To understand how the Devil uses seemingly benign or even “good” things to lead us into sin, we must first recognize that at the core of all his deceptions, Satan manipulates our own hearts against us. The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17:9 The prophet JeremiahContinue reading “The Deceitful Heart”
Category Archives: Devotional
The Great Deceiver
Before we move on there is one last description of Satan I’d like us to briefly examine: And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. –Continue reading “The Great Deceiver”
Satan’s Masquerade
Google defines masquerade as an event, typically a party or ball, where attendees wear masks and sometimes elaborate costumes. These events often featured dancing, music, and intrigue, with the anonymity of masks allowing guests to interact more freely and sometimes playfully conceal their identities. Simply put a masquerade revolves around masks and concealing one’s identity,Continue reading “Satan’s Masquerade”
Do Not Be Ignorant
Before we delve into the various masks Satan uses to entrap the faith, we must be very frank about who the Devil is and what tactics he uses. So, for the next, few days we will expose who is actually inviting you to his masquerade ball. Paul makes this statement of Satan in his letterContinue reading “Do Not Be Ignorant”
Oaths You Have Taken
In The Return of the King, Tolkien presents an incredibly moving scene where, in the face of certain destruction, the Beacons of Gondor are lit, calling for aid from their neighboring ally, Rohan. When King Théoden sees the beacons, he swiftly rallies the Rohirrim, the noble warriors sworn to answer his call. As the king’s nephew, Éomer, gives the command to summon riders from across the kingdom, he passionately proclaims: “Now is the hour! Riders of Rohan! Oaths you have taken, now fulfill them all!” This moment powerfully embodies the themes of honor, duty, and unwavering loyalty that define the Rohirrim. his moment powerfully embodies the themes of honor, duty, and unwavering loyalty that define the Rohirrim.
King David gives followers of God the same charge!
Sin’s Great Masquerade
Welcome to February! I’m excited to post our Scripture reading plan and theme for the month. Sin’s Great Masquerade will examine how Satan disguises his true intentions by using things that initially appear harmless. In the retelling of the Fall of Man, Moses describes Satan as the most cunning of all (Gen. 3:1) to helpContinue reading “Sin’s Great Masquerade”
Jonah’s Vow
The story of Jonah is widely known. God called Jonah, one of His prophets, to preach a message of repentance to the people of Nineveh: “Repent or face God’s judgment.” However, Jonah was unwilling to go because Nineveh was an enemy of Israel, and he did not want them to be spared from God’s judgment.Continue reading “Jonah’s Vow”
Hannah’s Vow
Hannah’s vow is a pivotal moment in the biblical story. Her vow is found in 1 Samuel 1. The story recounts how Hannah, who is deeply distressed about her inability to have children, goes to the Tabernacle and makes a solemn vow to God. Her story begins with a brief summary of Hannah’s married lifeContinue reading “Hannah’s Vow”
Jephthah’s Vow
One of the more challenging accounts in Scripture related to vows is the story of Jephthah’s vow, recorded in Judges 11. Here’s a summary of the incident:” Jephthah, a judge of Israel, made a rash vow to God before leading the Israelites into battle against the Ammonites. He promised that if God granted him victory,Continue reading “Jephthah’s Vow”
Israel’s Vow
During Israel’s wandering, they were attacked by the Canaanites. In response to the needless attack, Israel prayed to the Lord and made the following promise: Then Israel made this vow to the Lord: “If you will deliver these people into our hands, we will totally destroy their cities.” The Lord listened to Israel’s plea and gave the Canaanites over to them.Continue reading “Israel’s Vow”
Adonai's Appeal 