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Therefore, the Lord says you must die. Your life will end this very year because you have rebelled against the Lord. – Jeremiah 28:16

 

These sobering words were delivered to a false prophet named Hananiah, who had prophesied that the Jewish people would be restored from Babylon within two years. This prophecy contradicted Jeremiah’s clear teaching that they would be captives in Babylon for seventy years, not two.

Satan has always had his prophets who look right and sound right. They are like Hymenaeus and Alexander, who shipwrecked their own faith by teaching that the resurrection was past (1 Timothy 1:19-20).

False doctrine works its way into churches as well as into individuals. It misleads and steers away from faith and a good conscience. All true teaching will produce “love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith” (v. 5).

Judge all teaching. The teaching may look good and sound right, but does it lead to godly actions? Does it lead people away from “talking foolishness” (v. 6) and cause them to focus on saving sinners?

Keep your doctrinal ship steered down the center of the channel. Beware of the shorelines, no matter how appealing. The rocks of destruction lurk just beneath the surface!

2020-12-31T10:53:28-07:00

I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his people, his faithful ones. But let them not return to their foolish ways. – Psalm 85:8

The source of our peace is our right standing with God. When we get out of sorts with God’s purpose and will, peace departs. The psalmist, understanding this relationship between righteousness and peace, declared, “Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!” (Psalm 85:10).

Paul prayed that “the Lord of peace himself always give you his peace no matter what happens” (2 Thessalonians 3:16). Our actions determine our peace. We should spend our lives, therefore, in productive, focused labor.

The Bible clearly states that “whoever does not work should not eat”

(v. 10). To be “busy,” but not “busybodies,” means that we know our jobs, vocations, and callings and are working hard every day to accomplish them. Many people chase idle dreams and foolish talk but never produce anything. Consequently, they grow frustrated and lose their peace. If we will work hard and “never get tired of doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13), however, then the Lord of peace will give us peace.

Have you lost your peace? Find your work, and you will find your peace.

2020-10-15T00:00:00-06:00
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