May 18

Caution is critical when testing which god is really God. All through Scripture, we are warned against being deceived
by the devil and his workers, who also have power to perform signs and miraculous wonders. We are warned that towards the end, when the antichrist is in this world, that he will cause even fire to come down from heaven (Rev. 13:13).

Fire from heaven or any other sign is not a guarantee that the fire is from God. The real test is whether or not that fire directs us to the one true God.

Scripture does say that the test of a prophecy is whether or not it comes true. But it also warns that even if a prophecy does come to pass, that if the prophet who gave it then leads the people away from God, that it is not from the Lord and is to be shunned. (Deut. 13:1-5).

The real test as to whether something is from God or not is not its surface appearance, for on the surface it is not always immediately apparent whether something is from God or the devil. The devil is a master as disguising evil to look good. No, the key, as always, is the fruit: Does this miracle honor Jesus as the one and only way to God? It is a matter of the heart and love, not simply of the senses that detected the miraculous event.

Scripture for today: Deut. 13:1-5
Thought for today: God sometimes tests by fire.
Prayer for today: Lord, enable me to discern truth from deception and to follow the truth.

MAY 18