I think often we fail to realize our own naivety. We know wickedness abounds yet fail to discern that which is ever near to our own abode. Perhaps many of us have forgotten the stories of Haman, Judas, and of course the inner workings of Tobiah and Sanballet.  I agree in that the latter could be conceivable to us today, yet would we see a Judas at our table? For there was nothing to quicken the hearts of the disciples that was merely visible. To the contrary, he moved with Christ and his called ones daily. His last move was a gentle kiss. Yet laced it was with deception and betrayal. We clearly have forgotten the scriptures were given to correct, reprove, teach, and rebuke.

As we walk into a new season with greater deception than ever before, we must become wise as serpents and innocent as doves. We need a counsel of friends who challenge us constantly. Be ever so careful of a group always in agreement and unable to speak concerns openly. For love is truth even when it is hard to say. Truth sets us free while all the rest binds us in shackles. I need those who can question my theology and reason. The church needs disciples unwilling to swallow every morsel preached to them. We need boldness and courage to do as the disciples did…and at times we will stand against the religious order of the day. It is supernatural discernment that warns us of a vision that is false or a prophetic word that is weaved with deception and lies. Otherwise, we all slip away from truth believing every manner of gospel being preached. There is a great danger in a closed mind. Be ever secure in Christ and His Word but ever more honest at that there is much we may see inaccurately. Sit under many teachers and be willing to reason the scriptures. Ask many questions. Bring up concerns. A telling sign of possible deception at work is a teacher unwilling to listen to others. The body of Christ has a duty to hold one another accountable and no one is off limits to questioning.

Also, there must be caution that Satan comes as the angel of light. A flattering tongue, a yes man or woman, an inner divisive spirit brought by envy, and a counterfeit spirit will rob you of much should you not see it quick enough. A spirit of legalism that places God’s people back into bondage of any kind, offers partiality to which Christ is explicitly opposed, or a wiff of any sort of deception of mannerisms will tip you off to at the very least another spirit at work. Do not dismiss Christ showing such things in any given moment.

Trust what Christ shows your heart even when it seems near impossible. He warns us ahead of time for a reason. Be strong and courageous.

“The Jacobs”

We find within the scriptures deep

A fascinating man.

A man with two sides of a heart

A character of flawed intent.

A man who is divinely blessed

Yet works within deceit.

He’s known for simply grabbing heels

A lying sneaky cheat.

It seems he does manipulate

To gain a mighty edge

Never fully trusting God

For envy is motives wedge.

He simply wants what others have

Be careful of flattering tongues

Who seem to always have a “yes”

Even when it comes undone.

All seems well and appearances too

Yet underneath a normal facade

Is quite the motive of wicked hearts

A crafted Satanic mirage.

If we’re not careful too in our midst

Is brewing deceptions plot

A subtle crafted meticulous plan

To steal your blessed lot.

So here today I hear of the “Jacobs”

Of great deceivers being sent

To come with merely empty words

To rob your blessings again.

Be careful whom you give now charge

For perhaps there’s been a switch

And if you are not careful now

Your birthright will soon be missed.

Nehemiah Chapter 4-Tobiah & Sanballet

Genesis 32- the heel grabber/supplanter-Jacob

Luke 22:48- Judas’ kiss of betrayal