To Deceive, If Possible

To Deceive, If Possible by Kirk Hunt

For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.

Matthew 24:24-25 NKJV

Jesus Christ, Himself, warned us that false messiahs and false prophets would deceive people. Men or women, out of greed, or delusion, or ego, would lead too many into error and sin. Reveal God’s truth by comparing everything you see and hear to the Bible.

Will some people lie to you? Yes, they will. Can you believe the wrong thing for a time? Yes, you can. You have been warned.

Seek God’s truth by studying God’s Word. Compare the words of every teacher and leader you see or hear to Bible text. When in doubt or conflict, believe the Bible.

False prophets and false messiahs always want you to believe something in conflict with the Bible. You cannot trust even their miracles. Even sincere men and women can be in error. You can always trust God’s Word.

Deception will come, but you do not have to be deceived. The simple believe every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15, NKJV) The stakes are high. Take the time to make sure you are following the Bible.

Think: Weigh and measure all you hear and see against the Bible.

Pray: “Father-God, help me measure everything by Your Word.”

Copyright © July 2022, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Seek Faithful Teachers

Seek Faithful Teachers By Kirk Hunt

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NKJV

Too many, including myself, have put the blame on the false teachers. Suddenly, I understand that the students and followers should be held accountable. You have to want the truth, in the first place.

I am guilty of not always wanting to hear the truth. Scripture has a way of roughing up God’s men and women. Still, find a faithful Bible teacher and dig in. Do your homework and follow along in your own copy of the Bible.

A faithful Bible teacher has one agenda: To teach God’s truth from God’s Word. A faithful Bible teacher does not care about your political leanings, cultural bias or level of sensitivity. A faithful Bible teacher cares only that you hear the pure and untainted Word of God.

Also, you must make the effort to learn from God’s Word for yourself. Your Bible teacher cannot have a relationship with God for you. You must seek Him and His truth for yourself. And there will be times in your Christian journey when only God’s voice will satisfy you.

It is your soul and therefore your responsibility. If you can read and understand this devotional, then you can read and understand the Holy Bible. Do your part of the hard work of learning God’s Word.

Think: It is my responsibility to find and support a faithful Bible teacher.

Pray: “Lord, help me to learn Your Word as deeply as I can.”

 

Copyright © November 2018, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Divine Direction

Divine Direction By Kirk Hunt

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths..

Proverbs 3:6 NKJV

What do you hear when someone speaks of “God’s divine direction?” Does the pillar of fire and smoke come to mind? Do you think of the angel that led Peter out of prison?

God’s direction and guidance can be miraculous and mystical. Scripture is too full of examples to say otherwise. Still, the visitation of angels is not part of a typical day in an office cubicle. A glory-cloud does not often appear while driving to the supermarket.

God promises to guide us, if we acknowledge that we need His direction. He desires to lead us past, around or through every circumstance in our lives. If God leads you, despite the difficulties, there will always be joy and delight in your journey.

Cultivate a heart that listens for Him. You may not be the cleverest soul alive, but you can live that way. Be determined to hear from Him.

Study Scripture, regularly and often. In those moments of reverent quiet, He will speak with you. Hidden in study, God will find you. There is no faster or more secure route to His guidance.

If Bible study gives so much, why is it often missing in our lives? We think we do not have the time. We believe it is beyond us. We look for less accountability.

Decide you want God’s direction in your life. The only entrance fee is making study of His Word a priority for your life. If you seek Him, He will find you. His Word promises you that.

Think: I can have God’s direction if I want it.

Pray: “Lord, help me to be guided by You.”

 

Copyright © February 2017, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.