Guarding against Deception
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.”
Luke 21:7–8
In December of 1985, thousands of people living in and around Washington DC received exciting news in the mail from a company called Flagship International Sports Television. They were told that they had been selected to receive free tickets to the upcoming Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals football game. All they had to do was show up at the Washington Convention Center where after a free brunch they would not only receive their tickets but also be entered into a drawing for free tickets to that year’s Super Bowl as well. Roughly one hundred people responded to the offer, but when they arrived at the convention center they were arrested by U.S. Marshals and Washington D.C. police officers. The notices had been sent to criminals with outstanding warrants whom the police had been unable to find.
Satan has been using deception against God’s children and lost people alike ever since the Garden of Eden. He does it because it works. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:4). He presents offers that look tempting on the surface but conceal death and destruction within. As Dr. John R. Rice used to say, “All Satan’s apples have worms.” God gives us the duty and responsibility to be alert to what is going on around us so that we are not deceived and led into sin.
Luke 21:7–8
In December of 1985, thousands of people living in and around Washington DC received exciting news in the mail from a company called Flagship International Sports Television. They were told that they had been selected to receive free tickets to the upcoming Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals football game. All they had to do was show up at the Washington Convention Center where after a free brunch they would not only receive their tickets but also be entered into a drawing for free tickets to that year’s Super Bowl as well. Roughly one hundred people responded to the offer, but when they arrived at the convention center they were arrested by U.S. Marshals and Washington D.C. police officers. The notices had been sent to criminals with outstanding warrants whom the police had been unable to find.
Satan has been using deception against God’s children and lost people alike ever since the Garden of Eden. He does it because it works. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:4). He presents offers that look tempting on the surface but conceal death and destruction within. As Dr. John R. Rice used to say, “All Satan’s apples have worms.” God gives us the duty and responsibility to be alert to what is going on around us so that we are not deceived and led into sin.
Today’s Growth Principle:
God wants His children to be wise and discerning so that they are not ensnared by deception.
Cooperate with God's Plan
by Joyce Meyer - posted September 25, 2016For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
- Jeremiah 29:11
God has a plan for every person and His Word clearly says it is a good plan. But Satan starts his dirty work early in your life, attempting to pervert and destroy God’s good plan. He arranges for all kinds of disappointing, discouraging, hurtful, and frightening events to take place. And often he does a lot of damage.
But no matter how much you have been hurt, God can restore you. If you experienced a bad beginning, do not despair. God is in the business of repair, and His repairs are better than new. However, this restoration will not happen automatically. You must believe the Word of God and fully cooperate with Him during the restoration process. Look to Jesus, the One who loves you unconditionally. He is the Author and Finisher of everything in you and your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment