We see more and more Christian Cowboys/Cowgirls today in rodeo, bull ridings, ropings, barrel races, horse shows, cutting events, ranching; they are raising up a standard of what is right because of their faith in and their relationship with Jesus Christ.
In the 1940’s-70’s many of the rodeo cowboys and cowgirls lifestyles were much different. Rodeo then- party, party was the mode of the day. Those of us who were Christians were not living a lifestyle pleasing to God. We were backslidden and easily tempted to live as the world does. Yes, we were sometimes the ones doing the leading in the wrong direction. We were not living out Mat. 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that you glorify the Father in heaven.” We were not leading people to Jesus our Savior. Many of us understood that Jesus is the Savior. But we did not want to make Him Lord of our lives. That would mean that Jesus would rule; He would be the Master, (Adonai), the Boss.
Once we understood that Jesus is Lord and that in every area of our lives where we made Him Lord, these were the areas we would succeed. Many did just that; they received Jesus as Savior and Lord. Lifestyles began to change to righteous, godly, holy living. Although we would still fall and sin at times, we were quick to repent (change our mind, heart, and direction) and get back to pleasing God.
We would listen to the Holy Spirit and obey. The cowboy world was about to go on a transformation for the good and for God.
In the 1970’s and 1980’s cowboy ministers spent a lot of time introducing and bringing people to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. As time moved along these new Christians got off the milk of the Word and got onto the meat. They began to grow in Christ. The Bible says we are to make disciples, not just converts. These believers understood they needed a Savior. Many people want a Savior so they won’t go to hell. However, Jesus is Lord. He is Boss of the way you eat, drink, who you run with, how you spend your time, what you listen to, who you date and marry. He is the Boss of your business and family.
Christian Cowboys and Cowgirls began to share their faith with one another as they traveled together as well as before and after competition at the rodeos and other events. When Jesus is your Lord, your lifestyle changes. Repentance means to “change your mind. When we change our heart, we change our mind, then we change our direction.”
As Christians our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. We are to come out from among them (the world, the wicked lifestyles) and be separate and do not touch what is unclean. Then we become sons and daughters (not just children) of the Most High God. II Cor. 6:16-18.
The language at rodeos is different now – much cleaner. Attitudes are much better. The love of God flows among the believers in Jesus. Sure, some still fail God and people at times. The flesh wants to rule. They sin. but the difference now – is much cleaner. They confess their sins, they ask for forgiveness, they repent, they draw back near to God. They go on to live a lifestyle pleasing to the Father in Heaven. They are a good witness for Jesus. They are salt of the earth. They are light in a dark world. They are difference makers for good and for God.
These Christian cowboys and cowgirls embraced Jesus and also the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Many are baptized in the Holy Spirit. They speak in tongues and interpret tongues. They prophesy. They operate in other gifts of the Holy Spirit such as word of knowledge, healing, miracles, faith. We see the gift of healing and miracles often. We see the power of God on earth. People and horses get healed. Rain stops when we speak to it. Demons are cast out. People are delivered from addictions and all sorts of bondages. Forgiveness is given. Love is restored. Yes, because these Christian cowboys and cowgirls are serving Jesus with excitement and zeal.
The cowboy world is a very different – much, much better than ever. We who confess Jesus as Savior and Lord are serious about making the world we live in a better place. We are concerned about people’s conditions. We are concerned about out families, friends, fans and where they will spend eternity. We want to see them saved, healed, living a life pleasing to God. We want to see them with the love of God in their in their lives. We want them to have the abundant life Jesus gives. We want to see them set free from any bondage the devil has in their lives. We want to see them full of the Holy Spirit and power. We want to see them fulfilling their God given purpose in life.
Rodeo and other cowboy/cowgirl events will never be the same. Our priorities have changed. We strive to be winners in competition and we strive to be winners in life because we love Jesus and want to honor God in our lives. Cowboys and cowgirls are fired up for competition in the arena and Christian cowboys/cowgirls are fired up to serve the Lord.
I pray we continue to have the fresh fire of the the Holy Ghost operating in our lives. We pray for more of the lost to come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. We pray for more to walk in His miracle working power. We love God, we serve Jesus, and we are led by the Holy Spirit and His power. We thank Jesus.
He is the best friend we will ever have!
Cowboy Preacher (Editor)

Ronnie Christian
Phil. 4:19

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