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Tuesday, September 6, 2005

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Colossians 2:6-15
Psalm 145
Luke 6:12-19

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confusion or commitment?

"See to it that no one deceives you through any empty, seductive philosophy that follows mere human traditions, a philosophy based on cosmic powers rather than on Christ." —Colossians 2:8

Satan is the author of confusion. He tries to seduce and trick us in thousands of different ways. We must have our eyes fixed on Jesus and be maturing in the Spirit or we will be deceived.

"Let us, then, be children no longer, tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of doctrine that originates in human trickery and skill in proposing error" (Eph 4:14). "I tell you all this so that no one may delude you with specious arguments" (Col 2:4). "Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching" (Heb 13:9). "There are many irresponsible teachers ... empty talkers and deceivers. These must be silenced" (Ti 1:10-11).

A good teacher "must hold fast to the authentic message, so that he will be able both to encourage men to follow sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it" (Ti 1:9). The truth will set us free, and confusion will hold us bound (Jn 8:32).

In the modern world, and even in the Church, there is a monumental crisis of truth. We must know Jesus personally, be guided by the Spirit, and boldly acknowledge the Lord in public. We must completely submit our wills to Him and tremble at His word (Is 66:2). If we are not totally committed to Jesus, Satan will manipulate us to work against Jesus. We're either completely for Jesus or forced to be against Him.

Prayer:  Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All! (Jn 20:28)

Promise:  "The whole crowd was trying to touch Him because power went out from Him which cured all." —Lk 6:19

Praise:  Joseph is able to clear away confusion by spending a weekly quiet hour in Eucharistic adoration.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape on Developing A Deep Personal Relationship with Jesus on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 8, 2005

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