I read a post yesterday that stirred me up…

And when I woke up this morning,

I realized

that it’s still on my heart.

Perhaps I will write more on the specifics of that post,

but for now,

here is what is rising up within my heart for today…

The Word alerts us that we have an enemy

who is out to

“kill, steal, and destroy“…

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy…”—John 10:10

And this enemy

is after

“who I am”

in Christ.

…to confuse

to manipulate and misuse

to deceive…

It’s nothing new,

“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”—2 Corinthians 11:3

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”—1 Peter 5:8

…but it’s only going to get worse in this world

before it gets better.

“But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”—2 Timothy 3:13

Yes, our enemy is a destroyer, and a deceiver…

But God…

He is OUR Almighty Deliverer and REDEEMER! ☀️

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.“—John 14:26

“And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”—Psalm 50:15

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”—John 14:6

“…I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].”—John 10:10 AMP

Being aware of this attempt of deception

that the Word of God warns us about,

Knowing this…

causes me to want to press into God, and His truth

…all the more.

Not because I fear deception,

but by the gift of His Spirit

…the beautiful fear of the Lord…

“In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.“—Proverbs 16:6

“The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.“—Proverbs 19:23

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.”—Proverbs 14:27

“To worship God in wonder and awe

    opens a fountain of life within you,

    empowering you to escape death’s domain.”—Proverbs 14:27 TPT

God puts this desire in us.

Because of His faithfulness and His lovingkindness,

and because of

WHO

HE

IS…

He draws us deeper into His truth,

this “sanctuary”

of abiding in His truth.

“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”—2 Thessalonians 3:3

“…the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.”—John 14:17 AMP

And while we know we have an enemy

whose goal

is to destroy and deceive…

we have a Savior

who, by His Spirit,

gives us eyes

that we may see,

and be set free…

“Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.”—Psalm 25:4-5

“Yes, You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.”—Psalm 31:3

And do you know…

that when this is the prayer of our hearts,

we are praying in

alignment

with His will, His heart,

His desire for us…

“Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.”—Psalm 86:11

He is faithful to lead us, and to deliver us.

Jesus tells us,

that this is how we are to pray…

“And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”—Matthew 6:13

And the Word of God instructs us…

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”—Ephesians 6:11

And so…

in the midst of living in a world of “smoke and mirrors”

“traps and schemes”…

again today, I set my gaze

on the One who delivers me…

…this One who gives me sight

that I may truly see

and be truly

…free, indeed.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”—John 8:36

May we ever be

continuously

running straight to Him

our God, our Deliver…

“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”—Romans 8:15

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:32

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”—Galatians 5:1

Thank You, Father. 💝

-Heather 🌺