James 1: 22-27. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, his is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror:  For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.  But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.  If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.  Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father is this; to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

One of my favorite quotes is by Dick Nogleberg, “If what you believe doesn’t affect how you live, then it isn’t very important.”  That is so true!  If knowing God doesn’t change who you are and how you behave, then something is terribly wrong in your relationship with Him.

Somehow, somewhere along the lines, our Freedom in Christ became twisted from what the true meaning is.  Freedom in Christ doesn’t license you to sin or live any way you choose!  Freedom in Christ means you are free from the bondage of sin!  You are no longer a slave to sin, you can have freedom from your sin.  God wants to empower you to break those addictions!  He wants to help you overcome those areas you struggle in!  He doesn’t want you to be burdened by it, He wants you to experience His true freedom!  

Obviously, you want to live a life that reflects God, that is why you are seeking Him by studying His word!  We have the choice every single day, whom we will choose to reflect: Satan or God.  We are all human and we face things every single day that force us to choose!  Satan is battling to take you down!  He hates you and the last thing he wants to see is God’s blessing on your life!  God loves you and wants you to have victory in every area of your life! Now, what if we took it to the next level and took a look around to see who God puts in our path that we could bless, even if it is a kind word or maybe a card sent to someone who isn’t feeling well. Let’s strive to go above and beyond and show the love of Christ to those around us.

I would like to encourage you today to make this verse your prayer:  Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”  Choose Him today! Choose to allow Him to fill you and your thoughts!  Allow Him to guide you in all that you do so He can shine through you to the world around you!

Quote:  “Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they, therefore, remain bound.”  ~ James Allen, As A Man Thinketh