Listen

Our appeal isn’t based on false information, the wrong motives, or deception. Rather, we have been examined and approved by God to be trusted with the good news, and that’s exactly how we speak. We aren’t trying to please people, but we are trying to please God, who continues to examine our hearts.

1 Thessalonians 2:3-4

Think

As a kid, I remember watching movies where young characters performed what seemed like a common trick. If they wanted something, they would ask a parent. If that parent was not agreeable, they would ask their other parent, who let them have what they wanted. As I watched, it seemed like such a simple yet complete deceit.

I could never try that trick. I grew up in a single-parent home. Still, I tried many other things. I could throw a tantrum in a store. I would ignore my mother. I would say mean things and slam doors. Everything I did was motivated by my wants without concern for how my actions made her feel.

I was a child, and so I suspect many will forgive me. I trust God will forgive me. As an adult, I know God wants me to consider the things I want and what I am willing to do to get them. God tests my heart and invites me to do the same every day.

Patrick Kangrga

Question to Ponder:

How does it feel to be deceived?

Pray

God, I want so many things. Give me understanding and peace in the knowledge that I cannot have everything.

Grant me strength and wisdom so I will never use trickery or deception to get what I want.

Amen.

Go

Just knowing you’re mindful of me

Just knowing you call me your child

It’s flooding my soul with unspeakable hope

Thank you, Lord, that it’s me on your mind

Matthew West in “Me On Your Mind” (2022)