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1 Corinthians 15:33a – Do not be deceived. (NKJV)
"You will find gold all over the sand," our young friend told us as we travelled to the Salton Sea. We were thrilled as we got out of the car to search for treasure. Sparkles tumbled about in the water and shone in the sun as the gentle waves lapped against the beach. My sisters and I did the long-legged sideways crab-walk, bent over collecting bits of shiny gold-coloured pieces.
In good fun, our friend had tricked us. At every age, people joke and kid around, to make people feel foolish or to have fun. But that kind of play can lead to being charmed in ways that cause great harm to others. God's Word teaches us to be careful to know the difference between truth and untruth, so we need to be carefully taught. Daddy was with us and taught us about the characteristic differences between iron pyrite and gold, a lesson that we would always remember.
The most important truth for us to learn is who God really is. We are told to check out the Scriptures to know the difference between the biblical God, and the fool's god. There are many out and about who teach that "god" is other than what the Bible teaches. If we learn incorrectly, God may not recognize us later on, because we believed in a made-up lord and saviour who is appealing to us. Our lives will have been wasted by serving God's enemy, who always wants to steer us away from truth.
Our disappointment over not finding gold did not harm us, but choosing the wrong god would cost a person eternity without God. We need to know the difference between gold and iron pyrite, and the difference between God and all other imposters, because all that glitters is not gold.
Prayer: Dear Father, we ask You to give us hearts to look at the nature and characteristics of what we are learning about You, so that we aren't tricked to miss out on truth. Amen.
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Thank you.
Thanks for the inspiration, Karen.
Well done.
Blessings.
Thanks Karen, a good devotion, sounds like you had a good childhood.
Your devotion makes us look for the true God. There are so many interpretations of the Bible.
Blessings.
Hello Karen,
Thank you for another special devotional. The analogy you have composed is very good and it is true of how easily we can be tricked about things. Seeking Jesus and following His teachings is the best route to joy in our lives.
Blessings for the thoughtful writings you submit.
(B.C.)
Thanks, Karen for writing today about false information and God’s truth. Love to you on the spiritual journey.
Dear Karen,
A needed warning. Thanks.
Keep writing about the real God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sister Karen,
Thank you again for your sweet life lessons, and how you beautifully also teach us spiritual lessons!
Dear Karen,
I love this devotional!! My husband and I were on an Alaskan Cruise a few years ago. At one of the ports, we were taken to an area to experience ‘panning for gold’. You’re so right all that glitters is not gold! Since my husband died unexpectedly, I’m very aware of people saying what they think is ‘comforting’ but is anything but! The words are so unscriptural that it grieves me. Some encourage me to talk to him. My response is that I talk to the Lord because I know He hears and cares. Others suggest things like he is walking with me and/or watching me or guiding me! NOT true! I tell them that it wouldn’t be heaven if he was able to see my struggles and the tears I’ve been shedding! My Lord is able to see and know how I feel… YES! They mean well (I guess) but my focus, strength, direction etc. is from the Lord who IS my constant companion!
Thanks for writing and encouraging us to not be deceived!