Daily Diary January 25th, 2019

The Enemy's Deception

As we go through life we must renew our mind to the Word of God so that we stay clear of deception.  We live in a corrupt world and we deal with relationships that are often rooted in deception.  We are all subject to the schemes and plans of the enemy and we must recognize these traps by staying clear of deception when possible.

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

This scripture tells us that people are not our enemy.  People are made in the image of God and with the spirit of God.  They are simply deceived and conflicted by the powers of darkness. 

When someone is deceived and conflicted by such things and not operating in the truth of God’s word they can be used of the enemy to pull others off course causing more deception.  We can “ALL” fall into this trap and walk in our own flesh at times and deceive others.  It’s easy to do. 

We all need God’s Grace in times that we fail, but we must also be wise and steer clear of conflict. If anyone is pushed enough they will eventually fall into the traps of the enemy.  This is why we need a “Savior”.  Anger, jealousy, envy, pride, greed and lust are often the underlying cause of conflict and deception.  It is important to stay clear of ungodly situations..

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

Question:  Is the enemy in a certain relationship controlling you or are you operating in God’s perfect will?

Ephesians 4:20-24  But you have not so learned Christ, ²¹ if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: ²² that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,²³ and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴ and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

If you find yourself in relationships that continue to cause conflict then the enemy is at work somehow in this situation.  It’s not the person but rather their flesh that is drawing them or you off course.  Most of the time “Truth” will be partially compromised by selfish desires that cause this deception. 

As Christians we can be enticed to mix our fleshly desires with the truth to gain something for ourselves.  We can deny the real truth and lean on “what’s in it for me”.  When our situation doesn’t work out the way we intended we harm others by using the “truth” of God’s word even though we were deceived.

Sometimes it is necessary to remove yourself from these relationships even though we can love the people and want what is best for them.  If they continue to cause conflict and heartache you may simply need to move on in love.

Being a “Christian” is the understanding that you need a savior.  It is the recognition of falling short at times in our flesh and leaning on the righteousness of God as your source and not yourself. 

Romans 3:22-24 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,²⁴ being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

We unfortunately live in a world that continues to bring accusations because we are not perfect.  This is the enemy at work.  He hates the grace of God and the power that we have in the name of Jesus!  Even Christians become deceived into thinking that people should be “perfect” when they become saved.  We are perfect in “Christ” but not in our flesh.  This is the lie that is running rampant in the body of Christ.  In fact this lie is keeping others from finding salvation in Jesus.  It is a hypocritical approach that the enemy is using to steer others away from churches and church leaders.  Anytime a “Christian” is not found “perfect” the enemy uses people to accuse them steering others away from Gods Grace and Salvation!

Revelations 12:10-11 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. ¹¹ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Father God we thank you for your “Grace” and protection. Give us the wisdom to steer clear of the enemy’s traps, but also the courage to help those in need.  We choose to love those that persecute your children in Jesus name, Amen

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.