Breaking the Ice
By Cowboy Evangelist Rev. Joseph Holmes
H C Cowboy Ministries
Scripture focus "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22-23

Good mornin', friends and neighbors. I hope you’ve got your coffee hot and black, your chair pulled up close to the fire, and your Bible open as we sit down together and see what the Good Lord has for us on this cold January mornin'. You know, it's times like these when the frost is thick on the windows that we really need to lean into His Word and warm our souls a bit. Let's talk about breaking some ice today both out on the ranch and right here in our hearts.
Now, I don't know about where you're sitting this morning, but around here in Kentucky, these January days can be downright unforgiving. That alarm goes off when it's still darker than midnight, and the wind's howling like a pack of coyotes who just made a kill. An you knows its cold as all get out before you even get out of bed and you find yourself in one of those moments where you just wanna be buried deeper under them warm quilts for five more minutes? Yeah, me too. But we don't, do we? We push back the covers, slip on them thick wool socks, zip up the coveralls, and grab our gloves before heading out.
And why do we do that, folks? Well, let me tell you it's because we know that stock tank out there is frozen solid again. You can almost hear it calling your name, can't you? So you make your way over, to the stock tanks where the cattle are standing as they are waiting patient, but they're thirsty, and there's this thick layer of ice keeping them from the water.
Even though you know, you was out there just yesterday chopping away at it. Maybe you made a big ol' hole, three feet wide, cleared out all the slush did a real fine job of it. But come morning, that thermometer don't give a hoot about yesterday's work. The cold sneaks back in overnight, and it's all sealed up tight once more. So what do you do? You pick up your axe or that heavy spud bar, and you get after it. Until that fresh water starts flowing free. It's not a one and done thing it's a daily chore, plain and simple. You can't skip it just 'cause you're feeling tired, and you sure can't count on the hole from last week to still be there. No sir, it takes showing up every single day.
Now, friends, as I've been pondering this over my own cup of coffee, I've come to realize something important my heart freezes over a whole lot quicker than any stock tank I've ever tended to. And I bet yours does too, if we're being honest with each other. We live in a cold, cold world, don't we? I'm talking about the kind of chill that comes from all that bad news blaring on the television, the worry of paying them bills that keep piling up, and just the everyday wear and tear of life that grinds us down a little at a time. Before you know it, our hearts start getting hard around the edges. We find ourselves getting cynical about things, snapping at folks over nothing, or letting pride swell up like it owns the place. It doesn't happen with a big fanfare nah, it creeps in quiet-like, maybe while we're sleeping or just caught up in the busyness of the day-to-day.
Let me ask you something have you ever tried to get by on what I call a "Sunday faith"? You know what I mean: you go to church, have a powerful time in the Lord's presence, feel the Holy Spirit moving strong, and you think, "Alright, this warmth is gonna carry me right through the week." But then, come Wednesday or so, you're feeling spiritually dry as a bone, dehydrated in your soul because that ice has started settin in again. It's like trying to run a marathon on the breakfast you ate three days ago—it just don't work.
See, that's why this verse from Lamentations hits home for me today: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." God's mercies aren't some leftover scraps from yesterday they're fresh-baked, brand new every single sunrise. And why? Because our need for them is just as fresh every day. You can't survive on the prayer you whispered yesterday, and you can't draw strength from the Scripture you skimmed last month. No, it's gotta be daily. Just like them thirsty cattle need you to break through that ice so they can drink deep, you've gotta break through the hardness in your own life with your packed schedule, your stubborn pride, all of it every day to get to that Livin' Water Jesus talks about.
I'm telling you, as a pastor who's walked a few miles in these boots, this ain't about some big, dramatic revival every once in a while. It's about the quiet faithfulness of showing up each morning, opening your Bible, bowing your head, and letting the Lord renew you right then and there. Maybe you're feeling that chill in your spirit even as we're talking a little distance from God, a bit of hardness creeping in. Well, don't ignore it. Let's address it together, right here.
Don't go trying to run on yesterday's fuel, my friend. If your spirit's feeling a tad cold today, let's do something about it. Grab hold of the "axe" of God's Word maybe start with this verse from Lamentations or wherever the Spirit leads you. Take a few minutes right now, before you get too far into your day, to break that ice. Talk to the Lord honestly, like you're sitting across the table from Him. Confess where you've been struggling, where life's gotten the best of you, and ask Him to warm up your heart afresh. Let His compassion flow in and get you ready for whatever's ahead. You might be surprised how much difference those few minutes make.
Lets Pray,
Lord, I thank You from the bottom of my heart that Your faithfulness is so great and Your mercies are new every single morning with no exceptions. I confess to You right now, and I know many listening might feel the same, that sometimes I try to coast along on yesterday's strength, and before I know it, my heart's gotten cold and hard like that frozen tank. Would You break through that ice this very morning, and Lord Fill me fresh with Your Holy Spirit. Keep me drawing close to the Livin' Water all day long, and help me to be a real blessing to the folks around me, my family, my neighbors, and whoever You put in my path. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Now Let me leave you with this thought, friends. A fire in the fireplace won't keep you warm all winter long if you don't bother throwing a fresh log on it every morning. Same goes for your faith don't let it burn down to nothing. Keep it fed, keep it alive, and watch how the Lord uses it to light up your world. May God bless you and Keep you in his presence today.
“A cowboy who won’t bust ice in the cold won’t find water. Same goes for the cowboy that won’t seek God at sunrise.”
— Rev. Joseph Holmes, HC Cowboy Ministries

The Provision: Trusting God's Setup in the Arena of Life
Rev. Joseph Holmes,
H C Cowboy Ministries
Scripture of Focus: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
Hey there, friends good morning to everyone! Grab a cup of coffee, and let's chat a spell. You know, there's something downright magical about those early hours at the rodeo grounds. Picture it with me Its early morning and we just pull up in our truck. And when we get out that crisp air hits your face, carrying the earthy smell of fresh turned dirt mixed with the smell of horse sweat and livestock.
Now, when the time comes and we are stepping into that chute, you never quite know what kinda ride you're in for. That bronc could be a dream smooth as as can be, letting you glide through those eight seconds like you're dancing on air. Or it could turn into one who is testing every muscle, bone, and ounce of cowboy you've got. But here's the thing you ain't sitting there worried about whether your cowboy enough to make it through. Nope, you've been in enough dusty arenas to trust your self. Your gear's solid, your skills are honed from countless buck offs and wins, so you figure you've got just what you need to hear that buzzer tip your hat and walk away. But it's not always the picture-perfect win with the crowd cheering and the high score, but it's enough to make the ride matter and to build your points on the road to the finales, even if it is one ride at a time.
That's the heart of rodeo life, ain't it? We lean on what we've got to carry us through. It's raw, it's real, and it's rewarding in ways that go way beyond the payout. But let me tell ya, friends, God runs His grand arena of life in much the same way. He don't hand us a Gold Buckle guarantee or a roadmap with all the shortcuts marked out. No sir. What He promises in that beautiful verse from Philippians is something far better. He'll supply all our needs not our wants or wild dreams, but the real, stuff we gotta have drawn straight from the power of Jesus.
Oh, but how easy it is for us to get thrown off course! We start mixing up our daydreams with our needs, don't we? We dream big maybe that shiny new truck, a fat bank account, or a life without a single bump in the road and when God's provision shows up looking more like a tough, rank bronc that you cant cover, we start questioning if He's even there. We find our selves saying "Lord, is this really Your plan?". But trust me, He's calling the shots alright, with eyes keener than the sharpest judge at the national finals. He sees the whole arena, the twists, the turns, the hidden strengths we don't even know we have yet.
Now I know we've all been there. Take that seasoned rodeo hand who's always dreaming of drawing the easy horse every single time the one that bucks just enough to score high but not enough to buck him off. But what he really needs? Is the balance and focus to stay centered when that horse sunfishes sideways, or turns on a dime and gives him change. He might dream of Gold Buckles that sparkle like diamonds under the arena lights. But truth be told, what he needs is a grip firm and true, no matter how wild the ride gets. And sure, he might beg for a crowd roaring his name, making him feel like a legend. But deep down, what builds him into a true cowboy is the unshakeable heart to Cowboy Up and dust himself off after eating a mouthful of arena dirt, to be able to nod his head, and climb back on.
It's no different for you and me in this everyday rodeo we call life. We chase the glory ride the one with all the cheers, the big checks, and the easy wins. But God? He's giving us the toughness to weather the wrecks, the scars that tell our stories, and the wisdom to grow from them. We want the spotlight and the applause, But God hands us the steady nerves to ride clean and true when the pressure's on, even if no one's watching. We crave a full playbook laid out upfront, no surprises. But He builds our trust muscle by letting that gate fly open and sayin', "Lean in, cowboy I've got you."
See, He ain't in the business of babyin us like pampered show ponies. Nah, He's shaping us into champion cowboys who can ride through the finals of life with heads held high, no matter the score. Think about those legendary cowboys you've heard stories about the ones who faced broken bones, busted dreams, and bad luck, but kept showing up. That's the kinda grit that God builds in us . It's not always flashy or immediate, but it's always right on time and perfectly tailored.
Now, maybe this morning you're feeling a bit like you're staring down an empty chute with nothing but doubts. Your wallet's looking thinner than a worn-out saddle blanket, with entry fees piling up like unpaid bills. Or perhaps you've got enough worries to fill a whole rodeo arena or maybe its doctor's news that hit like a low score, family troubles hitting you harder than the arena ground, or just a soul that's saddle-sore from one too many falls. From where you're standing behind the chutes, it might feel like the ride's doomed before it even begins. But shift your gaze, friend. From where God's watching the draw high up with a view of the whole arena He's already lined up the perfect stock, the hidden helpers, and the inner strength you need to make it count.
His provision? It shows up in the most unexpected ways, keeping things interesting. It might be a buddy slapping your back with words of encouragement when you're feeling low, reminding you of rides you've conquered before. Could come as a sudden opportunity opening up or something you never saw coming but fits just right. Or maybe it's that deep, settling peace washing over you in the midst of chaos, that quiets the hollering in your head. Heck, it could even be the raw fire in your belly to dust off your hat, square your shoulders, and nod for another go when every part of you screams to quit. But mark my words: it's coming. Because God don't make promises He can't keep it's right there in His Word, black and white.
So, the real gut check question ain't "Will God cover this ride?" Nah, it's deeper: "Will I trust him during this ride, even if it ain't the draw I'd have picked for myself?" Will I lean into the unknown, spurs dug in, knowing He's got the reins? That's where the true victory lies, friends not in the buckle, but in the building of faith that lasts.
Let's take a quiet moment together and bow our heads, shall we?
Lets Pray
Lord, thank You for being the ultimate Arena Boss the One who never leaves a cowboy hanging out to dry. I gotta admit, I get tangled up mixing my wild dreams with what I truly need more times than I can count. Lord Help me trust Your steady hand on the gate, even when that bronc looks ranker than any I've faced. Open my eyes to the provision You've already got lined up, and fill my heart with real contentment, no matter what the ride throws my way. You've carried me through every buck and twist so far, and I know You'll get me to that final buzzer, stronger for it. I Pray this in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Remember this, y'all “A cowboy don’t always get what he wants, but with the Lord callin’ the shots, he’ll always have what he needs.”
— Rev. Joseph Holmes

The Campfire Fellowship
By Rev. Joseph Holmes
H C Cowboy Ministries
Scripture
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”
— Hebrews 10:24 (KJV)
Good Morning everyone, I got a question this morning have you ever just stood there in the gray light before sunup, coffee steaming in your hands, and feel that quiet settle over you like an old blanket like the ones your grandma use to have? Out here, mornings don’t rush you. They just kinda speak, and one thing they keep whispering is this. You weren’t made to ride this whole trail by yourself.
I mean, think about it. After a long day of working on horse farm or pushing cows up a draw, when the light’s fading and the horses are finally fed and put up what happens? Everybody starts drifting toward the bunkhouse for dinner or that little orange glow we call a campfire. Ain’t nobody calling a meeting. Nobody’s handing out assignments. It just happens. If your heading to the bunkhouse you might smell the food or maybe you all are heading to the campfire where you smell the smoke, hear the crackle, see the sparks climbing, and the next thing you know you’re easing down at the table or on a log next to the rest of the outfit.
Somebody starts in with a story how his horse flat refused to cross that skinny creek and balks throwing over his head leaving left him soaked head to toe. Another fella throws out some half-baked joke that’s so bad it’s good, and we’re all laughing till our sides hurt. Then quiet like one of the boys lets something real slip out. Maybe it’s his boy back home acting up, or the bills piling higher than a winter stack of hay, or just a heaviness he can’t name. And nobody jumps in with quick answers. We just… sit, We listen, We nod, and sometimes that’s all it takes for the weight to shift a little.
You see that fire warms more than your cold fingers, don’t it? It gets down in your chest. Reminds you you’re not riding alone. You’re part of something, an outfit, a crew.
And listen that’s what church is supposed to feel like. Not some stiff, starched-up hour where everybody’s polite but nobody’s real. It’s supposed to be that same warm circle. A place where you show up tired, dusty, maybe a little beat-up, and somebody’s already got the coffee on. Where you can tell the truth without somebody tryin to fix you five seconds later. Where one person’s spark jumps the gap and lights yours back up when it’s down to embers.
But somewhere we wandered off the trail, didn’t we? Church turned into something you check off the list. Slide into the back pew, keep your head down, slide back out before anybody can ask how you’re really doing, no stories, no shared prayers, and no leaning in Just plain old routine. Cold as a two-day-old biscuit.
But that ain’t what the Good Book’s talking about when it says “consider one another.” That ain’t a handshake-and-see-ya-next-Sunday kind of consideration. It means keep your eyes peeled for your brother. Notice when he’s favoring that bad knee or struggling spiritualy or otherwise. We need to nudge him on toward love, toward doing right, the way you’d nudge a good horse that’s thinking about quittin on you.
That’s campfire fellowship. That’s cowboy church. That’s the kind of place that changes a man instead of just filling a seat.
So let me ask you straight, friend how long you been riding drag? How long you been showing up but keepin’ everything cinched down tight so nobody gets close? Maybe you’ve got something heavy you’ve been hauling alone for miles. Maybe the saddle’s starting to feel mighty empty.
Well, here’s the good news: the fire’s still burning. The circle’s still open. There’s room on that log right there, and nobody’s gonna make you talk before you’re ready. But when you do? We’ll be listening.
Church don’t have to be a cold room full of strangers. It can be family around a warm fire. Not a duty you endure it’s a lifeline you hang onto. Not a crowd to disappear in it’s a crew you belong to.
When we start treating it that way, watch what happens. Hearts thaw out. Faith gets fed. Old hurts start healing. Lone riders find their outfit again, and the whole outfit rides stronger because we’re riding together.
Lets Pray,
Lord, don’t let me keep treating your people like folks I pass on the trail and never see again. Give me real eyes to see who’s hurting, real words to lift them up, and a heart that loves the way yours does. Turn the church into the kind of campfire fellowship that draws folks in and sends them out stronger. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“A real church feels less like a crowd and more like a campfire.”
— Rev. Joseph Holmes

The Rodeo
By Rev. Joseph Holmes
H C Cowboy Ministries (Horsemen of Christ)
Scripture:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
—2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV – the way I like to read it sometimes)
Good Morning Cowboys and Cowgirls lets take a minute. I’ve been around enough buckin’ stock and bad draws when I was riding bulls and to tell you the truth rodeo don’t care how many times you’ve won. You can have the gold buckle shinin’ on your dresser, the truck paid off from last year’s winnings, and folks callin’ you “the man to beat.” But when that chute opens and that bull or bronc comes out, he ain’t read your press clippings. His goal is to buck you off, and he’s got four legs and a bad attitude.
You do everything right—glove up, rosined rope, feet set, deep breath, nod your head. Gate flies open, and bam—world tilts sideways. You’re grabbin’ air, spurrin’ nothin’ but sky, and next thing you know you’re bouncin’ off the arena floor like a bad check its happened to all of us. Happens to green hands, happens to old hands. Ain’t nobody permanent on top. The dirt’s honest that way.
Life’s the same rodeo, just without the announcer. We saddle up every morning thinkin’ we’ve got the draw figured. We budget tight, raise our young’uns the best we know how, keep the marriage hitched, stay ahead of the bills, maybe even throw a little prayer on top like extra rosin. We figure if we ride smart and hold on tight, we’ll make the whistle.
Then comes the wreck. Doctor’s office call. Layoff notice. Kid runnin’ wild. Roof leakin’ in a downpour. Marriage hittin’ a rough patch. Whatever it is, it spins you off, knocks the wind out, and leaves you sprawled in the mud wonderin’ what just happened.
Now here’s where it counts, partner. Are you lyin’ there with the clowns runnin’ interference and the crowd hootin’ do you stay down? Let the hurt and the mad and the “why me” keep you planted? Or do you roll over, push up on one elbow, get your boots under you, dust the arena off your chaps, tip your hat to the folks, and head back to the chutes for another go?
God never built us to lay there wallowin’. He didn’t pour fear into our souls so we’d spend our days huntin’ the nearest gate out. No he gave us His Spirit. Of Power when our legs are jelly. Love when bitterness wants to take root. A sound mind when everything’s spinnin’. That ain’t just fancy preacher talk; it’s the real stuff that gets a beat-up cowboy back up we call it “COWBOY UP”.
I’ve been thrown plenty times when the ground came up fast and hard, there was times when I didn’t think I’d ever climb back on again. But every time, there’s been a hand reachin’ down to help me up, and it was not mine. It was His! See Jesus knows what it’s like to hit bottom harder than any of us ever will He took the worst buck-off on Calvary and still got up three days later, victorious.
So if today’s got you in the dirt, don’t stay there nursin’ bruises Cowboy Up and grab that hand. Let His power lift you. Let His love heal what’s busted. Let His steady hand remind you that even though you may not pick the bull, you ride for the One who’s already won the whole show.
Lets Pray
Lord, You’ve watched me eat dirt more times than a man ought to admit. Some wrecks left me sore for weeks, others left scars I still feel when the weather changes. There’ve been days I laid there thinkin’, “That’s enough I’m done.” But You never let me stay down long. You’re the first one there to help me up.
Lord I ask to Pour out that power again when I’m weak. Soak me in Your love when the cold creeps in. Give me a clear head when lifes got me dizzy. Help me trust You’re ridin’ shotgun every jump, every fall, every comeback. And Lord, when I can’t see the timer or feel my grip, remind me You’re holdin’ the reins. Like you have always have been.
Thank You for never quittin’ on a beat-up ol’ cowboy like me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Philippians 3:13 "Brothers, I do not consider that I have already taken hold of it, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus"