There was a time when being deceptive would not be tolerated...but any more, it seems to be the norm in advertising...encouraged on some dating sites...permissible in politics...overlooked in some workplaces...but none of that makes it right, ethical or moral.  In fact, it's scripturally wrong and displeasing to God.

So let’s look at deception. . .where it began, how to recognize and overcome it.

First, we need to understand the enemy ONLY has three weapons he can use against us…the ability to tempt; accuse and deceive.

Second, deception according to the British Dictionary.com means:

“the act of deceiving or the state of being deceived; something that deceives; trick”

The first case of deception and false advertising began in the Garden of Eden.

Change is a word frequently discussed but rarely acted on. . .especially, by politicians.

Real change. . .lasting change. . .is a change of heart followed by decisive action to do things differently.

The word change is in the King James Bible a total of 23 times while it appears in the Amplified Bible 46 times.  Let’s look at several key scriptures that reflect the meaning of change.

Matthew 3:2 in the King James Version says:

“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

As we’ve taught before, the Greek word for repent is G3340 and it means:

“to change one’s mind, to repent”

The meaning behind repent is clarified in Matthew 3:2 in the Amplified Bible translation which says:

I could give you a long list of reasons why you should feel good about yourself.  But here are the seven reasons I was directed to share with you.

First, make others feel important by listening to them.

When you listen to others. . .they will eventually do the same for you.

As we’ve mentioned before the letters which form the word LISTEN also create the word SILENT?

Do think there’s a reason why God gave us two ears and one mouth?  It’s been recommended that perhaps we should listen twice as much as we talk.

It’s rude and disrespectful to interrupt someone when they’re speaking.

Change is a word frequently discussed but rarely acted on. . .especially by politicians.

Real change. . .lasting change. . .is a change of heart followed by decisive action to do things differently.

The word change is in the King James Bible a total of 23 times while it appears in the Amplified Bible 46 times.  Let’s look at several key scriptures.

Matthew 3:2 in the King James Version says:

“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

As we’ve taught before, the Greek word for repent is G3340 and it means:

“to change one’s mind, to repent”

This is further clarified in Matthew 3:2 in the Amplified Bible which says:

How do you meet important people?

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the term VIP is an abbreviation for Very Important Person and is defined as:

“A person of great importance or influence.”

First, you must recognize that you are a VIP already and it is only natural that you should be meeting important people.

That’s right. . .YOU ARE A VIP!

According to Psalm 112:9 in the New Living Translation . . . you are a person of influence.

“They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.

Your reaction to adversity . . .will determine how you’re viewed.

If you’re viewed as someone who seemingly goes nuts every time something doesn’t go your way…it will be what people believe about you.

If you continually lose it.

. . .not only will others see you that way. . .but more importantly. . .you will begin to believe that’s your typical response and it will become a habit.

In a negative context. . .you become what you believe you will be. . .by how you act and react.

Conversely, if your reactions are governed by applying the fruit of the spirit. . .then you will become what the Word says you will be.

Matthew 9:27-31 in the Message Bible says:

“As Jesus left the house, he was followed by two blind men crying out, “Mercy, Son of David! Mercy on us!” When Jesus got home, the blind men went in with him. Jesus said to them, “Do you really believe I can do this?” They said, “Why, yes, Master!” He touched their eyes and said, “Become what you believe.”

Do you feel like you’ve been going through bad stuff?

Are you convinced that you shouldn’t have to deal with the mess you’re dealing with?

What you’re facing at the moment may stink . . . but that doesn’t necessarily change the circumstances.

Recently, I was reminded of a story that was told by former President Ronald Reagan.

The story concerns twin boys around six.  Each of the boys had developed extreme personalities that worried their parents.  One was a total optimist . . .happy, giggling all the time. . .while the other twin was a total pessimist, crying and whining about everything.

If only. . .I could have gone to college.

If only. . .I graduated from the right college.

If only. . .I could find a job.

If only. . .I could find a better job.

If only. . .I could make more money.

One of the major telephone companies uses the slogan "reach out and touch someone." 

Truthfully, this should be the goal of every born-again believer.  Here are seven ways to reach out and touch someone.

Write down one quote, statement or scripture that motivated you today and share it with seven friends.

First, make your list of the seven friends.

Second, decide how you will communicate the quote, statement or scripture.

Have you ever heard someone say that “a picture is worth a thousand words?”

I treasure the photographs of my wife, our children and grandchildren.  Words really can’t describe the emotions that I feel as I look at some of those photos.

However, there are some words that are worth much more than any picture.

The 10 Commandments contain 297 words.

The Bill of Rights is stated in 463 words.