February 25, 2019 - DON’T BE DECEIVED

Day 56 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Samuel 25:23-44; Psalm 54; Colossians 2:6-15)

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8 ESV) 

No one wants to be deceived. No one wants to be led in the wrong direction. That’s why Paul wrote these words. He is warning us about listening to the lies of Satan that come to us in the form of human opinion. 

For us Christians, God’s Word is the guiding light that illuminates the truth of Christ Jesus: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV) 

Every other religious idea is law based and focuses on what man must attempt to do to make himself right with God. The only problem is that these other ideas lead to hell and not to heaven! Paul explained this to the church in Galatia with these words:

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith...” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.” (Galatians 3:10-13) 

So, faith in Jesus is our only hope for forgiveness and heaven! Are you trusting in Him?

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, 
Trusting only Thee;
Trusting Thee for full salvation, 
Great and free.
(I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, LSB 729-1)

Heavenly Father, protect me from the deceptive thinking of this world. Please lead me in the way of truth through faith in Jesus my Savior. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2019 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!