Through his deceptive ploys, satan would love to wreck your relationships, destroy your life, make thriving feel difficult, steal your hope, causing you to believe anything -or- everything good is impossible! 

Why does he do this? Because he wants to fragment relationships, the foundation of our lives and culture, dash our believing in Hope and ruin lives any way he can. he revels in creating chaos and devastation by undermining order, efforts and institutions that positively impact lives, turning people against each other, isolating as many as he can, fueling hate and hopelessness.

🛑 WAIT: Isn’t satan powerful?

Here’s the deal: satan is not ever as powerful as our Creator (God), or God’s son Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. Never. 

As God’s children, we are in His care. We are never left alone to our own devices to do battle!

In Matthew 28:20b, Jesus promised He would never leave us, nor forsake us. He told His disciples He would be with them “to the very end of the age.” This is a promise that includes all believers. That’s you and me!

He said He would always be with us, so rest assured you are not all on your lonesome in a tough spot. Ever.

🛑 Here’s the thing we humans often forget: satan can only negatively impact us if we allow him! The lesson here is: be careful who you give the power to in your life. Don’t willingly see things his way because it sounds so good, or give up control over your own heart, mind and life to one who wishes only to bring pain and grief for as long as you allow.

🛑 Here’s what God’s Word says about that: 

“My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world’s language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception.” ~ 1 John 4:4-6 [The Message]

“Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind].” ~ 1 John 4:4 [Amplified]

“My children, you are a part of God’s family. You have stood against these false preachers and had power over them. You had power over them because the One Who lives in you is stronger than the one who is in the world.” ~  1 John 4:4-6 [New Life Version]

Our humanness often allows us to easily fall into a pit of despair, trip into an enticing opportunity, or to fall into a hidden trap. We may immediately feel the need to defend ourselves. In the heat of the moment, we react vehemently to harsh treatment with nasty words, be offended by a cunning (untrue) insinuation or come out slugging!

🧰 How to handle this? 

If (and when we do): recognize it and call it out for what it is — you (we) have been played by satan. That may be hard to admit! 1 Peter 5:8 describes him as “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” He is resolute and always seeking his next conquest. He aims to win. His every win is our loss in that moment.

❤️‍🩹Here’s a sure-fire two-fold remedy:

1. Keep Jesus close in your life, relying on Him every moment for His guidance.
2. Apply discernment and great care in your words, conversation and response.

Initially you may feel neither of these two strategies are naturally easy to apply. As you realize their effectiveness in practice is greater (versus stirring the boiling pot or adding more to the conflagration that has been ignited), you will discover you can fairly seamlessly transition over to a more appropriate response through Jesus, with His guidance.

🤨BUT — you may wonder how to know if someone is actually speaking the truth? 

How to know if you’re hearing from reliable, authentic source? 

According to Scripture in The Living Bible, in Matthew 24:4 Jesus warns us, “Don’t let anyone fool you.” Good advice, but in this crazy upside-down world-on-fire that is spinning out of control, HOW do we do this?

Reading a bit further describes how this can happen today, and has happened through the ages. As you read the following, please know I’m not supporting Eschatology by sharing this, because I believe what the Bible says about the end times in Matthew 24:36

Matthew 24:5-14 (New American Standard Bible) says:

“For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.

Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. And at that time many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold. But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

😳Do you see what I see?

We can see many things He said would happen already seem to be… as well as the condition of the world He described… but let’s begin at the beginning: 

Jesus said “Take heed that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4, New King James Version). We must pray ongoing for God to give us the spirit of discernment, and understanding by reading His Word. We must seek Him first, above all else. Listen carefully for His still, small message to us above the fray, amidst all the world’s noise. In reality, some of the loudest voices are coming from the weakest, who feel they must shout to be heard.

Sometimes people attempt to influence others by promoting popular ways that are considered “modern” or based on contemporary thought. These new philosophies and current strategies may directly conflict biblical principles. Sometimes they may possibly veer just slightly off that path — but the person touting it is so trustworthy you may automatically embrace it without much further thought or question, accepting it as “ok,” too.

Please know I’m not saying anyone speaking deceitfully is “possessed.” I am saying people are often influenced in untoward ways for a variety of reasons. Some seek relevance when they feel powerless or invisible. Some greatly desire to be considered worthy of being a powerful influencer. Sometimes a hurtful person unwittingly presents themselves as being under the influence of satan simply by lying or betraying another. 

Satan does this manifesting even in the spirits of people. It is possible they became unduly influenced by falling for satan’s cleverly-disguised lies as truth and running with them. Some may not be aware they are promoting falsehoods. Others readily engage in fraud and treacherous activities for their own purposes. A lot of perceived power is wielded when untruths are poured out and not fact-checked — for now.

Some misguided people misrepresent themselves because they pay attention to what’s most important in the world. Theirs is a false god of all things worldly. In truth, it’s not about you or a real relationship with you. In other words, don’t take it personally — it’s not really about you, no matter what they say or do!

An example would be someone striving for proper aesthetic vibes through all the right optics in their social media posts and everyday personal life. Every picture and all content shows them in the most favorable light. They will do whatever it takes for that glamorous money shot. 

To further build themselves up, they may (selectively) zing others getting in their way (or as a show of power), every chance they get. They strive to climb still higher in prestige, power and rankings on the backs of others at their expense. Social media is a prime example of this. You’ve seen it…

🧑‍🔬The One True Litmus Test: to determine if someone is actually truthful? 

Let’s look to Scripture for reliable  insight on how to test if what you’re hearing is in fact from the true spirit of God:

“Here’s how you test for the genuine Spirit of God. Everyone who confesses openly his faith in Jesus Christ—the Son of God, who came as an actual flesh-and-blood person—comes from God and belongs to God. And everyone who refuses to confess faith in Jesus has nothing in common with God. This is the spirit of antichrist that you heard was coming. Well, here it is, sooner than we thought!” ~ 1 John 4:2-3 [The Message]

“and every spirit that does not confess Jesus [acknowledging that He has come in the flesh, but would deny any of the Son’s true nature] is not of God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and is now already in the world.” ~ 1 John 4:3 [Amplified]

“And every spirit that does not say Jesus has come in a human body is not from God. It is the teaching of the false-christ. You have heard that this teaching is coming. It is already here in the world.” 1 John 4:3 [New Life Version]

“Those false teachers are a part of the world. They speak about the things of the world. The world listens to them.” 1 John 4:5 [New Life Version]

✔️ACTION “On-the-spot” Checklist:

🛑 STOP! Recognize this for what it is.

Call on Jesus in that moment: Pray.

Follow His guidance. 

Then, be done with it.

🥰 BENEFITS of this — you can:

• save yourself (and others) heartache.
• avoid potential future discomfort.
• build healthier relationships.
• pour cold water on smoking discord. 
• unleash what is right and true.
• quelch the fire on the spot.

When we live God’s Way, we have a better life — and we please Him!

😭 SIDE NOTE: Here’s the really sad thing about all this:

You’re probably wondering why I’d include this here, but it’s because this all gets down to relationship. Honestly, everything does. True ‘relationship’ always involves more than “me.” Too often “me-first” is pushed by whomever sparks the fire.  All relationships begin with our relationship with God. We are all individually wired for connection and relationship. It is part of who we are, as God purposefully created each of us to be.

FIRST: Dealing with life challenges involves our relationship with God. 

These are golden personal development, character-building opportunities in the making! God is giving us an occasion to grow into the person we are meant to be by relying on Him (not self), as we learn discernment, self-control, extending grace and truly loving others through it all. In this way we grow closer to Him, build our spiritual muscles, and honor Him.

I can attest that this can be done through Him because I have frequently turned to Him in times like these. In the process, I learned the blessings of wisdom and knowledge by leaning into Him. 

Might I ever slip? Yes. Can I do better? Yes. You, too! Through Him all things are possible (Matthew 19:26) — including forgiveness for great offenses. Free yourself from them today, if not already! 

💔How to FORGIVE and WHY: What You NEED To KNOW in UNDER 90-Seconds! 

I assure you when you work through hard places His way you will be amazed how much more effective it is rather than attempting all the heavy lifting by yourself — eventually making matters worse, or with little positive outcome. 

SECONDLY: There is incredible power in His Ways! 

His ways speak to eyes that will see and ears that will hear in ways that we could never on our own. The effects of His ways are lasting! 

For instance, if a truth has been covered over, or attempted to be buried, know it will not remain hidden for long! Luke 8:17 (New International Version) assures us:

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.”

Incredibly, His speaking or unearthing a truth may well be quietly spoken but it will be undeniably, irrevocably apparent. It will be beyond question even to those who would have thought otherwise. I have seen this happen!

His revelation of it, by whatever means God chooses, will speak more powerfully than if you were to launch an all-out no-holds barred very expensive advertising campaign worldwide, hoping to win hearts and minds.

A double-blessing pours over us when we see how we handle a troubling matter in step with Him. This makes our heavenly Father pleased. It’s amazing!

THIRDLY: May we humbly remember WHY these things happen — it’s because we are ALL human. 

Like it or not, we are all in this human experience called “life” together. Our Creator and heavenly Father has given it to all of us, as His children — each and every one!

He loves every one of us. No exceptions. None. Ever. Everybody always!*

*(I’m incredibly saddened to say some people are disappointed by this Truth😭I know this because they told me! Please don’t let this be you!)

When bad things happen, a spiritual battle is initiated when someone:

1. has fallen away from/or not embraced a true relationship with God.
2. holds personal priorities, principles, dreams above all (material gain, etc).
3. has low self-esteem, inwardly feels unworthy of receiving blessings.
4. needs to present themselves as perfect or powerful.
5. is having personal problems and needs intervention (mental, drugs, alcohol).

FREE Yourself From the PAIN Caused By HURTFUL People

🤦‍♀️ What if things don’t turn out as we want or might expect? 

Sometimes, even when we’ve carefully (and prayerfully) worked through everything we knew we should do by following God’s guidance — this can happen. When it does, it is truly disappointing. I know that pain. Have you been there, too?

Standing back from it, being honest with ourselves, we could also realize this may be a situation where we put our heart’s desire on the line. We did this by perhaps putting the matter first, above seeking God’s Will for it. The result is our disappointment for the outcome differing from what we believed it would or should be. 

But WAIT — there’s MORE!

Hold on — this is right now. Today. And this is “us.”

Remember God is in this with us for our entire lifetime — for the long haul. It’s not just for this moment in time. 

No matter how smart we are, we don’t know what tomorrow brings. An everyday example is forecasting the weather. If we’re honest, no one has done a highly reliable job telling us when it will rain or snow or… you name it! 

Case-in-point: many residents and ski resorts here in North Carolina were stunned when we got hit with a BIG beautiful but unexpected snowfall on January 19, 2024! Which of course begs the question of the accuracy of any forecasting programs dealing with proposed future climate conditions we really couldn’t know about if we don’t know what tomorrow brings… and if we’re honest, we know God as Creator of the Universe is in control of all of it anyway. The cherry on top is… in our area, while always hoped for, snow is a rarity. It is so rare that a snow day is often regarded as an event worth celebrating — and is!

I speak from experience here, because on more than one occasion, I’ve asked Him “why” or to please help me with something I’m struggling with. Yet, while some things seemed to improve, the situation remained at an uncomfortable impasse. Sometimes for YEARS. At times like that, we may not understand, but in my experience, waiting on Him in His timing contains unexpected blessings!

Out of the blue one day, I became aware of a personally hurtful situation I couldn’t do anything about. Very soon after that painful reveal, He spoke to my heart saying, “See how I am protecting you.” Indeed. 

Thank you, Father!*

LASTLY: So remember — as believers, Jesus always has our back:

In Matthew 28:20b, Jesus told us: “I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” [The Message]

We can rest in this! We can rely on His promises because in God’s great love and graciousness, He is faithful in keeping all of His promises. 

As believers, we are assured His Power is in us — and we have a responsibility:

“If Christ lives in you, you will live. Though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life. The Spirit does this because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of the God who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you. So the God who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your bodies. He will do this because of his Spirit who lives in you. Brothers and sisters, we have a duty. Our duty is not to live under the power of sin.” ~ Romans 8:10-12 [New International Reader’s Version]

*PROLOGUE: Following up to His speaking to my heart about His protection, He reminded me He was secluding me from hearing painful poison-laden words (many of which I have endured most of my life. His grace covered me).

The flip side of this revelation: I was reminded at least one of the individuals involved was someone I identified long ago and now once again, as ONE to pray for during Bible Study class last fall 🥺Oh my!

Well I had prayed. But not often enough💔I don’t believe my prayers would’ve been instrumental in completely repairing the situation. While restoration remains always as my heart hope, I realize it will take His Hand for that to happen.

Honestly, my prayers may not have averted the vicious rhetoric either. However, I knew I was to pray for this person and I didn’t pray ongoing for them. That’s on me and within my own control.

Our heavenly Father works far more effectively than we do and never lets anything go to waste. While He was pointing out to me He is aware of this situation, assuring me He is standing with me, He also reminded me of my responsibility of praying for this person. He used even this bad moment in my life, for His good.

So now I’m understanding this matter to be of great importance. I do need to pray for them, and they need me to, as well. Like NOW. Not even whenever I get around to it or just happen to remember. (Have you been there?!) Apparently this matter is that urgent. Nothing I do otherwise could possibly be more important. I got the message!

I know this because ever since, I’ve received reminders calling me to pray on their behalf. I must! Romans 8:10-12 mandates this responsibility.

🙏🏻Who is your ONE to pray for? Join me in a prayer vigil. No time like NOW!

This supports a life truth I have learned and share all the time: “You really CAN transform your life one relationship at a time!” 

While it’s NOT all about ‘me’ that’s where it begins… and our relationship with our loving heavenly Father… emanating out from there to others.

AMEN.

💔 When Life HURTS: Living Forward In Love

❤️‍🩹 ABOUT Relationships & Forgiveness:

📖☕Restoring the Broken Places in an Unforgiving World (book & ebook) — available on Amazon and wherever books and ebooks are sold👍🏻

🤩Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb! Letting Go of the Lies Keeping You From Living with Heart and Soul (book & ebook)

🙏🏻 PRAYING FOR DISCERNMENT:

“Jesus said, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities, claiming, ‘I am Christ, the Messiah.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When reports come in of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history; this is no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Famines and earthquakes will occur in various places. This is nothing compared to what is coming.” ~ Matthew 24:4-8 [The Message]

MORE: How Can you Have a Thankful Heart at a Time Like This?