Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Jesus did not send the disciples blindly out into the world but gives them a stark warning of the danger before them as they go forward.

Our walk in this world is not going to be straight-forward or easy going when we show others we are willing to follow Christ; we will face many dangers and trials just as the disciples did.

We need to be able to face up to the world by being bold enough and intelligent enough to stand up to the people; but also without wrath so as not to bring on discord.

Asking God for wisdom enough to avoid the pitfalls is wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 If the axe is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.

I don’t know if you have ever tried to use a blunt axe to chop wood, but it is very hard work. As a youngster I can remember doing exactly that because I did not know how to sharper the axe!

I know now how to sharpen my axe and I know it makes a very big difference with how much work can be done.

Being prepared for our work is very important and part of that preparation is simply learning.

This Christmas try to listen to the real Christmas story and learn just how much your God loves you!

Ezekiel 35:13 Thus with your mouth you have boasted against Me and multiplied your words against Me; I have heard them.

When we have a successful life we tend to boast about the things we do and about our achievements to others.

Whilst we should be able to talk openly about what we do, we should never forget just how we are able to do those things.

God has enabled us to do many thing, but unless we are acknowledging Him for our gifts, then we are robbing Him of the glory.

God waits patiently to receive our adoration and praise.