Tag: deception

Christian, Christians and Jews

What Is the Spirit Saying?

Cindy Dawson

Monday’s Meditation for 9/14/26

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1 NIV

You don’t become discerning by going to church, or listening to YouTube preachers, or by reading books about the Bible. These things can be good, but they are vulnerable.

To understand what is happening in our world today, we must be students of the Bible because if we aren’t, we will be at great risk of being deceived by our enemy, Satan, and his demons. Everything we hear or read must pass the litmus test of God’s Word. That’s how you become discerning. It’s the only way.

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

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Christian

Should We Expose Biblical Error?

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Friday, 8/14/26


“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” Romans 16:17-18 NIV 

It is not those who point out doctrinal error that cause division. It is those who depart from sound doctrine that cause division. They deceive unsuspecting people. This is why they must be exposed – to protect believers.

Speaking the truth in love is an act of obedience, not hostility.

“I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” Jude 3 NIV

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB

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Christian

The Apostle Peter’s Last Letter

Cindy Dawson

Peter’s final message before he was martyred tells us that the issue he was most concerned about was false teachers. His words are just as pertinent today as they were when he wrote them.

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” 2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV 

Have you ever read a book by a so-called Bible teacher that describes their highly unusual encounters with the living God? I could give examples, but I will refrain. Peter says false teachers exploit Christians with made-up stories.

Why? They’re greedy. They make a lot of money from their books, videos, and personal appearances. (Don’t get mad at me. I’m just telling you what Peter warned us about in his final letter.)

Peter goes on to say, “They are experts in greed—an accursed brood! They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness.” (2 Peter 2:14-15 NIV)

In other words, they are experts at making money.

“For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.” 2 Peter 2:18 NIV

Commentary: “They are accomplished orators, holding audiences spellbound by their grandiose rhetoric. Their erudite vocabulary attracts undiscerning people. What their sermons lack in content, they make up for in a dogmatic, forceful presentation. But when they have finished, they have said nothing.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Peter was martyred by crucifixion in Rome around 64–67 AD during Emperor Nero’s reign. According to tradition and early Christian accounts, Peter requested to be crucified upside down, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus Christ. 

May we always treasure God’s Holy Word and recognize that it is our Way to Truth. We need not be deceived.

In His Love, Cindy

To learn why Jesus came to the earth, read, Who Is Jesus? A Message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

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Christian

The Apostle Paul’s Last Letter

Cindy Dawson

During a period of intense persecution of Christians in Rome, the Apostle Paul wrote 2 Timothy while he languished in prison. It was the last letter he would write.

Historians describe Rome’s Mamertine Prison as a former cistern, a cold, damp dungeon in a well, 12 feet below ground. Neglect, darkness, and stench made it hideous. It was the last stop for prisoners condemned to die, where they awaited execution by strangulation or decapitation. Strong evidence tells us that Paul spent his last days in such a place.

Paul knew he would die soon. Therefore, this letter is not to be taken lightly. I urge you to read this short letter. The following are a few of the verses from that special book of the Bible:

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NASB (emphasis mine)

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these. For among them are those who slip into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. … But evil people and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:1-7, 13 (emphasis mine)

“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;” 2 Timothy 3:16 NASB (emphasis mine)

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction.  For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4 NASB (emphasis mine)

In summary: More difficult times are coming. Make sure you teach the Bible correctly. It is the Word of God. Even greater deception is coming. Evil impostors will teach people what they want to hear, rather than the truth.

In His Love, Cindy

To learn why Jesus came to the earth, read, Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

Sources:

Jeremiah Study Bible Notes

Alexander Meddings, Rome-based writer and historian. 

Isadora Ruyter-Harcourt 

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Christian

Listening Prayer: What It Is And Why You Need to Know

Cindy Dawson

2-minute devotion for Tuesday, 3/24/26

The idea of “listening prayer” is to spend some time talking to the Lord and the rest of the time listening to His response. It is often described as having a conversation with God. Although you won’t find it in the Bible, it is being taught in the church today.

When you listen to a Bible teacher, ask yourself, “Is that in the Bible? Or, is it someone’s personal opinion?”

There is a lot of “Bible teaching” that is not based on Scripture but is based on the individual’s own experiences and learning. Ask yourself, “Where did they learn this? Who do they learn it from?”

Sometimes you can learn a lot about a “Bible teacher” from researching who they follow. You may discover that they are learning from some unbiblical sources. In fact, you would be surprised how many well-known “Bible teachers” subscribe to New Age thought. This is unbiblical and very dangerous.

To assume that the voice a person hears in his mind is the voice of God is to leave the door wide open for self-delusion and even demonic deception.

GotQuestions.org has an excellent article on this topic. I urge you to read it. What is Listening Prayer?

Another great source to learn more about this topic and where it came from is the video Wide Is The Gate 2 (5 of 5) The Emerging New Christianity: The Contemplative Mystical Movement. Watch it here.

Jesus prayed to the Father for us,

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 NIV

He taught us how to pray,

 “Pray, then, in this way:

‘Our Father, who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:9-13 NASB

The Bible, God’s Word, is our only source of Truth. This is how God speaks to His children. Read it every day.

In His Love, Cindy

To learn why Jesus came to the earth, read, Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

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Christian

Spiritual Insights for a Changing World

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for Wednesday, 1/7/26

“America and the free world stand at a pivotal moment … I could try to offer political and economic solutions, but in the end it is a matter of the heart. Unless people allow God to change their sinful ways by believing in the One who came to pay the price for sin, and unless they are filled with the Spirit of the God of Israel rather than deceived by demonic spirits that masquerade as light, wisdom, and reason, there will be no true change in the direction this world is heading.”

AMIR TSARFATI, BEHOLD ISRAEL

“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-14

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

A Time of Great Delusion

Cindy Dawson

2-minute devotion for Tuesday, 12/30/25

To understand what is happening in our world today, we must be students of the Bible because if we aren’t, we will be at great risk of being deceived by our enemy, Satan. Everything we hear or read must pass the litmus test of God’s Word.

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1

Paul is talking about Christians in this verse!

Our culture is at odds with the teachings of the Bible, and Christians are not immune to deception. The only safeguard against deception is to know the TRUTH. God’s Word IS TRUTH. Discernment comes to those who love and diligently study God’s Word.

Few churches are speaking out against the evils of our time, such as antisemitism, transgender ideology, sexual perversion, and abortion. These evils are not new. They have been in the works for a long time.

Antisemitism around the world has increased dramatically. And pressure to support anti-Christian ideologies is alarmingly strong. The Church must speak the Truth. It is vitally important!

“It takes a long time to go from a few intellectuals believing some bad ideas into the culture, more and more and more, until they bear fruit. The reason why we got here is because of the silence and inaction of the Church.” Seth Gruber

Americans don’t live in a culture with a Judeo-Christian worldview anymore. Will we compromise or stand for the Truth? Consider the words of Jesus,

“ The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” (Revelation 12:9) (Emphasis mine)

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 (Emphasis mine)

I don’t know about you, but I want to be free and I want others to be free, too.

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:6

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Am I Vulnerable to Deception?

Cindy Dawson

1-minute devotion for Monday, 11/17/25

Jesus said, “…many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.  Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,  but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:11-14 Read full chapter

“The less familiar we are with the Scriptures, the more vulnerable we become to deception, especially if it is packaged in half-truths.” STEVE MILLER, Foreshadows, 12 Megaclues That Jesus’ Return Is Nearer Than Ever

My advice: Read and study the Bible every day!

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Understanding Israel and Palestine: Debunking Misconceptions and Lies

Cindy Dawson

I highly recommend this eye-opening video by Bible Teacher Amir Tsarfati, The Deception of the Nations. He explains common misconceptions in the world today concerning Israel and Palestine based on Biblical truth and historical fact. It is not only important, it is also very interesting. You will not be bored!

Previews of what you will see:

Watch The Deception of the Nations here.

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

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Christian

Watch Out for the Wolves!

Cindy Dawson

People aren’t inclined to put any specific Bible teacher in the category of “false teacher”. In fact, people are more afraid to say someone is a false teacher than they are to heed what the Bible says about them!

Most false teachers say a lot of true things, too. They appear to be doing God’s work. But the Bible warns us,

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:15

That’s a little harsh! Who said that?

Uh, that would be Jesus, the Son of God. Yes, they look like sheep, but they are wolves! People don’t believe it. They believe wolves will look like wolves.

“Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15a

Many false teachers have huge followings because they’re entertaining. People “love” them. If they teach anything that doesn’t agree with God’s Word, people will often excuse it because, after all, “we really like most of what they say.”

People will say, “I don’t agree with what they say about (fill in the blank), but I really like him or her.” But what does the Bible say?

Nowhere in the Bible does it say it’s ok to teach false things as long as most of what one says is Biblical. No, that would be the description of a false teacher.

“If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” Galatians 1:9

Isn’t that a little extreme, Paul? That isn’t very loving!

But the Bible clearly says that people who think that godliness is a means of financial gain are corrupt!

Is the teacher you love so much teaching what the Bible says about being a disciple or something else?

“. ..If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

“6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 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.” 1 Timothy 6:3-10

At the heart of following Jesus is Jesus’ call to imitate Him and replicate Him. As disciples, we are called to imitate Jesus’s love (John 13:34), his mission (Matt. 4:19), his humility (Phil. 2:5), his service (John 13:14), his suffering (1 Pet. 2:21), and his obedience to the Father (1 John 2:3–6). Since he is our teacher, we are to learn from him and strive in the power of the Holy Spirit to become like him (Luke 6:40). This growth in Christ-likeness is a lifelong endeavor that is fueled by the hopeful expectation that one day we will see him face to face (1 John 3:2–3). (Kell)

Paul exhorts Timothy,

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 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. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

A big part of becoming a disciple is reading and studying the Bible, cover to cover, and then doing it again. It only takes 10 minutes a day to read the entire Bible in a year. And that’s the only way to be sure about what it really says! I encourage you to do this, not once, but every year!

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

Sources: Discipleship According to the Scriptures, Pastor David Kell

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

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