Grace for the Opposites
Note from Jesus Dear Child of the King of Glory, Whatever your situation in life is or may have been, I want you to know that when you hurt, I care! You see, I don’t notice the faith just of the religious insiders, but also the faith of the religious outsiders. I don’t recognize the pain just of the powerful and influential, but also of the forgotten who feel abandoned and alone in life. When you see the Centurion’s faith (in the events you will read about below), you have to join Me in admiration for his faith. Few have expressed it so well! He was humble. He didn’t need Me to come to his house to know that the miracle he desperately wanted would happen. He understood authority because he was in a position of authority in the Roman military, and he knew that I had ultimate authority. As you read My story in the gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — you will notice how rare this kind of faith truly is! Then you see the next story that the good doctor Luke shares from My ministry: a woman who is left all alone when her son dies. Widows without family were in a very desperate situation in this time. As God in human flesh, I wanted to show the promise of the Old Testament is true: The True God Who inhabits sacred space is a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows. He makes a home for those who are alone. (Psalm 68:5-6) I also want you to know that I AM touched with compassion at the heartbreak of widows and of parents who lose a child to death. What a joy it was when I “presented” the woman’s formerly dead son back to her alive again! Jubilation and praise came from the crowd, but I assure you, the same thing was going on among the angels of heaven. There will be even more joy when I bring the full reunion with My return in glory! The point of all this, My dear follower, is simple: I bring grace for everyone seeking the help of God — for people who are opposite in every way, and for all those who are in between. When I AM present, God is present caring for His people: all people, of all races, of all genders, of all social classes, of all political affiliations, and of all financial positions. I care about your worry, grief, and loss. That’s why I came to defeat death and bring immortality and life to light! Verses to Live In the following stories, you will notice two people who are opposite in every way, yet joined by these key truths: life is fragile and when those we love are sick, dying, or dead, our hearts are broken. Please know, however, that broken hearts matter to your God! When He [Jesus] was finished, He went into the town of Capernaum. There, a Centurion had a slave he loved dearly. The slave was sick — about to die — so when the Centurion heard about Jesus, he contacted some Jewish elders. He sent them to ask Jesus to come and heal his dear slave. With great emotion and respect, the elders presented their request to Jesus. Jewish Elders: This man is worthy of Your help. It’s true that he’s a Centurion, but he loves our nation. In fact, he paid for our synagogue to be built. So Jesus accompanied them. When they approached the Centurion’s home, the Centurion sent out some friends to bring a message to Jesus. Message of the Centurion: Lord, don’t go to the trouble of coming inside. I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. That’s why I sent others with my request. Just say the word, and that will be enough to heal my servant. I understand how authority works, being under authority myself and having soldiers under my authority. I command to one, “Go,” and he goes. I say to another, “Come,” and he comes. I say to my slave, “Do this,” and he obeys me. Jesus was deeply impressed when He heard this. He turned to the crowd that followed Him. Jesus: Listen, everyone. This outsider, this Roman, has more faith than I have found even among our own Jewish people. The friends of the Centurion returned home, and they found the slave was completely healed. It wasn’t long after this when Jesus entered a city called Nain. Again all of His disciples accompanied Him, along with a huge crowd. He was coming near the gate of the city as a corpse was being carried out. This man was the only child and support of his widowed mother, and she was accompanied by a large funeral crowd. As soon as the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her. Jesus: Don’t weep! Then He came to the stretcher, and those carrying it stood still. Jesus: Young man, listen! Get up! The dead man immediately sat up and began talking. Jesus presented him to his mother, and everyone was both shocked and jubilant. They praised God. Funeral Crowd: A tremendous prophet has arisen in our midst! God has visited His people. (Luke 7:1-16) Response in Prayer O Father in heaven, the King of Glory, I believe, but help my unbelief! When I face worry and grief, I sometimes struggle to trust that my hurt matters to you. I sometimes wonder why the miracle I pray for never comes. Send your Holy Spirit to comfort, strengthen, and revive my flagging hope. I know You love me, but I need help in the storms of my life to hang on to that confidence. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Your demonstration of authority, compassion, and grace. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are
Broken: But NOT Forever!
Why did this brokenness, this pain, this shattering, come upon us if it is not God’s intention for us? We don’t have to look far in our world today to know that something is broken. The headlines, news teasers, social media posts, and our broken hearts shout from our pain: “Something’s wrong, deeply flawed, and irreparably broken with our world!” The following lyrics from long ago captured the emotions of our pain and frustration well: ShatteredLike a windowpaneBroken by a stoneEach tiny piece of me lies aloneAnd scatteredFar beyond repairAll my shiny dreamsJust lying there [NOTE] Our world, our bodies, and our hearts all get broken in the process of life. But, why? Why would a loving God allow our world to become so broken and his people to be so fragile? Why would a loving God create our world in a way that it is so broken and our hearts so breakable? Why did this brokenness, this pain, this shattering, come upon us if it is not God’s intention for us? James Nored reminds us in today’s video that the world we have now is NOT what God intended, and it is NOT the world that our Father’s children will inherit: If you can’t see the video, and you sure don’t want to miss it, view it online. For additional ideas to consider and some things to discuss with others, we encourage you to look at the Study Guide. The “Story of Redemption” reminds us that God’s children will inherit a better world. In fact, that better world depends upon the full adoption of God’s children when Jesus returns. In this glorious moment, both God’s children and our broken world will be made new. The apostle Paul said it this way: I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. (Romans 8:18-21). If creation waits in eager expectation, shouldn’t we? Paul didn’t utter these words in the protective cocoon of religious safety or naïveté. In fact, as he awaited his own execution at the hands of a combination of murderous religious hate and political power, Paul reiterated a similar hope. In the face of death, he held this expectation with deep conviction and longing. The old and imprisoned apostle trusted that a time was coming when all the mess of our world, along with all of our pain, would end; both we, along with our broken world, would be reborn into our promised and glorious future in Jesus: As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing (2 Timothy 4:8 NLT). Our redemption, our world’s redemption, is coming with our Redeemer, Jesus. A new future awaits. Yes, our worlds and our hearts are broken and shattered, but not irreparably because of the redemption that is ours in Jesus. What excites you about this hope? What do you long for most in this redemption of all things? Jesus is the goal of our journey. We hope you will continue the journey with us as we keep asking questions and looking for answers that lead us closer to the Creator’s destination for all of us. We want you to join us in finding our story caught up in God’s glorious “Story of Redemption”! Until next time, let’s stay the course and keep seeking lasting truth about God, life, and the meaning of our journey! [NOTE] Lyrics by Jimmy Webb lyrics, and sung by Linda Ronstadt. I share this link to help you hear Linda’s beautiful voice before Parkinson’s disease stole it from her. Our own bodies’ decay and vulnerability to diseases are poignantly and tragically illustrated in Linda’s life. Our prayers are with her and all who battle the fragility of their being with the determination of their wills and the faith in their hearts. About the author: In this series, James Nored and Phil Ware partner two pioneering ministries providing resources to reach coming generations. James is a minister, Executive Director of Next Generation for Christ, and author of the Story of Redemption Film Series, filmed in the Israel, U.S., and around the world. This series is designed to lead seekers to faith and strengthen the faith of believers. Divided into 5-6 minute video segments, it is great to use with social media, small groups, sermon series, families, and friends. Phil is President of Heartlight, Inc., a preacher for 40 years, author of five books along with hundreds of articles & 11 years of daily devotionals, coach for churches in transition, and a resource for missionary renewal. Phil’s verseoftheday.com devotionals are read by hundreds of thousands every day.
When You Need Wisdom
With all the crazy stuff going on, how am I supposed to know what to do? If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind (James 1:5-6 NLT) Father, give me wisdom as I begin this new day. Help me to use my time, the time You have allotted me, wisely, not wastefully. Father, give me wisdom as I write these words. Please put words into my mind and allow them to flow into thoughts that are good news to the poor, that announce pardon to the imprisoned, recovery of sight to the blind, words that set the burdened and battered free, and words that announce, “This is God’s year to act!” (Luke 4:18-19 MSG). Father, give me wisdom so that when I speak I will say things that are pure and clean and words that help and give life to those who listen. Father, give me wisdom to lead my family in ways that help them walk closer to You. Give me wisdom to be the husband that honors my wife and allows her to be respectful of me. Give me wisdom to be the father that understands my children and helps to give them the confidence they need to fulfill the dreams You have placed in their hearts. Give me wisdom to love my daughter-in-law so she can have peace in her heart as a wife and a mother. Give me wisdom to love and protect my granddaughter so that she will grow strong and feel Your presence every day of her life. Give me wisdom to share the wisdom You give me with these special people so that they can be the people You want them to be. Father, give me wisdom to counsel people who come to me for help. Give me the wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent, when to be bold and when to be gentle, when to instruct and when to listen. Father, give me the wisdom to know when to be angry, when to be sad, when to laugh, and when to cry. Give me the wisdom to know that forgiveness is always the right move. Give me the wisdom to always accept Your forgiveness and to realize I am worthless without it. Give me wisdom to depend on You as if my life depended on it, and the wisdom to realize that it does. Father, give me wisdom to lead others in their walk with You. Give me the wisdom to preach and teach in ways that illustrate Your great and amazing love for us, and the wisdom to help others understand the living sacrifice that is appropriate and brings You pleasure. Give me the wisdom to live the words that I proclaim. Father, give me wisdom to realize that when I ask for wisdom with confidence You will give it. And that unless I receive wisdom that comes from You I have no words worth hearing, no life worth imitating, and no wisdom worth sharing. Father, there is no wondering “if” I need wisdom. I need wisdom. I need YOUR wisdom. Father, please give me wisdom. About the author: Tom Norvell is the author of “A Norvell Note” — Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus. He has ministered with followers of Jesus for four decades and loves Jesus, his family, and those seeking Jesus, passionately.
Light for the Dark Places
What’s shining in that darkness? People talk about being in “dark places” of discouragement, hopelessness, or impasse in their lives. It is not uncommon to read or hear the language of “dark places” for our children, our culture, or our world. In both ancient and modern literature, the metaphor of darkness for human error and its penalties is common. Maybe that is why the person and nature of God are described as light. “God is light and in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5 NIV). One biblical writer even calls him “the Father of lights” and declares not only that there is no darkness in God or his actions but not even a “shadow” (James 1:17). It should come as no surprise to anyone that the biblical narrative describes God’s entry into flesh this way: Light has come to shine into all the world’s dark places. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1:5). “I am the light of the world,” Jesus said.”Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). In view of all this, who could possibly misunderstand the challenge Jesus gave his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount? Be lights in your world. Be like candles on a stand. Be shining cities on high hills. Be blessings to everyone. But, some of us have missed his point and have done incredible harm in his name. The call to be lights in the world isn’t a militaristic call. It isn’t a challenge to form a political party or movement for lobbying political parties. People who have gone that route have given unbelievers cause to indict all Christians as unkind, judgmental, and merciless. They see a strident and angry activism that makes them reject Jesus on account of the ugly behaviors of people who profess to represent him. Light tends to be gentle, appealing, and positive in its presence. It clarifies the landscape and makes life possible. Even if it makes us flinch and shield our eyes at first, God’s light typically doesn’t come with the blast of a nuclear bomb. Think about it. Do you think the world needs more caustic critics or helping hands? More dark judgments and predictions or persons who model the light and blessing of God’s presence? His encouragement? His grace? The story is that there was a shortage of hard currency in the British Empire during Oliver Cromwell’s reign. Government agents searched for a supply of silver to meet the need. “We have searched in vain for silver that can be minted into coin,” began the report. “To our dismay, we have found none – except in our country’s cathedrals where the statues of the saints are made of choice silver.” “Then let’s melt down the saints,” Cromwell said, “and put them into circulation.” In a world that needs light in its dark places, that’s still a good idea. Editor’s Note: Over the next several days, Ben Steed will be sharing from his trip to Ecuador with Compassion International. This is a very clear way that Jesus’ followers are being light in dark places. Get a taste of just how bright the light can shine by looking at some of the special stories already shared! (Check out Compassion.com for these stories.) I hope you will read with interest and look for ideas on how you can be light, just as Rubel urges us to be in today’s article! -Phil About the author: Rubel Shelly preached for decades, been a professor of medical ethics, Bible, and philosophy at multiple universities and a med school. He is currently Professor of Philosophy & Religion at Lipscomb University. He is the author of more than 30 books and hundreds of inspirational articles.
Today’s Verse – Galatians 6:1
If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. —Galatians 6:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… In a day when intervening in someone’s life is no longer politically or socially correct, these verses ring out like a gunshot on a still night. Sin is still real and is just as deadly as ever. Yet because we fear being branded judgmental and self-righteous, we let many trapped in sin progress to their spiritual death (Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:12-13; James 1:14-15). Paul calls us to nonjudgmental, gentle intervention because we recognize the gravity of sin and the sinner’s need, without feeling arrogant about our righteousness. We approach the situation humbly because the phrase, “There but for the grace of God go I,” applies to us. Nevertheless, love doesn’t remain silent when someone’s behavior is self-destructive, evil, and taking them to “hell in a handbasket,” as the old saying goes. Instead, genuine love intervenes humbly, gently, and graciously to redeem. My Prayer… Father, please forgive my sins as I forgive those who have sinned against me. Father, please also help my heart to be gripped by the gravity of sin’s effects and to be stirred into action to help those trapped in their sins. Through Jesus, who came to rescue all of us from our destructive sins, addictions, and evil habits, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Moving Beyond a Little Religious Excitement
Note from Jesus Dear Follower, My half-brother James warned that simply believing in the existence of God was nothing special — even the demons believe in God and shudder in fear at His power (James 2:19). In today’s story from My life on earth, you meet a man tortured by a demonic spirit. This demonic spirit knew My name and knew Who I AM. In fear, this demonic presence shouted at Me to leave because it knew that I would cast out every tidbit of demonic influence that had a hold on this man. And that is what I did. My power over evil was demonstrated as I cast the demon out of the man with just a few words. People were excited and amazed at My power. However, don’t confuse their reactions with meaningful faith. Don’t confuse their reactions with discipleship. Believing in Who I AM, saying the right words, getting excited about My power, even doing some things in My name, should never be confused with being My disciple (Matthew 7:21-23). A disciple follows his or her teacher to become like the teacher (Luke 6:40). My disciples follow Me to become like Me. They do what I call them to do. They put into practice what I teach. So in many ways, the excitement of the crowd and the fear of the demons in today’s story are very much the same things: a lot of emotion and commotion without devotion to Me. As we journey through this year together, I hope that you will move beyond mere emotion and religious commotion to heartfelt devotion! Verses to Live Even though the religious leaders should have recognized Me during My time on earth, most of them did not. However, the demon in today’s story did recognize Me and even confessed Me before the people in the synagogue, albeit in a confrontational way. Your response to Me needs to be much more than a confession of Who I AM. Just as the demon-possessed man’s life was dramatically changed by My power, your life should also change dramatically because of Me. Your life should acknowledge Me just as your words do. Next He [Jesus] went to Capernaum, another Galilean city. Again He was in the synagogue teaching on the Sabbath, and as before, the people were enthralled by His words. He had a way of saying things — a special authority, a unique power. In attendance that day was a man with a demonic spirit. Demon-Possessed Man (screaming at Jesus): Get out of here! Leave us alone! What’s Your agenda, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know Who You are: You’re the Holy One, the One sent by God! Jesus (firmly rebuking the demon): Be quiet. Get out of that man! Then the demonic spirit immediately threw the man into a fit, and he collapsed right there in the middle of the synagogue. It was clear the demon had come out, and the man was completely fine after that. Everyone was shocked to see this, and they couldn’t help but talk about it. Synagogue Members: What’s this about? What’s the meaning of this message? Jesus speaks with authority, and He has power to command demonic spirits to go away. The excitement about Jesus spread into every corner of the surrounding region. (Luke 4:31-37) Response in Prayer Almighty God, open my eyes, my ears, my heart, and my mind to fully see Jesus for Who He is. I want to follow Him with wholehearted devotion. I offer You my life to be a follower of Jesus. Shape me to become like my Savior as I journey with Him each day. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Remember Grace
As much as I like to think my memory is strong and full of detail, there is so much that has slipped away. I wish I was better at documenting my life. As much as I like to think my memory is strong and full of detail, there is so much that has slipped away. There are many solutions to this problem; some people are journal writers and have years of memorable moments locked away safely in the pages of their diary. Others choose to take lots of pictures and have boxes of old photos that chronicle special events. And still others have turned to blogging as a source of remembrance. These methods are diverse in nature, but the goal is inherently the same. We all strive to tell our story. We long for opportunities to relive the moments of our lives and without a record these moments are lost forever. Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book (John 20:30). Ever wonder how many miracles of Jesus are unknown to the world? How many blind were given sight by His loving touch? How many of the dead were brought back to life? The stories of Jesus’ life here on earth are precious to us because, for believers, it gives a glimpse of what is to come. The unconditional love combined with boundless mercy and infinite power set the stage for the most beautiful collection of stories. If only the disciples had a better memory. Perhaps they could have added more stories to the book, but now it’s too late. These stories have fallen into the past. But wait, look what the next verse says: But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:31). We will never know the details of every miracle performed by Jesus, but we can still tell our story. The miracles of Jesus are alive and with us today. Everyone that accepts “Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name,” has taken part in a miracle. I’ll continue to lose certain memories over the years, but I will never forget the miracle of God’s grace. The proof is documented in my heart and written in the journal of my mind. God’s miracle of grace is new each day. If you would like to learn how to accept this grace and start your own story, please visit our website at www.hopeforlife.org or contact me at skye@hopeforlife.org. (Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org) About the author: Skye is Response Coordinator for Herald of Truth and writes for HopeForLife. You can reach him at (866) 814-4673 or (866) 814-HOPE or by writing to skye@hopeforlife.org.
Last Man to Surrender
When is it time to surrender? Lt. Hiroo Onada was left on the Island of Lubang in the Philippines on Christmas Day, 1944. He was 22 years old. His standing orders were to “carry on the mission even if Japan surrenders.” As Japan evacuated the island, Onada and three other Japanese soldiers remained behind. One of the four surrendered in 1950. Another was killed in a skirmish with local police in 1954. Another was killed in 1972. Over the years, Lt. Onada lived off the land and raided the fields and gardens of the local citizens. He killed at least thirty nationals during his twenty-nine year personal war. He ignored the leaflets that were dropped and the command given over loudspeakers announcing that Japan and the United States had become allies. At one point, more than 13,000 men were used to try to locate him and convince him to surrender. The cost of that effort was more than half a million dollars. Finally, on March 10, 1974, after more than 29 years, he surrendered a rusty sword to his former superior officer who read a cease-fire order. He was the last man to surrender from World War II. When you think about it, all of us have some battles that we fight. The battle of good vs. evil rages every day around us and in us. We want for good to win and for the evil in our world to lessen. We fight battles over time, priorities, and managing our own lives and families. Sometimes we battle those closest to us with weapons of angry words or unspoken resentments. For some, illness is the battle that consumes our lives. There are battles everywhere. There are some fights we can’t avoid. There are some that are worth fighting. Some aren’t. The key for us is to recognize which is which. Do you need to surrender? You’ve probably heard the old saying that you can “win the battle and lose the war.” The prematurely aged 52-year-old Lt. Hiroo was quoted as saying, “Nothing pleasant happened in 29 years in the jungle.” His battle cost him much more than we can imagine. One thing of which I’m confident, our war has already been won. Jesus made sure of that at Calvary and the empty tomb. The sting of sin is death. The power of death is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:56-57)
Does God Have Faith in Me?
Does God have faith in you? In he walked, a sauntering stride, smirk on his face, attitude of disdain for those around him and with utter disregard for the protocols of the realm, until he stood looking in the face of the great King. “What have you been doing?” asks the Ruler. “Oh, just walking around,” was the flippant response and then under his breath “getting people to follow me and not just you.” Then with confidence of faith and knowing all along what the usurper was attempting to do, the Master of His World offered, “Have you considered My servant Job?” It’s an old, old story noted in the first chapter of the Old Testament book of Job. Some scholars think it is actually that, a story, a morality play, while others claim it happened just as described. The take-aways, lessons to be gleaned from the story of Job fill books and commentaries. Yet there is one aspect that is astounding and not always discussed. Why did God even suggest to the devil that he might try to dominate Job? Why would God purposely tell Satan to try his best to turn Job away from God and turn him into a follower of evil? Many claim this was a test of Job’s faith, which God wanted to see if Job was truly a faithful follower of the Almighty. Yet couldn’t it be a test of God’s faith in Job? From the verses in that first chapter it appears that God is confident that Job is a “blameless and upright man, who fears God and shuns evil” (verse 8). Even after Satan is allowed to inflict economical, physical and emotional horrors, God remains undeterred in His unwavering confidence in Job. That faith in His followers is not unique to Job. The writer of Hebrews lists some of those whose faith in God reflected His faith in them: Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, and others (Hebrews 13). So ultimately the question that must be asked is: Does God have faith in me as He did in Job? And in spite of my incalculable shortcomings and failures, the answer must be yes! That answer is found in the writings of the apostle John in his first letter: And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son does not have life. These things I have written that you may know that you have eternal life and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God” (I John 5:11-13). Now the question is, does the Great God Almighty have faith in you? Would he suggest to Satan: “Have you considered my servant _________?” Let’s talk about it, join the discussion on my blog at www.hopeforlife.org. (Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing, retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Contact us at info@hopeforlife.org) About the author: Bill Brant is the President and CEO of Herald of Truth Ministries based in Abilene, Texas.
Choosing the Right Path
Note from Jesus Dear Child of God, The Father is holy and wholly given to doing what is right, just, holy, gracious, and merciful. What about you? What is your consuming passion? Is it to honor the Father? Is it to obey My words and follow My example? Is it to be conformed to the righteous character and gracious compassion of God? Let Me warn you. Long before the instant age you find yourself inhabiting, many folks wanted an instant and easy holiness. The evil one has long twisted the truth and deceived the gullible into taking short cuts. My words today warn you about four deceptions and temptations that the devil will offer you in the name of religion: The wide door and the easy path — the ones that suggest all religions are OK and equal — but that really lead to destruction. The sweet deceiving words of false prophets whose lives (their bad fruit) show they cannot be trusted. Nice sounding religious words of praise and adoration that are disconnected from a life of obedience and end in shocking condemnation. A religion that is quickly embraced, shallowly believed, and focused on appearances, but cannot stand the stress and strain of real life. There is one path, one way, and one truth (John 14:6). Some folks in your day don’t like such talk. In fact, you may bristle at it yourself because you’ve had the easy way peddled to you by false prophets who talk a good religious game while living any way they want. Such talk is foolish. It’s not new or innovative or post-modern; it’s just the lie of the old deceiver who wants to steer you the wrong way so that when the floods of life come… well, he can be there for your destruction. Don’t be deceived. Follow Me. Obey Me. Trust Me. Doing so may look narrow and hard, but I promise you this: Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Put My yoke upon your shoulders — it might appear heavy at first, but it is perfectly fitted to your curves. Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. When you are yoked to Me, your weary souls will find rest. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30) Verses to Live These are My words from the Sermon on the Mount about choosing the right path that leads to the Father. If your heart is set on Me — if your heart’s desire is to follow Me and obey Me — then you will be able to resist the deceptions and temptations of the easy way, the false prophets, a religion that is all talk with little obedience, and quickly constructed facade-based religion! Jesus: There are two paths before you; you may take only one path. One doorway is narrow. And one door is wide. Go through the narrow door. For the wide door leads to a wide path, and the wide path is broad; the wide, broad path is easy, and the wide, broad, easy path has many, many people on it; but the wide, broad, easy, crowded path leads to death. Now then that narrow door leads to a narrow road that in turn leads to life. It is hard to find that road. Not many people manage it. Along the way, watch out for false prophets. They will come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath that quaint and innocent wool, they are hungry wolves. But you will recognize them by their fruits. You don’t find sweet, delicious grapes growing on thorny bushes, do you? You don’t find delectable figs growing in the midst of prickly thistles. People and their lives are like trees. Good trees bear beautiful, tasty fruit, but bad trees bear ugly, bitter fruit. A good tree cannot bear ugly, bitter fruit; nor can a bad tree bear fruit that is beautiful and tasty. And what happens to the rotten trees? They are cut down. They are used for firewood. When a prophet comes to you and preaches this or that, look for his fruits: sweet or sour? rotten or ripe? Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven. Simply calling Me “Lord” will not be enough. Only those who do the will of My Father Who is in heaven will join Me in heaven. At the end of time, on that day of judgment, many will say to Me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name? Did we not drive demons out of the possessed in Your name? Did we not perform miracles in Your name?” But I will say to them, “I never knew you. And now, you must get away from Me, you evildoers!” Those people who are listening to Me, those people who hear what I say and live according to My teachings — you are like a wise man who built his house on a rock, on a firm foundation. When storms hit, rain pounded down and waters rose, levies broke and winds beat all the walls of that house. But the house did not fall because it was built upon rock. Those of you who are listening and do not hear — you are like a fool who builds a house on sand. When a storm comes to his house, what will happen? The rain will fall, the waters will rise, the wind will blow, and his house will collapse with a great crash. With that Jesus finished His teaching, and the crowds were amazed by all He had said. But Jesus taught in His own name, on His own authority, not like the scribes. (Matthew 7:13-29) Response in Prayer Dear Father, I confess that I want my faith walk to be easier at times. I don’t always understand why I need to obey. Sometimes, I’m not convinced that what I hear is fully true.