My family of five moved across the country and hired movers to ship our books, Christmas ornaments, everything. The truck was scheduled to arrive the day after we took ownership of our house.
They never showed up. Never. Showed. Up.
My children’s handmade footprint ornaments, my childhood teddy bear, our library of books—all gone. And the movers stopped answering their phones. We were left with five suitcases of summer clothes, a few LEGO pieces—and an empty house. We trusted deceptive words with devastating consequences.
Thousands of years earlier the nation of Israel similarly listened to deceptions with much greater, devastating results.
False prophets said, “this is the LORD’s declaration” when indeed it was not (Ezekiel 13:6). They lied for profit (vv.18–19) and declared made-up visions (vv.6–9). They proclaimed “peace” when there was no peace (vv.10,16). They allowed wickedness to flourish while they disheartened the righteous—to the point of death (vv.19–22). And the people believed them.
It can seem amazing that the people trusted these deceptive leaders. Maybe because the prophets told the people of Judah what they wanted to hear. But the lies of the false prophets ensnared the people of Judah and their leaders set up idols in their hearts (Ezekiel 14:1–8). So the Lord declared that He would rescue His people from the false prophets’ trappings (Ezekiel 13:23) through judgment coming to Judah, though some would be spared (Ezekiel 14:21–23).
The people of Judah serve as a great warning for us to look closely at the words we listen to and the words we speak on behalf of God. This passage feels like a high school lab dissection of our hearts. What influencers do we follow? What teachers do we trust? What do we tell others about what God says?
We can all be vulnerable to deceptive leadership that claims to proclaim the Word of God, but indeed simply proclaims what is profitable. We can also be enticed as Christians to tell people what they want to hear—rather than speak truth in love, even when it costs us.
The Lord declared judgment on Judah (Ezekiel 14:12–23), but later He also declared restoration (Ezekiel 36:16–38). Even though Israel rebelled against the Lord, He would move in extravagant ways to restore her (Ezekiel 36:16–38).
In a small way, my moving story reminds me of Jerusalem’s devastation and restoration. We eventually received most of our belongings. When I opened the first box, I pulled out Safety Bear—a tattered one-eared teddy gifted to me as a child to “keep me safe” from California earthquakes. I held it to my chest. The worn fuzzy bear’s arms rested on my shoulders and felt like a hug from God.
This Lenten season, may we take comfort and warning: God’s words accomplish God’s will (Isaiah 55:11)—unlike the deceiving prophets who waited for their made-up words to come true, and they never did (Ezekiel 13:6).
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59 thoughts on "Israel’s False Prophets Condemned"
I am late on the reading plan, but your post is the first one that was on my screen this morning. Your words are sadly so true, and I wanted to thank you for pointing out the connnection. Praying for the Lord to move so that His word and ways are brought forth clearly and accomplish all His will!!
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I am catching up this morning, She’s. I see lots of prayer requests and am lifting them up today. ❤️
I noticed how every other scripture, God continues to let the people see his miracles and reminded the ppl that “I am God!”
We must be wise, and in The Word daily to be fully aware of God’s Word. We do not want to be deceived by false leaders and be blinded by evil. God does not like His people to be ensnared and disheartened righteous person to be lied to.
Faith in God always brings me closer to Him. Worshipping idols always separates me from Him.
I loved the pairing of the Isaiah passages with today’s reading. When I get confused about scripture and life I always remember Isaiah… “My ways are not your way. My thoughts are not your thoughts.” Helps me to not panic or become discouraged.
What a great prayer, Traci. It’s one God will honor. ❤️
Praying for Tucker and his parents.
Praying for Tucker
Praying for healing for this sweet boy and peace for his family.
What a beautiful word today- beware of false teachings and believing all who say they are “christians”. Study the word yourself. Make sure it lines up with scripture.
Thank you so much to those praying for my coworker’s prayer request. God bless you all! Sissy, I can relate to your post because of what I’ve gone through. I will pray and I also prayed for all of you. Have a great night!
Mercy,
Thanks so much for the prayer and book recommendations. The book Fervent helped pull me out of the depression I was in this past summer. I will definitely check these out.
It’s so easy to believe what we want to hear. I pray I would follow the Lord’s discernment in my life, even when it may not be what I want to hear.
Hailey Lott, that was a very brave thing you did, letting go of a relationship based on your convictions. I had to do a similar thing before I was married. I believe the Lord blessed me for my decision, and I hope he will bless you as well!❤️
Help me to hear your voice Lord and tune out the voice of deception.
God truly looks after us and answers prayers, maybe not always in the way we want, but He does answer it.
It snowed here in the Kansas City area last night, but Finley and parents made it to the hospital okay. Her surgery went great. She is in her room recovering now. Could have done without the snow but oh well.
Thank you for your prayers.
Be blessed and know that God is always watching over you.
Praying to God for discernment on the true preachers/teachers /prophets that we need to tune our ears to. May you lead us Lord to those who are fearing You to say what You want them to say. May you give us wisdom and precautions to keep us away from the false ones. False doctrines can lead people astray… to eventually kill (Ezekiel 13:18-19 – to slay the souls that should not die KJV). Be careful, be very careful. One person used to tell me, how can you tell a counterfeit, by studying hundreds of counterfeits? No, by studying the real one.
@Searching: thank you so much for pointing the link explaining Ezekiel 14:9, great insight.
@Hailey: praying for you and your bf.
@Kristen: praying for your co-worker to be free from the spreading cancer.
@Sissy: praying for your marriage and God’s wisdom to lead you and your husband in the next steps. Marriage is the furnace that refines those in it. Especially covid era has added several pressuring factors. I recommend the books of Stormie Omartian ( The power of a praying wife, The power of a praying woman, The Power of prayer to change your marriage, and other series on praying). They really help to offer sound godly counsel. I pray for your peace during this time, and God’s mighty hand on you and your husband to calm, to comfort and to guide. May you trust that even when we fall short, and we cry to Him, He is faithful to help (Psalm 138:3, Psalm 121:5-8). God is able to redeem our mistakes (Psalm 130 God redeems all missteps) and mend the broken pieces. He is the expert potter. Please don’t let the devil condemn you. Mistakes are part of growth and maturity for God’s children. Fear not, only believe, says Jesus.
Be blessed sisters!
When it says that Daniel , Noah , and Job were spared because of their righteousness It speaks volumes of importance that our relationship with God is personal. Meaning my kids , my husband , my family and my friends can’t “ride the coat tails “ so to speak. Each one of us is accountable for our own personal relationship with the Father.
When it says that Daniel , Noah , and Job were spared because of their righteousness It speaks volumes of importance that this is relationship with God is personal. Meaning my kids , my husband , ma
The scripture today!!!!! Yes! Wow. As many of you have already said, this is so applicable for us today. Thank you LORD for your word and example to us now. There are so many we as Christian’s should be more cautious and not listen to even though those that are speaking are referring to the Bible & claim to be Christians themselves. ALWAYS pray for discernment and wisdom. Thank you GOD for your word and this community. The devotional today was spot on. Isaiah 55 is one of my absolute favorites to meditate on, so beautiful. I am praying for you all in this community daily & am so thankful for your prayers for us and our little baby growing! After 2 miscarriages last year, I am just so thankful & praying the Lord guards our hearts and minds from the what if anxieties & keeps us wrapped in peace with His will. I am so thankful for his grace, mercy, blessings and provision.
Thank you Angie! And Mercy, thank you for those verses you posted a few days ago I took a screenshot of them! Shaena Elizabeth I had very similar thoughts/ questions as you. Regarding Daniel, Noah, and Job I wonder if their righteousness is like the righteousness of abram, “who believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness”. My first instinct was also to think “oh no I need to build an ark or be in the lions den or go through immense suffering to be righteous” but then I remembered everything from Romans which basically says we are made righteous by faith, so that no one may boast. Just my thoughts. I am praying for your son today. Martha Hix it is good to “see” you here again ! Brooke P and GramsieSue I am praying for you as well. Sissy, thank you for asking for prayers I am praying for you and your husband. Ps I doubt you are “crazy”. You are loved by God.
I love this community. And though I don’t share often, I want you sisters to know that you are in my prayers. Both your requests and praises. God is faithful. He will do what He says.
Beautiful, JENNIFER LOVES JESUS!! Thank you for sharing this prayer. May it be so for all of us!
Good morning sisters!
I found Ez14:12-20 interesting. He talks about Noah, Daniel and Job and how their righteousness would only save themselves. There is an unspoken “But” in all that. Because the righteousness of Jesus could save everyone!
I think in order to tell people good advice we should, at first listen, then let God speak through us so it can be HIS words, not ours. Too often, when we are trying to get people to recognize their sins, or try to give them advice about God, we are often too cold, too defensive, too agitated. Sometimes we get all attitudy in responsive to sometimes a simple question. It’s up to God to bring people back to Him, and correct them if He must, but NOT us. That’s why I believe we should leave it up in His hands, and let Him speak through us when it is necessary.
Also, I think Ezekiel 13 is a good warning to not follow what we want to do for our whole lives. I don’t want to do what I want, I want to do what God wants me to do, I fear if I do what I want all the time, that I’ll forget of giving God the victory and putting Him first.
Have a good day dear sisters, I love you ❤️
“Then you will know that I am the Lord” It stood out to me how many times this was repeated. Isaiah 55:8-11 also stood out to me. Especially “so my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do. I need to think about the words that come out of my mouth. I tend to be ADHD and sometimes blurt without thinking. My words are important to make sure I am honoring and sharing about our God. To not be a stumbling block to someone that is not mature in Christ. Or someone that does not know Christ. God please fill my mouth with your words not mine.
Praying for you individually as well as for your marriage Sissy. You are worth so much in His eyes- His beautiful daughter, which makes you a true and real princess!
Prayers of peace and comfort
Me and my boyfriend of almost two years just broke up yesterday. We were about to accomplish one year of long distance but I knew we weren’t suppose to be together from my convictions. Please pray for him and myself to take our time of singleness to get to know God more!
I need to ask for prayer from you. My husband is trying to figure out what he wants right now concerning our marriage. We have been married for 28 years and together for 35 years.
This last year has been really rough for me. I almost had a nervous breakdown and it just affected every part of my life. I got so paranoid and depressed.
I’ve always had a low self-esteem but always held on to the fact that I had my marriage so the rest really didn’t matter.
What I’ve learned through this is I was looking to the wrong person for my worth. I tried to take care of everything myself instead of taking to the Lord. I’ve really been trying to focus on getting that relationship priority.
I pray “Lord, I don’t what’s going to happen but I trust you”. I say that every day but it’s still hard. I know he will take care of this in a way that is best for me if I only trust that.
Please pray for me that I can grow my relationship with the Lord fully so that He’s the one I find my worth and happiness in. My husband knows divorcing is not what we need to do but I think he resents what I’ve put us through this last year. He’s been really stressed out and busy with work and the last thing he needed was a crazy wife. There has been no infidelity so I know we can work through this. Please pray that God will restore my marriage.
SRT has been really good for me. It seems like the studies come at the right time. Imagine that. It is amazing to me the care and compassion there is in this group. Please keep my husband and me in your prayers.
What an incredible prayer! Thank you for this!
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Such a good reminder today! To be vigilant against false teaching and careful how we represent and use God’s Word and how we live it out. It reminds me of this book I’m reading – Mama Bear Apologetics. Although it is geared toward Christian mothers, you don’t have to be a mom to read this book. It’s been so eye opening for me to be made aware of the lies that are so prevalent in our culture and society today, and this book offers some really practical and excellent teaching on practicing discernment to identify the lies and combat them with the Truth. Highly recommend it!!
Why do we find empty promises from the world so alluring? Why do we keep falling for them? There is a better way to live. Let’s cling to the hope we have in God’s Word. His promises are always fulfilled.
Wow I typically respond without reading the devo bc I try to not read interpretations immediately after I read Gods words so it doesn’t change what God is explaining and/or warning me about.
Thank you for your insights. Prayers for all your need requests. Thebible project is great! Good tip!
04.16 “as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, even if these three men were in it, they could not save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved, but the land would be desolate.” It’s so shocking to realize that person of righteous statue can’t save their love ones, only themselves when it comes to God’s wrath. It’s refreshing to know I can let that weight go of thinking I have to be the one to save my family and get still sad because I wish I could (but even as I write this I know in my heart and I’m God’s word- I, sinful human, can’t save any and only Jesus can and he has done the work on Calvary).
I don’t go to church anymore because of COVID and Listening to Preachers get boring. There is nowhere for me to go. I read these devos instead.
This spoke to me today. Thank You God for Your timing and Your Word
Thank you so much for prayers for my son and all my other children. It made my heart happy. Praying for all of you as well. I love reading and learning from all of your comments about this difficult but beautiful book. I love God’s word. ❤️
This directly speaks to me today. I’m thankful for God’s timing and understanding
This theme of false prophets is one that is near and dear to my heart, because it sits heavy in my soul that so many of our Christian “leaders” these days fall into exactly the behavior God is condemning in these verse. Especially leaders who only proclaim that God is love. Yes, he is immense in his never ending love, but he is also a jealous God that protects his children. The Bible mentions God’s wrath 95 in both the NT and OT. It is there for a reason. And when leaders fail to teach these aspects of God, they are failing those who they lead. We need to pray for these false teachers so they can discern what they are doing. Because it is not only themselves they are leading astray, but hundreds of others.
I often forget how much power words have. The words I say, they matter. This Lent I need to focus on speaking so much more intentionally – to not say what I do not mean. To not lead anyone astray by not thinking through my words before I share them. Also – how much more powerful are Gods words that do not return to him without accomplishing what they came to do.
Each morning I come before You Yahweh, with a truth seeking heart. I confess my sins and lay my burdens down. What is the desire of my heart? Does it align with Your truth? Let Your scriptures be my truth teller. Walk me through the narrow eye of the needle. Does what I carry in my heart fit through? I am letting go of what I cannot carry on the narrow path. I will not lack in what I lay down, You will provide all that I need. There is peace in Your provision Lord. If I am to sow, You will provide the seed. If I am to receive, may I discern it is from Your hand. I want truth more than comfort. I want to stand for You Yahweh, more than I want to be safe. Make me a truth teller Lord. May I be a loving lighthouse, standing firm on the rock, lighting the way home for those on the stormy sea of chaos and falsehood. There is peace in the storm with You Father, sitting firmly on the steadfast throne of love, and You will judge rightly. I trust You, I love You, Thank You Jesus. Maranatha.
Reading the Word helps us be close to God and know His Truth. I’m so happy to have SRT as a way to help me connect with fellow believers about His Word. Thank You, God, for sharing Your Truths with me in the Bible, even when I struggle to understand. Please help me understand better! Amen.
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CHURCHMOUSE – Amen.
Without knowing the truth (from studying God’s word), how can we know/identify a lie when we see or hear one? When I look around at the problems, issues, “accepted” things that totally shock me – I see rejection of God and truth, and instead see belief in one lie after another. Praying for eyes, hearts and minds to be opened to the truth.
I try to keep my “truth antenna” tuned to God’s truth (the only truth) and to do a 180° turn when I hear/read things that ring false … especially things that straight out contradict the Bible or attempt to classify it as outdated and not applicable in the present.
Ezekiel 14:9-11 In trying to understand this passage, I searched “Ezekial 14:9 explained” – one site that came up and seemed legit was ucg dot org, their write up was in plain English.
DOROTHY – praying for Finley’s surgery
REBECCA – praying for Brett and your other children
RHONDA J – praying for your dad’s health, and for your family to see the truth of Christ in you
HEIDI – praying for all, your brother, nieces, exSIL
SHAENA ELIZABETH – praying for your son
KRISTEN – praying for Kelly and her young daughter
MARTHA HIX – I’m honored to pray for you. Many in my family have lost their spouses in recent years – grief and recovery are ongoing in various stages for everyone. ❤️
Each person is responsible for their own relationship with God. We can point others to Him by our lives and example, but when it comes down to it, we are responsible for our own relationship and faithfulness.
The CEV, contemporary English version, is really good to help understand this text!!
I lived this scripture yesterday in a meeting.
Thank you God.
Thank you for showing me a little more clearly why things are sometimes the way they are, and that it isn’t that we as your children are doing anything wrong. We are doing right, but people do not always want to hear the truth. They want to hear what they want to hear, but that is not our option as your children.
You, Father, are so involved in every little moment…even the opening of our eyes and heart to see why we don’t fit into this world.
You are good. I am thankful and amazed Lord.
Victoria E. – I read your post yesterday about reading last year and being overwhelmed with thanks to God for where he has brought you. I think that is my favorite thing about journaling, going back a year or more later and recognizing God’s hand in every bit of my life. He, our Creator God, created your little one and will be with you in these last weeks of pregnancy and through delivery. Enjoy the time. Roll your hands across that little life as he is bound in your womb. You are blessed now and have many blessings to come.
Thank you for prayers ladies…thank you.
It can be so hard to speak the truth with love, as Seana put it, but it is what people need to hear. Lord help me to speak the truth with love to others and that they may do the same me.
I was just talking about this last night with others. There are preachers and others we shouldn’t be listening too. I know I have heard pastor’s give messages and say to read the Bible for yourself. Basically, check to be sure what I’m preaching is correct The Bible warns that there will be false teachers out there., and that there are/will be people that want to hear the lies. I have seen that there are warnings about some of the songs too. I pray that we have discernment to know what is actually from God. May we know His voice. Pray that those under false teachings would be awakened and rejoice that they know. Then, bemlead to a solid preacher. Amen.
A few solid preachers that I listen to are: R C Sproul, Voddie Bauchman, Paul Washer, and John MacAuthor.
I’m not aware of the prayer needs listed above, but I said a prayer for you all. Also, I just heard about a woman named Kelly from my coworker. Tbis woman actually married my coworker’s ex tbis past weekend. They moved the wedding up bc she was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. She also heard that it had spread to her lungs. I don’t know for sure.) She has a 10 year old daughter. My coworker is asking for prayer, so I thought I’d ask if you all would please pray too and especially for salvation! I ask that God would do a miracle healing and may she be a walking testimony of His healing power. I pray that she and all that hear would be, by God’s mercy, drawn to repentance and saved for eternity and that God would be praised and glorified! Amen!
The passages today reinforce the importance of faithful Bible study. The more of the Word that I know, the less likely that I will be deceived. The more intimate my relationship with Jesus, the less influence the world has.
The phrase “Then you will know that I am the Lord” is repeated and jumped out at me….sin and idolatry separate us from God. It is difficult to see God’s justice/judgement as loving but it was all done so that The people would know that He is the Lord. “Because you have supported the wicked person so that he does not turn from his evil way to save his life” Ezekiel 13:22. God is allowing them and us to feel the natural consequences of their actions. Sin and idolatry separate us from God and deserve punishment. “They are estranged from me because of their idols” Ezekiel 14:5 We need a wake up call when we stray. I do have a hard time with Ezekiel 14:9 “But if the prophet is deceived and speaks a message, it was I, the Lord, who deceived that prophet. I will attest how my hand out against him and destroy him from among my people Israel.” What?! God deceived the false prophet then destroys him??? Any insights into this would be appreciated. Also in the four devastating judgement sections it seems that God is saying that Noah, Daniel, and Job’s righteousness saves them….this seems like works over faith salvation….is this because we are reading from the Old Testament? And this changes after Jesus death and resurrection? A lot to ponder today. Praying over you all! DOROTHY praying over Finley on surgery day! If anyone could pray for my son today. He struggles with mental health and addiction issues and has a court hearing today for a low level charge. I pray God uses this as a wake up call to turn my son back to Him, if it is His will.
14:4 is really standing out to me this morning- even when the people approached the prophet with hearts full of idols, God promised to meet with them personally. So grateful that we have the perfect Prophet to come to, when our hearts have gone astray.
NATASHA and ARINA well said. Thank you.
Seana asks, “What influencers do we follow? What teachers do we trust? What do we tell others about what God says?” Such good questions to consider.
I love that God used Noah, Job, and Daniel as examples of righteousness among people who did not know or follow God’s ways.
RHONDA J – praying for your father and nieces
HEIDI – praying for your brother, nieces and xSIL. May you be light in their darkness
I sometimes am inclined to tell people only what they want to hear, just like the false prophets. It’s so important that we are careful in the way we speak about God. So that we speak what God wants us to say, rather than what we think is best.
Dorothy – praying for Finley and her family and that the surgery will be succesful
Heidi, Rhonda and Rebecca – praying for your families that God will bring healing in this brokenness
Angie – praying for your husband and work situation
I have been so struck today by what it must have been like for the righteous to live in Judah in those times, seeing and mourning all that evil around them. That God’s judgement would show his goodness is a hard thing for us to accept, but I am glad that I can trust in him even when things don’t make sense to my human understanding.