STEPS TO FREEDOM IN CHRIST STEP TWO ~ PART ONE Deception Versus Truth God’s Word is true and we need to accept His truth in the innermost part of our being (Psalm 51:6). Whether or not we feel it is true, we need to believe it is true! Since Jesus is the truth (see John 14:6), the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (see John 16:13), and the Word of God is truth (John 17:17), we ought to speak the truth in love (Ephes. 4:15). The believer in Christ has no business deceiving others by lying, exaggerating, telling white lies, stretching the truth or anything relating to falsehoods. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), and he seeks to keep people in bondage through deception (Rev. 12:9; 2 Tim. 2:26), but it is the truth in Jesus that sets us free (see John 8:32-36). If Satan attacks or tempts us, we know it. If he deceives us, we don’t know it. We will find real joy and freedom when we stop living a lie and walk openly in the truth. After confessing his sin, King David wrote, Blessed [happy] is the man...in whose spirit is no deceit (Psalm 32:2). How can we find the strength to walk in the light (see 1 John 1:7)? When we are sure that God loves and accepts us, we can be free to own up to our sin, face reality, and not run and hide from painful circumstances. Start this step by praying the following prayer. Don’t let any opposing thoughts such as, “This is a waste of time” or “I wish I could believe this stuff but I just can’t” keep you from praying and choosing the truth. Even if this is difficult for you, work your way through this step. God will strengthen you as you rely on Him. Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I know that You want me to know the truth, believe the truth, speak the truth and live in accordance with the truth. Thank You that it is the truth that will set me free. In many ways I have been deceived by Satan, the father of lies, and I have deceived myself as well. Father, I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, by virtue of His shed blood and resurrection, asking You to rebuke all of Satan’s demons that are deceiving me. I have trusted in Jesus alone to save me, and so I am Your forgiven child. Therefore, since You accept me just as I am in Christ, I can be free to face my sin and not try to hide. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth. I ask You to search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23, 24). In the name of Jesus, Who is the Truth, I pray. Amen. Add comments or ask questions in comments. You may message me privately if you want. God bless you ~ Brenda Perry ~ 8/14/14 2nd post
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 06:36:38 +0000
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