Paul of Tarsus in the Bible said this statement. Analyzing it in our world today and any generation in the past, it's very true. We are all sinners. No one really is good. The proof is what plays in our minds daily. Listen to what you're thinking, and you will know that your minds are full of filth. Our carnal minds speak to us in so many ways. It points to the truth that we are so self absorbed about ourselves. We do things for our benefits, what is good for number one. You don't have to look so far-- just check out those reality shows, People Magazine, TV sitcoms and more - full of people craving to be famous at any expense. I can't blame God to think of us as falling short of His glory.

Sin is not acceptable to God. Sin is rampant in this world. We are all helpless in that regard. Sin makes us depressed. Sin makes us commit suicides, figuratively and literally. Sin makes us hungry for fame and wealth. Sin makes us desire for promiscuity and immorality. Sin makes us lust for power in every form. Sin makes us worry and feel worthless. Sin makes us angry and bitter. Sin makes us jealous; full of angst and full of rage. We don't have to commit murder or be an adulterer; just by what we do in our daily lives convict us on how sinful we really are. We all try to cover our sinful self by pretending that we are good in the eyes of others. But our character speaks volumes and our values are like rotten eggs. And what's worst, we think nothing of it. We admire people who have the worst values, just because they are famous.

Throughout the history of mankind, sin plays a major part in each individual who conquered for power. We are what we think and what we become.

Happy New Year! The first verse I've read on my new desk calendar for New Year's Day. God is so patient with us. He gives us many chances to know Him before we leave this earth. I heard today from Charles Stanley that God wants us to know Him.

May this be the year that you will cross path with Jesus Christ.

Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don't be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.  Matthew 7:15 (The Message)

Last night, some things brought some confusion in my mind. I followed what I thought was from God. I believe in my heart that God has spoken to me to make a way for something that God would be glorified. Looking back the weeks after, God is not the one glorified; but instead it was the preacher more than God that got the accolades. During my moments with God, I've asked Him to help me come to peace and rest in His arms; as it troubled me that in my simple way; and obeying what I thought was God's instructions, that I walked blindly in believing that this up and coming pastor is really the real deal. He is someone that God appointed in this day and age to preach His Word through His Son, Jesus Christ.

I have some reservations the first time I've heard about this pastor. Some of his preachings were very uplifting, but there are things he would say that doesn't make sense in regards to the scriptures he would refer to. So when I've heard God said something about this person's preaching, who am I not to follow but just obey of what God wanted me to do, so I thought. Last night, some things came to light and what came to my mind is "beware of wolves in Sheep clothing." Was that from God? Was God trying to prove something? When all is said and done, my conclusion is always have reservations in these modern time preachers, using their charisma and their good looks to entice us to believe that they are really sent by God.

I know that as soon as I'm gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another. Acts 20:29 The Message

God has taught me a lesson here to always be leary of what a mere man acting as an apostle to God is saying. Be always on guard, always rely only in Him, to trust Him by relying only in His Word through the Holy Bible.

You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 The Message

Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance— isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.'  Matthew 7:21-23 The Message

 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’  Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23

This incident brought a clearer, more conscise picture in my heart. No preachers or workers for God should garner attention to themselves, gain popularity and wealth by peddling God's Word to innocent people. Anyone who is using Jesus to amass or profit or accumulate wealth is not of Jesus and God. They might have started with a right heart, but as soon as they reap insurmountable popularity and wealth, is a signal that they are missing the boat to heaven. Jesus considers them evildoers and not His followers.