GUARD YOUR HEART AGAINST DECEPTION

08/02/2023

"The old prophet answered, "I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD: 'Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.'" (But he was lying to him.)

One sign that the Lord's coming is at hand is the sophisticated nature and broad tolerance for deception. In Matthew 24:24, Jesus said, "For false christs and false prophets will arise, and will do great miracles and wonders, insomuch that if it were possible, the very elect should be deceived." Notice the expression "false christs" and "false prophets." In other words, these actors are no strangers to the elect. I shared a story yesterday in 1 Kings 13 about a young prophet who was being mightily used by God, whom God instructed not to eat bread or drink water or return by the way he came. He was tested by the King (which represents an outside voice), and he didn't succumb. But when he was persuaded by the old prophet (a familiar voice from within), he disobeyed. 

Saints of God, BEWARE OF FAMILIAR VOICES. This old prophet said to this young prophet after the young prophet refused his first advance, "I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD: 'Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.'" (But he was lying to him.)" Sadly, when the old prophet was told of the demise of this young prophet, he said, "It is the man of God who defied the word of the Lord. The Lord has given him over to the lion, which has mauled him and killed him, as the word of the Lord had warned him."

Nothing derails destinies like deceptive and familiar voices. Voices that sound like they are from Heaven but have deep-seated satanic agenda. Acts 16 tells of a girl who followed Paul, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." This appeared to be free publicity; she even attested to the anointing of God on their lives. But Apostle Paul didn't buy into it. He was sensitive to the Holy Spirit and would not succumb to deception.

I have often said that the enemy cannot deceive you without your consent. One must be self-dealing for the enemy to derail them with familiar voices. For example, the enemy might tell a youth or assisting pastor, "You should be leading your church; you are more gifted than the senior pastor. Your season at that church might be over." These words would be futile and have no significance if a person is not already power drunk or self-seeking. Because when did these voices become God or your pastor whom God has anointed to cover you? Saints, if you ever hear such a voice, recognize it as the enemy and IMMEDIATELY disconnect yourself from such a person. 

When Jesus was confronted with a familiar voice that wanted to derail Him from His call, He didn't play nice or diplomatic. He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God but merely human concerns" (Matthew 16:23). In other words, disgrace the devil before he derails your destiny with familiar voices. Don't sit down there and say, "I understand" or "I hear you." You cannot respond calmly to someone poisoning your soul and positioning you to rebel against the anointing. 

Child of God, RUN from these voices before it's too late. Recognize the devil's voice and send him packing! Guard your heart against deception.

God loves you.

Faith-Filled Confession::I am delivered from wicked and deceptive people. My path is full of light and wisdom. I refuse to succumb to worldly lust and wisdom. In Jesus' name. Amen

ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Psalm 65-67; Romans 2

Prayer Point

Pray against all forms of accidents; workplace, motor vehicle, domestic, etc. Declare that we are protected against all forms of losses and damages.

Pray that the wisdom of God guides our brethren in all their dealings. Declare that they are constantly led by the Spirit of God and guided away from deception, error, and poor decisions. ( Isa 30:21; Isa 58:11, 1 Cor 1:30)

Pray that every member of your family will be saved and walk in the spirit. Declare that no one in your family will end up in hell. 1 Timothy 2:4."…will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.'