Thursday, November 13, 2008

Don't Take The Bait



My husband and I had been in prayer and fasting regarding specific decisions that we needed to make for our family. After seeking our Lord’s face we were sure that He would make it clear to us what direction we needed to take. He has always been faithful to guide and lead us down the right path so we trusted Him to give us direction and to show us His will.

It has been several months now and an option has presented it’s self. But is it God or are we being baited and lured by a temporary solution that only ends in bondage? After reviewing the possibilities of the offer presented to us we realized that it was a trap. At first glance it seemed that the proposal would provide freedom and relief. It was appealing and tempting, too good to be true. My father in law said to us, “I always say if it looks too good to be true then it probably is.”

After digging deeper into the substance we were able to find the hidden hooks that would have hindered and kept us restricted from the freedom that we need. Had we of taken the bait and accepted the offer our circumstances would have changed for the better temporarily, however there were consequences and repercussions for accepting this false promise of peace. We thanked God for giving us wisdom, common sense, wise counsel, His Word, and His Holy Spirit to help us properly evaluate the situation. It became clear to us which way to go.

This isn’t the first time that the enemy as tried to divert us from taking the right path. The enemy will come to us all of with His alluring temptations full of false promises of hope and relief. He makes his offers so tempting and sound so good so as even to deceive, if possible, God’s chosen ones. His goal is to get us off tract and distracted from following God’s will for our life. We must be prepared to properly discern every claim, temptation, and offer the enemy presents.

In the past I more easily fell for the enemy’s lies and deceptions because I desired my own way more than God’s way. I did not read the Word of God daily and therefore I was not meditating on it either. My mind was worldly and full of selfish desires. I was easy prey. I was easy to deceive. Not any more! The enemy has to come correct and tactful now.

Don’t foolishly disregard what I am telling you. The enemy desires to blind us with deception, bind us, and keep us from achieving all that God has for us. I am not giving the enemy too much credit. I am just keeping it real with you and reminding you that this is a spiritual battle. Our enemy, satan is real. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. (1 Peter 5:8-9)



Don’t fall for the enemies tricks. Stay on the right path, the narrow road. Know the Word of God and what it means. This is the sword that you will use to defeat the lies of the enemy. His Word assures us that we are on the right path. It is the light that guides and leads us. We are more then conquerors in Christ Jesus and we have the mind Christ to help us discern truth from deception. Don’t take the bait. (Psalm 119:105, 1 Corinthians 2:16)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lisa

This was very encouraging to read this morning but still confusing.

I recieved a word from god that this is the season to seek.

But being a baby in christ it's so hard to stay focused sometimes.
It seems the more i seek god the harder it gets ....please help me to understand.

Lisa C. aka Trophy of Grace said...

Thanks for you comment Lakenya.

I’m sorry if you are confused. Don’t be. It’s simple. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. He will set appealing traps for us that will make us think that it is the resolution to our problems. Such as drug abuse to help us cope with life’s hurts and pains or a boyfriend/girlfriend that seems to be god sent but is really not. His plan is to keep us distracted and from following God’s will. He plays on our emotions and desires of our flesh. If we fall for the bait he sets for us we will find ourselves walking down the wrong path every time.

You are right. This is a season to seek the Lord. In fact we are to seek the Lord at all times. We are to constantly seek God’s will through His Word and prayer. The more we read the Word of God the more we will know God’s will for our life. His Word reveals to us truth and gives us direction for all areas of our life. It helps to renew our mind and we begin to develop more of the mind of Christ. You have to stay focused on Him, keeping your mind on Him at all times. We are to meditate on His Word day and night and pray without ceasing.

Our life as believers and followers of Christ it is hard. Jesus did not promise us that it would be easy. Jesus said,” I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Don’t allow anything to get you to take your focus of Christ Jesus. Put nothing before Him. Seek Him and His righteousness you will see that everything else will line up.

My God is Faithful!

My God is Faithful!
Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.He lifted me out of the slimy pit,out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.