O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still. 2 See how your enemies are astir, how your foes rear their heads. 3 With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. 4 "Come," they say, "let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more." 5 With one mind they plot together;
they form an alliance against you—
17 May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace. 18 Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD--that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

In Acts chapter 6, when the Apostles were on trial for preaching in the name of Jesus, one of the Jewish leaders named Gamaliel advised the court to be careful what decision they made. He advised that if this new thing (followers of Christ) be from man it would go away on its own but if it was from God they would be found fighting against God and could not win. Of course we would be quick to say that we would never fight against God. Satan has always used self deception as a means of convincing people that they were right and all who opposed them were wrong. It is this mentality that drives the terrorist of the world and what feeds the zeal of many false religions and spurs those who even oppose religion and the belief in God. It unfortunately, is also what divides so many brothers and sisters in Christ who cannot agree on the proper understanding of God’s word.

We must know the truth and we must stand for the truth. The only way we can do this is by studying God’s word and praying for wisdom with a submissive heart to the leading of the Spirit. This does not however, give us permission to stand in God’s place and pass judgment on others. We should be willing, with open minds and a godly spirit, to discuss our difference when we have opportunity. We must be willing to accept God’s word for what it really says and not be led or controlled by our past beliefs or long held traditions. On the other hand, we must not be swept away by some new or modern interpretation as we follow some new fashion fad. James 3:18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

O God, please give me the wisdom that comes from above. Place in me a heart of devotion with a love for your word. Cause me to hunger and thirst after your righteousness. Deliver me from evil and help me to flee from all temptation to do wrong. Please help me to not be self deceived but give me an honest heart. Help me to be honest with you and your word, with myself and my convictions and with others around me. Use me to encourage others to trust you and serve you. Create in me a humble heart. In Jesus name.

May God bless each of us as we come to know him more closely.