The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

—Psalm 19:1-2

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God's voice is always speaking through his creation. His witnesses give testimony to his glory, majesty, and creative grace. The universe shouts with joy that behind its intricate beauty, astounding powers, and marvelous wonders is the One who gave it life, purpose, order, specificity, and intention. The apostle Paul said something similar when he wrote to the Corinthians:

...what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20)

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

O Great God, Creator of the countless heavens and gracious one who tends to our own small blue planet, we thank you for noticing the heart-cry of each of us, even though we are so small in a universe so vast. We love you, admire you, trust you, and worship you with wonder at your greatness and grandeur. Your marvelous love, demonstrated to us in Jesus, silences us in the breathless wonder of your grace just as creation shouts to your glory about your marvelous work as Creator, in Jesus' name. Amen.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

—1 John 1:5-6

O LORD, there is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you!

—1 Chronicles 17:20

[After Jesus had said he is the light of the world, the] Pharisees replied, "You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid."

Jesus told them, "These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don't know this about me. You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me."

—John 8:13-16 NLT

Key Thought

At first glance, we rush past these passages on false teaching. Many Christians today are surrounded by a culture where tolerance is highly valued. However, Christians shouldn't tolerate dangerous false teaching, especially when that false teaching is about the deity of Jesus. The LORD and his early followers knew there was a danger of false teaching. Jesus knew that the Pharisees who labeled him as a false teacher were hypocritical and self-indulgent, ^[1] however, that didn't mean he was unconcerned about their accusations. Jesus's response to the allegations against him gives us some tools to recognize false teachers. Do they do the work of God? Do they know Jesus' true identity - his oneness with God and return to God? Do they have observable godliness - quality and character in their lives? Are their judgment and discernment reflective of God's truth? Jesus, when examined, showed himself to be true. Is the same true of teachers who claim to come in his name?

Today's Prayer

Father, I believe that Jesus is your standard of truth and righteousness. Please help me discern that truth in my life. Please help me guard my steps against those who claim to come in his name but who are false. Please guard my heart against those whose teaching does not come from you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

• Matthew 7:15-20
• 1 John 4:1-6
• Acts 20:28-31