“Prove by the way you live that you have really turned
from your sins and turned to God.”
Matthew 3:8 (NLT)

FEBRUARY 22 - There was great proof that the Jewish soldiers who fought during the Hasmonaean uprising were vastly different—transformed by an unknown Force. What was that proof? Refusing to carry arms and engage in combat on the Sabbath, even during a war! After a great number of Jews were ruthlessly slaughtered, however, the rabbis finally decreed that fighting would be permitted during sieges and wars. But this, my friends, frankly proved that these Jewish soldiers gave their lives by honoring God. The apostle James stated, “You show me your faith without your works, I will show you my faith by my works.” God is interested in proof. Jesus confirms this by saying: “You will know them by their fruit.”

Let us not kid ourselves any longer. Our daily actions mightily prove whether or not we repented of the wrong we did. Although many people say, “God knows my heart,” that statement doesn’t hold up in the courtroom of Heaven. If we truly repent, it is evidenced through our corresponding actions.

Repentance does not exist in the words one speaks, but in the actions of one’s life, as it did with the actions of those devout, Jewish soldiers. God requires us to prove what we say to be true with our actions. Jesus tells us, “A good person produces good works from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil works from an evil heart.” We must ask ourselves: “Who do my actions prove I am?” The answer may not feel or sound good, but only the truth sets us free.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You for forgiving me of the wrong I have done. I will prove to You by the way I live that I have really turned from my sins and turned toward Your ways.

Day 22: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

Genesis 8

Featured Resource

The RQ Factor - CD

Your Relationship Quotient

After observing interpersonal relationships for over three decades, Dr. Robb Thompson made a remarkable discovery that he wants to share with you: Contrary to popular belief, the outcome of your life is not determined by your intelligence (IQ), your physical appearance/abilities (PQ), or your ability to manage your emotions (EQ). Your life is determined by your ability to link yourself with those who carry your future within them – your Relationship Quotient.

Using compelling personal examples, Dr. Thompson illustrates how his own life changed for the better only when he changed his relationships. He presents profound principles that will alter the course of your future, if applied – principles such as:

• In life, you decide your relationships; then your relationships decide your destiny.
• If you want to accurately predict a man’s future, just take a look at his present friends.
• Relationships are magnetic – pulling you closer to or driving you further away from your divine destiny.

Proverbs 13:20 says, “Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces” (Message). Are you ready to change your future? It’s time to raise your Relationship Quotient!

Posted under General, Godliness