Yesterday we saw the importance of guarding our hearts, as this is where life's biggest decisions stem from. Our actions will reflect what we allow in our hearts, therefore, we should always seek to fill our hearts (minds) with good things that glorify God if we want to produce good fruit. And why are our actions so important? Because even when we think no one is watching... God is watching! Not only is he seeing what we do, but he is examining it.

When the prophet Samuel was told by God to go to the house of Jesse to anoint a new king over Israel, he was convinced the first son would be chosen due to his physical appearance. But in 1 Samuel 16:7, we see God's response: "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

We cannot hide ANYTHING from God. Not only does he see our actions, but he also sees the motives behind our actions. In Psalm 139:7-12, David was very aware of this fact when he said, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" God is omnipresent and whether we like it or not, He is keeping track of what we do. And one day when we stand in His presence, we will give an account to Him of how we lived. Hebrews 4:13 says, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

It may seem simple to do things our way at times, but let us never forget that there will be consequences to our actions. God's ways are perfect, and when we choose to disregard his instructions, we do so to our own peril.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, help me seek your wisdom more than anything else, so that I may know how to live according to your will. Help my motives always be pure in your sight. Then when I stand in your presence one day, I can feel glad knowing I made my Father proud. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen.

1. Proverbs 5:21 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.