Saved From the Dark

"All warfare is based on deception."

~Sun Tsu, The Art of War

🌣 Yep. I fell for it again. I let someone deceive me into buying something and it was a scam. I feel so vulnerable and helpless when this happens. And stupid.

Yet one more reminder there is a dark side of the web and bad people who want to hurt us - whether it be financial, spiritual or personal. In an area where you can feel unsavvy, uneducated, even novice in some areas (and others, experienced enough to know better), it's easy to feel the need to act on trust, and want to believe people's intentions are good.

But some are not, and it seems more and more we need to distrust, check, verify, and not hurry into transactions without validating so we are not deceived. Welcome to the end times...

🌣 Our trust is in the Lord - for our eternity and our well-being now on this earth. It doesn't mean we are exempt from exposure to evil. Jesus warned us about deception when the end times were near -

"Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in My name, claiming,

'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many." Matt 24:4-5

Money and credit cards can be replaced, and people who are swindling others in that manner will have to answer to God, but we must know our Savior and His Word, because eternity cannot be replaced. Being committed to reading and studying God's Word daily is the only way we can yield the sword of the Spirit against false doctrine and deception.

"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths." 2 Timothy 4:3-4

🌣 Many verses warn against false prophets and false paths (Matthew 24:24, 1 John 4:1, 1 Timothy 4:1), but we can have peace of mind and rest assured, as Jesus promised, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us to all truth-

"But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative - that is, the Holy Spirit - He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. Don't be misled or afraid." John 14:26-27

So, yes, we are to be discerning, with all facets of our lives; and we are in warfare.

🌣 But we don't live in fear. Unlike the darkness of this world, the light of Jesus and what He did on the cross for us is pure Truth - not hidden or impure.

✙ Dear Heavenly Father, You are our Protector and Shield. We trust in You for our eternity and for our minutes on earth. There is nothing that is hidden from You and nothing that can snatch us out of Your hands. Let us be guided in wisdom by Your Holy Spirit so we can freely love on others so they may know You better. Amen.

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