RIDIN' FOR THE BRAND



It is always interesting when a newcomer shows up at a cowboy match.  It’s almost like they are carrying
a sign that says, “Look at me, I don’t have a clue!”  The day Bill walked onto the range it was obvious that
he knew a little about Cowboy Action Shooting, was interested and wanted to participate, but knew
nothing of the people.  He had already made up his mind that since most of us are grey haired and
shooting antique weapons, we must be slow and somewhat inaccurate.  He had his mind made up that
we were all a bunch of heathens and not interested in the things of God.  He was in for a reality check on
both counts.
He was troubled by the fact that on the edge of town was a beautiful, 1880’s style church building.  After
the match he asked why we had a church.  He was shocked when I told him it was for worship.  Duh!
Trophies don’t come that big.  Then he knocked me in the dirt when he said he had been saved a long
time but it wasn’t until he became “spiritual” that he began to understand the ways of God and he had
come to Agarita with God on his mind and kinda figured it was because he was supposed to witness to
us.  Uh-Oh, Houston, we have a problem!  It is really difficult to be sensitive to the things of God when we
have our minds made up, closed up, and are determined to walk in a particular direction.  We often fail to
remember that God speaks to us in a “still small voice” not via a thunderstorm.  Sometimes it helps to
have a reality check.
I received just such a snap into reality recently; such a subtle thing, but with the impact of lightening bolt.  
We were participating in a three day match and had advertised Sunday morning church services at 8:00
AM with the competition to resume at 9:00 AM.  I was reminded that generally speaking people do not
listen or read the instructions.  At eight o’clock I rang the bell in the church tower and since I had no need
to take evasive action to avoid the rush, turned and walked into the church.  I had two cowboys seated
quietly; waiting for me to start services, and one of them was my son.  I was expecting a good turnout and
God gave me 2 cowboys!  Discretion being the better part of valor, my son knew he had better be there, so
actually God had sent me a lone cowboy.  Disappointment washed over me.  “Lord, don’t let me get
discouraged”, I prayed.
After the service I headed for the Pavilion for a cup of Joe and a breakfast taco.  I was about half way
through the coffee when a cowboy with a booming bass voice walked into the Pavilion and in a whisper
loud enough for the world to hear asked, “Dogie, what time is church?”  “We had church at eight o’clock,” I
answered.   “Well, I don’t know what you are going to do, but you have a church full of cowboys waiting for
you,” he said.  My mind was in a spin.  As I walked toward the church tears filled my eyes for every pew
was occupied and some of the cowboys was on the outside waiting to give me a hard time.  It was the
largest attended service we have had.  God is good!
After services were completed and the church emptied, I sat staring at the stained glass window.  Thank
you Lord, I prayed.  Thank you for the reminder that it is for me to be obedient and that the increase
belongs only to You.  I was reminded that the Great God we worship is infinite and cannot be grasped by
mortal man.  God reveals Himself to us progressively as we are capable of understanding just a little of
who He is.  How can I understand One who sees all time at a glance, past, present and future when I
have to dwell in the here and now and look at my watch?  
Godliness for the New Testament believer is the challenge to be more like Christ each and every day.  
Being “spiritual” is nothing more than being quiet long enough to hear what the Spirit says.  Bill, we both
have a lot to learn.
Shooting was a little late getting started as I enjoyed being small in His presence.

© Carl H. Lenz, 2007
BEING SPIRITUAL