Last time we learned about three strategies and tactics the enemy uses when he attempts to deceive us. Today we will discuss three more strategies and tactics as we continue to review the story of the temptation in the Garden of Eden found in Genesis 3:1-7.
The Anatomy of Deception Part 1
Are there strategies and tactics the enemy uses when he attempts to deceive us? Are there ways in which we open ourselves to deceit? If so, are there ways that we can recognize those strategies and seal off those spiritual leaks?
Genesis 3:1-7 recounts the story of the temptation in the Garden of Eden. The serpent carefully and cunningly weaves his way into Eve’s imagination and opens her mind to a view of her world that is different than the one God had taught them. Continue reading “The Anatomy of Deception Part 1”
Partnering for Success
If you are anything like me, there never seems to be enough hours in the week to get everything on the To Do List completed. Sure, some of this is because I am a big dreamer, but many times, however, I fall short of my goals because I fail to properly engage the help around me.
While employers, managers and organizational leaders often have paid and/or volunteer staff to help get the job done, some do not have that luxury. Even those of us that are blessed to have a great team of people around us, often have elements of our life that need to be done outside of that staff structure.
Out of Isolation
Unless you are an emotional and spiritual zombie, we all have moments that make us pause and contemplate life. I experienced one of those recently when a friend and fellow minister sent me a text stating that he had found his wife cheating on him – again.
In my experience, God usually prepares us for these moments. Just the morning before I learned the news, I was reflecting on how even though we are more connected than ever through technology, business and interest-centered organizations, the real us has perhaps never been more isolated and lonely. Even I must reluctantly admit, there are a lot of people who know me, but precious few who really KNOW me.
The Formation and Preparation of an Exorcist
Many years ago a teenage boy was abducted from his Christian home and taken to a foreign country where he was forced into slavery. For six years, he prayed constantly amid great torment and loneliness. He came to identify with Christ in suffering, and learned what it really meant to trust God no matter what. One night during a time of prayer and fasting he heard a voice telling him it was time to be free. He escaped and found passage home to his family where he began to study for ministry.
Continue reading “The Formation and Preparation of an Exorcist”
Three Signs of a Spiritual Pied Piper
Remember the old children story about the Pied Piper? When the Piper didn’t get what he felt was rightfully his, he played his pipe while the children followed him out of town. Is it possible that today we have spiritual Pied Pipers who, when they don’t get what they feel should be theirs – doing it God’s way, adopt a new approach?
The Apostle Peter warned us in 2 Peter 2:1-2, that false prophets and teachers would bring swift destruction on themselves by introducing destructive heresies and denying Christ. He went on to say that people of the church would follow their sensuality and would harm the reputation of the gospel. Jesus said in Luke 17:2 that it would be better for a man to have a millstone hung around his neck and thrown into the sea than to lead little ones astray. Jude 1 echoes Peter’s words saying that false teachers and prophets have followed the way of Cain, Balaam and Korah.