INCONSPICUOUS DECEPTION

 

Matthew 24:4

 

"And Jesus answered them, 'See that no one leads you astray.'" ESV 

 

Deception is something we feel happens to other people. The truth is, deceit is so subtle and inconspicuous, that even the most learned and spiritual of people can be deceived. We are commanded to watch out because deception can come to us through people or situations we would have never imagined. There is no place safe in this life but that deceit is lying in wait to catch us unsuspecting in it's trap. Prayer will keep us alert and watchful so we do not get deceived.

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for giving us all we need to keep ourselves from being deceived. We know it is our responsibility to put on the whole armor so that we will be alert to the trickery of Satan. Help us by Your Spirit, to be aware of deception and to expose it for what it is. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

 

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NUMBER 1 FASHION CHOICE OF ALL TIME

 

Ephesians 6:12,13

 

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." ESV 

 

Whether we choose to believe it or not, a spiritual battle is raging and we are a part of the battle. This battle is over our souls and the destruction of the Church. The enemy in this battle is Satan, whose most dangerous and cunning feature is to deceive humans into believing he doesn't exist. He works around the clock to strategically instruct his legions of fallen angles to assist in his mission. His mode of operation is to appeal to our senses, distort our thoughts, and use circumstances to deceive us. He loves it when he can make us question God and His Word. However, God has given us everything we need to fight this battle and win. It is His armor! And, we must wear it at all times.

 

Heavenly Father, our flesh, our natural senses override everything and we become weak and vulnerable to the tricks of Satan. Forgive us for not putting on the important wearing apparel, Your armor. Forgive us for becoming complacent and unaware of the seriousness of this battle. Help us to put on Your full armor so that we will be ready to defeat this enemy anytime and anyplace. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

 

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WHAT'S IN YOUR GARDEN?

 

Galatians 6:7

 

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." ESV 

 

Most of us understand the concept of sowing and reaping. If we plant corn, we get corn. If we plant potatoes, we get potatoes. Sometimes we behave as if we don't understand the concept of sowing and reaping at all. We tell ourselves it's all right to do this or that, it's not that bad, it's not going to hurt anyone, it's just this once, no one will know. This is like planting corn and not understanding why we got potatoes. Kind of foolish of us, isn't it? Sowing and reaping is a law of nature. More importantly, it is the law of God Almighty. There is a consequence for every thing we do.

 

Heavenly Father, please give us wisdom and vigilance to be careful when we act. May You always be pleased with what we sow and rejoice with our harvest. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

 

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THE DEVIL DIDN'T MAKE US DO IT

 

 

James 1:13,14

 

"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." ESV

 

It seems we have this natural inclination to make excuses for our wrongdoings. We may even go so far as to blame God for not intervening or for allowing us to get into such a situation. The truth is, we sin because we get subtly enticed and deceived; then we convince ourselves it won't hurt just this once. To keep this from happening, the Word tells us to walk in the Holy Spirit so we won't give in to our natural desires.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for allowing our own desires to allow deception and false satisfaction to draw us into sin. Give us discernment and awareness of the tactics the enemy uses to draw us away from You. Help us to be holy as You are holy. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

 

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DON'T JUST LISTEN! TAKE ACTION!

 

James 1:22

"Do not merely listen to the word, and deceive yourselves. Do what it says." NIV

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." KJV

There are many Christians who spend much time studying the scriptures and learning as much as they can about God's Word. While that is a good thing to do, it sometimes causes a dangerous problem. We become so learned in the scriptures that we go around quoting and teaching what the Word says, but we fail to put it into practice. Knowledge of the Word only makes us proud. Living the Word in our daily lives and actively walking in obedience to the Word makes us like Christ.

Heavenly Father, we ask You to forgive us for merely reading Your Word and failing to put it into practice as You have told us to do. Give us power through the Holy Spirit to live, walk, and breathe the Word of God because it is living and active. We should be as well. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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TURN FROM THE FAITH?

 

Matthew 24:10

"At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other."NIV

"And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another."KJV

What time is Jesus talking about here? He is talking about the last days just prior to His second coming. All of us are sure that we will not be one of those that fall away and betray fellow Christians. But Jesus said it would happen and He said many would do so. How can this happen? The falling away is not an abrupt waking up one morning and deciding not to follow Christ anymore. It is a slow subtle veering away from the Truth led by smooth talking men and women who call themselves Christians. They will teach enough of the truth to keep us listening while throwing in little bits of Satan's lies that don't seem to be harmful at all. If we stay in the Word of God and prayer, the Holy Spirit will let us know when deception is present. Be on guard. Turning from the faith can happen to any of us who aren't alert.

Heavenly Father, oh how we need discernment and dedication to Your Word. Give us more hunger for Your Word and prayer so that we will be equipped to stand strong and not fall away when the time draws near. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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TELL US WHAT WE WANT TO HEAR

 

2 Timothy 4:3

"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."NIV

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears."KJV

When the truth steps on our toes, it hurts and we tend to step away or try to explain away why it does not apply to us. If we listen to the truth, we may have to give up some habit or possession. We might have to change our comfortable lives in some way. This is all just too hard, too inconvenient. So instead, we choose to follow so called Christian leaders who gloss over the truth and tell us things that make our comfortable lives stay comfortable. The danger here is that we will think we are growing spiritually when we are only growing more comfortable in our sinful lives. The truth may hurt and disrupt our lives, but it will set us free to grow in Christ and reap an abundant harvest for His kingdom. Most important, following the truth will grant us to stand before our Lord, hearing Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Heavenly Father, we really do like being in our comfort zone. But we know that the truth will take us out of that zone and into Your will for our lives. Give us the courage and desire to listen and respond to the truth, so that we will grow and be pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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PRIDE AND DECEIT

Some people have a very inflated view of themselves. In fact, these
people are deceived by their pride into thinking others see them in
the same way they see themselves. Their deceptive pride brings them
to places that make them feel they are above the rules and laws of both
God and man. God will allow them to continue in their delusion for a time, but will bring them to reality at some point. We really need to examine ourselves, be real about who we are, and keep ourselves from falling into deceptive pride. Yes, it can happen to any of us. We can fall from any level.

Heavenly Father, we ask that you help us to keep an honest and true view of ourselves, to see ourselves as you see us, so that we will bring glory to you, in Jesus' name.

Read Obadiah 1:3,4

"The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?' Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord." (NIV)

"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD." (KJV)

    
©2010

GOD DOES NOT TEMPT US

It seems we have this natural inclination to make excuses for our wrong
doings. We may even go so far as to blame God for not intervening or for
allowing us to get into the situation. The truth is, we sin because we get
subtly enticed and deceived; then we convince ourselves it's all right to
do it. To keep this from happening, the Word tells us to forsake even the
very appearance of evil and hold on to whatever is holy.

Read James 1:13,14

"When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." (NIV)

"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." (KJV)

STRONG HEARTS

The children of Israel, who had the promise of a new land, complained
and disobeyed until God took the promised land from them, and when
the last of them had died, their descendants were allowed to enter it.
We, as children of God, are warned to keep our faith strong so that we
can enter God's promised blessings of eternal life right now. We can keep our faith and belief in God by encouraging and being encouraged by our fellow Christians.

Read Hebrews 3:12,13

"See to it brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart
that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily,
as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by
sin's deceitfulness. (NIV)

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." (KJV)

WEAR ALL THE ARMOR

As Christians, we all have spiritual battles to fight against the subtle traps, deceiving temptations, and outright devastating attacks of Satan. We can't be without the full protection God has provided for us or neglect to maintain and wear any part of His armor. We are to be alert and prepared for anything the enemy may use to hinder or destroy our Christian walk.

Read Ephesians 6:11

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (NIV)

"Put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (KJV)


  
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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WEALTH: ETERNAL OR TEMPORARY

Those who are blessed with finances and the finer things of this
world should pay attention to where they place their trust. It is an
easy thing to rely on financial and material security. However, the
only sure and lasting security comes from God and He supplies it in
abundance and pleasure.

Read 1 Itmothy 6:17

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be
arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain,
but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with every
thing for our enjoyment." (NIV)

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly
all things to enjoy" (KJV)




  
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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WISE LIVING

It is a wise thing to pay attention to how we live. If we take every
opportunity to walk in Christlike ways, we will be able to stand
victoriously in the evil that is all around us. Remember, evil is a
wolf in sheep's clothing.

Read Ephesians 5:15,16

"Be very careful then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are
evil." (NIV)

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (KJV)


  
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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DISHONESTY

It is one thing to be openly and unashamedly dishonest and unfair. But
it is far worse to pretend to be honest while hiding and disguising the
face of deceit. God detests the intention to deceive by those who
cunningly try to make themselves look truthful and innocent. They are
wolves in sheep's clothing. Is it any wonder our Great Shepherd abhors
them.


Read Proverbs 11:1

"The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His
delight. (NIV)

"A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his
delight." (KJV)


  
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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DECEIVED

It would be difficult to believe that Christians would intentionally
follow after demonic influences. The problem is, the demonic
influences of these last days are so subtle that they appear to
be the truth. This places Christians who are not alert, watching,
and fully equipped with the armor of God in grave danger of
being deceived.

Read 1 Timothy 4:1

"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the
faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."
(NIV)

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some
shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and
doctrines of devils;" (KJV)


  
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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DANGER IN SEEKING RICHES

Those who seek only after material things are most vulnerable to giving in to temptations to gain more. They become trapped in their search for riches, making unwise decisions that eventually destroy their souls. Loving to be rich is the source from which many evil things come.

Read 1 Timothy 6:9,10

"People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (NIV)

"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (KJV)



  
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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RID OF THE OLD LIFE

The Word of God is clear about getting rid of all remnants of the old life.This includes attitudes of the heart, such as: unholy ill will, intentional dishonesty, false spiritual appearances, resentful jealousy, and malicious gossip. These things linger and will surface if we do not make a clean
break with out life as it was before we accepted Christ.

Read 1 Peter 2:1

"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind."



 
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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RESISTING EVIL

To be able to stand firm against the deceitful enemy and his attacks, we are to hold fast to our faith, which comes from hearing the Word and hiding it in our hearts. We are not alone in resisting evil. All Christians everywhere are experiencing the same struggles.

Read 1 Peter 5:9

"Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."



 
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Bobbi Craigmyle
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As Christians we are to always be watchful and on the alert to the deception that surrounds us with well hidden traps. The deceiver is the evil one and seeks to get us off the true path in these ways: Subtly, through our senses and thoughts; Masquerading as the truth with logical spiritual and religious philosophies; and, Forcefully, through tribulations and trials that discourage us and cause us to
question our Lord. Watch out for these traps, they are everywhere.

Read 1 Peter 5:8

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."



 
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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LAST DAY FRAUDS

It would be wise to study and know God's Word and the warnings given by the men who walked with our Lord. They told us to be aware and ready for seducing men who follow their own ideas and desires and try to get us to follow along with them. They create a religious environment that condones and minimizes sin as if it were nothing at all and produces no remorse or guilt. These people do not have God's Holy Spirit at all. Be on the alert.

Read Jude 17-19

"But dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, 'In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.'"



 
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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