Scripture

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.”

Observation

We must be wary of false prophets who look like sheep, but are actually wolves. You can judge them by their fruit, like a tree is judged by its fruit. You can judge people by their actions.

Not everyone who calls Jesus “Lord, Lord ” will enter the kingdom of heaven. They will say they prophesied and cast out demons in Jesus’ name, but He will say,”Go away; I never knew you.”

Application

A false prophet is not somebody who sometimes gets a prediction wrong. A false prophet is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. That is, a false prophet is not really a servant of Christ, but a tool of the Devil.

Jesus tells us that we can judge such people by their fruit. The chief among these is whether they draw attention to themselves or to Jesus.

There are many people in various ministries who profit from their position. They are in ministry for selfish reasons – money, power or glory. Such people will do everything they can to promote themselves and to increase their own gains at the expense of the people they are supposedly ministering to.

A prophet who charges for his words, or who invites people of the opposite sex for private sessions, or who promotes their own ministry, is a wolf. Stay away from such a person.

Prayer

Lord, please give your church the discernment to tell the genuine prophets and pastors from those who come to devour the flock. Amen

Scripture

“But the gate way to life is very narrow, and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. “

Observation

Keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking, and prayers will be answered. If sinful parents know how to give good things to their children, how much more will our heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask.

The way into God’s Kingdom is narrow, and only a few will find it. The road to hell is broad, and the gate is wide open to those who choose it.

Application

God loves us, and His perfect will would be that everyone should be saved. This verse reminds us that only a relatively small number of people will find the way to salvation.

For all of our optimism and celebration of revival and people being saved, it seems that a majority will always choose the way of damnation.

The choice is before us. On Good Friday we recall that Jesus is the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. But He leaves the choice to us – will we receive His forgiveness or will we continue on the highway to hell?

Jesus died to set us free from sin. It is up to us to say ” yes” to Him.

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me. Today I receive your free gift of salvation. Amen.