Discovering Grace Weekly #2

Dear Friends,

Many people I talk to are becoming more and more aware of how easily the simple things we’ve all depended on for so long, the things we have come to blindly trust, like our elected leaders and unbiased news, are being manipulated in our current times. Understanding and learning the truth is becoming harder and harder. Some are in denial that deception could be so widespread and blatant, and some are literally in fear of what may be in store for us in America if the truth does not become known very soon. What if the truth is never truly uncovered? Will we still be able to maintain the freedom in America that we have taken for granted? What kind of wide-spread deception will take us all hostage next? If you are concerned about these things as well, wherever you are in the world, I invite you to pray this prayer of Agur that is recorded in Proverbs 30.

“Two things I have asked of You; Do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me…” - Proverbs 30:7-8a

Now, there is more to this prayer, but we will save that for another post in the future, or you can certainly read it for yourself in your quiet time. This small part of Agur’s prayer has been a constant part of my prayer life for a very long time. I began praying this prayer when it was revealed to me that we seemed to be much closer to what the Bible calls “the last days” than past generations had been. In the last days, we are told that there will be “many” false teachers and false prophets (1 John 4:1). I can understand a few deceivers here and there, but the revelation that there would be “many” really concerned me.

Notice what our Lord Jesus says as a warning to us…

“Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?

Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit.

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets]." - Matthew 7:15-20 AMP

Jesus warned us that these people who masquerade as a sham, are really ravenous wolves. From what I know of ravenous wolves, their purpose is to violently devour and to consume as much as possible leaving nothing behind. I do not want to be devoured by any person, any doctrine or word, or any other thing for that matter. The Bible tells us that it is the devil who is prowling about, looking for someone to devour.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” - 1 Peter 5:8

Notice what the Apostle Paul also tells us about these deceivers…

“For such men are false apostles [spurious, counterfeits], deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles (special messengers) of Christ (the Messiah).

And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light;

So it is not surprising if his servants also masquerade as ministers of righteousness. [But] their end will correspond with their deeds.” - 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

If you’re not convinced with the words of Jesus concerning this coming deception and the words of His servant, the Apostle Paul, then here is Peter’s witness regarding our times also. The Bible tells us that at the testimony of two or three witnesses, every fact will be confirmed (2 Corinthians 13:1). This is a Biblical principle for discovering truth and proper interpretation. So lets look at what Peter has to say…

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.

Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;

and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep." - 2 Peter 2:1-3 NASB

So friends, we are entering into times where false prophets and false teachers and false news and falsities of every kind are going to be more prevalent in society. I wish it could be different, but God clearly warns us how it is going to be. So meditate on this prayer of Agur and make it your own. “Keep deception and lies far from me…” (Proverbs 30:8a) In verse 5 of this same Proverb, we are given the location of where we will always be safe from deception, the place where we will find truth.

“Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” - Proverbs 30:5 ESV

Whether your concern is regarding truth concerning our nation, or Biblical and religious truth, or simple honesty in general, you will always find The Truth in God’s Word. Jesus said…

“And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.” - John 8:32

In these uncertain times, we need to trust God’s Word and the revelation of the Holy Spirit regarding the truth above all else. This is the only way to be kept from deception. If you have never come to know “The Truth,” which is Christ Jesus, Himself, I invite you to read our article: Get Saved Now...Ask Questions Later. You will be so glad you did!

Be encouraged this week and keep believing that our God hears the prayers of the righteous, and He has not forsaken His righteous children here in America!

written by

Eileen R. Jacobs (November 2020)

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