“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; because, having stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).
The seductions of evil never appear as they are — they always come disguised. I have heard that, in a war, ammunition was hidden in piano boxes and messages in melon rinds. This is how the enemy operates: he deceives us, offering music when he brings explosives, promising life while delivering death, showing flowers that hide chains. He uses illusions and attractions to trap us, making everything seem good, when in reality it is destruction. “Things are not what they seem” — that is his game.
But how can we distinguish what comes from God from what comes from the destroyer? The answer lies in obedience to the Law of God. When you keep your mind steadfast on what He has revealed through His prophets and Jesus, you gain clarity. Faithfulness to the Word protects you from the devil’s falsehoods, because God does not allow His own to be deceived when they are aligned with Him.
So, stand firm in obedience today. Do not be swayed by beautiful promises or shiny disguises. Cling to the powerful Law of God, and you will be assured that the Lord will guard you from the enemy’s traps, guiding you safely to the true life He promises. -Adapted from J. Jowett. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, today I stand before You with an alert heart, impressed by the subtle way the enemy tries to deceive me, hiding destruction in shiny promises, like ammunition in piano boxes or death in melon rinds. I confess that sometimes I almost get lost in the disguises, attracted by flowers that hide chains, but Your voice calls me back, awakening me to the truth that not everything is as it seems. I want to seek You more, so that my eyes see beyond the illusions and my heart recognizes only what comes from You.
My Father, today I ask You to give me discernment to distinguish what comes from You from what comes from the destroyer, keeping my mind steadfast in obedience to Your Law, revealed by Your prophets and by Jesus. Teach me not to be swayed by beautiful promises or shiny attractions, but to align with Your Word, which gives me clarity and protection against the devil’s traps. I ask that You guide me in faithfulness, so that I am secure in You and not deceived by the enemy’s illusions.
Oh, Most Holy God, I adore and praise You for promising to guard Your own from the disguises of evil, guiding me safely to the true life when I cling to Your will with faithful obedience. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your powerful Law is the light that unveils falsehoods. Your commandments are a song that guards me. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
