Tag Archives: temptation

Dealing With Those Who Have Been Deceived

Dealing With Those Who Have Been Deceived Title image

Dealing With Those Who Have Been Deceived

Last week we discussed that as we near the coming of Christ and the end times, we are going to see an increase in people who are being deceived or are believing lies…either from other people, from Satan, or from their own personal desires. Deception is becoming more and more prevalent these days and will continue to do so according to scripture.

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT)

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT)

Unfortunately, we even see deception taking hold of our family members, friends, or other people in our sphere of influence. It’s very hard to see someone we love or care about being deceived and believing lies. It’s especially difficult when they seem so far gone and are not receptive to hearing or discussing the truth.

There is a proper way to engage with or deal with people in the midst of deception. Unfortunately, our initial reaction or human nature is not typically the best way. It will take some intentionality and purpose to interact in a God-honoring, productive, and helpful way. Regrettably, I have not done this very well lately, hence my purpose in writing this post…to resolve to do better and help others do the same.

Take Some Practical Steps When Dealing With Those Who Have Been Deceived:

First, pray for God to help you when engaging or interacting with those being deceived.

It’s tempting to get irritated or angry and sometimes even feel shocked, surprised, and dumbfounded. You may need God’s help to get out of your own emotions before you can deal appropriately with someone being deceived. You might need to ask God to soften your heart first. Then, ask God to help you have his perspective and to see them and the situation as he does. Pray that God would give you the right words to speak only when necessary and to help you stay quiet when necessary. (Refer to this link for other helpful scriptures on knowing what to say.)

“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (NIV)

For I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!” Luke 21:15 (NLT)

“…don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time.” Matthew 10:19b (NLT)

“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4:6 (NLT)

“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” Proverbs 13:3 (NLT)

Next, listen before responding.

Continue reading

Prayer for Those Who Are Being Deceived

Prayer for Those Who Are Being Deceived title image

Prayer for Those Who Are Being Deceived

Unfortunately, we live in a day and age where Satan is amping up his activity in order to deceive people. He knows his time of an end is drawing near. The Bible is VERY clear about the rise and increase of false prophets and deception as we near the coming of Christ and the end times. We need to expect that there WILL BE those attempting to deceive us (and some even doing so in the name of and purportedly for the cause of Christ).

Some deception also comes, not just from other people, but from Satan or evil spirits attacking our minds and thought life with lies. Many people also start to believe things contrary to scripture, Biblical teaching, and godly living simply because of their own desires. They simply don’t want to believe the truth.

“Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT)

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT)

When those we care about are being deceived

It’s very hard to see someone you love or care about being deceived and believing lies. It’s especially difficult when they seem so far gone and are not receptive to hearing or discussing the truth. All is not hopeless or lost though!  We can pray for them because our prayers are extremely powerful!

“…The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16b (NLT) 

After studying and researching how and what to pray for those who are being deceived or believing lies, I compiled a list of things to pray followed by scriptures that these prayers are based upon. You can pray these items in part, or I’ve also combined them as a collective prayer at the bottom of this post (with an image to save, pin, or print).

Take Some Practical Steps to Pray for Those Who Are Being Deceived:

Continue reading

Is the Devil Studying You?

Is the Devil Studying You? Try these 6 steps if you feel like you might be under the watchful eye (or even attack) of the devil.

Is the Devil Studying You?

A few months ago I had a weird and kind of scary dream. I remember waking up very afraid and my heart was pounding. The dream was very realistic, and I remember thinking, “This dream means something.” I don’t always think that about dreams, but sometimes you just sort of know when certain dreams do have significance of some kind. I have them from time to time. This was one of those dreams.

I purposed to remember it and then wrote it down in my journal the next morning during my quiet time. I prayed and thought about what it might mean. Over the next week or so, I slowly started getting some insight. I was also getting some practical steps to take (you know I love those!). What I’ve learned might be helpful for you too.

Let me start by sharing my dream with you…

On a mission

In my dream I was going somewhere repeatedly, back and forth. Numerous times I was having to walk around and over several boxes in my path, almost like an obstacle course. It was also like I was in a hurry too. I think I was trying to catch a plane or train or something. Additionally, I seemed to be in the process of helping others somehow or doing something on behalf of someone else.

At one point, I ran into a man. He had red hair and pale white skin and was very skinny and gangly. He was wearing a blue polo shirt tucked into khaki pants. I remember thinking that he looked like he should work at Best Buy. He was carrying a clipboard or tablet of some kind.

The man started asking me questions about the person that I was trying to help. I recall thinking that he was very nosy and that he might be trying to get information from me or do something that was illegal. It was also very frustrating because he was distracting me from being able to successfully make it through all of the obstacles that I was trying to climb over. I began tripping and started to fall. All I could think was that I needed to get away from that man. There was a strong sensation that this man was not at all friendly and might even be dangerous.

Feeling scared

Continue reading