“And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.” – Matthew 24:4

Oh Lord, let us not be deceived.

“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 11:3

It’s easy to think harshly of Eve sometimes, isn’t it? “Oh, why did she go and do that? How dumb!”

But I am realizing how easily I can be deceived, especially in the areas of my weaknesses. Why else would the Word remind us so often “not to be deceived”, and to test and to not believe everything we think or hear spoken to us?

Isn’t it interesting that as we dig into our hearts with the Lord, we find all kinds of weaknesses we never realized were there. There is a reason He leads us to these kinds of discoveries. ?

Over the last few days, I found an area that was weak, and the Lord showed me exactly what to do. He’s so faithful to show us what we need to know when we ask Him to show us the truth. He won’t let us remain deceived when we fully depend on Him.

It’s like the Lord has taken me by the hand and we’re going like…

“Let’s dig deep and take care of this, and let’s take care of that…. because if you don’t, you can be deceived, so let’s fix this together now and then you’ll be able to see through the clearing and understand and see what’s really going on. Then you’ll be able to see more clearly.”

There is a reason for the ways of God. There is a reason why He has established biblical principles for us to follow.

This morning I was reminded that the enemy is described as the “accuser of the brethren”…

“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.” – Revelation 12:10

If we think we are “immune” to deception, we are living in a dangerous place.

My only hope in not being deceived, is in the transforming and renewing of my mind –allowing the Lord to do the transformative work that He does, while living and walking so closely with Him, constantly checking myself against the truth of His Word. My only hope is when I am in the place of being so utterly dependent on Him, so open before Him, that I’ll be able to quickly find these weak places in my heart and work through them with the Lord. He will enable me to see the truth and the light of the situations I face in this life.

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” -Romans 12:2

Titus 3:3-6 says, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

I am realizing just how much I desperately need discernment in this day. Not anything I could have of my own, natural ability –I need what can only come from the Lord. –That kind of discernment. What only He can open my eyes to see, what only He can reveal.

“O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.” -Psalm 119:169

“Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.” – 1 Timothy 4:1

“And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can approve the things that are superior and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.” -Philippians 1:9-11

Amen. Thank You, Lord for the transformative work that You do in me. Let’s keep going, I’m hanging onto You with all that I have! I’ll need Your help in hanging on, but I’m giving all that I’ve got, and I’m thankful that You will help me the rest of the way. ☀️

-Heather ?