Issue 960 – Not as it Appears – January 17, 2023
I saw this clump of trees while walking at Campbell Valley Park (Langley). From a distance, I saw four trees with unusually deep green foliage.
As I grew closer, I saw that the trees were not healthy; a few more steps and I clued into the fact they were dead. The unusual green turned out to be mosses on the dead branches, with interwoven blackberry brambles.
The trees were all of the same types, probably a fruit tree (apple). I suspect that they were part of a long-abandoned orchard. Whatever species they were, there would never be any fruit on them again.
Life is full of things that are not as they appear. Our enemy is a master counterfeiter and deceiver.
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44
The serpent said to the woman, You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:4-5
(Paul says) And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:12-14
There is no end to the schemes and plans designed to pull our eyes off the Lord. In his efforts to destroy us, there is no trick too low for the enemy to stoop to.
Combine his trickery with our own heart’s deceitful nature, and our propensity for wandering and a deadly combination is unleashed.
Even believers can, and often are, tricked. That is why the Bible counsels us to,
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11
The enemy cannot steal a believer’s salvation; we are secure in the Lord. Yet, we can fall into his traps and snares and impair our witness and make our lives more complicated than they need to be.
Until next time, may you stay vigilant and guard your heart.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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