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“Self-deception, Hypocrisy, or Fear?”

Thoughts for Today:

Paul is saying that we need to bring into alignment our words and our lives. The heart and the mouth should be in complete harmony -- saying and demonstrating the same thing. Sometimes we can speak Godly words with our mouths, yet our thoughts are far from Him. I would offer this challenge to all of us: Let's make sure that when we make a public confession with our mouths, our hearts are right there with us, fully committed to our words. So, if it is self-deception or hypocrisy when we confess with our mouth a faith that is not heart-felt and real, then what is faith without confession? Could it be fear that keeps our faith bottled-up inside us, afraid to be fully expressed?

My wife Sherry has been a faithful believer since she first came to know Christ as a young girl. Over the last several years, she has watched and cheered from the sidelines, as I went on numerous missions trips to share my faith. The pastor of our church once asked her, "Why not go with Mike?" She answered, "I'm afraid." He said to her, "Isn't the same God who keeps Mike safe, the same one who will protect you as well? How much do you trust God?" For the last two years Sherry has joined me on international missions trips and is planning our third this summer. Sherry decided she trusted God -- a lot. Her words and her heart were thus brought into alignment.

Questions to Ponder:

This morning when I was discussing today's devotion with Sherry, she suggested I use her witness, rather than the example I intended. She felt her experience best illustrated my point: Our words and our lives should be in complete harmony. Let me ask you this question, "What about your words or life, are they not in harmony with your faith?" Think very carefully about your answer. It says a lot about what you believe.

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There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.