Based on “Christ, Our Example” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 8/7-8/10,
Message #6058; Daily Devotional #3 - “Misconceptions”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): I am always so amazed at how God answers even our smallest requests. Saturday, as I sat in Dunkin Donuts having breakfast, a friend and his wife walked in all dressed up. I asked what the occasion was and found out they were Jehovah Witnesses. By no coincidence, I had my Experiencing God book open and had been doing my morning devotions for class. So in God’s perfect timing, I started talking to them about a personal relationship with God. I asked if they believed in the Trinity. They do not; they proceeded to give me their material and asked me to check it against the Bible. It kind of amazed me they told me to check it against the Bible, I told them I agreed we should check everything with the Word of God. We exchanged numbers and emails. I prayed that God would reveal to me the truth of the Trinity versus their beliefs. I didn’t want any “misconceptions” in my mind on what the Word of God teaches. God answered my prayer when Pastor Mark spoke on this very topic this weekend! It made me realize how cunning false religions are. They sounded sincere and used the Word of God, twisting it to fit their agendas.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The Jehovah Witness told me his biggest struggle with the people they talk to were the misconceptions of what they believe. These “misconceptions” can make you wonder what the Word really says. We have been warned in the Word of God to watch out for false religions. …Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things that are contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people (Romans 16:17-18, NLT). Satan is very cunning. He will make them sound correct in their teaching, while subtly twisting the real truth. As Pastor Mark stated, there are many false religions that seek to spread their own beliefs; they will sound good and believable. Even some people in the church will disguise themselves as Christ followers, yet their doctrine is false or twisted. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness... (2 Corinthians 11:13-15, NLT). We must guard our hearts against false teachers and religions. Our hearts are wicked and selfish, so we will try to find a twist on the Word of God to suit our own desires. This can be an open invitation for Satan to twist the truth and cause a broken relationship between you and God. We need to constantly be in the Word, not just reading, but memorizing and applying it to our lives in order to guard our hearts. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (Proverbs 4:23, NLT)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): As Pastor Mark taught, the Word is Jesus (John 1:1-3). If we are to follow His example, we must hide His words in our hearts, so we aren’t led astray by “misconceptions” that persuade us to follow false teachings. John writes: I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. (I John 2:26-27, NLT). Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to guide us in all truth (John 16:13). Guard your hearts with His words so you will continue to live out Christ in your life.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): I John 2:18-27; John 16:1-15
JE
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
New Living Translation = NLT.