It struck me as odd because it just seemed so out of character for her. I've known this woman for a long time and she serves in the capacity of "Church Mother" for a thriving ministry. She loves God and has dedicated her life to His service. I love this awesome leader dearly.
So when I opened the email and began reading the language it contained, I frowned. "What in the world?" I thought aloud.
Now, you may be thinking it was a vulgar, profanity-laced message, but it wasn't. Actually, it was a tender, pleading, pull-at-your-heartstrings type email. There was even a scripture and inspirational quote in the electronic signature.
The message told me how my dear friend had gone on vacation to London, been robbed at gun point, and now needed a cash bail-out from me in order to get home. It was so sad and heartfelt; but something was off.
You see, I know the way this person speaks, both verbally and through written communication. I have a relationship with this woman. The tone was all wrong. However, the scripture attached to the email made me second-guess what I knew deep down.
This email was akin to one of those weird spam messages telling me I am the beneficiary of a multi-million dollar inheritance. All I have to do is share my personal bank account info. And then, just like that, this random, kind-hearted, dying stranger, will wire obscene amounts of cold hard cash directly to me.
Yeah, one of those emails.
Turns out, after a simple google search, I was able to find the exact language online, along with a warning: THIS IS A SCAM. I should have immediately known better.
Once things became clear, I had to laugh at myself for even entertaining such shenanigans.
So, as I marked this particular email as spam and junked it, God used that very moment to teach me a lesson. He pointed out how, just like well-crafted scams, the lies and deceits of the enemy contain a modicum of truth. That old devil will even throw a scripture or two in there to support his lies. And if we're not careful, we can get sucked into those distortions of God's word.
This is precisely the approach the devil tried to use with Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11, although he ended up getting put in his place very quickly! In verse 10, Jesus said, "Away from me, Satan!"
And Christ's very next words were, "For it is written..."
Whenever I read this passage of scripture, I always ask myself, "How in the world did the devil think he could use the word of God against the Living Word?" Clearly the devil knew that Jesus is the Word Incarnate (John 1:1-3). When He walked the earth, He was simply divinity wrapped in humanity.
Come on now.
The enemy didn't stand a chance.
Nor does He stand a chance against us when we pull out the "weapons of our warfare," which, according to 2 Corinthians 10:4 "are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." The New Living Translation says it this way: "We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments."
So today, we're debunking all of the messages the enemy has sent our way that are incongruent with the word of God. The contradictions he tries to use against us are being chopped down with the sword of the spirit (Ephesians 6:17).
Right now, we're taking captive every thought, idea, notion, and voice, that speaks against the pure truth of God's word. That's why I'm adding 2 Corinithians 10:5 NASB to your cup of inspiration with no other additives. It says, "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. "
When you drink down the contents of your cup today, by the power of God's word, your thoughts will be purified and line up with what He has said. Hebrews 4:12 NIV says,"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Oh, and once God's word takes effect (I feel myself getting happy right about now!), you'll be able to say what Jesus said in response to the enemy in Matthew 4:4 AKJV.
"But he answered and said, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"
Father, thank You for filtering out those messages that come to dispute and disprove what You have already declared. Today, I stand in agreement with Your word. And I praise You in advance for revealing every lie, distortion, and trick of the enemy that comes to hinder me. By Your power, my mind is free; my faith is full; and my heart is rejoicing in the truth that Your word prevails above all else! In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, empower, and encourage you.
