Daily Devotions
Sharper than any double-edged sword, [the Word of God] penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
The Canadian Rockies are known for their glaciers and their cold, clear melt-water lakes and streams. A thirsty hiker might be forgiven for giving in to temptation and drinking that ice-cold water. But unfortunately, much of the water is infested with a parasite that causes an illness known locally as “beaver fever.” The water tastes as good as it looks when you first drink it, but after a few hours you are sick.
One of the scary things about sin is that it can look good at first glance. Sexual sins can be hidden in the noble glow of love. The rejection of God’s Word can be tucked away beneath a blanket of sincerity. A heart cold toward God will barely be noticed when you impress people with your people-pleasing ways. But sin is deceitful. It infects us with a deception that begins in our own heart! This deception can only be overcome when the Holy Spirit works boldly through God’s Word to overcome our hearts! How wonderful to know that God’s own mercy comes to us in Jesus Christ so that we can encourage one another in these days of Advent and not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, speak to me through Your Word and break through the deceptions of my heart so that I will not become hardened to Your love for me. Amen.
My Bold Action for Today: Do you have a friend who has clearly been deceived into accepting a particular sin? Ask a Bible study leader in your congregation to present a Bible study on that topic and invite your friend to attend.
Rev. Roland Kubke