Christianity Oasis Forum

[bonbon1]

If Satan lacks anything, it's imagination. It's not that he hasn't developed an extensive bag of tricks to use on us, but he uses the same tricks over and over. Why? Because he knows they work. So, if we want to stand firm against Satan's attacks, we need to be alert and prepared.
What Does God Say?

Let's take a look at one of the enemy's most successful tactics--getting us to doubt God by twisting the Lord's words or coloring their meaning.

Genesis 2:15-17 tells us, "The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, 'You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die'" (ESV).

Now, look carefully at how the evil one twists things around in Genesis 3: "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.

"He said to the woman, 'Did God actually say, "You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'"? And the woman said to the serpent, 'We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, "You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die."' But the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil'" (Genesis 3:1-5, ESV).

* How does Satan's first question compare to what God really said?
* How does Eve's reply fit what God said?
* According to Satan, what is God's motive for keeping Adam and Eve from the tree?

My Thoughts

* If you've ever doubted God--doubted that what He said in His Word is what He meant, or that He cares about you like the Bible says, then you will recognize this tactic--one of Satan's favorites. So, what can you do? How can you prepare yourself for Satan's schemes?

First, be alert to this subtle tactic. Remember what Jesus tells us about Satan in John 8:44: "He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with 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." (ESV)

* What lies have you believed?
* When have you been prompted to question the truth about God or Jesus Christ?
* What did you do about it?

These lies won't come directly from the mouth of a serpent as in Genesis 3 but you may hear them from a friend, a co-worker, a teacher. You might read them or see them on TV. The enemy is crafty and subtle, not stupid.

Secondly, be prepared. The only way to fight lies is with the truth. In turning away from the lies and evil (Job 1:1), you need to turn to something else: fearing God and embracing the truth. Jesus is the truth (John 14:6); and He said to all who believe, "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, ESV).
My Part

Tapping into the truth so you can stand up to Satan's lies takes time and effort. That's why in John 8, Jesus uses the word "abide." It means we settle down to live deeply in God's Word; that we know it inside and out and trust God to be exactly what He is: truthful, faithful, good, just, merciful, etc. The more familiar we are with the truth, the stronger we are against Satan's lies.

Jesus gives us an excellent model in Luke 4:1-13 when he is tempted by Satan. Take a few minutes to look at how Satan attacks. What does Jesus do in response? What should your response be when you're tempted? What will you need to do to be prepared this way? Start by using Psalm 119:11 as a reminder to embrace the truth and reject Satan's lies.

[momof3]

Amen Bon...love this post. Lots to ponder and pray about, sis. thanks for posting this.

love you

in Jesus,
momo

His will be done in ALL things!

[mlg]

Awww bonnie, thanx so much for sharing. So much here for us to think on and remember. Fight back, and don't give up.

luv ya

[Dora]

Amen Bonnie
What a blessing you are sister.
Woo Hoo!

[verdad100]

That was some post bonbon!! I actually thought about 3 of those questions that you asked. For a long time I was sure that God could not love me because he let me go through all the abuse that I went though. I would think to myself "If i'm a child of God then how could he let this happen? Doesn't he love me? Why would he leave me?" I'm learning and realizing that God never left me...rather he brought me out of it. I would not be the person that I am today if I hadn't gone through all of that. God never left me. He was always there. And now that I am learning how to cope with what happened and learning that it was indeed not my fault I feel that I am going to be better able to trust God during other trials that I am put through. I'm really glad that I am going through my 14 days and I'm exciteded to see all the God has planned for me. Thanks for the great post sis!!!