Deceived
Deceived: To be misled, tricked, or led astray from the truth—often into believing something false or engaging in wrongful actions. To be deliberately misled is to be caused to believe something that is not true, especially for another’s personal gain.
I have family members and friends who probably believe I am deceived in my faith in some way—and if I’m honest, I sometimes feel the same about them in certain areas. My heart is heavy for our Christian community and the divisions we face. I found myself asking, “God, how can anyone know they are deceived if, by nature, they don’t realize it?” Then I heard the Holy Spirit whisper: “Ask Me, and I will answer you. Then compare all you believe with what My Word says.”
This year, our Bishop has been teaching on prayer, which feels so timely. In a season marked by division, God has been reminding us to slow down and truly listen to Him. One of our pastors recently shared how, when we do all the talking in prayer, we can become like those friends who never pause for breath—they go on and on, but never stop to listen. We must be careful not to let our relationship with God look like that.
He also gave the example of Samuel. Samuel was dedicated to the Lord at birth, and when he was weaned, his mother brought him to the priest. He grew up serving in the temple and surrounded by spiritual activity, yet he did not recognize God’s voice when He called. Samuel was even lying in the temple where the ark of God was kept, but still, he did not know the voice of the Lord until he was taught to listen.
That is a warning for us. We must not become so busy doing and speaking that we miss the voice of God. Scripture tells us that God is not the author of confusion. This division we see in the Body of Christ is not from Him—it is from the enemy. We need to recognize it, resist it, and run to the altar not merely to speak, but to listen.
I’m reminded of the sobering words of Jesus:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and perform many miracles in Your name?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
Key Takeaways
God is speaking—are you listening?
Nothing in the human heart is hidden from the Lord.
Satan is the author of deception.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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