Lectionary Calendar
Sunday, June 2nd, 2024
the Week of Proper 4 / Ordinary 9
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Simplified Cowboy Version

Ephesians 3

God's Crazy Plan

1 It's because of this that I, Paul, who is a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of the outsiders, pray to God. 2 Surely, you've heard that God picked me to saddle up and ride out to bring his grace to y'all. 3 As I've written before, God yanked me out of the saddle and showed me his crazy plan. 4 If you'll go back and read what I said, you'll understand God's crazy plan and how it hinged on Christ. 5 The plan was always in place, but it wasn't until now that he has unveiled it to his holy cowboys and prophets.

6 This is his crazy plan, both the Jews and the outsiders who believe the good news will be God's children and share in a rich inheritance. Both are part of the same crew and will receive the same blessing because they ride for Christ Jesus. 7 It's by God's grace and power that I get to go out and gather his crew by spreading this good news.

8 Although I am the least qualified cowboy of all, God gave me the privilege of telling the outsiders about the great treasures they could have in Christ. 9 I am the cowboy he chose to tell everyone about his crazy plan. He'd kept this crazy plan secret since he sunk the first H-brace in this dirt we call home. 10 God's plan was to use his crew of cowboys to reveal all his wisdom. Everybody is watching and listening . . . even the angels in heaven. 11 Using regular cowboys was part of God's crazy plan. And he's carrying out his plan through Christ Jesus our Lord.

12 Because of what Jesus did for us, we can ride with God boldly and confidently. 13 Even though I am suffering greatly, don't lose heart. I suffer so y'all don't have to.

Becoming Top Hands

14 When I ponder on all this, I always end up on my knees and praying to the Boss. 15 He is the Creator of all things in heaven and on earth. 16 God's resources don't ever run out and I ask him to give you overflowing strength through the Holy Ghost. 17 Then Christ will put his bedroll down next to you and stay with you forever. All you have to do is trust in him. 18 As you ride with him every day, you will become a strong top hand. A top hand has the power to understand just how much God loves us. 19 Your ride with Christ will let you experience this love, but to be honest, it's too great to fully understand. Only through this process will you be made a complete hand, with all the fullness of life and power that comes with it.

20 There ain't nothin' God can't do, no matter what we think we can ask for or imagine. For his glory, his spirit is workin' inside of us nonstop. 21 All the glory goes first to God and then to his crew who ride for Jesus forever. Amen!

 
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