"And as Jesus reclined at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples." - Matthew 9:10 When Matthew chose to follow Jesus, he didn’t isolate himself from his old world. He invited Jesus into it. His house became the setting, and his relationships became the mission field. People he had once shared a table with were now sittin...

"As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, 'Follow me.' And he rose and followed him." - Matthew 9:9 It probably felt like just another normal day. Matthew was at work, doing what he always did. But Jesus walked by and spoke two simple words that would change everything. Follow me. No warning, no preparation, just a call. And Matthew o...

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son." - Romans 8:29 Have you ever wondered if you were simply just, God’s backup plan? That God looked around, saw no one else available, and settled on you. Romans 8:29 tells a different story. Before you were ever born, before you made mistakes or got anything right, God knew you. He saw your life in full and sti...

Every year on or around Ash Wednesday, I’m asked the same question: “Pastor, why don’t you put ashes on your head?” Or some ask, “Why don’t we practice Ash Wednesday at Cowboy Fellowship?” It’s a fair question. But before we answer it, we should start with a basic understanding of what Ash Wednesday is....

"Yet another said, 'I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.' Jesus said to him, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.'" - Luke 9:61-62 Following Jesus is not a part-time invitation. It is a forward-facing call that requires focus. In this passage, a man says he’s ready to follow but still wants to go back and handle ...