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

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'So You Won't Abandon Your Faith!' (Jn. 16:1-4)
"[Jesus continued,] "I have told you these things so that you won't abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Dead in Sins' (Ep. 2:1-3)
"Dear Father, King of the Ages, Thank you for the new life you have infused into my being. I once was dead because of the misdeeds and sins in which I..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Openness of Gentiles to Listen'
"As Paul was about to be taken inside, he said to the commander, "May I have a word with you?" "Do you know Greek?" the commander asked,..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Origen:
"The Word is stronger than all the evils in the soul. The Word is the healing power who dwells in him."

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