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CURRENT RADIO SERIES Without a Doubt   CURRENT TV SERIES His Story Your Story

And he [God] said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” --Genesis 32:27-28 Today’s verse reveals something very important about the work of God in your life and mine. Think about this with me. Why did the Lord ask Jacob his name? Don’t you think he knew Jacob’s name? Sure he did. But he wanted Jacob to understand something about himself. You see the name Jacob means “trickster.” And Jacob had certainly lived up to his name. So when he told God his name, he was confessing who he really was. To answer, “I am Jacob,” was to confess to God, “I’m a liar and I’m a cheater.” And do you know what God did next? He blessed Jacob! God gave him a new identity and a new name, Israel! No longer would Jacob be a conniving manipulator. He became the progenitor of the twelve tribes of Israel. And his faith found a place of honor in the book of Hebrews “Hall of Faith.” Listen! Regardless of your past and what you’ve done, God can give you a fresh start. Confess your sin and surrender to his love and authority. Let this be the day you claim your true identity in Christ.   GOD WANTS TO GIVE YOU A NEW START AND A NEW IDENTITY.

Walking Wisely Before the Eyes of the World

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:”
1 Peter 2:12–15

Many years ago, Dr. Bill Rice traveled and preached as an evangelist before founding a ministry geared to reaching deaf people with the gospel. He told the story that once he was riding a city bus through the town where he was holding a revival. When he paid his fare, the driver gave him back too much change. He pointed it out, returning the extra money. The driver responded, “I knew I gave you too much. I heard you preach last night and wanted to see if you were for real.”
Every day we are being watched by those around us. Most of the time we are not even aware of who is looking. But our testimony—for good or for bad—has a powerful impact. In fact as the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” When our lives match what our words say, there is a confirmation that shows people we are for real. The fact that there are hypocrites in the church is a poor excuse for people not going to church, but it is also a tragedy for our failings in daily life to be used by Satan to keep others away from the gospel.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Make sure that what you live from day to day aligns with what you declare your beliefs to be.