Welcome to theRodeo with Pastor Hank Wilson - Central Texas Cowboy Church  

It's always interesting at this time of year, when folks are making all these new years resolutions, they promise to change this or change that, knowing full good and well that for the most part, they're going to forget everything they promised the very next day.

As I was looking at that situation it came to me that one way we could easily change is to take Paul's advice to the Ephesians seriously. We can indeed change ourselves if we truly believe in the teachings of Jesus. 

Ephesians 4:25-32

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.

LET GO OF YOUR ANGER, DON'T DWELL ON THINGS, IF YOU'RE IRRITATED WITH SOMEONE, FORGIVE THEM, GET OVER IT.

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.

THIS IS ONE THAT OUR LEADERS (BOTH POLITICAL AND BUSINESS) COULD MAKE GOOD USE OF.  THINK OF THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WE AS TAXPAYERS WOULD SAVE IF THEY'D JUST PRACTICE THIS AND TAKE THEIR HANDS OUT OF OUR POCKETS.

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.

WATCH YOUR MOUTH, DON'T BE SO CRITICAL OF YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS, ESPECIALLY THE KIDS. WHEN YOU CALL THEM NAMES, WHEN YOU TELL THEM THEY'RE NOT WORTH ANYTHING THOSE WORDS STAY WITH THEM FOR A LONG, LONG TIME AND WILL IMPACT THEM DOWN THE ROAD.  AS MY MOMMA USE TO SAY 'BITE YOUR TONGUE'

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

IF YOU DO WHAT YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO, YOU'LL NEVER MAKE GOD SAD,YOU'LL NEVER DISAPPOINT HIM.  ONCE YOU'RE FORGIVEN, HE FORGETS ABOUT YOUR PAST, MAKE SURE YOU DON'T FALL OFF THE PATH AND GO BACK TO THE OLD WAYS OF LIFE.

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.

NEXT WEEK, WE'LL TAKE A LOOK AT LEARNING FROM THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US, I'LL TELL YOU A STORY OF ONE OF THE RICHEST RANCHERS I'VE EVER KNOWN WHO FELL ON HARD TIMES.

Always remember, we're not perfect, we're forgiven.

God Bless

Hank