Be Not Deceived!

Matthew 24 lists out the signs of end times and the end of the age. This chapter certainly seems to parallel the time we now live in. This week as I read this chapter yet again, I was struck by the fact some of Jesus' first words in this chapter are a warning!

Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, saying, I am the Christ, and will deceive many. ~Matthew 24:4-5

We are living in a time of deception unlike any other period in history. Honestly, we can't be sure that we even know our true history. Sure, we have been "taught" a historical timeline and the events on it. However, is it accurate? Have ancient events and occurrences been omitted or falsified? How would we ever really know? For example, have you ever looked at very old, ancient structures and wondered how they were built so very long ago and without our, so called, modern inventions? Take a look at them! Look at ancient temples, castles and cathedrals. How were these built without the electric tools, cranes and machinery that we have now? Were they built without any of this, really?

How about our Bible? Did you know that some books have been removed? Why? There is a stark warning at the end of the Book of Revelation to anyone who tampers with God's Holy Word and yet, man has.

How about our food? What are we really eating? Have you looked at the labels on packages lately? What in the world are we putting into our bodies? What is "natural flavoring" anyway? Why is it in everything? How have we gotten so far away from real, whole food?

And now, as we live in an age of fake news, how do we believe anyone, or anything that we are told? How do we decipher what is true and what is not?

Jesus tells us....

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravaging wolves. BY THEIR FRUIT YOU WILL RECOGNIZE THEM. ~Matthew 7:15-16

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with it's passion and desires. ~Galatians 5:22-25

The problem is that in this day of FakeBook and screens, we can't really see into the lives of anyone. We don't really know who people are outside of the screen if we don't have interactions with them on a personal level. We only see what they show us. So, we have to be very careful. We must pray for wisdom and discernment like never before.

Over the past 2 years, I have stopped watching "tel-the-vision programs." Instead, my husband and I have been on a quest for truth about what is really going on in the world. We have spent countless hours searching. It seems impossible to find the truth, but we have certainly uncovered a lot of things fed to us that are lies. I know we are not alone in this quest. Many are on this same journey.

I am weary and I am tired of it all. Only God Almighty knows the whole truth. Honestly, I just want Jesus to come! But, until He does, we must rest in knowing that He has ALL of this. The Truth is in Him. Man can have his interpretations and ideas, but only God knows it all...beginning to the end.

Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. ~Ecclesiastes 3:11-12

It is not mine to untangle and figure out. And, it is not yours either, weary traveler.

So, for at least this next week, my husband, Mike and I are going on an information fast. We are not going to tune into anything except God's Word. We will use our TV to play music, or to listen to the Bible and that is it. Want to join us? We are asking God to speak to us, to pour out His Spirit upon us, and to fill us with His wisdom and truth. We are listening only to His voice and we are seeking only Him.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or asks for fish, will give him a snake? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask! ~Matthew 7:7-11

I would love to hear if you want to join us. Comment on this post, or reach out to me.

Pray with me...

Heavenly Father,

Holy is Your Name! You alone are our refuge and hiding place. Lord, we are tired and weary from the battle. So much is going on in our world and it can be so frightening. We take our eyes off of the storm today and we fix them on You. Steady us. Hold us. Show us what to do. We know that You will never leave or forsake us.

We set everything else aside this week and listen for Your voice only. Draw near to us as we draw near to You. Fill us with wisdom and discernment. Hover, Holy Spirit and let Your Word penetrate deep into our hearts and minds. Change us. Make us more like Your Son. Let Your fruit be evident in our lives and may You be always glorified in the lives we live. In Jesus Name.