn't see me stop until too late.
There is peripheral vision and there is a sideward glance. One is for protection the other gets us caught up in distraction. In times past when horses did much of the work pulling wagons in towns and cities blinders were placed on them so they would not look to the side and be distracted. They were forced to look straight ahead. To be distracted on a busy street could cause a commotion, an accident, possible wreck and even injury. Blinders were there to keep the animal from being distracted by what was around them.
The same is true on the trail of life. A sideward glance could cause disaster. There are many things vying for our attention and that sideward glance could cause distraction and a wreck upon the road of life. Peripheral vision should aid us as to the dangers on the sides of the roadway, but we are not to look to the side, neither to the right or to the left, but concentrate on the trail in front of us.
Seems that far too many Christians are looking to the side and are becoming distracted along the roadway. We are instructed to observe the whole instruction of God's Word, not just the parts we choose or begin to proclaim "legalism." Funny how for 2000 years the church has called sin--sin, but now it is okay to participate in it some, just don't do too much sin. Some will even stop and look at what is happening along the way, and will step off the road to take part. No longer a distraction it has become a snare and the end result could spell disaster.
D. Adkisson
"Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go."
--Joshua 1:7 (HCSB
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Apples of Gold, a devotional in Rhyme
April 16
1 Corinthians 6:20
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"
You are not your own
You've been bought with a price
So glorify the Lord
And forsake every vice
He owns you ever so totally
Your body and your spirit
And only when we seek his face
His blessings do we merit
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Apples of Gold, a devotional in Rhyme
April 15
1 Chronicles 4:10
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested."
God answers prayer
Every day and every night
So neglect not to pray
So that for you he wil fight
He can bless you indeed
If his ways you seek
And change your situation
So it shall no be so bleak
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Please visit us at COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH
JUST FOR TODAY: It's so easy to Trust God when things are going your way. Trust flows like a mighty river when God is moving on your behalf the way YOU think He should. Oh, but when things go wrong, the flow of Trust slows down and the grumbling and complaining begins. If this continues, the flow of Trust locks up and becomes as hard as granite. It comes down to you making a choice and there are only two: You can choose to rebel and resent God's ways with you (bad choice) or you can choose the way of life and enjoy the Presence of the Lord, no matter what your circumstances become (best choice). Choose life my friends-stop complaining and count your blessings no matter what you are going through. The Good Lord will never leave you or forsake you. (Psalm 31:14) Blessings, ~Walker
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Apples of Gold, a devotional in Rhyme
April 14
2 Kings 19:22
"Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? And against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? Even against the Holy One of Israel."
To speak against the Lord
Tis not very wise
For all you say and do
Is within the gaze of his eyes
He knows all your thoughts
He has seen all our pain
He longs to comfort you
And wash away the stain
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