Category: truth

False Prophets

*Jeremiah 13-14

Psalm 125

*Luke 8

-Devotion by Jeremy Martin (TN)

            Luke 8 alone (ironically) has enough material for about 8 devotions all by itself by my reckoning, so please read it thoroughly as we’ll be moving along quickly to get to some other juicy bits today.  Aside from the (1)women supporting the ministry (see below), we have (2) the parable of the sower (hugely important concepts) and it’s explanation, (3) the parable of the hidden lamp (nothing is hidden that will not be revealed!), (4) Jesus’ mother and brothers (are the ones hearing and doing the word of God), (5) Jesus calms the storm (and teaches about faith), (6) Jesus casts out demons (into pigs, and gains a follower), (7) Jesus heals a woman who touches him (whose affliction would have kept her from going to the temple to worship), and (8) Jesus raises a dead girl (who he says has “fallen asleep”).  Whew.  Busy chapter, easily 8 full devotions worth.

            The first 3 verses here are interesting because after it mentions Jesus and his disciples (specifically “the twelve”) travelling about and preaching, it also says “certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, and then lists 3 specific names, but says that there were “many others” who were providing for them out of their own resources.

            Of the 3 ladies mentioned by name, Susanna has no other references in the bible, Mary Magdalene* has numerous other references in scripture, and then Joanna, who was married to Chuza, has no other mention in the bible.  An interesting note though: Joanna was Chuza’s wife, who was Herod’s manager.  This would be Herod Antipas, there were 5-6 Herods in scripture starting with “Herod the Great” (who was not so great, and was responsible for the massacre of infants in the Bethlehem area shortly after Jesus birth).  Herod Antipas was Herod the Great’s son, and is noted for his rule and roles in the executions of John the Baptist, and Jesus of Nazareth.  That Herod.  His manager’s wife was a noted follower of Jesus.  Interesting, isn’t it?  You’re welcome, history nerds!

            The Jeremiah reading today is going to be our focus.  In Jeremiah 13, God commands Jeremiah to buy a linen loincloth (skivvies).  The word used here can also be translated as “belt, waistband, or girdle”, but the idea is that it was a cloth that was worn close to the body around the waist.  He’s told to go bury the loincloth and then retrieve it “after many days” and when he does it’s worthless and gross, and this is to be a visual sign to Israel and Judah.  As visual signs and prophecies go, as gross as it sounds putting on a nasty ruined loincloth, in this instance Jeremiah could have had it a lot worse (See Isaiah 20 for comparison).  This visual prophecy, like most that God gives His people, is another attempt to guide them back to Him, which really speaks a lot toward the character of our loving and merciful God.

            Here’s what I’d like to focus on today, though.  In Jeremiah 14, false prophets have come among the people of Israel, telling them that everything is going to be fine and not to worry.  Jeremiah is upset about this, and mentions it to God, see below:

13Then I said, “Ah, Lord Yahweh! Behold, the prophets say to them, ‘You will not see the sword, nor will you have famine, but I will give you lasting peace and prosperity in this place.’” 14Then Yahweh said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in my name. I did not send them, nor have I commanded them, nor did I speak to them. They prophesy to you a lying vision, and worthless divination, and the deceptions of their own heart. 15Therefore this is what Yahweh says: As for the prophets who prophesy in my name although I did not send them, yet they keep saying, ‘Sword and famine will not be in this land,’ By sword and famine those prophets will be consumed. 16And the people they prophesy to will be cast out into the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword, and they will have no one to bury them—them, nor their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters—because I will pour their wickedness on them. (REV translation)

            There are false prophets among the people, they are telling the people what they want to hear, but they are telling lies and God didn’t send them or tell them to say these things.  Sound familiar? The point of concern here though is that the people will still be held accountable!  God gave us His word as a template, by which we are to measure the words of men.  Why is it important to be discerning with your understanding of scripture? Because God has already told us: of His nature, of what is to come, of what our expectations are.  We change these precepts, ignore them, or listen to others who speak contrary to these things at our own peril.  We will be held accountable.

            There are false prophets today, too.  In 1 Timothy 4:1 it tells us that in the last days they’ll abound.  We generally think that we’re in the last days now.  Why would they do such a thing, though?  Well, we had a discussion about this just recently at church Saturday morning: it could be people seeking profit or gain, it could be people seeking fame or social status, and it could also be genuine people who themselves have been deceived and are now in all earnestness and good intentions deceiving others.  The point is, it doesn’t matter why.  If you allow yourself to be misled, you will be held accountable.  How then are we to discern what is truth, and what is a lie?

            Isaiah 8:20 “Turn to the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light of dawn in them.“  (REV translation used).  Think about it.  If you listen to someone who speaks against exactly (and only) what the Bible says, they don’t have a morning, and neither will you.  Be discerning.  Abhor tradition and teachings where it contradicts scripture.  In Ephesians 6:10-17 when speaking of the “Armor of God”, among all of the defensive items of armor listed there is only one offensive tool mentioned with which we can fight, and it is the sword of the spirit, the word of God, the scriptures.  If you don’t know how to wield it, there’s a good chance you’re going to get murdered.  Practice with your sword and read your Bible, for your own sake, and for the love of God.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. How many false prophets can you think of, off the top of your head?
  2. How many of these do you think are genuinely earnest people, who have themselves been decieved?
  3. How many times a day/week do you read your Bible?  Would you read it more if your life depended on it? (spoiler alert: it does.)

Prayer

Father God, you have warned us of those who have eyes but are blind, and those who have ears but are deaf.  Please Father, open our eyes, clean out our ears, and speak to us clearly so that we are not deceived.  Lead us and guide us, whisper to us and tell us the way in which we should go.  Have mercy upon your people, Lord God, for your own name’s sake.  Thank you, in Jesus name, amen.

* Since the rooting out and exposing of unscriptural church traditions has become something of a hobby for me, it should be noted regarding Mary Magdalene that the belief that she was a repentant sex worker or the sister of Martha and Lazarus stems from later church traditions and misinterpretations, not from scriptural text. She was however “healed of seven demons” and contributed to Jesus’ ministry financially, in addition to getting honorable mention in all 4 of the gospels, and being the first to arrive at the empty tomb of Jesus after his resurrection.

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2 Peter 2 – Twice

Job 42

Psalm 103

2 Peter 2

-Today, for a devotion on 2 Peter 2, why not post 2 devotions? And how about 2 devotions from 2 brothers serving in Minnesota….

Here’s a devotion by J.J. Fletcher, originally posted Thursday, October 13, 2022

Peter draws to attention the fact that in the history of Israel, false prophets arose among the people and the same thing will happen in the church age… False teachers will arise, so we must be on the watch. If many will follow, we must be watchful and call out these false teachers as to prevent as many people as we can from falling into these destructive teachings. In thinking of what modern teachings this applies to we could put “Word of Faith” or “Prosperity” teachings into this category. We could also think about the many “liberal” denominations that reject the sexual ethics of scripture and the “evangelical” teachers that often seem to conflate (at least in the way I see it) being a Christian with voting for a particular political party. We need to make sure that we stand in the word and do not allow ourselves to be deceived and exploited, but also we must stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22) and do what we can to keep others from being deceived and exploited.

Peter then delves into ideas concerning judgment and preservation of righteous people standing up in the midst of wickedness. If God will rescue Noah and Lot, will he not also rescue some of us from perishing in this present age of wickedness? Of course, God does not keep all of his people from perishing (for reasons that are known to him and not us… i.e. Stephen and many of Jesus’ disciples), but he does in many instances deliver his people out of dire straits. Not only will he in many instances rescue us, but those who stand in wickedness stand in punishment. While we may not see the unrighteous handled in ways that we desire, we must recognize that God deals in his own ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Peter then writes of the ways of deceivers and references Balaam (see Numbers 22 to begin his story) as he is pointing out many of the traits of these wicked opponents of God.

Peter states that those who depart from the corruption of the world and come to Jesus, but then depart from him and return to deception are worse off than they were at first. Can we wrap our minds around that? It’s better to have never known Jesus than to come into that saving knowledge and then depart from him. That makes it all the more important for us to keep in Christian community and to have people who can speak truth into our lives when we stumble and fall short in our pursuit of righteous living. The self-deception that comes from a lack of self-control is more than just a minor issue, it can cost us everything (abundance now, but more importantly, that abundance that we can embrace in the coming Kingdom).

We just got a new puppy about a month ago, so when I read Peter’s reference to a dog returning to its vomit, it gives me an all too clear visual of what that means. Our dog ate a couple of our children’s socks and had a miserable night (gagging constantly) and then when my wife took him out in the morning he proceeded to puke them up (it was Sunday morning, so in the rush of things getting ready to leave for church, the socks remained on the ground). When I took the dog out after several hours in the kennel, what did he do? He went right for one of the socks and tried to eat it (I got rid of it this time). Later that day (or the next), he got lucky(?) and ate the second sock… I’ll spare you the details of the next morning… The socks were bad for my puppy (he got lucky all things considered), but that did not stop him from going after them. Sin can be the same way for us, even though things are bad for us (and even when we absolutely recognize this), we often return to it (or at the very least are enticed by it) which makes it ever more important that we stay vigilant (constant vigilance!) in abiding in our lord Jesus, because without his advocacy and without the helper that he will send, i.e. the spirit of God, his father) , we are done for.

-J.J. Fletcher

Reflection:

1. What do I need to be most on the guard for? What types of deception might entice me to neglect my faith in Jesus and his kingdom message?

2. Why do the promises of false teachers often sound so sweet? Do they play around with scripture and make it sound like it is saying something that it is not? What can we do to limit the voices of deception that are lurking not only in the shadows, but out in the limelight?

And here’s a devotion by Joel Fletcher, originally posted October 15, 2023

“For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.” 

2 Peter 2:21 (ESV)  

An idea stitched through today’s readings is that the God of Heaven prefers human behavior that is good and has an aversion to human behavior that is bad (to put it mildly). The Maker of mankind pays attention to both the wicked and the righteous (Proverbs 15:3). God sees all that happens on earth and, although all bad is wrong from His perspective, there seems to be a certain kind of action that uniquely draws His ire: people, who “speak on behalf of God”, using their influence to persuade others to evil–such people are called false prophets and false teachers (Jeremiah 23:16-17, 2 Peter 2:1). How do we avoid becoming like these people and live in a way that pleases our Maker? 

Looking through the whole of scripture, one will discover that nearly all the people God employed for His purposes displayed humility (or were first humbled), while those whom God rejected or stopped using were dragged down by pride. When Jesus ministered in Judea and the surrounding regions, he embraced people who were stereotypically seen as bad (or, unrighteous) and opposed those who were known (and self-described) as good (or, righteous). While it is true that those whom Jesus befriended did bad things and those whom Jesus antagonized did good things, the defining distinction between the two was humility (in the former) and pride (in the latter).  

The religious leaders of first-century Jerusalem saw themselves as righteous men who had things figured out–they needed no one to save them. The outcasts, meanwhile, longed for salvation–both from the Roman overlords and their own sinfulness. In other words, the people who embraced Jesus saw him as a doctor and themselves as the sick, while those who rejected him, saw Jesus as an instigator and themselves as the people preserving the peace. If one denies they have a problem, one cannot get the help needed.  

There is a conundrum for the Christian: we are called to do good works (Ephesians 2:10) and to represent Christ on God’s behalf (2 Corinthians 5:10), but we are also warned that one who has claimed to be a Christian (maybe even one who has been an effective evangelist) can come to a place where, because of their pride, it would have been better if they had “never known the way of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:21). How do we avoid this state, while being faithful to our calling? 

From what I see from scripture, the best antidote to getting on God’s bad side is to live in, with, and by humility. First, by fearing, above all (with reverence, awe, and worship) Yahweh. Second, by recognizing Jesus as the only way to the Father, to life eternal, and to the good life. Third, by recognizing that, while this knowledge radically changes lives, it doesn’t make one superior to anyone else. 

You can, with great fervor, study your Bible for countless hours every day, and do all the spiritual practices prescribed or implied by the text, but it won’t make you any better off…unless you are aware and live as though you need a doctor and view Jesus as that doctor. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day didn’t recognize the great physician because they didn’t acknowledge their sickness. If we want to make sure we don’t go down that same dead-end road, if we don’t want to get scolded or labeled as a false teacher, we must take our humble medicine every day.  

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you realize your need for a doctor and Savior? How does Jesus provide what you need?
  2. What happens to those who once knew they needed Jesus, but then are puffed up with pride and go their own way?
  3. What steps can you take to stay humble (or first become humble)? In what areas of your life do you most frequently run into the problem of pride? How can knowing this help you in the future?

Prayer

Dear God, I thank You for Your words of truth, love, and warning. Help us to be devoted to who You are, what You desire, and to Your Son and Coming Kingdom. May we not be led astray by false teachers, covetousness, or returning to our sin and past selves. Help me see and speak and represent Your truth. Give me a heart of humility that magnifies Your name and boasts only of Christ and all he has done, is doing, and will do for his faithful, truthful church. Is his name I pray, Amen.

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Title Deed to Our Hope

Job 12-13

Psalm 96

Hebrews 11

-Devotion by Tom Siderius(MI)

Hebrews 11:1-3(NLT) Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

Hebrews 11:1(AMP) Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].

Faith is our complete believing trust in the Word of God and it’s truth. It  comes from mixing the personal believing of our hearts with the trustworthy and perfect words which God has given for us to know and understand.  When we completely trust the Word in our hearts then we will act in accordance with that trust.  This is why the Amplified Bible shows the phrase “title deed” to things prayed for and hoped for.

If I have the title deed for my farm in my hands do I have the farm in my hands?  No it is impossible to have the farm that way.  But the reality is that when we have the deed with Tom and Sandy written on it, with no lien or obligations connected with it, we have the farm.

This is the way that we trust God in our hearts and then receive the promise for the things that God has made.  Ephesians 1 gives us another assurance of God’s plan.

Ephesians 1:4-5(NLT) Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

God chose you before the foundation of the earth!  Wow!! And it says that it gave Him great pleasure to save you in Christ. Double Wow!!  Then we get a guarantee even better.

Ephesians 1:13-14(NLT) And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

Have you believed God in your heart about what God has testified about Christ?

Did you receive the gift of holy spirit when you believed and became God’s child?

What does that mean for your life?

We have received the title deed and seal of promise to the future hope of Christ’s rulership and kingdom to come.  You have the proof in your hands that what God has said will come to pass in the future.  The faithful of the past all believed this and received the same sure promises. Please read Hebrews 11 for the rest of the story.

Hebrews 11:13-16(NLT) All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

The title deed we have received is the deed to a future with God and a place to live in righteousness and peace with our Savior Jesus Christ and his and our Father God.  As you go from here be the child of God that you are with all the rights and privileges that come from the trust that God is faithful to that which He has promised and performed.

Reflection Questions

See Questions above – and also – Where do you keep your title deed of faith?

Are you excited by the future hope you have received?

Prayer

Father please be with us this day, and we thank you for the bread of our need as we walk with You.  Thank you for the kingdom to come, that what You have promised will come to pass.  Please give us living hearts of faith and trust in You in all we do.  God bless the prayer and works of our lives to honor You.  Love in Christ, your children

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Truth that Leads to Godliness

Nehemiah 5-6

Psalm 89

Titus 1

-Devotion by Talon Paul (IN)

Did you know that there are over 40,000 denominations of Christianity across the world? Although most of them have the same 66 books in their Bibles, they have come up with some very different interpretations on many topics. In the Church of God, we know this more than most, as we can read the same Bible verse as someone from a Roman Catholic or Lutheran background and be on completely opposite ends of the spectrum. With all these different groups and teachings out there, we have to wonder: How can we tell who is telling the truth?

While I don’t believe that we will know everything until Jesus comes back (1 Corinthians 13:9-10), there are some good indicators from Titus 1 that someone is lying to us. Ultimately, their lifestyle is the biggest warning sign about their teaching: if they are living a godless life, they aren’t likely to share godly truth. This is what Jesus teaches us too:

Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. – Matthew 7:15-20

This is the biggest reason why those who are elders and pastors in churches are called to live lives that are above reproach (v. 5-9): you will know someone is telling you the truth if their lifestyle matches what they’re teaching. In an age when we can pull up any famous preacher on YouTube and have our ears tickled by their teaching (2 Timothy 4:3), we should be extremely cautious that we examine our teachers’ lives and hold them accountable to live in a godly way. It’s an unfortunate reality that many news stories are showing just how far pastors and teachers are falling when they’re not held accountable: we should love our pastors and teachers enough to warn them if they are not living well.

Questions

  1. Examine your life and ask yourself: what fruits are being produced in my life? If you notice that there are some things popping up that are out-of-line with Jesus’ teachings, come to the cross and repent. You CAN change if you are willing.
  1. Who are the most influential teachers in your life? Are you close enough to them to see how they are living?
  1. If you are a teacher in any capacity, you are held to a higher standard (James 3:1). Does your life reflect what you are teaching others? If not, make it your priority to develop a more godly lifestyle for your students to see.

Prayer

Dear God – I praise You because You are holy, always righteous, and the giver of all truth. I confess any times that my words and my actions did not claim You or were out-of-line. Thank You for the teachers and pastors and role models in my life who uphold both truth and godly lifestyle. Show me truth, Lord, and help me speak it and live it well until Your precious Son Jesus returns. In his name I pray.

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The Saving Truth

2 Chronicles 27-28

Psalm 83

2 Thessalonians 2

-Devotion by Bethany Ligon (AZ)

2 Thessalonians 2:1b-2a; 3a – “…we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us…Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way…”

Many years ago, while I was an eighth grade science teacher, I had several students approach me and ask me to buy a Christmas wreath or door swag as part of a club fundraiser. Instead of politely declining, I chose to have a little fun and make up a story of why I couldn’t. (If you can’t have fun teasing a 13 year old, why even be a middle school teacher?) The story I told for why I was not in a position to buy a wreath was because I claimed that I didn’t have a front door. As a science teacher, I said, I tinkered after school and had developed an invisible entryway that I couldn’t hang anything on. I was insistent that this was the truth and the students walked away wondering if I was completely insane or maybe a secret genius. Another student observed the entire interaction and looked at me with a side-eye and said, “You could have just told them ‘no’”. But where would the fun be in that???

Fast forward to 2026, where our social media algorithms are full of click bait headlines and the use of AI in just about everything trying to entice us with just enough truth to make the claim believable. Like my former students, we often think, “Is this real?”

I can relate to the believers in ancient Thessalonica who were starting to think that the news of Jesus’ return had already happened was true. The messages they heard sounded reasonable. What if they had missed something? They knew what they had been taught by Paul, but thoughts of ‘what if’ stirred in their hearts and caused them to doubt. 

It’s been said that the only way to recognize a counterfeit $100 bill is to have studied a legitimate $100 bill. When you see the ‘real deal’ you learn to identify anything fake. 

Paul was (and still is) urging New Testament believers to not get pulled into false teachings and stir up doubts of what God has promised He will do. The only way to stay confident in what is True is to know the Truth inside and out. 

In Acts 17 we read about the Bereans who are described as being of more noble character than the Thessalonians (ouch), because “they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (v. 11). 

Let us take a hint from our Berean brothers and sisters and carefully examine the Scriptures. Let us do what the psalmist of Psalm 119 did and seek God and hide His word in our hearts; learn from His decrees; recount with our lips all the laws that come from His mouth;  rejoice in following His statutes, meditate on His precepts, consider His ways, delight in His decrees and not neglect His word. (Ps 119:10-16)

Then we will be able to be confident in the Truth and not be easily swayed by some false messenger.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some “unrighteous deceptions” (vs 10) you have seen or heard of in our world today?
  2. How often do you consider that there is a saving truth?
  3. How often and how do you verify that what you believe falls in line with the saving truth?
  4. What will happen to those who do not believe in the saving truth?

Prayer

Dear God – You are the giver of all Truth. I pray I am not deceived. Help me to know, love and spread the saving truth.

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Who Speaks For Your God?

2 Kings 5-6       

Psalm 65            

2 Corinthians 4

-Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

The records of scripture we are reading today include the story of Naaman and his leprosy.  This record is familiar to many, but never loses relevance for us as we read.  The Word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword and is able to separate the physical world we live in from the spiritual truth that surrounds this world.  

What is important to you?  Then what is important to God?

2 Kings 5:1-8(NLT) The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the LORD had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy. 2 At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. 3 One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said. 5 “Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 6 The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.” 7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? Why is this man asking me to heal someone with leprosy? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.” 8 But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”

A prophet is one who speaks for God.  He or she speaks out the truths that God shows them to say to the people in that moment of time and place.  These truths are seldom predictions of the future, which is the popular viewpoint of many.  But rather most of prophecy is speaking the firmly established truths of the Word of God applied at the right place, right time.  

There are also many people that think that there are no more prophets today.  This is a reaction I think to the claims of religions such as Mormonism or Islam, for example, that base their authority on the speaking of a self-proclaimed prophet.  It is easier to just say that there are no prophets today after the 1st century of the church then to see that there were many false prophets then and many false prophets now.  

It is not for the prophet’s own power or position that words of knowledge and wisdom are given to the prophet, but for the building up of the body of Christ.  The words spoken by representatives of God in a true relationship with our Father God will be the words that are rightly spoken.  This will be in a way that builds confidence in God and Christ, not tearing people down from condemnation. There may be a firm correction given by the prophet to the people but it will build up, not tear down.

Proverbs 25:11(NKJV) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.

2 Kings 5 :9-15(NLT) So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.” 11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me! 12 Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’” 14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed! 15 Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. 

The words of a true prophet are established to be true and faithful to our God.  God gives us the words of truth and when we speak on His behalf to the powers of this world God will give those words the power to do His good and intent.  We are not responsible for the content of God’s Word, but we are responsible for the telling of it to others.  God’s message, our speech.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2(NLT) Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. 3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

What are the truths that God has given you to speak and reveal to others?

When you speak for God are you fulfilling the ministry of a prophet? (Hmmm…)

2 Corinthians 4:5-7(NLT) You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

Whose power are you empowered with today?  

What is the light (knowledge) that you can shine into the darkness of this world?

Why did God choose you?

Our message is not about ourselves but about the God who has saved us.  What is the purpose of the saving grace of God for your life if not to serve Him and speak for Him?  It isn’t religious rules and statues that God calls us to speak but the message of that saving grace of God which you have received. 

2 Corinthians 4:13-18(NLT) But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory…..18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever

Fix your eyes upon Jesus, look full into his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim….

Reflect On Questions above in bold font.

Prayer

Father God, we pray to You today to empower our lives with Your Word and wisdom.  The power that we have is from You alone, and we can only speak truth with Your words.  Give us the confidence to speak for You, and Your love to see others as You do.  Thank you in the name of Jesus Christ for all Your care and help in our time of need.  

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The Cost of Ignoring Truth

1 Kings 21–22

Psalm 63

2 Corinthians 1

-devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

1 Kings ends with two powerful reminders:

God sees injustice.
And truth does not change simply because people refuse to listen to it.

Chapter 21 tells the heartbreaking story of Naboth’s vineyard.

King Ahab wanted Naboth’s land, but Naboth refused to sell it because it was part of his family inheritance under God’s law. Ahab responded like a spoiled child — sulking, pouting, and lying in bed angry because he could not have what he wanted.

Then Jezebel stepped in.

She arranged false accusations, manipulated the legal system, and had Naboth executed so Ahab could seize the vineyard.

It is one of the clearest examples in Scripture of powerful people abusing authority for personal gain.

And God saw every bit of it.

Elijah confronted Ahab with devastating words of judgment. Yet something remarkable happened afterward: Ahab humbled himself temporarily, and God delayed part of the judgment.

Even here we see God’s mercy mixed with justice.

But chapter 22 may be even more sobering.

Ahab wanted reassurance before going into battle. So hundreds of prophets told him exactly what he wanted to hear:

“Go, for the Lord will give it into the king’s hand.”

Only one prophet, Micaiah, told the truth.

And everybody hated him for it.

Ahab openly admitted:

“I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad.”

That sentence reveals something deeply dangerous about human nature.

Many people do not actually want truth.
They want reassurance.
Validation.
Comfort.
Approval.

They want spiritual voices that confirm their desires rather than challenge their hearts.

False prophets often become popular because they remove the discomfort of repentance.

Micaiah stood alone and spoke the truth anyway.

And he was imprisoned for it.

Ahab ignored the warning, disguised himself in battle to avoid danger, and still died exactly as God had foretold. A random arrow struck him between the armor plates.

No disguise could hide him from God.
No political power could override truth.
No amount of denial could change reality.

That is one of the major themes running throughout 1 Kings:

Human leaders repeatedly fail.
Human wisdom repeatedly collapses.
Human kingdoms repeatedly drift toward corruption.

But God remains faithful.

And despite all the darkness in these chapters, Scripture continues pointing forward to a better future — a righteous King who will judge perfectly, defend the innocent, and establish true justice forever.

Unlike Ahab, that coming King will not abuse power.
Unlike false prophets, He will speak truth completely.
Unlike earthly kingdoms, His reign will not end in corruption and death.

That is where the story of Scripture is heading.

Toward resurrection.
Toward restoration.
Toward the Kingdom of God.

Three Things to Remember
  1. God sees injustice.

Naboth’s murder was not hidden from the LORD.

  1. Truth is often unpopular.

Micaiah was hated precisely because he spoke honestly.

  1. Human kingdoms fail, but God’s Kingdom will endure.

Ahab’s reign ended in death, but God’s promises continued forward.

The end of 1 Kings leaves us with an important question:

When truth confronts us, will we humble ourselves before God…

Or only listen to voices that tell us what we already want to hear?

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you do with truth that contradicts what you want to hear? Give some examples.
  2. Where do you see injustice? How might God want you to respond?

Prayer

Dear God – Thank you for your faithfulness! Give me a discerning heart that knows truth and stands strong against lies and injustice. Thank you for your love and guidance today and your Coming Kingdom where truth and righteousness will reign forever.

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When God Speaks Through the Fire

1 Kings 17-18

Psalm 62

1 Corinthians 15

-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

The spiritual darkness in Israel had deepened dramatically.

King Ahab and Queen Jezebel aggressively promoted Baal worship, persecuted God’s prophets, and led the nation further from the LORD. Baal was supposedly the god of storms, rain, and fertility. So when drought struck the land at Elijah’s word, it was not random.

It was a direct challenge.

1 Kings chapters 17–18 introduce Elijah suddenly and powerfully. He appears almost out of nowhere and boldly announces that there will be no rain except at his word.

Then God begins teaching lessons through unlikely places.

He feeds Elijah through ravens.
He sustains a poor widow during famine.
He raises the widow’s son back to life.

Again and again, God demonstrates that He is not limited by human weakness, economic hardship, or impossible situations.

One of the most beautiful parts of these chapters is the widow’s story.

She believed she was preparing her final meal before death. Yet when she trusted God’s word through Elijah, the flour and oil did not run out.

Sometimes God asks people to trust Him when circumstances appear hopeless.

Not because He enjoys watching people struggle, but because dependence often reveals where our faith truly rests.

Then comes Mount Carmel.

It is one of the most dramatic moments in Scripture.

Elijah stands alone against hundreds of prophets of Baal and asks the people a piercing question:

“How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him…”

That question still echoes today.

Many people want spiritual neutrality.
A little truth.
A little compromise.
A little worship of God mixed with whatever else the culture values most.

But divided loyalty never leads to peace.

The prophets of Baal cried out desperately all day, yet nothing happened. No fire. No voice. No answer.

Then Elijah prayed simply and confidently.

And fire fell from heaven.

The moment was not merely about spectacle. It was about truth.

The people needed to know that the LORD alone was truly God.

Our modern world may not bow before carved idols named Baal, but idols still exist. People still worship power, pleasure, politics, money, fame, comfort, and self. Human hearts naturally attach ultimate value to something.

And whatever sits in God’s place becomes an idol.

Yet there is another important truth in these chapters: God is patient.

For years Israel drifted. For years God sent warnings. Even on Mount Carmel, Elijah’s challenge was ultimately an invitation for the people to return.

That invitation still exists today.

The God revealed in Scripture is not merely looking for outward religion or emotional moments. He desires wholehearted faithfulness and trust.

And ultimately, Elijah’s victory points forward to an even greater future day when God will fully remove false worship, injustice, and spiritual darkness from the earth.

One day His Kingdom will come completely, and truth will no longer compete with deception.

Three Things to Remember
  1. God often works through impossible situations.

The widow’s empty jars became a testimony of God’s provision.

  1. Divided loyalty leads nowhere.

Elijah challenged the people to stop wavering between God and idols.

  1. Truth will ultimately prevail.

The fire on Mount Carmel revealed who truly held power.

The people on Mount Carmel wanted visible proof before committing themselves.

But the deeper issue was never lack of evidence.

It was the condition of the heart.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did God work in and through Elijah’s life? In what ways would you like to be more like Elijah? (check out James 5:17 for some inspiration)
  2. Where have you seen God work through impossible situations?
  3. Consider your worship of God. Do you ever waver between two opinions or dilute full faithfulness? Could it ever be said of you that you displayed “A little worship of God mixed with whatever else the culture values most”? Are there any changes that need to be made?

    Prayer

    Dear God – I praise You for being a God of power, truth and patience. Thank you for all the times You have provided just what I needed exactly when I needed it. There is NO God but YOU. Give me an undivided heart that trusts and looks to You in all things, at all times. Help me to boldly proclaim You and Your way, Your Son Jesus and Your Coming Kingdom.

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    When Truth Becomes Inconvenient

    *1 Kings 13-14

    Psalm 61

    1 Corinthians 13

    -Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

    These chapters are strange, tragic, and deeply sobering.

    1 Kings chapter 13 introduces an unnamed “man of God” sent to confront King Jeroboam. Jeroboam had established false worship in the northern kingdom, creating golden calves and counterfeit religious practices to keep people politically loyal to him.

    God sent a prophet to warn him.

    And at first, the prophet stood courageously.

    He delivered God’s message directly to the king. When Jeroboam stretched out his hand against him, the king’s hand shriveled instantly until the prophet prayed for his healing. It should have been a moment of repentance.

    But Jeroboam’s heart remained unchanged.

    Then comes one of the most heartbreaking twists in the story.

    God had specifically commanded the prophet not to eat or drink in that place and not to return the same way he came. But an older prophet lied to him, claiming an angel had given new instructions. The younger prophet listened to the false message instead of obeying the clear word God had already spoken.

    And it cost him his life.

    It is a difficult story, but its lesson is painfully relevant.

    Not every spiritual voice is trustworthy simply because it sounds religious.

    People can speak confidently and still be wrong.
    People can claim spiritual authority and still deceive others.
    Even sincere believers can drift if they stop carefully testing what they hear against what God has already revealed.

    That is why truth matters.

    Not harshness.
    Not arrogance.
    Not winning arguments.

    But truth.

    The world often pressures believers to reshape God’s commands into something more convenient, popular, or culturally acceptable. Jeroboam did exactly that. He created a religion that was politically useful and easier for people to embrace.

    And many people gladly followed it.

    Counterfeit worship is often attractive because it asks less of us.

    But convenient religion cannot save us.

    Chapter 14 continues the tragedy. Jeroboam’s household faced judgment because he continually led the nation into sin. Yet even in the middle of judgment, Scripture notes something remarkable about Jeroboam’s sick child:

    “In him there is found something pleasing to the LORD…”

    Even in dark times, God notices sincere hearts.

    That truth still matters today.

    Our culture is filled with competing voices claiming to represent truth. Some are loud. Some are persuasive. Some are comforting. But faithfulness requires more than emotional reactions or popular opinion.

    It requires humble obedience to God.

    And ultimately, these chapters remind us why humanity desperately needs a better King than Jeroboam, Solomon, or any other flawed ruler. Human leaders repeatedly fail. Human religion repeatedly drifts.

    But God’s future King will lead with perfect truth and righteousness.

    One day false worship, deception, and divided hearts will finally end when God’s Kingdom fully comes and the earth is restored under His rule.

    Three Things to Remember
    1. Not every spiritual voice speaks truth.

    The prophet was deceived when he ignored God’s clear instruction.

    1. Convenient religion is spiritually dangerous.

    Jeroboam created worship that was politically useful but spiritually corrupt.

    1. God still notices sincere hearts.

    Even in a corrupt generation, God recognized what was good in Jeroboam’s child.

    Faithfulness is not always easy.

    Sometimes obeying God means standing against culture, pressure, convenience, or even respected voices around us.

    But truth does not become false simply because it is unpopular.

    And error does not become true simply because it is persuasive.

    Reflection Questions

    1. How can you tell if you are listening to lies or to the truth from God? How can you tell if you are speaking lies or the truth from God?
    2. When were you led astray by listening to someone who was not speaking the truth? What happened?
    3. What can you think of today that may be politically useful but spiritually corrupt?

    Prayer

    Dear God, You are giver of all truth. Help me to discern what is truth coming from You and what is not. Teach me what is Your voice and what is deception. May I not fall for what is convenient or popular but strive to always please You with authentic, sincere love, worship and truth. Please give me Lord, a true, undivided, faithful heart loving and serving You the only true God and Your Son Jesus, til his glorious return.

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    Afraid of the Truth

    1 Samuel 1-2Psalm 45Acts 24

    -Devotion by Kristy Cisneros (SC)

    Verses 24 and 25 in today’s reading in Acts immediately captured my attention, 

    “Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.  As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” (NIV). 

    My takeaway from these verses is that Felix must have recognized the gospel message as the truth, but didn’t want to act on it. Instead, he wanted to pretend like he had never heard it. Reading these verses immediately brought to mind Hebrews 10:31:  “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (NIV) Earlier in chapter 10 of Hebrews in verse 26 and 27, we read of the fate of those who know the truth but don’t allow it to change them, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” To be confronted with the truth and then deliberately choose to ignore it doesn’t make us immune from God’s judgment. Hebrews 10:39: “ But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” (NIV) May we have a bold faith like Paul rather than one that shrinks back like Felix’s. 

    Reflection Questions

    1. Why might Felix have been afraid of the truth he heard from Paul – about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come? Even with fear, what might have been a better response than his, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you”?
    2. Is there truth that you are too afraid to face? How do you respond to that fear? Even with fear, what might be a better response?
    3. Are there some things God might want us to be fearful of? If so, what and why, for what purpose? Are there some things God does not want us to be fearful of? If so, what and why, for what purpose?

    Prayer

    Dear God, You are the mighty and wise Creator of heaven and earth and all truth. I pray that You show me what is true – about You, Your Son, Your Word, myself, this world and the one to come. I desire a deeper and deeper faith in You that is bold in believing, sharing and acting upon Your truth. Guide me today in seeing and making the most of every opportunity you set before me, as a Paul and not a Felix. In the name of Your Son, who came and will come again, I pray.

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