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Tuesday, August 9, 2005

"Don't Be Deceived!"

"Satan disguises himself as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14). "Don't be deceived, my dear brothers" (James 1:16).

I sure had a strange experience last night. My wife, Brooksyne, quickly cleaned the kitchen after dinner and left for a meeting. I noticed the coffeemaker was on and I figured she had made herself some fresh coffee prior to going to the meeting so I poured myself a cup. I took one drink and started coughing and as quickly as possible spit it out. It was hot vinegar!  Turns out Brooksyne had run some vinegar through the maker to clean it out and since there was some old coffee in the carafe it "looked" like coffee. My throat is still stinging this morning. 

I told her about the horrible vinegar/coffee drink when she came home.  After I finally convinced her I was not teasing she had a good laugh.  She wasn't trying to deceive me although she normally empties out the carafe prior to running the vinegar solution into it.  I should have been more observant at the light brownish color of the "coffee".

This reminds me of another form of quite intentional deception.  It is a deception that we, as Christ's followers, need to be on our constant guard against.  Today's first Scripture forthrightly states, "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."  Essentially in this deception Satan seeks to steal the identity of an angel of light. The word translated "disguises" is very interesting.  Other translations use the words "transform" or "masquerade" to translate the Greek word "metaschēmatizo", which means "to change in fashion or appearance."

From the very beginning Satan has used disguise as a means of deception, as in the garden he disguised himself as a serpent.  Jesus, in His most lengthy teaching on Satan said, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44).

A great line in the hymn "A Mighty Fortress" expresses it this way:

But still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe,
His craft and power are great and armed with cruel hate
On earth is not his equal.

Thank God for the balance of the great old hymn which reminds us of God's provision to overcome our enemy through the infinitely greater power of Jesus Christ.  Today I encourage you to turn fully to Christ and be ever vigilant against our enemy and heed the simple words from James 1:16, "Don't be deceived."


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Note from Brooksyne:  Before I went out the door last night I asked Stephen to watch the coffeepot as I was cleaning it out with vinegar.  He was very much into reading a book that held his complete attention so he gave me the nod without really giving me an ear.  I'm sure the vinegar lesson will stay with him for quite some time.

"Lord, so often when we're in prayer or praying with others in the Body of Christ we give verbal expression with the affirmation of "Amen" or we simply nod our heads in agreement.  Our outward body language is in agreement but deep within, our hearts look another direction.  When You are dealing with us about destructive habits, sinful attitudes, or unhealthy relationships in our lives help us to not just give a nod of agreement but give us the resolve to change from the inside out.  As Your presence abides in our hearts Your will becomes our own, Your desires become our desires, and Your character becomes our character, for we are made in the image of God."

I was not even aware Brooksyne had spoke to me about the coffeemaker cleaning until I read her note. I was indeed very much into a book my brother lent me that was quite intriguing (I finished it this morning). Actually it was the second of two books by the same author and both books deal heavy with the matter of deception so I suppose I am especially keen to that now. Following is some info on these books.

34247: A Skeleton in God's Closet A Skeleton in God's Closet
By Paul Maier / Thomas Nelson / W

Move over Indiana Jones . . . Harvard archaeologist Dr. John Weber has just made a shocking discovery---Jesus' bones! The evidence seems incontestable. When word leaks out, pandemonium ensues and John must prove the archaeological find a cruel hoax---before millions abandon their faith! 352 pages, softcover from Nelson.
62382: More Than a Skeleton More Than a Skeleton
By Paul L. Maier / Thomas Nelson / W

Harvard archaeologist Dr. Jonathan Weber is starting to question whether he and Christian history have been wrong about Jesus. A man is raised from the dead, water turns to wine, the blind receive sight, and countless throngs are held spellbound by the unworldly wisdom of Jewish sage Joshua Ben-Yosef. Has the Messiah returned? 352 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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