March 31 - Deception

“Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’ ” Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus” - Matthew 4:8-11


Three weeks or so back, I was listening to local radio when they introduced someone from the Paranormal Society of Great Britain. I was washing the dishes at the time, and by the time I had dried my hands and reached the radio to change channels, the rep' was talking about Nottingham. It appears, according to him, that Nottingham has the highest number of recorded reports of paranormal 'events' in the whole of Great Britain.

What a sign of the times! What a change from the days our country was known for it's Christianity.From the Garden of Eden to today, the Old Snake is as subtle and active as ever. He slithers and writhes his way into people's minds, constantly assuring “There's no harm in it” - “everybody's doing/having it” - “go on, enjoy yourself!”

Recently I was talking with a young teenager who was telling me about a school activity week she had been on, and what she and her friends had got up to – most of it hilarious, they'd had the best of times. I got a surprise though when I asked how they had spent the long winter evenings. The board games I had in mnd turned out to be an improvised ouigi board, taking turns asking questions and sending messages. I was so relieved when my young friend said she'd had the courage to stand, be different from the crowd, saying she was a Christian and wouldn't take part. Praise the Lord!Today, I received a catalogue in the mail. Enclosed was the usual marketing ploy – the offer to have a Persoanl Account - “Buy now....Pay later.” The enclosed leaflet continued: 'Plus, we'll give you all this....Affordable payment options....Easy safe ordering....Try before you buy....Stress-free returns.'

Where had I read offers like these before? Then it struck me that these are the same offers Satan has dangled before us since the beginning of time. I'd read the warnings in the Bible, “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” - 2 Cor.11:3. “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” - 2 Cor. 4:4. "Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him. "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. "Behold, I have told you in advance” - Matthew 24:4-5.

Every day our young people are bombarded with 'offers'....'Met someone you like – are they THE one? why wait-try before you buy....if it doesn't work out, there's plenty more fish in the sea.' 'Go on, have what you want, you deserve it'....Buy now, pay later – no stress!' Safe ordering....affordable payment options....you only live once....'believe ME' hisses the viper.

What can we do? The Apostle Paul in the Message Bible, Phil. 3:12-21 advises us to keep our minds focused and God will clear away other thoughts. Make friends of those who are “....running the same course, headed for the same goal....” Avoid those who want “easy street” - that's “....a dead-end....” they make “....their bellies their Gods; belches are their praise; all they can think about is their appetite.”

God's offers and promises surpass anything the devil dangles, and they are true, and sure - “....there's far more to life for us. We're citizen's of high heaven! We're awaiting the arrival of the Saviour, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthly bodies into glorious bodies like His own....”

With God we CAN buy now, and reap our reward NOW. Payment options? Christ has already paid the cost – no need to try before we buy. Whenever we need help, ordering is as near as a whispered prayer....nothing to return – stress-free.

As James said, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble” - James 2:19.

Today's music?  "I'll Take Jesus" - sung by Jason Crabb.  Click on the picture to listen.