Tag: Satan

Christian

Who Was Balaam?

Cindy Dawson

Note: Writing this post has been difficult because I know some readers may be offended. It is never my intention to offend anyone, but only to remind us all (myself included) what God has said in His Holy Word.

Who Was Balaam? You will probably think of Balaam’s donkey who talked. (Numbers 22:21-39) Instead, when you think about Balaam, think MONEY!

Balak, the king of Moab, hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. Balaam tried several times but was unsuccessful. Balaam wanted his financial reward so he came up with another idea. He taught King Balak to use women to entice the Israelite men to commit sexual immorality. That way, the Israelites would curse themselves and he would still get paid. Pretty clever!

Jesus warned the church at Pergamum:

“There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.” Revelation 2:14

Translated as entice, the word literally means stumbling-block.  It refers to the part of a trap where the bait is laid. Taking the bait caused the trap to close upon its prey.   Generally, this was a loop or noose, which should entangle the foot of the unwary prey causing it to stumble and fall – a vivid image of what happened to the Israelites. They took the bait, they became entangled, and they fell.

Satan is crafty. He is called the Deceiver, after all. So what kind of traps do you think Satan sets in today’s world?

“According to 2 Peter 2:15, Balaam’s “way” is a choice to promote falsehood for financial reasons. … The doctrine of Balaam teaches compromise, wanting Christians to forget they are called to be separate and holy.” (GotQuestions.org)

In other words, money is the motivation for Balaam’s actions.

“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 2:15

Balaam’s “way” then, is a choice to promote falsehood for financial reasons. I suggest there is a lot of that going on today. Make the connections. Deception, false teaching, making money.

The church today relies too much on what I call “Easy Christianity”. Instead of studying the Bible for themselves, they buy entertaining books and videos about the Bible. This can be especially true of women’s Bible Studies.

When researching female Christian speakers, fees ranged from $10,000 to $200,000! That’s only the beginning. The profits from book sales are even better.

At her peak, Beth Moore generated more than $30 million a year in revenue for Lifeway Publishers. (Publishers Weekly)

We’re talking big bucks! So before you study someone’s book just because it’s the current best seller, think again. Maybe we should study the Bible instead!

I am not accusing any particular person of anything. I am just asking you to be realistic. Remember what Jesus told the twelve when He sent them out.

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16 NIV

Christians can be very naive sometimes. The Bible warns us of this very thing.

“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

In the Bible, we learn of God’s faithfulness, His promises, His mercy, His love, and so much more that brings encouragement and strength. But God’s Word also includes important warnings, and there are many.

May we embrace the whole counsel of God’s Word and not just the “feel-good” parts. May God bless you richly as you study His Word each day.

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

Pray for Israel

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Christian

Quote of the Week, 1/31/24

Cindy Dawson

Satan’s greatest weapon is man’s ignorance of God’s Word.”

A.W. Tozer

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

Pray for Israel

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Christian

A Time of Great Delusion

Cindy Dawson

We live in a time of great delusion. This is no time to depend on our own opinions. This is a time when the only source of truth that can be trusted is God’s Word, the Bible. Everything we hear or read must pass the litmus test of God’s Word.

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3 NIV

To understand what is happening in our world today, we must be students of the Bible or risk being deceived by our enemy “Satan, who leads the whole world astray.” (Revelation 12:9)

Hamas, who committed heinous, evil atrocities against Israel is being supported and defended by millions of people around the world. How is this possible?

They are deceived. They believe the lies and propaganda. Christians are not immune to this deception. The only safeguard against deception is the discernment that comes from knowing 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

My question to you is this: Should the Church speak out, or should they be silent? Few churches are speaking out against the evils of this present time such as antisemitism, transgender ideology, sexual perversion, and abortion.

Our culture is at odds with the teachings of the Bible. Although persecution is not a stranger to Christians in many other parts of the world, America is beginning to see extreme religious persecution for the first time.

Antisemitism around the world has increased dramatically. And pressure to support anti-Christian ideologies is alarmingly strong. Being a Christian isn’t getting easier, but it is vitally important! I am reminded of the Scripture that says,

“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5

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

“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.

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

(All Scripture references are from the NIV.)

Photo by Paul Lucyk on Unsplash

 

Christian

Verse for Meditation, 11/30/23

Cindy Dawson

“The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.” Revelation 12:9 NIV (emphasis mine)

My thoughts: This explains a lot!

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

Pray for Israel

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Christian

Verse for Meditation, 9/14/23

Cindy Dawson

“… the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 AMP

Comments: False religion and secular philosophy have created thinking that has imprisoned the minds of millions. It is a true spiritual battle…Those who know the truth must confront error with the weapon we’ve been given, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. GotQuestions.org

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

Photo by Tony Rojas on Unsplash

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Christian, God

Like a Roaring Lion

Cindy Dawson

“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 AMP

We know the enemy is actively working to deceive unbelievers, but he is also working to deceive the Church. It was true in the first century and it is true today. The Bible repeatedly warns us about Satan’s evil strategy to deceive “even the elect”.

“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time.” Matthew 24:24-25 NIV

The Bible strongly and clearly warns us that Satan will try to deceive us. We must be on our guard. We must be careful not to believe everything we hear, but instead to be like the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11)

Imagine that! The Apostle Paul was personally teaching them about Jesus, but still, they checked the Scriptures every day to see if what he said was true! We should be so wise!

 “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 … but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Romans 16:17-20 NIV (emphasis mine)

The Amplified Bible says, “They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting…” We like to think we aren’t naive but are we unsuspecting?

The Greek word translated as naive in the NIV is akakos. It means unsuspecting or innocent. Many Christians are led astray by false teaching. Sometimes it’s because they don’t know the Scripture. And sometimes it’s because they are innocent and unsuspecting. In fact, they are often enthusiastic and eager to learn! Remember, leading this assault on truth is Satan.

“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 Corinthians 11:3 NIV

The Apostle Paul is warning Christians that Satan will try to deceive them just as he deceived Eve.

I am astounded at the level of false teaching flooding the Church today. It was bad in Paul’s day, but it is even worse now. YouTube and Book Publishing have given the wolves in sheep’s clothing the ability to quickly make money and gather a following. Even good, Bible-believing churches are giving a nod to books and Bible studies that are not sound. Satan is behind all of this. He is a liar and there is no truth in him.

We must heed the Bible’s many warnings and carefully examine what is being taught, comparing it to Scripture.

Satan’s strongest defense against spiritual discernment, his ace in the hole, is to make the Christian think he can’t be deceived.

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

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Christian, God

Quote of the Week, 2/15/23

Cindy Dawson

“Sometimes the truth is uncomfortable. The Bible was not written to make us comfortable … the Bible will not tolerate sin and the deceptions of the devil just to make us feel better about ourselves… Leading this charge of deception away from the truth is Satan.”

Amir Tsarfati, The Day Approaching

From Amir Tsarfati’s excellent book, The Day Approaching, An Israeli’s Message of Warning and Hope for the Last Days. You can order it here.

Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

Photo by Chris Gallimore on Unsplash, Sea of Galilee

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Christian

Monday’s Verse, 12/12/22

Cindy Dawson

” … wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 NIV (emphasis mine) Read full chapter

This has been Satan’s ploy since the beginning.” See Genesis 3:1-6

Jeremiah Study Bible Notes

Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

Photo by Duncan Sanchez on Unsplash

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Christian

Love Is Strong Spiritual Warfare

Cindy Dawson

It really hurt my feelings. It was like stopping by your best friend’s house only to discover she was having a big party and you hadn’t been invited! I felt so left out and hurt. I felt like crying.

That morning, I had walked into the Women’s Bible Study and there were all my friends having a potluck that no one had told me about! Maybe I was being overly sensitive, and maybe this was an area of vulnerability for me, but I was very offended.

The Bible study teacher recognized that I was upset, and the next time I saw her she gave me an index card with some Scripture references on it. She probably had no idea that it was going to change my life. As I opened my heart to God’s Word, something wonderful happened! The Truth set me free! These are the Scriptures:

“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to OVERLOOK AN OFFENSE.” Proverbs 19:11

“He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9

“A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” Proverbs 12:16

This happened to me over 30 years ago, but the devil has used the same tactics since the beginning of time to battle against God’s people. He has used it on me. He will use it on you. 

Read about David in 1 Samuel 17:28-33 below. Notice that David had to overlook the offenses thrown at him before he could kill the giant. Satan tried to stop God’s plan for David, but he couldn’t do it because David overlooked the offense.

“When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.”

29 “Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” 30 He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before. 31 What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him.

32 David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.”

33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”

David refused to be offended.

Over the years, God has continued to reveal to me how powerful it is to walk in love, and that means overlooking offenses.

  “(Love) is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 1 Corinthians 13:5 AMP

The devil will send offenses our way, but when we choose God’s way and walk in love, Satan’s attack will not prevail.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NIV

Has anyone ever offended you? Insulted you? Put you down? If so, consider this: Love is strong spiritual warfare!

You may be thinking, “How is this spiritual warfare?”

Consider the evil attack on Jesus when he was crucified. (1 Peter 2:21-23)

21 “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,
    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[a]

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

It is following Him and walking in his steps that empower us for spiritual battle.

With Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? Check out my page Who Is Jesus?

Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash

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Christian

Don’t Follow the Crowd

Cindy Dawson

Are you a Christ-follower or a Crowd-follower?

Today, I want to share what the Bible says about false teachers. I don’t call out anyone by name. You’ll have to make those decisions for yourself. I have not expounded on the Scriptures. I ask only that you consider what God’s Word has to say. Then, in case you think these Scriptures don’t apply to the Church of today, I provide a link in the last section to an excellent study of how New Age thinking has influenced Christianity.

In the following sections, we read the words of Jesus.

The Narrow and Broad Roads

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

True and False Prophets

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20

True and False Disciples

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:21-23

The Wise and Foolish Builders

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practiceis like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27

Sheep Among Wolves

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” Matthew 10:16

For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time. Matthew 24:24

And From the Letters …

[ Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers ] “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer.” 1 Timothy 1:3

“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.” 1 Timothy 6:20,

[ Dealing With False Teachers ] “Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.” 2 Timothy 2:14

“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.” 2 Peter 2:1

“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” 2 Peter 3:3

“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” 2 Corinthians 11: 13-15

 “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Hebrews 1:1-3

Jesus said,
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26

New Age thinking has greatly influenced much of Christianity. I encourage you to study this phenomenon for yourself. The following blog post, written by my brother in Christ, Bruce Cooper, contains a wealth of information. I encourage you to check it out for yourself.

https://bcooper.wordpress.com/2022/04/28/wide-is-the-gate-caryl-matrisclana/

My prayer is that you know God’s Word and are fully equipped to fight the good fight of the faith. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Blessings!

With Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? Check out my page Who Is Jesus?

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