Devotional from Jan Ross

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."  (2 Timothy 4:3-4)


TODAY'S THOUGHT

We are living in a day and time where we see the meaning of these verses
more clearly than ever before.  Mankind is looking for answers . . .
spiritual answers.  But they're eager for the blessings that come with a
life dedicated to the Lord . . . not the self-discipline, not the self-denial, not the self-abasement, not the humility, not the holy, righteous lifestyle!

They flock to the churches and the preachers/evangelists/teachers who will preach to them what they want to hear . . . riches, power, success, and the list goes on . . .  In essence, they have turned away from the truth and have become comfortable with the lies and deception this preaching/teaching does.  What has happened is exactly what Today's Verse is relating . . . they have turned away from truth and have been turned truth into fables!

Where do you stand?  Do you submit to the preaching of the Word of God
regardless of how uneasy you feel when confronted with truth or do you
search for a more palatable sermon?  The Bible says, "Ye shall know the
truth and the truth shall make you free."  (John 8:12)  Without the truth .
. . there is no freedom!

In order to tell the real from the lie, you must be more than just casually
acquainted with the real.  When bank tellers are being taught to recognize
counterfeit money, they study the real money.  Read the Word, study it,
commit it to your heart and memory.  Then, when you come in contact with a false doctrine or message, you will immediately know it.

Don't be like those who will not endure sound doctrine . . . submit to it
and allow the unadulterated Word of God to do its perfect work in your
heart.


TODAY'S PRAYER

Father, I pray that I will never become one of those who turns away from
truth and seeks after an easier doctrine.  Lord, I submit myself to you
again, day after day, to be changed into Your likeness regardless of what it costs me personally!  Help me, Lord, to recognize the false doctrine of the world and to cling to the Truth presented in Your Word.  May I never fall prey to those who preach and teach an ear-pleasing message!  Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You . . . the Author and Finisher of my faith!  Lord, I love you and my desire is for You . . . nothing else can ever truly satisfy!  Amen!