Do Not Be Deceived

When we look at the condition of our world today, it’s apparent that we’ve all been deceived in some way or another. From overt deceptions inciting, the more the merrier, to subtle delusions that we’ll be just fine because everyone else is doing it, most of us are misled into following worldly ways. No doubt, there’s trouble hiding behind those fallacies as Romans 12:2 indicates, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Jesus also warns us in Matthew 24:4-5 “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

To grasp a deeper understanding of the word deceit, I looked up its definition and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as dishonest; behavior meant to fool or trick someone, concealment of the truth. Its antonyms are truth, honesty, and sincerity. Since Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and the opposite of truth is deception, we can conclude that deception comes from the enemy. And we’re all aware that the enemy comes only to steal, to kill, and to destroy so falling into worldly ways will surely lead us to destruction.

Satan began deceiving the world in the Garden of Eden when he tricked Eve into eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and he hasn’t stopped since. While we are clearly no longer in the Garden of Eden, we are still under his attacks (and more so today because he knows his time is very limited). He also knows that most of us aren’t willing to deliberately bow down and worship the devil, so he’s become very creative in concealing his identity to trick us into sin and evil. After all, he is the Master Deceiver and the Father of all Lies. Satan wants you to believe that:

1. God is holding out on you and He’s trying to keep good things from you, but God says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

2. Money is the key to happiness, but God says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10

3. You can trust and act upon your own thoughts and feelings, but God says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

4. Hell and the devil don’t really exist, but God says, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 and "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

Although the devil is consciously fighting a lost battle, he will continue his deceptive schemes until the end of our earthly time. When in doubt, refer to the only source of absolute truth, the Holy Bible and fear not because we have an Advocate who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. No matter how much adversity we encounter, we can rest assured that victory is ours because Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Discipline (not desire) Determine Destiny

There are so many things that I desire to do.  Some aspirations are recent and some dreams I’ve had ever since I can remember.  Whatever the goal, I’ve come to realize that it takes more than desire to accomplish anything.  It takes discipline.

Proverbs 5:22-23 tell us, “The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast.  For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.”  Those seem to be extreme consequences because I’ve never considered lack of discipline resulting in death or deception.  But no matter how we choose to perceive this proverb, it clearly warns us that the absence of discipline leads to no good.

Jesus is Coming Back!

Bible-believing Christians know that Jesus is coming back for us because Matthew 25:31-32 tells us, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne.  All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”

In addition to these verses, there are many more references in the Bible that foretell the return of Jesus for His people. The $64,000 question seems to be when?  Throughout history, futurists have incorrectly predicted the date of His return, sending packs of people into chaos and fear even though the Bible clearly tells us that no one knows when. “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father,” Mark 13:32.

Most recently, a global advertising campaign, spending enormous amounts of money is predicting that May 21, 2011 is the big day and it even goes as far to claim that through hidden mysteries, the Bible guarantees this is The Day!  I’ve read the reasoning (and the Bible) and I’m still unable to completely comprehend exactly how they’ve drawn to their absolute conclusions, but the real question is, “Does it really matter?”  In the dozens of articles I’ve read and researched regarding this apocalyptic prediction, the only concern seems to be with determining the date.  Nowhere have I read about the importance of His return and how we should be preparing for that glorious day whether it happens to be tomorrow or long after I’ve left this earth.



We should not be so consumed with when, but more with what.  What am I doing to serve Him faithfully and to fulfill His perfect plan for my life?  What am I doing to live a godly life, not just for my own salvation, but for unbelievers’ whose only glimmer of God may be the light He shines through me?  What am I doing to spread the good news of His promise that all turmoil in this world will be wiped away and there will be no more sorrow or pain?  What am I doing to live the abundant life that He died to give me, filled with peace, joy and love?



What I do in preparation for that wonderful day of the Second Coming is much more important than the actual day itself.  That day does me no good if I’m not prepared. In 2 Corinthians 6:2, He tells us, “In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”



Do not allow another day to pass without intentional purpose and preparation for your eternal life because although we are guaranteed of His return, we are not guaranteed salvation.  As a matter of fact, we know that not everyone will be saved because He warns us in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?”  Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you, away from me you evildoers!”



So in conclusion to all this end-times hoopla, I’ve decided that I won’t jump on any fanatic bandwagons and sell all my belongings or celebrate like there’s no tomorrow (I’ll have plenty of time for that in heaven), but I will be obedient to His Word expecting to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  Come and share your Master’s happiness.”

From Mess to Message-What is Your Story?

Let's face it.  We all have a story, a messy one.  I have yet to meet a single person who doesn’t have regrets or disappointments.  We’ve all had instances and experiences that we wish we could erase from our past; some of those instances producing uncomfortable or even lifelong consequences.  Furthermore, the old adage, “Hindsight is 20/20,” just confirms the probability of former flawed decisions.  Fortunately, none of us have to remain in the past nor do we have to live with the guilt or shame that may have stemmed.  Romans 8:1-2 tells us, “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” 

The Power of a Name

Many of us are familiar with the power of a name.  Whether it’s your own name or someone you know, we have all experienced the weight that names and titles can carry.  For example, the title President, generally describes someone with the authority to make important decisions. The title, Medical Doctor, typically refers to someone deemed capable of diagnosing and treating illnesses.  The title, Mom, most often signifies someone who will love, accept and understand you more than any other human being.  Needless to say, there are powers and privileges in a mere name. However, all of these names still have limitations.  There is only one name with infinite ability and that name is Jesus! 

Philippians 2:9-11 tell us, “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”