Don’t Be Deceived…

I was recently reminded to be a bit more mindful and not merely act on what I “think” I see.

Our enemies aren’t always obvious. They rarely arrive with a pitchfork and horns.

Some are flatterers, even endearing. Many are manipulative and masters of illusion, leading us to make assumptions that can cause us great harm.

Upon closer inspection, I realized the “bee” in the photograph was hardly a bee.  Instead it is a wasp, to which I am highly allergic. There are no less than six Epi-pens stashed around my home!


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

It is impossible to resist our adversary if we can’t recognize him.

And then there are times we are so eager to receive what we want, we refuse to acknowledge the pitfalls that lie ahead.

The serpent deceived Eve because she desired something she could not have.

Jacob was deceived into marrying Leah instead of Rachel. Had he known the youngest could not marry before the firstborn, I think Jacob would have negotiated a better deal than fourteen years of servitude!

When in doubt, check it out.

Ask questions.

Investigate.

Pray!

I’ve slowly learned to listen to God when my gut is screaming “Danger!”

Every good deal is not a good deal.

Some “situations” that fuel anxiety are often distractions to keep us from fulfilling our purpose.

Don’t be deceived into thinking God doesn’t love you.

He does.

Don’t be deceived into thinking setbacks last forever.

They don’t.

Don’t be deceived by rhetoric that is contrary to God.

 All lies.

 Wise choices often precede a blessing. Ask God for wisdom and don’t be deceived…

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

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James 1:16-17 NKJV

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

24 comments

  2. The fallen Angel satan ( the devil ) is a DECEIVER of millions of people!!

    Please Pray for our Judeo-Christian Nation United States of America and Israel-Yisrael and our Christian Earth Everyday!! “Pray Without Ceasing.” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV )!!

    I Love you all Everyone through Jesus-Yeshua Christ, because HE LOVED 💕 EVERYONE FIRST!!

    Love 💕 Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/

    Kristi Ann

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  4. Very good, Lilka, Amen. The wasp and bee analogy is a good one here. While bees are beneficial for pollination and making honey, they’re also an integral part of growing fruit. Wasps actually kill bees and endanger all of that. So, like the enemy of our soul, wasps (indirectly) kill the fruit.

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  5. Lilka, thank you for your precious words that draw us to God’s Word. This reminds me of a former, similar post Distracted, Detained and Deceived on our blog. We need our senses trained as those who have the wisdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. It takes years for some of us to learn. Wasps are not my friends, either.
    For some reason your posts are not coming up on my Reader. I do so enjoy them, and will have to remember to check on them outside that format. Be blessed as you continue to share what the Lord is doing in your heart and life.

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  6. Most of the time I’ve found out it’s not the Devil who deceives me but me wanting what I want. Just like what happened to Eve. Satan temps us but it our hearts that gets us into trouble.
    That’s why it’s so important for us to know who we really are, that way we can see manipulation for what it is.
    This post reminds me to see reality and not an illusion of what I want to see.
    Thanks!

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    1. I have definitely been in the wanting what I want when I want boat and kicking myself later! Our hearts can lead us astray even while the Spirit is screaming “danger!”
      As always thanks for stopping by and checking it out. B Blessed!

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  9. A very good post. A very true and sensible post. We all need to be vigilant. It is hard to see the enemy for what he/it is. Lord knows I have fallen into many a trap and should have known better. Sometimes at 60 plus I am not sure if I am being sucked in or not. We all have to be on our toes. Thank you for your wonderful, thoughtful posts. 🙂

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and taking time to comment. We all get sucked in from time to time but as we get older, hopefully those occurrences become few and far between. B Blessed and have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

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  13. Insightful. I remember my former Pastor Rev. A.R. Bernard saying that sitting in church no more makes you a Christian than sitting in a car makes you a Chevy. Some of the worst scoundrels are in the church. Thankful I’m not as trusting as I was when I was young. I keep my circle small have learned to Beware of Wolves in Sheeps’ clothing.

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