New Testament                                        

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For the Men, By a Man

Thought it might be great to hear from a Godly man each issue.  My husband, Rick, has agreed to do it this time. I know you will be blessed by the few words of my husband of 36 years, Rick Shepard.

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I’ve always been a circuit cowboy because of my business.  When we were young, I worked long days in the home building industry.  Rodeo and roping was my recreation, what I did for fun.   In my small rodeo world I’ve always struggled with the idle time during those long days of slack and jack pot ropings.

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It is hard for me to spend my time rightly.  Here are four verses that are favorites of mine that help.

   

• Colossians 3:5  Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed which is idolatry.  For us guys, it is easy for the girly stories and jokes to come out in this idle time.  I try to turn my back and walk away from this kind of talk.  Even driving, it is important what we listen to on the radio, it can be as bad as the idle talk at the slack.

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• Colossians 3:8  But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.  I’ve spent most of my life in the world of construction and rodeo.  I spent twelve years in prison ministry.  Cowboys, construction workers, and inmates aren’t in the habit of saying, “Jesus loves you, brother,”  What comes out of my mouth is a battle for me.  I must continually ask the Lord for help.  Getting mad at a roping is easy, but I keep trying to rid myself of it.

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• Colossians 3:12 Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Clothe yourself, means to put on.  Moment by moment we have to put on these things just like this verse says to get us through these long days.

   

• Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.

It is a practice for me to pray with my wife before the ropings.  During these long ropings I ask God to direct my path and show me who to spend time with.  Sometimes God has me encouraging men and at other times he sends men to encourage me.

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Guys, get in the habit of praying with your wife before you compete.  Ask God to direct your path, guard your speech and mind, and help you to compete to the best of your ability.

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I always carry an index card in my pocket with important things to remember on it. 

Colossians 3