THREE ANGELS BROADCASTING NETWORK DEVOTIONAL
Ride for the Brand.

By J.D. Quinn December 27th, 2025

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22–23

“Never forget, son, we ride for the brand.” Pete’s words still echo in my mind. For the benefit of you city-slickers out there, I ought to add a word of explanation. A “brand” is a rancher’s trademark. When you hire on to work for that rancher, to say you “ride for the brand” means you are committed and dedicated to work out his mission—and to be a good steward of his resources. It’s a statement of absolute loyalty.

I was in grade school when Pete came to work for Grand Dad. It’s been over six decades since I last saw him, but he made an indelible impression on my mind. I can still envision him standing there in his sharply-creased blue jeans, starched denim shirt, pointed-toe cowboy boots, and his black felt cowboy hat. Oh, he always looked like he had just stepped out of a Western magazine. Pete was a man’s man—a real cowboy.

He was a man of few words, with an honest and loving heart. I was assigned to be his “helper,” and couldn’t wait to tackle our daily assignments as partners. Together, we worked sheep and cattle, sowed grain, repaired equipment, and built fences. He would tell me where to stand and what to do. I thought he was the wisest, most practical man alive. Pete could do everything—he was my hero.​

What he thought of me…? He tolerated my incessant questions remarkably well for a confirmed bachelor who had never had children of his own. Then, again, Pete always said, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you aren’t sure what your responsibilities are.”

Pete was an exemplary Christian—we always began the day with a prayer of thanksgiving, and asked for God’s guidance and protection. He reminded me often to be filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and to follow the Spirit’s lead. I was blessed to have Pete as a mentor and friend, and I’ll never forget the things he taught me:​

“Boy, don’t just show up to impress someone. Do your job with all your mind and heart.”​

“Get the lead out of your pants, and have joy in your heart while you work.”​

“Always be punctual—managing time well will be a lifelong blessing.”​

“Don’t be a know-it-all. Listen and observe. Don’t be lazy. Look and prepare yourself for what you signed up to do.”​

“Don’t rob your boss. Be loyal. And always remember that you ride for the brand that hired you.”

All Christians need to know that we “ride for the brand”—the brand of Christ. That makes it incumbent on us to be dedicated team members who work for His mission, and represent Him well.
THREE ANGELS BROADCASTING NETWORK DEVOTIONAL Ride for the Brand. By J.D. Quinn December 27th, 2025 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22–23 “Never forget, son, we ride for the brand.” Pete’s words still echo in my mind. For the benefit of you city-slickers out there, I ought to add a word of explanation. A “brand” is a rancher’s trademark. When you hire on to work for that rancher, to say you “ride for the brand” means you are committed and dedicated to work out his mission—and to be a good steward of his resources. It’s a statement of absolute loyalty. I was in grade school when Pete came to work for Grand Dad. It’s been over six decades since I last saw him, but he made an indelible impression on my mind. I can still envision him standing there in his sharply-creased blue jeans, starched denim shirt, pointed-toe cowboy boots, and his black felt cowboy hat. Oh, he always looked like he had just stepped out of a Western magazine. Pete was a man’s man—a real cowboy. He was a man of few words, with an honest and loving heart. I was assigned to be his “helper,” and couldn’t wait to tackle our daily assignments as partners. Together, we worked sheep and cattle, sowed grain, repaired equipment, and built fences. He would tell me where to stand and what to do. I thought he was the wisest, most practical man alive. Pete could do everything—he was my hero.​ What he thought of me…? He tolerated my incessant questions remarkably well for a confirmed bachelor who had never had children of his own. Then, again, Pete always said, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you aren’t sure what your responsibilities are.” Pete was an exemplary Christian—we always began the day with a prayer of thanksgiving, and asked for God’s guidance and protection. He reminded me often to be filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and to follow the Spirit’s lead. I was blessed to have Pete as a mentor and friend, and I’ll never forget the things he taught me:​ “Boy, don’t just show up to impress someone. Do your job with all your mind and heart.”​ “Get the lead out of your pants, and have joy in your heart while you work.”​ “Always be punctual—managing time well will be a lifelong blessing.”​ “Don’t be a know-it-all. Listen and observe. Don’t be lazy. Look and prepare yourself for what you signed up to do.”​ “Don’t rob your boss. Be loyal. And always remember that you ride for the brand that hired you.” All Christians need to know that we “ride for the brand”—the brand of Christ. That makes it incumbent on us to be dedicated team members who work for His mission, and represent Him well.
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