08/16/2025
PRAISE THE LORD, EVERYONE! 1 Kings 13:18-19 says, "The old prophet answered, 'I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD: "Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water."' (But he was lying to him.) So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house."
Be alert. Watchful. Discernment in these times isn't optional; it's a matter of survival. Many will come with words wrapped in light, speaking inspiration, encouragement, and sweet promises. They may say, "God told me to tell you…" or "An angel visited me…" but their words, though smooth, may directly oppose what God already told you.
In this account from 1 Kings 13, the man of God had already received a direct word from the Lord. He was told not to eat or drink in that place and to go back a different way. But here comes the old prophet, sounding holy, sounding seasoned, saying he, too, heard from God. Yet scripture makes it plain: he was lying.
Here's the danger: We sometimes abandon God's clear instructions because someone else sounds more experienced, more spiritual, or more convincing. But it cost this young prophet his life.
Beloved, every word that sounds good isn't God's word for you. Some messages, though cloaked in scripture and smiles, will pull you off course. Promises of overnight prosperity, success without sacrifice, or shortcuts to destiny, these are often traps, not treasures.
Don't let a hunger for quick answers cause you to ignore God's voice. God's word is the standard, not someone else's revelation. Seek God for yourself. Lean in. Stay close. When you do, His voice will never lead you astray. His path may be narrow, but it leads to life and peace.
Now, Saints, children of God, united in our faith and love for the Lord, let's continue to study to show ourselves approved unto God as workmen who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth while putting on the whole armour of God to take our stand against the devil's schemes.
By
Clairmont Humphrey