"Horseback Man"

Can’t always say just what it is,

But I know it when I see it,

Their way with cattle, in the saddle,

Makes you want to be it.

And, no, you cannot fault someone,

For what they do not know,

Or put ‘em down, because in town,

Was where they had to go.

But somethin’ ‘bout a horseback man,

That really sets apart,

It runs real deep, something he’ll keep,

Way down in his heart.

‘Cause it’s more than just the work he does,

It’s the whole dang way he lives,

A code and more, down to the core,

That everyday he gives,

To do the things he promises,

Someone you can trust,

He’ll get ‘er done, come rain or sun,

For him it’s just a must.

My old friend, Bub, a horseback hand,

Buster, Russ, and Kasey,

My pal, John Babb, those reins he’ll grab,

And Linwood, he’s a daisy.

A cowboy man, and man of God,

They often go together,

Stand and pray, he’ll work and stay,

Come hell or bad old weather.

And in the end it’s his belief,

In Jesus Christ the Son,

That gives him hope that God’s own rope,

Will lead when life is done.

And take him to that pasture,

Where he’ll ride forevermore,

A horseback man, for Jesus’ brand,

On heaven’s golden shore.

“We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God…” (Titus 2:12, NLT)

I heard Red Steagall say that his time spent around working cowboys and the ranching way of life made him believe that it was the most wholesome lifestyle he had ever seen. He went on to say that faith in God is an important part of it. Those who love the western way of life understand this. Those who live in other locations and cultures may not, but they can experience the same faith. The bottom line is our relationship to God through Jesus Christ, which transcends all cultures and human traditions. God’s word calls us to a life of wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, which can happen if we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, It is the Spirit that energizes us to live the right way, and we should because with His help we can.

Lord, teach us to turn from godlessness and live for You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bruce Greene, brucegreeneart.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Bruce, and God bless you.