We don’t necessarily ACT
on what is true, but what we BELIEVE
to be true. Joseph’s brothers hated Joseph so much they sold him
to some Midianite traders, who took him to Egypt. But how could they explain
his disappearance to their father? They took Joseph’s multi-colored coat
and dipped it in goat’s blood, then showed it to their father. They deceived
their father by trying to give him “proof” that Joseph
had been killed by a wild animal. Jacob said, “Joseph has surely been torn
to pieces.” (Gen. 37:33-34). He took the bait and ACTED on what he BELIEVED
to be true, even though it wasn’t, and mourned for his son for the next 13
years.
Some people believe things that aren’t true about God. They’re angry at Him because they think He’s to blame for all tragedies. They are ACTING on what they BELIEVE to be true—even though it isn’t. If they had believed what was actually true, they wouldn’t blame God.
Some people believe things
that aren’t true about themselves.
They’re depressed and think there’s no reason to live. Others are confused
about their identity and think they need to change their gender. They are ACTING on what they BELIEVE to be true, but it’s a lie. As long as you’re
alive, God has a plan for your life and a purpose to fulfill. God made you to
be who you are, and He didn’t make you to be someone else.
Many people believe
things that aren’t true about others.
King Saul believed that David wanted to overthrow him as king and
seize his throne, which was not true. David had no intention of doing that, but Saul
ACTED on what he BELIEVED to be true and spent his entire life trying to kill
David.
Why do people believe things that aren’t true? Jesus said Satan is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Revelation 12:9 says Satan “deceives the whole world.” The devil has the ability to drop thoughts into our minds, like dropping a baited hook into the water to catch a fish. When a person “takes the bait,” he or she swallows the lie—and starts believing things that aren’t true.
Don't be so quick to believe everything that you’re told. Ask God to show you if you’re believing things that aren’t true. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32). www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com www.makinglifecount.net
VIDEO TEACHING OF THE WEEK Each week I will post a new video teaching of a Bible teacher that I respect. This week archaeologist Joel Kramer explores The Walls of Jericho and shows how it verifies Judges 6. (Click to watch)
