We do well to routinely take time from our busy lives to reflect on God’s word and on how we are applying it in our lives. God Himself shows us in Genesis 1:1 by taking time as He created the heavens and the earth. As he reaches milestones in the creation, He reflects on it and takes time to evaluate it … “and God saw that it was good.”
Many of us have accepted Yeshua and want to serve Him, but it is not always clear if we are walking on the right path in the way we live our lives. Are we honoring Him? obeying Him? What about our church or others we trust and listen to? How do we know if they are giving good advice and direction?
The Narrow and Wide Gates
13“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
A Tree and Its Fruit
15“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16You will [p]know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? 17So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20So then, you will know them by their fruits.
21“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; LEAVE ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
Always test what someone tells you about Yeshua against scripture in the Bible. There are wolves who pretend to be among God’s sheep! To effectively serve Yeshua and avoid traps from the enemy we must routinely read and study God’s word ourselves. Daily is best but start with as often as you can. Don’t try to speed read or take in big chunks all at once. Take in the Bible like you would a good meal… one bite at a time, savoring each for what flavor it brings you. You will never regret it!
I invite you to pray with me:
Father, please lead Your people to be discerning and wise. Help us to have a hunger to search out and understand Your word. Please let the Holy Spirit guide us and open our minds to better understand the truth! Help us to challenge and test every teacher and source against Your scriptures. Amen.
Shalom
Devotion by John in service to Christ
Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.