A Pause to Ponder God's Word
"Beware of the Deceiver"

I went into the rest room at a rest area on the highway and there I found a large circular toilet paper dispenser. On the face of the dispenser I read the big bold words: "T-BOX". Now it has been quite a few years since I took geometry, but I do remember that there is a distinct difference between a circle and a T and a box. Two thoughts came to mind: 1. What a confusing world we live in; 2. What a deceiving world we live in. It consistently attempts to make us accept something other than the truth.

Have you noticed the world's constantly attempt to deceive us.?. Much of what it tells us is designed to mislead us, to sell us a lie. Have you noticed that the world constantly redefines words using them in different ways to soften the sinfulness of the activity they describe? Have you noticed that the world uses flashing lights and glittery descriptions to get people's attention, knowing the glitter is merely a cover up for a degrading destructive sin?

Scripture repeatedly warns us about the deceiver. Satan uses truth only when it suits his purpose of deceiving. Jesus called him the "father of lies." We are told to watch out for the deceivers who will use all sorts of cunning to entrap us. One of satan's favorite targets is non-thinking, unprepared, idle Christians. In John's first epistle we are told to "test the spirit's". Paul instructs the Corinthians to "beware of those dogs, those mutilators of the flesh". James reminds us that God never tempts us. John tells us that God is light and in Him are no shadows. He never deceives.

Beloved, don't drop your spiritual guard. Don't be lulled to sleep by the hypnotizing effect of the lights and glitter of the world. Rather, "offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable worship; not being conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds." It is then that you will "be able to know and approve what is the good and perfect will of God." Then you will see through the facade and deception so that you can abhor and flee evil and cling to that which is good. You will know the difference between a circle, a "T" and a box.

Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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