Guarded by Truth in the Last Days
The Spirit of Truth keeps us steady in a world of deception, guiding us to walk in the light of Jesus.
Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Bob Hoekstra reminds us today of a promise many would prefer to avoid. It is not the kind of promise that comforts at first glance, but one that soberly warns. The Spirit has spoken clearly that in the latter times some will turn away from the faith. This is not speculation, but a prophetic word, and its reality presses in closer as history moves toward its conclusion. While the world seeks what sounds positive and disregards anything that sounds negative, the Spirit calls us to receive the truth in full, both what comforts and what cautions.
This apostasy is described as a departure. For a time, these individuals appear to walk in the truth, but then they turn away. Some may remain within the visible church, yet their message no longer reflects the Scriptures. The warning is clear: just as Israel had false prophets, the church will face false teachers who secretly introduce destructive ideas. The sobering part is that they do not openly declare their deception. Instead, they introduce subtle distortions that undermine the gospel of grace.
Paul explains that their errors are not neutral misunderstandings. They result from giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines that originate in the enemy himself. False teachings often appeal to human pride, offering a message that exalts self rather than glorifying God. Over time, their hearts grow calloused, their consciences dulled. Lies are spoken with hypocrisy, lives are lived without conviction, and truth is abandoned for self-serving distortions.
Though such warnings are heavy, they are given to keep us alert. The Lord has not left His people unprepared. We are reminded that our sufficiency is in Jesus, who is the Truth. By abiding in Him, we are anchored. The counterfeit will never overcome the reality of His indwelling life. His Spirit guards us from error, leading us into all truth and keeping us steady when the winds of deception blow.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, I have not left you in the dark. The Spirit has spoken that in the last days some will depart from the faith, but you are not among them. You are mine, and I have sealed you with My Spirit as the guarantee of your inheritance. Do not let the warnings unsettle you, but let them keep you watchful.
The enemy seeks to distort My word and to replace truth with error. But I am the Truth, and I live in you. You will recognize the voice of a stranger because My sheep know My voice. As you abide in Me, I will guard your heart and mind. When lies are spoken, My Spirit within you will bear witness to the truth.
The days may grow darker, but you are a child of light. While others turn to deception, you walk in My freedom. When consciences grow seared, yours remains tender, for I have written My law upon your heart. Stand firm, not in your own resolve, but in My indwelling life. You are kept not by striving but by trusting, not by fear but by faith.
Scripture References: 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 2 Peter 2:1, John 10:4-5, Ephesians 1:13-14, John 14:6, John 16:13, 1 John 2:20-27, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 10:16, Jude 24-25.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a counterfeit bill. At first glance it may look convincing, but the more you handle genuine currency, the quicker you recognize what is false. The counterfeit may fool some, but those who know the real thing cannot be deceived for long. In the same way, the more we rest in the truth of Jesus, the quicker we discern the empty promises of error.
Today, when I encounter a message that sounds persuasive yet unsettles my spirit, I can pause and yield, saying, “Lord, I trust You to show me what is true and to live Your truth through me.” By leaning into Him, I am kept steady, free from the sway of deception, and able to walk in the light of His word.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that in a world full of confusion, I am anchored in the truth of Jesus. You have given me access to Your word, and Your Spirit lives in me to guide me into all truth. I rejoice that I do not need to fear deception, for You are my safeguard. I rest in the assurance that You will keep me from stumbling and present me faultless in Your presence with great joy.