Daily Devotional
Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the
Bible.
The Wisdom of God
Verses for the Day:
Proverbs 16:25(KJV): "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end
thereof are the ways of death."
Proverbs 16:25(Amp): "There is a way that seems right to a man and appears straight
before him, but at the end of it are the ways of death."
Thoughts for the Day:
In these verses in the book of Proverbs we
are warned that we can be deceived if we are not vigilant and discerning. Something may
appear to be right, and yet it could lead us down a pathway to death.
One does not arrive at being an overcomer until he first learns the
all important lesson of "testing" or "proving" the issues of this
life. In the hour that we live there are so many things that are false and evil. We must
be constantly on guard and "prove" or "test" things, lest we become
ensnared by something that is wicked. Cults are spreading. Eastern idolatrous religions
are creeping into our country in very subtle forms, and many Christians are being deceived
and have accepted their practices without even being aware of their evil. Some religious
groups have existed for years under the guise of Christianity, and yet are far from the
teachings of Jesus Christ. We are warned in the New Testament to "prove" are
"test" things.
1 Thessalonians 5:21: "Prove all things; hold fast that which
is good."
How do we "prove" or "test" things? We must look to God and
His Word to prove all things. If something does not agree with the Word of God, then we
should not believe it. Men have many ideas, and spread them as the truth.
However, truth can only be found in the Words of God. His truth will set us free,
when we adhere to it.
John 8:31-32: "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye
continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the
truth shall make you free."
Ephesians 5:2-10:
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us
an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among
you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but
rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an
idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of
God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of
light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
There is a serious problem in the church today, as many lack discernment because of
their lust for the things of this world. If we have uncommitted hearts that contain a
mixture of this world and the Lord's kingdom, this mixture keeps us deceived and
will ultimately bring destruction into our lives. The
Lord Jesus Himself, warned us of a day when deception would be rampant. He spoke these
words in the gospels:
Matthew 24:4-5&11: "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed
that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and
shall deceive many......And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive
many."
Only by coming before Him with a teachable spirit can we be taught the truth and
recognize error. As we become more acquainted with the real, we will be able to better
discern the counterfeit. The devil has a counterfeit for every truth of God. However, we
need not fear being deceived if we are in fellowship with the Lord, for He will deliver us
from every evil as we continue to follow and obey Him. The way to keep from being deceived
is to depart from sin, and study the Word of God and then obey the things we find in its
pages. Just hearing the Word will not save us, we must practice it or we will deceive
ourselves.
James 1:21-22:
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with
meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Prayer for the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father, Cleanse me from all error and renew my mind. Lord, I desire to
know the truth even if it means correction and embarrassment for me. Change my thoughts
and heart to be your thoughts and heart. Father, give me a teachable spirit. Take my
desires, dreams and visions and give me yours. Cleanse me from all that offends you.
Create within me a clean heart, O Lord. Give me eyes to see things the way You see them
and keep me from all deception. Thank you for the gift of discernment so that I do
not fall into the devil's traps. May You also do this for all of my brothers and sisters
in the Lord. Amen.
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