Friday, 13th November, 2026

Bible Reading: John 10: 11-13

Memory Verse: Now the Bereans were of more noble character… for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11

Many people have walked away from church—not because God failed them, but because someone claiming to represent God abused their trust. One of the greatest tragedies in the body of Christ is when spiritual authority is used as a weapon instead of a responsibility. God calls pastors to protect the sheep, not prey on them (John 10:11-13). Sadly, some corrupt ministers twist the Bible to satisfy their own sinful desires. Instead of leading people to Christ, they manipulate them for money, sex, power, and control. Consider the heartbreaking story of a pastor who told a young woman: “The shepherd is worthy of the milk from the sheep.” He used those words to convince her that allowing him to suck her breast was biblical. That was not Scripture. That was manipulation. Jesus never taught such a thing. The Bible teaches that a shepherd is worthy of support for his ministry (Luke 10:7), not entitled to violate the bodies of those under his care. Another deceptive statement some have used is: “The Holy Spirit came upon Mary. I am filled with the Holy Spirit too. If I come upon you, you will become spiritually pure.” This is another lie. Mary’s pregnancy was a unique miracle that fulfilled God’s plan of salvation. No pastor, prophet, or spiritual leader has the authority to imitate or repeat that event. Anyone who claims otherwise is deceiving people. Throughout history, corrupt leaders have used many lies such as: 1. “Don’t question me. Touch not the Lord’s anointed.” 2. “If you leave this church, God will destroy your destiny.” 3. “God told me you must marry me.” 4. “Sleeping with me is a prophetic instruction.” 5. “Your deliverance cannot happen unless you meet me privately.” 6. “If you truly honour me, you must give me all your savings.” 7. “God speaks only through me. You don’t need to read the Bible for yourself.” 8. “If you tell anyone what happened, you are fighting God’s anointed.” 9. “Your healing depends on obeying every instruction I give, even when it contradicts Scripture.”

These statements are not the voice of the Good Shepherd. They are the language of manipulation from wolves in sheep clothing. Jesus never demanded blind loyalty. Instead, He invited people to know the truth. The Christians in Berea did something remarkable. Although the Apostle Paul preached to them, they still searched the Scriptures daily to confirm that what he taught was true (Acts 17:11). If they verified even Paul’s teaching, how much more should we examine the words of every preacher today? Your relationship with God must never depend entirely on another person. Go to church. Honour faithful spiritual leaders. Receive godly counsel. But never stop reading your Bible. Never surrender your conscience. Never ignore the warning signs simply because someone carries a microphone, wears a clerical collar, or performs miracles. The devil quoted Scripture to Jesus (Matthew 4:6). Quoting the Bible does not automatically mean someone represents God faithfully. When you know God’s Word, deception becomes easier to recognise. You may not know every verse, but you will know when something does not sound like the heart and character of Jesus.

Quote: The safest believer is one who knows both the voice of the Shepherd and His Word.

Prophetic Decree: May the Good Shepherd expose every wolf in sheep clothing, in Jesus name.

Prayer Focus

Father, give me a hunger for Your Word. Help me to know You personally and not depend on second-hand faith. Give me wisdom to recognise the truth from deception and courage to reject every form of manipulation. Surround me with faithful shepherds who point me to Christ and help me grow in Your Word, in Jesus name. Amen.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Luke 23, John 18-19