READ 2 Peter 2
Beware of false teachers whose lives deny their faith and who will be judged by God.
 
INSIGHT
False teachers are viewed gravely in the Scriptures. Perhaps the most scathing rebukes and most unthinkable punishments are articulated against these "wolves in sheep's clothing." Why are they dealt with so harshly? Because while refusing salvation themselves, they also keep others from it. It is like a drowning person who not only refuses to accept a lifesaver, but also insists on drowning someone else with him or her. We must take great care to accurately teach the truth and shun those who do not.
 
PRAYER
We can walk in fellowship with the Lord and praise Him regardless of how we feel:
Hallelujah!
Give praise, servants of the Lord;
Praise the name of the Lord.  
Let the name of the Lord be blessed
Both now and forever.  
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
Let the name of the Lord be praised.
Who is like the Lord our God —
The one enthroned on high,  
Who stoops down to look
On the heavens and the earth?
He gives the childless woman a household,
Making her the joyful mother of children.  
Hallelujah! (Psalm 113:1-3, 5-6, 9).
 
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Make your ways known to me, Lord;
Teach me your paths.  
Guide me in your truth and teach me,  
For you are the God of my salvation;  
I wait for you all day long
(Psalm 25:4-5).
 
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
But now, since you have been set free from sin and have become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification — and the outcome is eternal life! For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:22-23).
 
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Wisdom in decision making
• The needs of your friends
• Whatever else is on your heart

 
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
This is the day the Lord has made;
Let's rejoice and be glad in it
(Psalm 118:24).