Category Archives: Thoughts

January 25, 2015 · 7:09 am

Guten Tag

I don’t speak German. Germany is not on my bucket list of places to go. I have relatives in Scandinavia not the Deutschland! Yet………I am going to Germany this March. As a tourist? No! I am going with 9 others, including my wife Deb, on an FBC Missions Trip to Seeheim and Potsdam Germany. We will be working, encouraging, serving at 2 facilities for 10 days. The Giessen School of Theology, south of Frankfurt in Seeheim and Mittendrin Church in Potsdam just outside Berlin.

I have wanted to go on a missions trip for a long time. The timing was never right. God has now chosen this time for His purpose and I am excited to be a part of it. As I am well into the second half of life, I have adopted this verse as my goal.

Acts 20:24 “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me. My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me. The task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

I have never been outside of the US and have never experienced any other culture but ours. We have churches everywhere, people speak freely and openly of “God”. Most everyone knows about Jesus Christ and has heard the Gospel message. East Germany is 85% Atheist/Agnostic. I  want to run the race and work on the task in that environment. Mittendrin means “In the thick of it” What better place to grow and stretch my faith than that.

 

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August 11, 2013 · 10:01 am

Is There A Second Chance?

A Wake Up Call article by Jack Kelly- TW

If you believe as I do that the Bible teaches the rapture of the Church will occur before Daniel’s 70th Week begins then you’ve no doubt wondered what will happen to those among your friends and family who will miss it. Will they get another chance to be saved?

Those Who Are Perishing
For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness (2 Thes. 2:7-12).

Here Paul makes the case that the Church has to be gone before the anti-Christ is officially revealed, because it’s the Holy Spirit working through us that’s holding the secret power of lawlessness back. Those who are perishing will believe the lie that the anti-Christ is the one God has sent to rule the world. Paul taught that God will actually help them come to this false conclusion because they will have refused to believe the truth and be saved. That’s why they’re perishing.

At first glance this passage appears to say there will be no second chance, that the time for believing the truth that saves us will have ended with the rapture. The Greek word translated refused literally means they did not accept the truth. It implies that the truth was presented to them and they rejected it.

But this doesn’t really put the question to rest. Do they have to hear the Gospel and consciously reject it to be counted among those who are perishing, or does the failure to give an affirmative response result in rejection by default? Will everyone left after the rapture be numbered among the perishing, or will there be some who are not?

Without getting into the nuances of the Greek language, let’s see if there are any other places in Scripture that can help us find more of the answer. The most logical thing to do is see if we can find any convincing evidence that Gentiles can be saved after the rapture. I assume you know that many Jews will be saved in the 70th Week because that’s one of its main objectives.

When Daniel’s 70th Week begins God will once again be focused on Israel. From Daniel 9:24-27 we can see that He has unfinished business with His people. Some of the things He promised to accomplish through them in verse 24 simply have not been accomplished yet. There hasn’t been an end to Israel’s rebellion against God, everlasting righteousness hasn’t come in, there are hundreds of Second Coming prophecies that remain unfulfilled, and the Holy Place has not been anointed. None of these things involve the world at large. They all concern Daniel’s people, the Jews, and Daniel’s Holy City, Jerusalem.

What About The Gentiles?
But in our study of Acts 15 we saw that one of the things God is going to do while restoring Israel after the rapture is to provide a way for the remnant of men, including Gentiles, to seek Him (Acts. 15:17).

Evidence that this is true can be found in Rev. 7:9-17 which describes a multitude of post rapture believers that no one could count, coming from every nation, tribe, people and language and arriving in Heaven. This tells us that many of these believers will be gentiles, saved out of Daniel’s 70th Week before the Great Tribulation begins.

Some say this group is the church and place the rapture here, between the 6th and 7th seal judgments, but they can’t be right. In the first place John, the disciple most closely associated with the Church, doesn’t recognize them. But more to the point, their destiny is not the same as the Church’s destiny. They are before the Throne of God, but are not seated there with Jesus like the Church will be (Ephesians 2:6) They will serve Him day and night in His Temple, but they will not reign with him and are never called either kings or priests.

I believe this great multitude of believers will have come to faith primarily because of the rapture. They will have heard the gospel but, neither accepting nor rejecting it, they will have put off making a decision until it’s too late. The rapture will remove the final obstacle to their conversion, providing confirmation that you and I were right in what we tried to tell them.

This is evidence of Gentiles being saved after the Rapture. But before you get too comfortable with this as a fall back plan for friends and family, remember that in order to arrive in heaven they will have had to die on Earth. They’ll be some of the first martyrs of the 70th Week. Waiting until after the rapture to be saved will not be like waiting for the next streetcar. They’ll have to endure a lot more to receive a lot less.

People have wondered how so great a multitude could die so early in the 70th Week, before the anti-Christ gets his world wide government fully stabilized and before he becomes indwelt by Satan. The Bible doesn’t say, but I think it could be the result of a back lash against believers following the rapture.

Prophecies from other religions tell us much of the world intuitively knows about the coming judgments. The rapture will be incontrovertible evidence that God is about ready to come down hard on them. Retaliation against these new Christians because they’re mad at God for actually doing what He said He’ll do could be one of the motivational forces behind the mass killings.

Another one could be the anger many will feel when just as they think they’re rid of all the meddling Christians, clearing the way for the utopian life they’ve dreamed about, a whole new flock will show up to ruin things. Remember, the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit that’s kept evil in check all these years will have ended. “Kill the Christians” could become the rallying cry of the unsaved world.

(Some New Age leaders say the world is headed for it’s final leap of evolution. It’s a spiritual one that will usher in worldwide peace and harmony. They say born again Christians and Orthodox Jews are holding this up by clinging to the outmoded notion of a single Creator God and they will have to be taken out of the way first. They often compare the removal of the Church to the surgical removal of a life threatening cancer from an otherwise healthy body.)

This slaughter of believers will soon be seen as an act of God’s mercy because certainly not all the post rapture believers will immediately be put to death. Others will have years of suffering ahead of them beginning with horrific natural and supernatural events that poison the air and water and including such an agonizing attack of demonic locusts that men will long for death to release them (Rev. 9:1-6). A third of mankind will die from these judgments alone (Rev. 9:18).

Remember, the Great Tribulation will not have begun yet. Neither will this be the last post rapture chance for Gentiles to be saved. Rev. 14:6-7 speaks of another world wide altar call just after the Great Tribulation begins,

Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

This one will come right after the mark of the beast is introduced, and will be followed by a warning that taking the mark will result in permanent separation from God and a guaranteed eternity of suffering (Rev. 14:9-11). The judgments of the Great Tribulation will be so severe that if left to run their course no one would survive. For the sake of the elect, the Lord will put an end to them after 3 ½ years, but during that time an unspecified number of new believers will die of beheading for refusing to take the mark. They’ll be resurrected at the time of the 2nd Coming (Rev. 20:4).

I’m Glad That’s Over
It’s estimated that only about half of the post rapture world’s population will survive until the end. But during the face-to-face judgments that follow the 2nd Coming the Lord will find believers among the survivors, both Jews and Gentiles. In spite of having been totally excluded from even basic levels of society and a never ending fear of capture and death, they will live to stand before Him and receive their reward.

The parables of Matt. 25 describe this and the Sheep and Goat judgment is clearly about surviving Gentiles (Matt. 25:31-46). The ones who have demonstrated their faith by their actions will be welcomed live into the Kingdom. They’ll help repopulate the nations of Earth.

Here then are three references to post rapture believers. Maybe some of your currently unbelieving friends and family will find themselves among one or another of these post rapture groups. If so those who won’t be martyred early on will have endured a time you wouldn’t want your worst enemy to experience. Jesus said it will be the the most terrible time ever to befall mankind (Matt. 24:21). Please don’t adopt a fatalistic attitude about them, and don’t resign yourself to post rapture salvation for them.

But if you’re beating them over the head with the Gospel, don’t do that any more either. It won’t work. Your most effective strategy will be a two-fold one. Pray for their salvation with the same intensity you would pray for their recovery from a life threatening disease. And show them the benefits of being a believer by letting your unshakeable faith be a beacon of light and a source of hope in this dark and dying world. Nothing else will be as effective. We don’t have very much time left so if you haven’t begun yet now’s the time. You can almost hear the Footsteps of the Messiah. 08-10-13

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July 23, 2013 · 6:09 am

Becoming Who We Are

Becoming Who We Are – Jack Kelly 4/15/2013

The Practice Of Christian Living

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1-2).

Someone once said, “Life is what you make it. It’s not what happens but how you take it.” Everything about the practice of Christian living is within our control. We don’t have to behave like everyone else. We can be transformed and it begins with choosing to behave differently.

Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephes 4:25-32).

I believe Paul was in effect, the first behavioral psychologist. He taught that while we can’t always control the circumstances of our life we can control our response to them. We have such a glorious future awaiting us that we don’t have to worry about gaining the approval of others by acting the way they do. Our primary goal is pleasing the Lord.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:37-38)

Choosing to become more tolerant, forgiving and generous will have such a remarkable effect on our life that others will want to know what has happened to transform us. Instead of stuttering and stammering through an embarrassing attempt to “witness” to friends and neighbors we’ll find that our very life has become a witness to what God can do, and people will be drawn to us.

This is because the practice of Christian living is not all don’t do this or don’t do that, at least not in the negative sense. Remember Jesus said that He came so we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

To that end the Bible says we shouldn’t worry about how we’re going to get by, letting the Lord take care of that for us (Matt. 6:25-34). We shouldn’t let what Paul called the light and momentary troubles of this world get us down. We should no longer fix our eyes on the temporary things we can see, but focus on the eternal things we can’t see instead (2 Cor. 4:17-18). This is even more true for us than it was for the people of Corinth 2000 years ago because very soon we’re going to step out of this world and into the next one where the eternal things we’ve only been able to dream about will suddenly become our new reality.

In the meantime, do you hate your job because of a boss who’s hard to please? Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.(Colossians 3:23-24)

Are your neighbors or associates hard to put up with? Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:17-18)

We who’ve been given everything don’t have to worry about anything.

The Privilege Of Christian Living

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:4-7).

Because we’ve become children of the Creator of the Universe we can rejoice in everything that happens to us because we know that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). We can always be at peace, even when our world seems to be crumbling around us. We fear nothing, we pray about everything, and we’re thankful for anything.

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

This world is a dark and evil place, and though we are children of God the whole world is under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19). Nowhere does the Bible promise us a trouble free life. What it does promise is a life of peace regardless of the circumstances. The Lord is our over comer and because of that we are privileged to be at peace. No matter what.

I’ve heard the Christian life compared to a roller coaster ride. Once we buckle into our seat we yield control of our circumstances to someone else. But because of our faith in the operator’s ability to bring us safely through the experience, we actually enjoy the scary unknowns we encounter along the way.

So it is with our life in the Lord. He didn’t promise that there would be no trouble, On the contrary He said there would be trouble. But when we encounter it we can be at peace, knowing He has promised to see us safely through it.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:2,6)

Think about it. We can engage the Creator in conversation any time it suits us. He’s always in, we never need an appointment, and he’s never too busy for us. Whether it’s asking for a parking place on a crowded street or guidance on whether to pursue a career opportunity, He’s always available to listen and help.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

“He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Cor. 9:6-11)

God has given us the privilege of helping Him distribute His endless resources to those in need. He so loves a cheerful giver that every time He finds one He makes them rich in every way so they will always have more than enough for themselves with sufficient excess so they can be generous to others on every occasion. Next to the gift of eternal life there’s no more remarkable promise anywhere in Scripture.

The Power Of Christian Living

Resist the devil and he’ll flee from you. (James 4:7)

Although Paul called him the God of this age (2 Cor. 4:4), Christians needn’t fear the devil because of the power we’ve been given.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-5).

Jesus showed us how to do this in the wilderness temptations (Matt. 4:1-11). Using nothing but Scripture He demolished every one of the devil’s arguments and sent him packing. This same power is available to us. We just have to know the Bible well enough to activate it.

Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven (James 5:14-15).

As is the case with everything James wrote, this is a clear promise without exception or equivocation. The Bible doesn’t promise we won’t get sick, but it does promise we can be healed. It’s a power the Lord died to give us.

“I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:23-24)

And it’s not just healing. With sufficient faith we could literally move mountains. But faith is like our physical muscles. The more we exercise it the stronger it becomes. This is a case where the American lifestyle has become our enemy. It’s been too easy to get the things we want without the Lord’s help. It’s been hard to remember that opportunity does not equal mandate. But just because the banks will loan us more than we can repay doesn’t mean that we should go into debt to buy things we don’t need and can’t afford. Maybe the Lord is stripping those things away now to help us practice living by faith.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines (1 Cor. 12:7-11).

Charismatics often misuse their gifts in immature excesses of self glorification while fundamentalists avoid theirs like the plague refusing to acknowledge they even exist. But if the gifts of the Holy Spirit were ever used in the manner Paul described, the world would not be able to stand against their power.

Each of us has been gifted and could use the power our gifts contain to have significant effect on the little corner of the world we inhabit. Romans 12:1-8 tells us how to discover and use our gifts.

The Protection Of Christian Living

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Cor. 1:21-22).

So we come full circle. Never let it be said that although God has the power to save us, He lacks the power to keep us.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:27-30).

A US insurance company says we’re in good hands with them, but believers enjoy the ultimate example of being in good hands. Our policy is paid in full and our coverage can never expire. Not even we ourselves can snatch us out of their hands.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephes. 6:10-12).

A soldier’s armor can only protect him when he wears it, and he would never think of going into battle without being fully protected. We’re aliens behind enemy lines and as such are combatants in an ongoing battle. We’ve been given impenetrable armor, but in order for it to protect us we have to put it on and keep it on.

The Point Of Christian Living

All this leads to achieving the goal we all want most in life. Earlier I said that after becoming saved, our primary goal becomes pleasing the Lord.  But when we delight ourselves in the Lord He will give us the desire of our heart (Psalm 37:4).  By combining the practice, the privilege, the power, and the protection of the Christian life we can finally achieve complete personal freedom. Although we are still in the world we will no longer be of the world. Following the instructions for Christian living frees us of all the negative emotions that have afflicted us in the past. No more worry, no more stress, no more feeling out of control. We no longer have to be concerned with having enough money, or getting ahead, or keeping up.

The uncertainties of life that so preoccupy the thoughts of others won’t bother us any more. It doesn’t matter who gets elected to what office, or how bad the economy is getting, or whether the government will continue to break its promises. We’ll finally understand the full meaning of the Lord’s words, “When the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36)

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July 23, 2013 · 5:53 am

Paul- The Behavioral Scientist

I believe Jack Kelly put this together but not sure. These passages are all from books that the Apostle Paul wrote and contain great promises for us to keep our minds focused on positive things and fight negative thoughts.

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“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

(Eph 4:22-24)

The Power of Positive Thinking (Positive Expectancy)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:4-7).

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Phil 4:8).

The Power Of A Personal Goal

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:13-14).

No matter how badly we stumbled yesterday, a simple prayer of confession wipes the slate clean and it’s like it never happened (1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Every day brings a fresh opportunity to live up to what we’ve already attained. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.Phil. 3:16

The Power of Visualization

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Cor 4:17-18). (John 10:27-30). We should stop worrying so much about this life, start thinking more about how great the next one will be, and visualize ourselves there. The Holy Spirit will help us. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him, but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit (1 Cor. 2:8-10).

The Power of Affirmation or Self Talk

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil 4:12-13).

Blessed are we who’ve been given everything for we don’t have to worry about anything. Affirmations like this adaptation of the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-12) have been described as statements made in times of doubt that would otherwise be true. Bible verses make the best affirmations because we know they’re not just wishful thinking, they’re the promises of God. Paul knew that no matter what his earthly situation was, the Lord had given him the strength to endure and therefore he could always be content. Repeating Phil. 4:13 when we’re discouraged reminds us that promise is for us too.

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July 23, 2013 · 5:52 am

The Law of Displacement

This post is a Bible study from Jack Kelly off of his site Grace Through Faith.  I have a link at my home page and i suggest you check it out. Our minds thoughts take us places that are not healthy if we are not aware of how to direct them to places and things God has promised will be healthy.

A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

 

If you follow our “Ask A Bible Teacher” feature you know that folks write in from time to time for advice on overcoming bad habits. Along with all of its exciting prophecy, uplifting promises and inspirational stories, the Bible contains some very practical tools designed to free us from the bondage of our old lives. After all, to use a computer analogy, our flesh (sin nature) is like an operating system that’s been built out of the habits and attitudes we’ve acquired. When we’re saved we can upgrade, and the Bible shows us how.

Like prophecy, this part of scripture is seldom taught in our churches, but the tools it contains are so powerful that they’ve been co-opted by the new age, secular humanists, and others to become the core of every personal development formula ever devised.

Sadly, many Christians know so little about their Bibles that when they see its principles used by unbelievers for worldly gain they assume that it’s the work of the devil. They don’t realize that ungodly men recognized the power in these principles and hijacked them to enrich themselves. And it’s too bad they don’t because their mistaken view keeps many believers in the very bondage the Lord died to free them from.

There are three key principles that the Bible teaches us in this area. The first is to recognize that you and you alone have control of your thoughts. Nobody can take that away from you without your permission. The second is that with all the mental power the Lord has created into us, He also gave us one limitation. At the conscious level we can only think one thought at a time. And the third is that by controlling our conscious thoughts we can change our behavior, because thoughts determine behavior. (As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7) And that’s how we get our upgrade.

Thought Control

These principles are made clear in passages like Romans 12:1-2. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Paul couldn’t have exhorted us to stop conforming to the world and transform ourselves by the renewing of our minds unless we had the power to do so. When we become believers we’re supposed to turn our lives over to God to use for His purpose and begin renewing ourselves. And please note, renewing ourselves is something we do, not something that’s done to us. It’s part of how we say thanks for our salvation.

Then there’s Ephesians 4:22-24. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Like he did in the Romans passage, Paul’s describing something we do for ourselves, not something that’s done to or for us. Notice the personal nature of the admonitions in the rest of chapter 4 and remember, he couldn’t tell us to do these things unless he knew we had the capability.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephes. 4:25-32)

There are dozens of other verses like these that tell us what to do but you get the picture, and my point in quoting this passage is not to provide a list of do’s and don’ts but to demonstrate how bad habits get started.

Forming Habits

When Paul said, “In your anger do not sin,” he was saying don’t let your anger lead you into sin. Anger’s an emotion, it’s how we act on it that determines if it becomes a sin. When we direct it toward someone who’s wronged us, striking back or even plotting imaginary revenge, it becomes a sin as bad as murder. (Matt. 5:21-22)

What’s more it gives the devil a foothold in our minds, a place to cling to. As we repeat this process, we form the habit of responding out of anger and his foothold becomes a stronghold, a mighty fortress where he can dwell in comfort and security, having placed us in bondage.

That’s why Paul said, “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” We have to forgive those who anger us whether we’re justified or not, just as in Christ God forgave us, to prevent the devil from gaining a foothold. The same is true of other emotions that can place us in bondage; lust, envy, jealousy, etc. Think of it this way. The thought itself isn’t a sin, it’s an attack. When we fend it off, we’ve won, but if we receive it and act on it, even if only in our minds, we’ve begun to concede defeat.

Because we have the power to transform ourselves we can choose to respond to the enemy’s attacks in a way that’s pleasing to God. In Ephesians 6 we learn that it isn’t the person with whom we’re angry that’s the problem. That person is merely flesh and blood. Our battle is a spiritual one fought against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephes. 6:12) We need to respond with spiritual weapons.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:3-5)

Since we have the power to control our thoughts we can demolish every one that contradicts what we know about the nature of God. We can take them captive and make them obedient to Christ. We do this by choosing to respond in a way that brings honor to God and glory to our Lord Jesus.

For example, during the Lord’s time on Earth, Roman soldiers were the equivalent of the police force. Being strangers, they often needed directions from the locals to find their way around Jerusalem. The Jews didn’t like the Roman occupation and often gave the soldiers the wrong directions out of spite. The Roman governor overcame this by issuing an edict requiring the Jews to walk one mile with a Roman soldier who had asked directions. This was meant to insure that the soldiers were given accurate directions, but it made the Jews even angrier.

Jesus gave them a solution that solved the anger problem and brought honor to God by expressing love to an oppressor. He said, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” (Matt. 5:41) Volunteering to do more than someone requires of you turns a “have-to” into a “want-to” and expresses the love of the Lord to them.

The Lord’s brother James also demonstrated how the temptations of this world turn into sin in our lives. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:13-15)

He could not have written this unless he knew that we have the power to respond to the external circumstances of our lives in any way we choose. It’s not the temptation that causes us to sin. It’s how we respond to it.

One At A Time, Please  (This is my favorite part. TW)

As to the second principle, one thought at a time, the Bible also has some great practical advice. Since you can’t think about nothing at all, it tells you that when a bad or evil thought comes into your mind, you can choose to think about something else, something good. Use the good thought to drive the bad one out of your mind. Just as two objects can’t occupy the same space at the same time, neither can two thoughts occupy the same mind at the same time. One will drive out the other. It’s called the Law of Displacement.

Paul gave this principle to the Philippians. They were undergoing a time of great persecution that naturally gave birth to a spirit of fear and despair. He told them, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.(Phil. 4:4-7)

By recounting all the blessings they had received, their spirit of fear would be driven out and replaced with a peace that surpassed all human understanding. If they in their time could come up with a list of blessings to rejoice over, how much more can we in our time? I’ve found this to be a great cure for those nights when it’s hard to get to sleep, or if I awake in the middle of the night. I begin thanking the Lord for all my blessings and before you know it, I’m sleeping soundly again.

Confirming that they had the power to choose their thoughts, Paul continued saying,“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:8-9)

Paul went one step further in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians. He told them they should practice “seeing” themselves enjoying the future promises in store for them, instead of focusing on their present trials.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Cor. 4:17-18)

By concentrating on the blessings to come they couldn’t dwell on the difficulties at hand. By comparison their current situation became “light and momentary problems.” Again, forcing one thought out of your mind by consciously choosing another is a tool that behavioral scientists call the Law of Displacement. Paul and James knew about it 2000 years ago.

Changing Behavior

So,if you’re fighting with old habits and attitudes and want to be free of them, when your church provides opportunities for personal prayer, go forward and get some. Ask to be anointed and prayed over. (James 5:14-16) Also get some people to be prayer warriors with you to help you. The prayers of righteous people are powerful and effective. Then pick up these tools and put them to use.

The devil has a stronghold in your life because you invited him in. You have the right to evict him as well. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:7-8) But you have to sincerely want him out with all your heart. And you must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord. (James 1:6-7)

None of this is as easy as it sounds. It takes a lot of resolve, but we’ve been given divine power from God to do it. The Bible tells us so. The Lord wants to help us, and just like it was with our salvation, we will find Him when we seek Him with all of our heart. The double minded need not apply. Selah 06-10-07

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June 16, 2013 · 6:09 am

Fathers Day 2013

My father has always been my best supporter, teacher, encourager and a true leader by example.  A hard worker, able to do or try anything. He was a businessman, farmer, cowboy, mechanic, rancher, builder, renovator, carpenter, etc.. Opinionated and learned on many subjects.  He is a dreamer and has lived out a lot of his dreams unlike many who only dream.

He is a man of God, refined through testing, his heart softened as he sees God’s love, compassion and provision. Dad is a reader of the Scriptures, a daily filling of God’s Word that molds his Christian World View. He could not survive without the constant communication from his Lord and Savior.

I catch myself “Being in my dad’s skin” when I do and say and react to things these days.  It is as though I am him.  I like that.  I believe we  all end up being very similar to our parents whether we like it or not.  We grab onto the good and try to hone the bad.  I am my own person based on my life experiences but so much of me is from years of observation, conversation and education with dad.

The words below were composed in 1986. They seem fitting for a Father’s Day Tribute.  My earthly Father and Heavenly Father mean everything to me and have influenced who and what I am today.  What a fantastic blessing from God to be saved from a broken world, ave access to a caring heavenly and earthly father and the promise of a secure future.

Happy Father’s Day Dad

1) Praise the name of Jesus, every one whom He has won

From a world of sin and emptiness, a new life He’s begun

Praise Him for the good times and thank Him for the bad

Thank Him for His love for you, no reason to be sad

C) Because He chose you and me to be all that we can be

Never more in misery, He came to set us free

2) Live a life that’s worthy of this calling from the Lord

Never doubting that He cares for us, it says it in His word

Look forward to the day when we will see Him face to face

Then we’ll full understand, the meaning of His grace (Chorus)

3) Each day is a beginning, the start of something new

A chance to serve Him faithfully and our spirits to renew

And as a father guides his child like fingers in a glove

He’ll surely do the same for you with His never failing love (Chorus)

Words and Music By Todd Wilson 1986

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April 10, 2012 · 5:18 am

Open Heart Surgery

This is my father Paul Jr., brother Paul III and sister Linda the day before my Dad’s open heart surgery. The surgery was yesterday, April 9, at Loyola Medical in Chicago  and included some new parts to add to the collection of bionic parts added in previous surgeries.  Dad got a new Aortic valve and artery.  The procedure went great and we are all praising God for a successful outcome.  Dad is strong, loved and blessed by God.  I love him very much.

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January 15, 2012 · 3:48 pm

The Tebow Effect

I watched the Bronco vs. Patriot game last night as millions did.  I am sure many of those watching were only occasional football watchers yet tuned in because of the Tebow Effect.  Tim Tebow is a man who loves to play football and loves Jesus Christ.  He does both with the same passion.  It is hard to separate the 2 because they are so intertwined in his life. Both are reasons people love him or can’t stand him. Those that love him say it’s about time we have a positive role model and those that hate him are jealous of him in the fact that he is comfortable in his own skin and being real about his Christianity. Just sayin’.

Tim is a winner, whether he is victorious in the game or not.  If he loses the game, it is not because God let him down, God uses victory and loss to accomplish His perfect outcomes. Tim will always do The Tebow, a prayer of thanks to his Lord, whether he wins or loses.  He recognizes that he is privileged to do what he does and keeps things in perspective.  Tim has a less fortunate person he brings to each game and hangs out before and after.  They feel special as all of us desire to feel special. Tim says it is a way to give back and keep him focused on what is truly important.  What is truly important? We are all special in Gods eyes.  He loves us as we are and desires to spend time with us. Tim understands this and follows through on it in very real way.

Tim has made John 3:16 his calling card.  He cannot write it on his black eye paint anymore but it still is evident as the stats from last weeks game showed. Focus on the Family had an ad during last nights game based on John 3:16.  God’s precious children stating the plan of salvation in its simplest form. Tim is a Christian and is not ashamed to be called a Christian.  He demonstrates what it is to be a Christian in winning, in losing, in failure and success. Tim Tebow did not win the game yesterday. God did not let him down. The Tebow Effect is not over, it has just started.  What he has put in motion will have a positive effect for years to come. Some, ashamed to share their faith, are ashamed no more. Many closet Christians have swung open the door and are beginning to proclaim that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. That whoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life. Thanks Tim.

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January 5, 2012 · 11:59 pm

What I Believe

I have been working on this for awhile in order to shore up my thoughts
I know I am a sinner and believe that the consequence of my sin is death, separation from God and an enemy of God.
  • Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death
  • Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.
  • James 4:4 Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

I believe that Jesus, God’s Son,  paid the price for my sin by coming to earth, dying on the Cross, was buried, rose from the dead and returned to heaven.

  • John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not die but have eternal life.
  • Mat: 26:28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
  • Romans 6:23 ..but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord
  • Eph 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

When I die, I will go to heaven not because of things I have done but simply because of my belief in Jesus as my Lord, My Savior and Redeemer

  • I John 4:14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
  • II Tim 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace
  • II Tim 1:10 through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
  • Luke 10:20 I rejoice in the fact that my name is written in the book of life.

What are the benefits of being a Christian

  • Eternal Life
  • Help in time of need
  • Heaven
  • Hope
  • Security
  • Holy Spirit to indwell, inform and empower me
  • Raptured

How then should I live


By Grace- Unmerited/Unearned Favor

  • Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.


Be Humble

  • Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.


Seek Wisdom and Understanding

  • Job 28:28 And he said to man,‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,and to shun evil is understanding.’ ” Read the whole chapter!


Walk by the Spirit

  • Embracing, believing, trusting and acting by faith on His Spirit-Inspired Word. Or, as the hymn writer succinctly wrote, “Trust and Obey.”
  • “Do not get drunk with wine…but be filled with the Spirit…” (Ephesians 5:18)
  • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

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January 5, 2012 · 11:54 pm

BHAG- Big Hairy Audacious Goal

Update- I am still at RCG as Director of IT- Hired January 2002….Doing what God wants me to do in the place He wants me to be.  I am grateful. 2.25.2020
Update- My new job turned out to be my existing job.  I am still the head janitor at RCG and love it. 5.10.2013
Discover my new “Job” starting in 2013 and find the outlet to impart to others: My Faith in Christ, Wisdom from hard knocks, Knowledge from study, Skills I have honed from use and Lessons Learned from trial and error.
  • What are the prerequisites
    • Results from the effort should last for Eternity and inflict a positive life change
      • Considers the shortness of time versus the magnitude of eternity
        • i.e. Will it burn up or be refined in fire
    • Passionate about it
    • Love to do it every day
  • How will I discover it
    • Pray and ask God to show me very clearly
    • Research organizations
    • Talk about with others
    • Work with FBC Missions Group
    • Seek Deb input and advice on opportunities and ideas
  • Why do I want to do it
    • Work with my hands, building and creating
    • Work with my heart, caring and encouraging
    • Work with my eyes, loving and discerning
    • Work with my voice, singing and sharing life experiences
    • Work with my back, help carry the load
    • Work with my feet, understanding because I have walked most roads
  • Where will I do it
    • Geographical area
      • TN
      • ?
  • Who is my Accountability partner
    • Dan Belbeck
  • What are my Skills, Talents, Desires, Interests
    • Leadership
    • Coach
    • Build-Construct- Not as much the physical but the management of
    • Organization
    • Discernment
    • Musical
    • Computer savvy
    • Technical
    • Process Minded
    • Thrifty
    • Sense of Humor
    • People relational
    • Love Electronic Devices
    • Golf
    • Repairing things
    • Cook- Left overs is specialty
    • Clean and orderly
    • Right choices
    • Healthy decisions
    • Gardening
    • Animal lover
    • Mechanical
    • College Graduate- BSBA
    • Auto and Diesel Technical Degree
  • Mindset that I am Striving for
    • Isaiah 1:16-17 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
    • Micah 6:8 He Has Showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
  • Possibilities
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • Nashville Rescue Mission
    • In His Grip
    • Blogger

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