Ezekiel 13:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;

3 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

4 O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.

5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.

6 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.

7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?

8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.

9 And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

Introductory Thoughts

Due to the false hopes offered through the lies of witchcraft, many lives have been devastated. Fortune tellers, psychics, and horoscopes become a source of hope, assuring simple souls of peace when there is no peace apart from the Lord (Ezekiel 13:10). Men expect the promises of peace to come to pass to the point that they search diligently, looking for the slightest confirmation that these counsellors speak the truth. Some have gone so far as to claim that these counsellors are of God and speak for God. Rest assured that this is not the case. Only the word of God can speak for God. Where there is hope, the word of God offers that hope. Where there is no peace, the word of God declares it plainly.

Devotional Thoughts

• (For children): Most people really do not want to hear the truth (Isaiah 30:9-11). Yet, words are useless if not from God (Jeremiah 2:8; Jeremiah 14:13-16; Jeremiah 23:30-32). Simon the sorcerer wanted others to think he was great. But he needed to be saved (Acts 8:9-13).

• (For everyone): In whose hand is your future? Why would you trust the words of man when only God knows your future? Why is it blasphemous to trust the words of horoscopes, magicians, psychics, or other such witchcraft?

• From whence do you derive your hope? Do you reject any and all forms of witchcraft as the false prophets that they are?

Prayer Thoughts

• Ask God to show you the only true source of hope.

• Thank God for giving you light.

SONG: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS