SCRIPTURE UNION DAILY DEVOTIONAL NOVEMBER 7, 2021 (THE DEVIL’S DECEITS)
TOPIC: THE DEVIL’S DECEIT
OPENING PRAYER: Let me know more of you today dear Lord as I meditate on your word.
SCRIPTURE: Acts 16:16-24
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any command for me to obey?
MESSAGE
Notice the power behind this slave girl and what their master turned her to (v. 16). The testimony of the slave girl about Paul and Silas’ ministry is true (v.17). Why then does Paul react the way he did (v.18)? See Mark 5:1-8 for a similar experience of Jesus. Like His Lord, Paul firmly rejects such testimony. Accepting it would have been approving or endorsing the spirit of divination working in her. God is totally against any form of demonic operation (Deuteronomy 18:11-12).
The fact that these evil practices (tarot card, horoscope, palm reading, etc) could sometimes correctly predict the future is no reason to succumb to the practice. Many so-called prophets use these evil means to predict the future. We must avoid any link with them. See Matthew 7:15-20. Notice the reaction of the slave girl’s owners (vs.19-21). The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. The girl was for them, a money-making machine.
How many lives, especially of young people, have been ruined by the business world – cocaine sellers, promoters of prostitution, gambling houses, etc? Even though the missionaries are in Macedonia in response to a special revelation, they still faced opposition, hostility and imprisonment. Are you encountering some difficulties even when you are doing the Lord’s will? The experience of Paul and others should encourage you to remain firm.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Pray for grace to endure every persecution that comes your way (Matthew 5:11,12).
• Pray to God for wisdom to do your work with diligence and integrity.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
• Ezra 1-2; 2 Tim. 1
Thank you for your time in reading Today’s Scripture Union SU Daily Guide 7 November 2021 | The Devil’s Deceit
