Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
Luke 20
Read Luke 20 in your Bible. Or you can also read it here.
In Luke 20 we see different instances where the people tried to trick Jesus into saying something wrong. These people were from an influential group during that time, yet they often disagreed with Jesus and His views. They should have been a group that was respected, but Jesus warns us against them.
In verse 20 it says, “Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere.”
And in verses 46-47, Jesus said, “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
Although we are living over two thousand years later, we too have to be careful. Some people who appear to be highly religious and influential might not be sincere. Some people throw around Bible verses and they think this makes them appear like a devout Christian. But we must remember that even satan quoted Scripture. See Luke 4:1-13. (And this is also something to keep in mind in spiritual battles as well, because satan will distort scripture at times and try to get us to see things from the wrong angle.)
This might make us fearful when we realize that we have to stay on guard and keep our eyes open for wolves in sheep’s clothing. How do you know who to trust and who to believe? Honestly, there are so many things in this world that can make us fearful, and we might worry that we cannot navigate our way around the unknowns.
But as Christians, we don’t have to fear. Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, and He helps us to have discernment. In John 14:16-17 (AMP), Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” Look at all the ways the Holy Spirit is described here – Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, Standby, the Spirit of Truth. What joy this brings our hearts to know that God has planted this very same Holy Spirit inside you and me and all of His children.
What a precious gift we have. We have an amazing Friend who is with us every single day. He can help us in every area of our lives. And when we have a strong relationship with the Lord, we will know His voice well. We will be able to recognize a certain feeling in our core when He speaks to us and directs us. How comforting it is to know that we have this loving Friend with us at all times.
If you are also participating in the Gratitude Challenge, today is day 91 of 100. Have you felt happier over that last couple of months?
© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas
Bridget A. Thomas 
Your thoughts today reminded me of John 14:18: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” And the peace God gives us is not of this world. Blessings!
LikeLiked by 2 people
What comforting words. Isn’t it amazing how the Lord thought of every little thing? Thanks for sharing that! Blessings to you too! 😊
LikeLike
Outward behaviours and appearances can deceive but God does give us discernment.
It is truly a gift to have the spirit within us to be all of those things for us. What a privilege and a blessing.
Thank you Bridget 🤗💙
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes you said it well – a privilege and a blessing. I am so thankful for the way God always provides just what we need! ✝️🤗💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just yesterday my husband and I were talking about big name preachers and how sad it is when they mislead people. It’s so important to read the Bible and study it yourself so you know the exact truth. And my devotional yesterday was about Satan quoting verses. (Which made me think about those preacher’s!)
This is such a great study! Even though I’m not showing it I’m here reading along!
I hope you’re doing well!! 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Michelle! I am so glad you are here and enjoying the posts. Such a great point about reading the Bible for ourselves. This is vital to keep us anchored to Him and to know the truth! Thanks for sharing that, Michelle!! ♥️🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right. We do have to be careful. There are many false teachers out there distorting God’s Word. We need to know His Word for ourselves so we can know right from wrong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent point! We have to get in the Word for ourselves. This will help us to know the truth and also have a closer connection to the One who will never lead us astray 🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person