Looking Back With A Smile

Saints, we've made it! 2012 is fading into the past, and we are looking into a whole new year.

As we move forward, it's important to celebrate what we have gotten accomplished this past year. So often people look backwards with regret. We look back with sadness thinking of all the things that haven't happened, things we didn't do, places we didn't go, and all of those instances where we were disappointed.

But today, let's think back on 2012 with some pride. Let's enjoy what we did do, let's take note of what was accomplished, let's smile about those beautiful memories we were able to make this past year. We just completed 365 days of life! There's some greatness tucked in those days, and we should acknowledge that fact.

Personally, I'm thankful for the opportunities that I was given to speak and preach this past year. I love ministering God's Word, and I welcome every opportunity I receive to share what God has revealed to me. It's a privilege and an honor, and I'm thankful that God has blessed me to participate in such a way in the body of Christ.

I'm also pretty proud of how well I did in seminary this year. With everything that has been going on, I was still able to maintain my A/B status, and I am on track to graduate this summer. I have learned so much in my classes! Everything that I'm learning only reignites my passion to share the gospel with truth and clarity.

Lastly, I'm grateful that I was able to show love to an amazing man - my father. I'm not sitting here with regret over something I didn't say, or full of guilt because of an argument that was left unresolved... every day I was able to serve him, show him affection, and give him the honor he was due because of how he loved and raised me as my dad. I am reassured and at peace because I know that he is with my Heavenly Father, and I will see him again.

There's a host of things both big and small that I could list in addition to these. But, my aim is for you to reminisce on what you've done this year. What are you proud of? What made you happy? How did you grow? What did you learn? What are the sunny days and happy times of 2012 that you're pleased about?

Take some time and think back with a smile on your face. Let's go into the New Year with some joy!

Verse of the Day: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Change Your Mind

Yesterday I encouraged you to start now with those new things that you want to tackle this year. One of the first steps in embarking on something new is to get a new mindset. The Bible says that how a person thinks determines who they are. (Proverbs 23:7)

Many of us are stuck in the same situations, dealing with the same problems, tolerating the same negative people and thoughts because of our thinking. We think we are less than, we think we don't deserve better, we think that what we are doing is all that we can... Today, I want you to drop your old thoughts and come into the new!

Do you know what God thinks about you? The Bible says this: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11) Now, if God Himself is thinking thoughts of peace about you, why are you tolerating thoughts that bring you stress, distress, and depression?

Change your thinking right now to reflect what God thinks about you! Find some empowering verses that you can memorize, post around your space, and meditate on daily. Let the Word of God - the Truth - get down on the inside of you and change you for the better.

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! (Philippians 4:13) You are joint heirs with Christ! (Romans 8:17) You are more than a conqueror with Jesus on your side! (Romans 8:37)

Don't try and embark on your new thing until you get a new mind and a new outlook. If you stay in the same thinking that you've been utilizing, you will go nowhere and January 2014 will find you in the same spot you're in right now.

Verse of the Day: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

Start Now!

Well, I pray you had a blessed holiday. I certainly did! I had fun enjoying my family and friends and got some nice gifts along the way. God is good. Today we're back to our regularly scheduled programming. I'm sure many of you are at work trying to get back in the 'working' mode.

As we move forward, many people are now focusing on the impending new year. They're making lists of things that they want to get accomplished. They're trying to set goals for what they think they can do. Some people (like me) are already planning to eat better, exercise more, and live a healthier lifestyle once January 1 rolls around.

But, what I have learned (especially this year) is that tomorrow is not promised. None of us is guaranteed another day or week. Every day we wake up is a gift. Each day that we can get up and give God praise on this earth is a blessing. Why wait for tomorrow or next week? Why not start living better and living on task today?

Today you can start on your goals. Today you can start accomplishing your dreams. Today you can do better than you have for most of 2012. You don't have to wait for a new year. You can just start with this new day.

You've been blessed with a gift in today. Why not make it special? Go ahead and get on the path of greatness now. You may be surprised how much you can get done by next week!

Verse of the Day: LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. Psalm 39:4, 5

12 Days of Christmas: Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Because He came, we can live eternally with Him! Make sure you enjoy your family, friends, and loved ones today. Gifts fade, but people are forever!

I leave with you the story of our Savior's birth:

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:1-20

12 Days of Christmas: Family Time

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! I pray that you are not too caught up in the hustle and bustle that you are forgetting the real reason for the season. Also, remember that life goes on after Christmas! There is no gift worth you going into debt.

Today, let's remember our family. One of the most important parts of life is our families. God designs the families we get. He orchestrates the people who surround us as we grow up. No matter how good or bad we think our families are, God purposed them to be the ones closest to us.

When Mary found out that she would be having a supernatural baby, she went to her family - Elizabeth - for confirmation of God's word. Joseph was persuaded by the angel of God to make Mary a part of his family even though she was already pregnant when they were engaged. Because of Joseph's commitment to his family, he saved Jesus from certain death by taking his family to Egypt to evade Herod's wrath.

Our families are here to support us, teach us, love us, and care for us. Yes, they may do these things in their own way - ways that may clash with what we might want - but they are our family no matter what. God ordained them for us.

So, as you prep for Christmas get-togethers, holiday dinners, and all the other gatherings that bring family and loved ones near, remember that you are blessed to have a family around you. No matter how they may act or act up, God has blessed you with them - and He's blessed them with you. Show some love this holiday season! Plant some seeds of love and watch what God does. You might be surprised with the results.

Have a Happy Holiday!

Verse of the Day: Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 5:16

12 Days of Christamas: Thanksgiving Friday!

Merry Christmas!

This week I'm thankful that Jesus Christ chose to come to earth to save us from a life of sin. Because of His choice to humble Himself, come down to earth, and die on the cross, we are able to spend eternity with Him in heavenly bliss. We are now able to approach God's throne and talk with Him one-on-one as His children. Thank You, Jesus, for coming to earth to save us!

I'm also thankful for all the generous people in my life. I've been blessed already with Christmas cheer from lots of folks and I am grateful for their gifts of love. Thank You, Lord, for surrounding me with so much love!

I'm also thankful for God blessing me with His peace and joy during this holiday season. A few folks are already checking on me knowing that the holiday is coming up and my dad is no longer here. I am thankful to say that depression nor sadness have visited my doorstep. Of course, I miss him, but I am not dwelling in sadness.

I pray you have a joyful holiday season as well. There is nothing or no one that should be able to take your joy away from you! The only One who matters - the Lord - loves you unconditionally and is working all things together for your good! Hold onto that fact, and stay in joy this holiday season!

Verse of the Day: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:10-14

12 Days of Christmas: The Shepherds, The First Evangelists

Can you imagine just minding your own business and an angel showing up? Not only that, the angel tells you the most amazing news that the Messiah - the One everyone has been praying for, waiting for, and anticipating - has finally come to deliver you! On top of that, the angel is suddenly joined by a host of angels who treat you and your friends to an amazing display of heavenly praise!

That's what happened to the shepherds the night Christ was born.

After they went and saw the child for themselves, they couldn't hold back what they knew. They spread the good news of Christ's coming to everyone they came across! The shepherds were the first evangelists. They were the first ones who spread the gospel to the world.

We have met Jesus. We have experienced His affect on our lives. Yet, have we told our good news to the world? Have we shared our excitement in meeting Him? Have we shared our joy in knowing that He came to save us?

This holiday season, be sure to share the real meaning of Christmas. Make sure you tell everyone the great news that Jesus came to give us life and that more abundantly. Tell someone that they don't have to be depressed around the holiday. Jesus came so they could have joy! He came down personally to save them from an eternity of misery. He came so they could have everlasting life!

This time of the year is one of the best times to be a witness for Christ. Don't miss you're opportunity to truly give someone a Merry Christmas by sharing the love of Jesus with them.

Verse of the Day: And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luke 2:16, 17

12 Days of Christmas: Hold on to God's Word

When Jesus was taken to the temple by His parents, a man named Simeon was led by the Spirit to the temple that same day. Simeon knew by the Spirit of the Lord that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. When he saw Jesus, he gave thanks to the Lord and knew that he could finally die in peace. The Lord revealed that Jesus was the One Simeon had been waiting for.

What has God promised to you? What has He spoken over your life that has yet to come to pass?

Make sure you stay in the Spirit! Don't lose hope. Don't give in. Don't allow the passing of days, weeks, months, or years to stop your faith. Remain ready to follow the Spirit of God. Keep your eyes peeled for the manifestation  of God's promise!

Simeon remained sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. Imagine if he had not kept a prayerful attitude. He might have missed the very day that Messiah was brought to the temple. Or, he may have been present and not have recognized that the Savior was in the building!

God is not a man that He should lie. (Numbers 23:19) Whatever He has spoken to you, He will bring it to pass! Keep your faith strong. Believe in the promises of the Lord, for they are sure. God is going to do what He said!

Verse of the Day: And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word... Luke 2:25-29

12 Days of Christmas: Pay Attention!

One of the most intriguing aspects about Jesus' birth to me is the story of the wise men who came to visit Him.

These are men who traveled from a great distance all because they saw a star. Their studies of astronomy was so detailed and informed they knew that a king had been born all because a new star appeared in the sky. They knew that it was just any old king either. This king was special enough to warrant them travelling out of their countries, bringing along with them great gifts of great treasure.

All because of a star that appeared in the sky.

Do you pay attention to the 'signs' that God places in your path? When something new shows up on your horizon, are you handling it appropriately? You may just see a star, but is God trying to signal to you the birth of something greater?

Don't take anything for granted! Pay attention to the Holy Spirit. Stay sensitive to what God is trying to show you.

That new relationship, new job, or new idea may be signalling something far greater than it's face value. Don't dismiss what you think you see. Don't discredit something that may hold great value for your life. Open up your eyes, put in the work, and watch where God brings you!

Verse of the Day: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him... And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:1, 2, 11

Prayers Going Up Today

First of all, let me apologize for the spotty posts last week. I was fighting an illness, and I missed some days as a result. Thankfully, I am back, healed and whole, and I'm ready to go full steam ahead!

Today, my heart is carrying the families and loved ones who were affected by the senseless violence that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School last week. I cannot even imagine what their hearts are going through. Only God has all the answers and can piece it all together, and I am trusting Him to heal those who are brokenhearted and suffering loss.

I want to encourage you to pray for our country today. Like our president said last night, we are seeing too many of these mass shootings and something needs to be done. We need to pray for wise leadership who will enact and enforce the right legislation. We need to intercede for those who are struggling with mental health issues and those that are caring for them. We need to pray for our parents who are trying to raise children at such times as these.

Lift up our country. Pray for God's protection and love. Pray for your family and loved ones. Cover them with the blood of Jesus and commission angels to their care.

Pay attention to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He is our Guide and Comforter. We have to be sensitive to His leading as He knows all things.

Don't take this life for granted. No matter how old or young, none of us is promised tomorrow. Life is too short to hold a grudge, not apologize, or to hold ill will for anyone.

As you pray today, ask God to give you a heart like his own, one that will reach out to others in love no matter what the circumstance.

Verse of the Day: But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14

12 Days of Christmas: Obey Without Question

Mary is given a lot of attention with the memory of Jesus' birth. Joseph deserves a lot of credit as well in my book.

Here was a pretty great young man who thought he was about to marry a pretty awesome girl only to have her tell him that she's pregnant. He could have easily outed her to her friends and family and brought her under some severe scrutiny. Yet, Joseph was such an honorable person that he decided just to have Mary sent somewhere privately to have her avoid shame and ridicule.

However, when the angel of the Lord showed up, Joseph believed God's Word. He saw that the child Mary was carrying was of the Holy Spirit. He took Mary as his wife and did not consummate their union until she had Jesus.

God's plans are often no where near what our plans are. I'm sure taking care of a brand new wife and a child that wasn't his was nowhere in Joseph's plans. Yet, he was obedient to the Lord even to the point of taking the family to Egypt to avoid Herod's wrath. He literally picked up and moved away from his family, friends, and community without question.

When God places something different in your pathway, do you readily follow after His will? Are you willing to obey even to the point of moving entirely out of your comfort zone?

If God is showing you His plan for your life, don't question, analyze, delay, or ignore it. Just obey! Your obedience places you on the pathway of purpose. Your compliance to God's will sets you up for amazing experiences, joys, and accomplishments you will never know if you just stick to what you're familiar with.

Today, tell God that you will obey His word no matter what.

Verse of the Day: But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost... Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 1:20, 24-25

12 Days of Christmas: Jesus' Choice

This is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it!

I'm home this morning recovering from this cold that finally seems to be leaving my body. It feels good to just sit and rest instead of running here, there and everywhere like I normally do.

Today, our blog is officially 12 days from Christmas! (No, I haven't gotten a single present yet.) This time of the year is important for Christians because it marks our remembrance of Christ choosing to come to the earth to save mankind.

Can we meditate on that for a moment? Jesus - God's Son, full of power, seated in glory, with the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence only God can have - chose to come down to earth. He chose to take on a body made of the dust of the ground. He chose to shed His glory. He chose to give up His life of splendor.

All to save your life.

He loved us so much that He was willing to risk it all on the chance that you would make Him your Lord and be saved from sin.

Amazing.

No matter what you do or don't get for Christmas this year, you've already gotten the best gift. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, chose to come down to earth and be put to death as a sacrifice for your sins.

As you go about your day today, think about the weight of that decision that Christ made. Get a new perspective of the deep love that Jesus has for you. Honor that love by showing great love to someone else that you may meet in your travels today.

Jesus chose to come to earth to save you!

You must be pretty special.

Verse of the Day: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-8

Thanksgiving Friday!

The struggle is real... But we are overcomers! Today, I'm thankful for the healing power of Jesus that is coming swiftly to my body! I will not be taken down by this huge headache! So, Lord I thank You that You are healing me as I type. No weapon formed against me will prosper!

This week I'm also thankful that I am able to be a blessing. You know, being a blessing is much more rewarding than receiving them more times than not. Seeing how God can use you to impact someone else is amazing. Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to touch someone else's life this week!

I'm also thankful for my friends. I have some great, God-fearing folks in my circle. And they often go out of their way to show me love. I'm so glad I don't have to worry about my friends gossiping about me, backstabbing me, or doing me wrong in any way. That is truly a blessing!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Verse of the Day: ...for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 43:5b

Forgive Yourself

We are all human beings. Therefore, it is inevitable that we are going to mess up. We are going to make a mistake. We are going to sin. We are going to disappoint, fail, and let someone down somewhere in our future.

It's pretty much guaranteed.

But what do you do when you fail? Do you dwell on your mistake? Do you give up on your dream? Do you allow yourself to remain in the bondage of regret?

We serve a forgiving God. He loves us so much He sent His Son to save us from all our sins anticipating that He would forgive them. He knows that we are fallible. He knows that we will say one thing and do another. And He cares enough about us to give us another chance. With the Lord, we will always get another chance no matter what.

So, why are you beating yourself up? Why are you holding yourself back because of some mistake you made? God is willing to forgive you and move forward. Why won't you do the same?

Don't allow your past mistakes to keep you from continuing in your purpose. Don't let your disappointments keep you from building kingdom relationships.

Take your failures to the Lord, receive His forgiveness, and move forward. Turn your mistake into an experience that informs your future. Realize that you are wiser and stronger because of that event.

Today, take some time to enjoy the forgiveness of the Lord. Then, forgive yourself and move on. You're still here! You've got a lot left to do.

Verse of the Day: For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11, 12

Afternoon Ti: Speak Life!

I'm irked to no end when people call each other by detrimental names. Calling someone 'stupid', 'crazy', or 'psycho' does not sit well with me, even if the words are in jest. I take it to heart that our words have power.

Our Heavenly Father gave us the example of the power of words when He created the heavens and the earth. All He did was speak, and life sprang up. His words also changed the fates of Adam and Eve. With God's words, the ground would make Adam work for a harvest and Eve had to endure pain during childbirth.

The same life-giving power that the Lord has, we have as well in our mouths. We just have to learn how to combine our words with faith and be patient to see the manifestation of what we say.

Joshua's words held the sun and moon in pause position, so he could defeat his enemy in battle. (Joshua 10:12, 13) When Abraham was tasked with sacrificing his son, he put out words of faith with his actions that culminated in his son's life being spared and God providing a ram in the bush. (Genesis 22:8)

Jesus' life was full of examples of how our words can work. He healed with His words. He caused storms to cease with His words. He raised Lazarus from the dead with His words.

What are you doing with your words? Are you speaking life, or are you causing hurt because of what you are saying?

Your words hold power. What you say does have an effect. Don't allow yourself to fall prey what you yourself put out into the atmosphere. Speak life!

Verse of the Day: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21

Afternoon Ti: Inconvenience Yourself Today

Today, I'm going true devotional style and opening with our verses to meditate on:

...Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven... Nehemiah 1:2-4

And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it. Nehemiah 2:5  
This passage of scripture relays Nehemiah's response to hearing of the physical and emotional brokenness of the city of Jerusalem. This man was so moved that he asked to leave his place of palatial comfort and peace to go back to Jerusalem, a place of conflict and sacrifice, in order to restore it to as safe haven for his people.

How many times do we hear of different churches, Christians or cities that have fallen? It may be a scandal, sin, tragedy, or some other affliction that rocks them to pieces. Yet, how often do we hear the news, shake our heads, mourn the downfall of society, and then just go about our day?

To bring it even closer to home, how often do we hear of our own friends, co-workers, family members, and other people we are close to who fall prey to difficulties? And what do we do in response? More often than not, we probably shake our heads and go on with our own agendas.

Yet, as believers, hearing of another person's struggle should move us into action. Our hearts should be sensitive to the needs and hurts of those around. We are to be the shining lights of Jesus' love, hope, help, and peace in the midst of a storm.

Whenever Jesus encountered people in need, He reached out and did what He could to help. Even when He was tired and hungry, Jesus allowed Himself to be inconvenienced to minister to those who were hurting, in the midst of scandal, and facing tragedy.

Don't be so wrapped up in your own story, that you miss out on influencing the lives of those around you. Don't allow your heart to become callous to the cries of a world that is in pain. You may not have the money, knowledge, or means to fix every problem you hear of, but you do have the ability to pray. You have the ability to give your time. You have the Holy Spirit inside Who can help you to bring comfort and peace to any situation.

Today, allow yourself to be inconvenienced in order to bless someone who is in need of God's love.

Don't Get Cut Off From The Vine!

Yesterday, many Christians sat down to hear a word from the Lord in their local church. They shouted "amen" and "hallelujah" as they agreed with the words the preacher was saying. Many felt convicted about certain issues they knew they had to get right with God, and lots made resolutions in their hearts to "do better".

And here we are this Monday morning... How many of us are making the effort to put into action the word that we heard? How many of us are walking out the truths that God has revealed to us in His Word?

Far too often we hear the word and do not obey. We hear God's call to come up to a higher level in Him, agree that we've got to change, but fail to make those changes that we ourselves see are necessary.

But just hearing the word and not doing what it says sets us up for failure. We deceive ourselves into thinking that we're okay. We use all the knowledge that we know to comfort our hearts. We know what God says about living holy. We know all the scriptures on tithing and giving. We know that our first priority as Christians is to evangelize the lost.

With all our head knowledge, we just know that God is pleased with all of the wisdom we've gotten.

God could care less about what you know. He's looking at what you do. Jesus Himself said that any branch of His that did not produce fruit would be taken away. (John 15:2) Too many of us have deceived ourselves thinking that because we're attached to Jesus, the vine, that we, the branches, are okay.

Today, take inventory of your actions. Are you reflecting the Word of God that you've heard? Are your actions mirroring what you know? Make sure that your branch is producing fruit! Don't let your own deception get you taken away from the vine!

Verse of the Day: For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. James 1:23, 24