And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. Luke 21:8 NKJV
This morning the usual chirps and chatters in my yard took on a drastically different tone.
From my perch I could see birds flying frantically back and forth. A bossy mockingbird stood guard. I thought to myself there must be a hawk in the yard.
As I collected my camera and coat I saw a couple of shadows fall over the yard as I headed outdoors. Kind of ominous. I’m thinking to myself that hawk is flying pretty low. I often see them but not usually this close.
I stand outside waiting for a decent picture of anything with wings. Then I spot one. And then another. Soon there are about a dozen in the sky.
Now, I’m no expert on birds but even I realize something is amiss. The hawks I usually see are loners. I may see two together, three at most but very rarely. I have my doubts but keep shooting anyway. I’m anxious to see what’s on my camera.
My “hawks” weren’t hawks at all.
They were vultures.
From their distance in the sky they can pass for hawks to the untrained eye. But their behavior told a different story. My yard birds readily identified the enemy. 
Some people are like those vultures. They look like one thing but their behavior eventually reveals the truth.
They live off others. Their presence is overwhelming. They prey on those small and weak. In nature, most creatures readily recognize the enemy. We aren’t always as discerning.
Our enemies are rarely obvious. They don’t arrive with a pitchfork and horns. Some are flatterers. Many endearing. Our enemies often know the right buttons to push. They can be manipulative. Often, we are oblivious until it is too late!
I’ve been praying for wisdom lately. I didn’t expect this lesson today. I asked God for a few bird pictures expecting cardinals or finches. I received far more than that.
I did manage to finally photograph a hawk. It flew higher than the vultures, not at all threatened by their presence in the sky. 
I like hawks. God uses them to remind me to “fly high” when I am tempted to “get low” and tell someone what I’m really thinking. I often see them when I need a bit of inspiration, no coincidence I’m sure.
I was reminded today to look closely and not act on what I think I see.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 1 Peter 5:8 NKJV
We can’t resist our adversary if we don’t recognize him.
Every good deal, isn’t a good deal.
Some “problems” are merely distractions to pull us off track.
Don’t be deceived into thinking God doesn’t love you. He does.
Don’t be deceived into thinking setbacks will last forever. They won’t.
Don’t be deceived by rhetoric that is contrary to God. All lies.
When in doubt, check it out.
Investigate. Research. Read. Pray.
Listen to God when your gut is screaming “Danger!”
Wise choices often precede a blessing.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NKJV
B Is for Blessed! 
I was pondering upon your posts and this post on Deception caught my eyeballs. We human beings fall prey to all such deceptions. Without the helping hand from the almighty it is impossible to be not trapped. May the Lord shower upon us his blessings, so that we aren’t decieved.
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That particular post really struck a chord with many. I never imagined the response I would receive. Yes, we must rely on God for guidance and direction. When we no longer trust our eyes, and choose to see instead by the Spirit, we can clearly discern and see God’s hand among us!
B Blessed!
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One more verse to add: 2 Corinthians 11:14 – “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” This is a warning to be vigilant in recognizing Satan. We always know when a hawk is present because the chirping and movement of birds suddenly and eerily stop. They sense the hawk’s presence. Sometimes it is not enough as the hawk still snatches one. God gives us powerful analogies in the natural!
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Your post gave me some inspiration to write my own post today, the most recent one. I pray that we will all keep our spiritual eyes open and not be deceived by circumstances or by the evil one. Be blessed and take care, Jesus is coming soon!
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I can’t tell you how much this post means to me in this moment right now!!! Thank you! ❤
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You are very welcome. I’m glad it was helpful to you. B Blessed!
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Those are some great pictures Lilka! I love your quote..”We can’t resist our adversary if we don’t recognize him.”
This is so true. The devil is so cunning he can tell us things and make us think it was our idea. That’s why building our relationship with God is so important because we need godly wisdom to identify him.
He’s nothing but a vulture coming to steal and destroy. While we Christians are hawks flying high not worrying about what’s going on in this world because the victory is already won.
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Thank you for these words in the morning. I loved this post.
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You are so very welcome. Thanks for taking time to stop by and check it out. B Blessed 🙂
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Great applications here Lilka. Love the lessons that you always seem to find in nature, whether it is looking down to flowers in your garden, or looking up to the skies to spot these vultures. 🙂
~Carl~
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Yeah, Carl God is like that. Not just boxed into one spot or space. He is everywhere we have eyes to see… 🙂
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God has encouraged, revelated, and confirmed many things to me in this presant season of my life, through you my sister. You hit home on this one as well, and I just want to say THANK YOU for being faithful and obedient to your call. May our God continue to richly bless you.
LOVE…GRACE…PEACE…
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Thanks so much as always my brother. I’m trying very hard to be obedient. Be encouraged and stay your path. God is definitely up to something…
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Great post! God is using you in so many ways! Just what I was needing to hear tonight! Thank you! – Chelsey from lashes-to-lunges
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You are very welcome. Thanks for stopping by and checking it out.
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This is incredibly list teaching. Absolutely loved it! Going to try to share it on my Facebook page for my blog. 🙂 You bless me, Lilka!
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Have at it Heather! Peace, joy and healing to you! B Blessed 🙂 We are to encourage one another…
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Amen. A much needed post for me. Thank you for sharing.
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Glad to hear it! I’m just a messenger 😉 Peace to you!
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You’re on a roll with a side of slaw today, Lilka!
“Don’t be deceived into thinking God doesn’t love you. He does.
Don’t be deceived into thinking setbacks will last forever. They won’t.
Don’t be deceived by rhetoric that is contrary to God. All lies.”
That just hit me where I live! 🙂
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Ha! You’re making me hungry 🙂
Glad that was good for you. Sometimes we get so caught up in little things we are oblivious to greater lies right in front of us. We can all be led off track if we aren’t diligent in following the Light. Thanks for checking in! Peace to you. 🙂
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G is for GREAT…as always! God bless you Lilka!
Jennifer
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Thanks Jennifer! I’m just a messenger. Remember I was out searching for cardinals 🙂 Thanks as always for stopping by. Peace to you.
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🙂
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Lilka, I thoroughly enjoyed your post. It’s a delight to see your application of the Word to the reality that our enemies are amongst us and usually in incognito.
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Thanks Krista! I get some of my best “sermons” when I’m outside. I appreciate you taking time to check it out and comment. B Blessed! 🙂
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