Deception is His Game

Jesus said very specific and distinctive things about Satan. The ones that stand out to me are:

1. He is a liar.

“You are the children of your father, the Devil, and you want to follow your father’s desires. From the very beginning he was a murderer and has never been on the side of truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he is only doing what is natural to him, because he is a liar and the father of all lies.” (John 8:44 GNT)

2. He is a deceiver: crafty & cunning.

“NOW THE serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1 AMP)

3. He has a devouring nature.

“Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 GNT)

This morning in prayer it dawned on me: with Satan it never is what it seems. He picks a fight, creates urgencies and emergencies simply to distract us. He engages our attention in one situation while he is busy plundering what he is really after in a completely different area.

My nature is so quick to engage an issue. But I often find myself fighting and winning battles that were simply intended as distractions. Meanwhile, I am plundered in areas that I vacated in my short-sighted efforts to trust in my own judgments and strength.

In those moments of attack, I am committed more than ever to:

1. Stand back and pray for God’s wisdom and vantage point.

2. Gain and access discernment from the Holy Spirit.

3. Protect what matters most:

Joy that is my strength
Peace that is my portion
Right-standing that is my inheritance

“[After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17 AMP)

Posted by pierreduplessis
Posted in Personal
Jul, 10, 2012
8 Comments.

8 Responses so far.

Laura Bunce says:

July 10, 2012 at 2:16 pm

I needed this today. I have but for a brief moment was not focusing on God. I am thankful it was just that a brief moment. The enemy is under my feet and I am moving up closer to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ !
Edwena says:

July 10, 2012 at 5:35 pm

After reading this Im Thanking God for two things:
1) His precious word -that is truth
2) our pastor, that delivers it with transparency& boldness
Excited for your return!
Linda Whittier says:

July 10, 2012 at 10:32 pm

This is true – I am a nurse. It’s especially true about engaging an issue. There are so many issues but we need to stay on track with what God has called us to do!
jaby says:

July 10, 2012 at 10:45 pm

Well put Edwena…ditto!
Christopher Hopper says:

July 11, 2012 at 8:43 am

3. Protect what matters most:

Joy that is my strength
Peace that is my portion
Right-standing that is my inheritance

// this should be pinned to every Christian’s wall.

ch:
Steve Shean says:

July 18, 2012 at 12:14 pm

Thank you Pastor and welcome back!!!

Your posting has touched me deeply. I feel your message was for me and the security team. I will think of it going forward as I lead the 715 security ministry.

All too often, as satan comes against our church, I rush headlong into the fray before taking the time to ask God what my response should be. Thanks for the reminder that I need our Lord as I serve the house.

I have sent the link to your message to my team and we will all “Stand back”, take a breath and ask for His guidance before we respond to “a liar” and his ploys.

I thank God for your wisdom!
Linda Whittier says:

July 18, 2012 at 2:31 pm

Mr. Sean, I don’t know you, but your comment was great! That is exactly how I have to function “out in the world,” working as a nurse, and as part of a health organization.
I wrestle with these issues at work, so I loved the wisdom you and Pierre shared. Thank you!
KiKi D says:

July 29, 2012 at 7:33 am

I stumbled upon this blog today, but I truly believe it was God guiding me. Friday I made a decision to return and surrender all to God. Saturday, I attended service and listened to Pastor Cooper preach was affirmation from God that it is time. Reading this blog allowed me to see that i was led astray because i was reacting so quickly to things that held little or no value to the destiny God has designed for me. Thanks to Pastors Pierre and TFH family for accepting, guiding and helping! Satan is a lie and God is LOVE1