Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Monday, December 2, 2013

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."¹

Recently Joy and I caught up with an old friend we hadn't seen for about three years and were shocked when we saw her. A few years ago she made a very bad moral choice which ultimately backfired on her. As a result she became very depressed and let herself run down emotionally, physically, and also spiritually. It was very sad to see her condition. I couldn't help but think how the choices we make make us what we become.

In my youth I recall how I was challenged to serve God with my life and am extremely thankful to God that I made that choice. That one choice totally changed my lifeâ€"both for this life and the next. I don't know where I would be today had I not made that major life-changing choice. I can't say that every choice I have made since then has been a good or a wise one. However, for every choice I have made, I have always reaped the consequences.

As another has wisely said, "It's choiceâ€"not chanceâ€"that determines our destiny." This is true for every individualâ€"unless one is mentally impaired.

The reality is that we all make many choices every day. Most of these are simple choices, but from time to time we are called to make major choices which, in turn, always have major consequences for good or bad depending on the choices we make.

However, there is one choice that is, by far, the most critical of all of life's choices for it affects not only this life, but also one's life after death. It is the choice to follow and serve God, and to receive His forgiveness for all our sins, without which there is no entry whatsoever into God's Heaven. As God said to the ancient Israelites, "Choose you this day whom you will serve."² We, too, are called to make this same choice.

To help you make this choice, be sure to read the article, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian" at: www.actsweb.org/christian.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you have made it possible so that I can choose to accept and serve you. Please help me to make that choice, not only for today, but for all eternity. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Galatians 6:7 (NKJV).
2. Joshua 24:15 (KJV).

<:))))><

2. To Know God and be sure you're a real
    Christian click on:

3. Donate: To help send Daily Encounter
    without charge to people around the world
    click on:

4. To send today's Daily Encounter to a friend
    click on:

5. To share your faith in a simple, attractive
    way with a friend click on:

6. For today's featured article click on:

7. This week's chuckle as seen "On the Lighter
    Side"  on Weekend Encounter click on:

8. Change Address of your subscription to
    Daily Encounter click on: