The Problem of Deception
by David Cross
At Ellel Ministries we passionately believe in the healing and deliverance ministry of Jesus. We have the privilege of seeing many precious Christian brothers and sisters find life-changing wholeness and freedom as they respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, in bringing their lives increasingly under the lordship of Jesus.
However, today’s verse contains a dramatic warning that as we approach the last days there will be false miracles, with Christians believing that they have received restoration from Jesus, but actually finding themselves deceived, and even put into bondage to the evil one.
Whilst seeking the true work of Jesus in our lives, how do we guard against healing practices which may have a Christian label but are actually defiled by the enemy’s intrusion? Thankfully, the Bible not only warns us of the problem of deception, but also gives many guidelines in how to be sure that Jesus is in rightful control of the pathway of restoration for our lives.
Let me suggest a few of these guidelines that we can all apply as we interact with other people in churches and ministries, and even when attending courses at an Ellel Centre!
1. If we have taken time to know the true voice of Jesus, He says that false healers will seem like strangers to us (John 10:5).
2. Is the character of Jesus, the fruit of Holy Spirit, seen to be growing in those ministering, however impressive we consider the power displayed (Matthew 7:20)?
3. Without bringing condemnation, is sinful behaviour clearly addressed in the teaching and ministry (1 John 1:8-9)?
4. Is the divine order and balance between Father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit clearly acknowledged in the teaching and ministry (1 John 2:22)?
5. If we earnestly desire the Lord to gift us with the ability to discern spirits, the Holy Spirit will empower us to know what is false (1 Corinthians 12:11).
Prayer: Father God, keep me alert, but not fearful, with respect to the deception that Jesus has warned us of in these last days. I ask for an increasing ability to discern between what is of Your Spirit, what is of the flesh, and what is of the enemy. Thank you that You desire a safe path of restoration for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
David Cross David is part of the Executive Leadership of Ellel Ministries, with particular responsibility for the Ellel centres in Western Europe. He is married to Denise and they have three grown up children and eight grandchildren. David has been a civil engineer and ski-touring instructor in the Highlands of Scotland. He is passionate about the teaching and practice of the healing and deliverance ministry of Jesus and has written several books: Soul Ties, Trapped by Control, God’s Covering, The Dangers of Alternative Ways to Healing(co-authored with John Berry), an A to Z Guide to the Healing Ministry, What`s Wrong with Human Rights? and, most recently, God`s Way out of Depression. You can follow a daily thought from David on Twitter: @dmcross62
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship. Provided full acknowledgement is made to Seeds of the Kingdom as the source, you are also welcome to use it in a non-commercial way and reproduce it in magazines or other Christian websites. The copyright for any commercial use of the material remains with Ellel Ministries International.
