April 28, 1999, Wednesday

Does a profession of truth always have a good intention to

those that may hear it? Do those that make such professions

of truth suffer if the intentions are deceitful? What is a

profession of truth that is with honor and reward?

The Writers of the Gospels and Mark tell us of many accounts

of people that were under demonic influence. The devastating

work and activities of the demons have a purpose toward the

ultimate destruction of people. Specifically there was a

man with many demons that declared Jesus was the Holy One

from God, but the intention of the demons was to deceive-

"And he cried out with a loud voice and said, "What have

I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I ask

You by God that You do not torment me" (Mark 5:7)! Many

times the evil spirits declared His deity, but always the

purpose was to distract from the work of Christ. Demons

often pretend to be friendly spirits to deceive people and

blind the minds of believers; But Jesus at all times was

the Son of God ready to dispel error!

Luke tells us that Paul would not accept the testimony of

a young lady with demonic influence because the design of

the high testimony to Christ was malignant and deceitful-

Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying,

"These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who

are proclaiming to you the way of salvation" (Acts 16:17)!

Paul was grieved and pitied the young lady by the distress

of the demonic influence. Paul commanded the exit of the

demons from the woman as a faithful servant of God. He was

aware that Satan is the father of lies and will declare the

most important truths to serve his mischievious purposes.

. Luke tells us of a truthful confession that was made by

the influence of another Spirit, the Holy Spirit! The

Ethiopian was a noble man that searched the Scriptures

for the truth and accepted the Lordship of Jesus. The

disciple, Phillip told him what he must do for salvation-

"If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he

answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the

Son of the Most High God" (Acts 8:37)! He put his faith

in God and reliance in the truth of the Scriptures. It

was an example of unreserved devotion to Christ and an

example of the advantage and profit one will have for

employing their time by searching the Scriptures.

Let us remember who has the higher and better way.

God's Name is Jehová Elyon. His thoughts and ways

are higher than ours. He has the solution to every

problem that we face. That solution and way can be

yours today as well. Can you turn your eyes towards

heaven 3 times today and pray to the Most High God

for a higher way? Lift your hands to Him today for

His higher way. Trust Him and Praise Him Today for

a higher and better way!