September 30
Returning to Truth
Today's Reading
Old Testament
New Testament
- Jeremiah 5-7
- Psalm 75
New Testament
- 2 Corinthians 11
Devotion
In Jeremiah 5–7, we witness God's heartache over His people. Despite His continual warnings, Judah has chosen falsehood, injustice, and idolatry. The prophets speak lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and the people love it this way. Outwardly, they continue religious practices—offering sacrifices and standing in the temple—but their hearts are far from God. In Jeremiah 7, God asks a painful question: Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers to you?
This is not just a word for ancient Judah. It’s a word for us today. God is not fooled by appearances or empty worship. He desires truth in the inward parts, hearts that are broken over sin, and lives that reflect His holiness. When truth is compromised, we become vulnerable to deception and judgment.
Psalm 75 brings us back to the reality of who truly holds power. In a world where corruption seems to thrive, the psalmist reminds us that promotion does not come from the east or west—it is God who judges. He brings one down and lifts another up. While human systems may fail, God remains the just Judge of all the earth. This psalm calls us to humility and trust: God exalts the humble and opposes the proud.
In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul defends his ministry against false apostles who were misleading the church with smooth words and spiritual arrogance. Paul, deeply concerned, warns the Corinthians not to tolerate a different Jesus, a different gospel, or a different spirit. He shares his own sufferings not to boast, but to show that true ministry looks like self-sacrifice, not self-promotion. His passion is to present the church as a pure bride to Christ—not impressed by charisma, but grounded in truth.
When taken together, these passages confront us with hard but life-giving truths: God desires sincerity over show, truth over tradition, and faithfulness over fame. They call us to examine our hearts and return to the Lord—not just with words, but with deep, lasting repentance.
This is not just a word for ancient Judah. It’s a word for us today. God is not fooled by appearances or empty worship. He desires truth in the inward parts, hearts that are broken over sin, and lives that reflect His holiness. When truth is compromised, we become vulnerable to deception and judgment.
Psalm 75 brings us back to the reality of who truly holds power. In a world where corruption seems to thrive, the psalmist reminds us that promotion does not come from the east or west—it is God who judges. He brings one down and lifts another up. While human systems may fail, God remains the just Judge of all the earth. This psalm calls us to humility and trust: God exalts the humble and opposes the proud.
In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul defends his ministry against false apostles who were misleading the church with smooth words and spiritual arrogance. Paul, deeply concerned, warns the Corinthians not to tolerate a different Jesus, a different gospel, or a different spirit. He shares his own sufferings not to boast, but to show that true ministry looks like self-sacrifice, not self-promotion. His passion is to present the church as a pure bride to Christ—not impressed by charisma, but grounded in truth.
When taken together, these passages confront us with hard but life-giving truths: God desires sincerity over show, truth over tradition, and faithfulness over fame. They call us to examine our hearts and return to the Lord—not just with words, but with deep, lasting repentance.
Reflection Questions
- Are there areas in your life where you’ve allowed surface-level religiosity to replace genuine relationship with God?
- What voices or influences in your life might be shaping your view of Jesus or the gospel in ways that don’t align with Scripture?
- How can you practice humility and spiritual integrity this week, especially in how you speak, serve, or lead?
Prayer
Father God, You see beyond the surface into the heart. Forgive me for the times I have chosen comfort over conviction or appearance over obedience. Restore in me a deep love for truth and a willingness to live it out, even when it costs. Keep me from being deceived, and give me discernment to walk in Your Spirit. May I be faithful to You, rooted in Your Word, and shaped by Your mercy. Amen.
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