Spiritual Warfare: 'Testing the Purity of Our Hearts'

God's Power for Our Battles — Monday, August 17, 2026

Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, "Come, let us worship other gods" — gods you have not known before — do not listen to them. The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul.
— Deuteronomy 13:1-3 NLT

Today's Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to the false prophets and false teaching that are around me. Help me to know Your Word and Your commands so I can recognize when I’m being led astray. I don’t want to put any other gods before You, Lord. I don’t want to be deceived by their impressive false teaching. Help me to always measure these things against Your Holy Truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Deuteronomy 13:1-3 NLT — Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, "Come, let us worship other gods" — gods you have not known before — do not listen to them. The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, August 17, 2026

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Affirmation of His Spirit' (2 Co. 1:21-22)
"God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge — a sure beginning of..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'I AM the Messiah' (Jn. 4:26)
"Then Jesus told [the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well], "I AM the Messiah!""
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Wisdom of the Cross' (1 Co. 1:18-21)
"Dear Father, author of all true wisdom, You have said, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart." Where..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: 2 Kings 7:3
"Dear reader, this little book was mainly intended for the edification of believers, but if you are yet unsaved, our heart yearns over you: and we..."

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare