Stay in the Battle - The Battle is the Lord's

The Art of Self-deception

“The story of King David’s demise begins with the statement, “And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David…tarried still at Jerusalem.” David, tired of the battle, decided to take some time off. With nothing to do he allowed his mind to roam into forbidden areas. His harem was not enough; he needed another man’s wife.

Having committed adultery and murder, David thought he had gotten away with it. Joab, the head of his army, as well as some of the servants in the palace, probably knew. But who would challenge the will of the king? David committed the perfect crime – except he forgot that God was watching. “The thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” Those few words marked the beginning of the end for David. Although forgiven by God, David never completely recovered from the consequences of his sin. The prophet Nathan warned David that he would be able to connect the coming havoc with the crime. Nothing again would be the same.

Because of his crime, his son by Bathsheba died. His son Amon emulated his sin and raped Tamar. Absalom in turn killed Amon and then revolted against this father, temporarily taking his kingdom from him. And so it went as it got worse and worse.

Nobody is smart enough to out-smart God. As ridiculously obvious as this appears, people live as though they believe they can. They deceive themselves into believing that crime pays. If you do not want to live in regret, never forget the lesson of King David. God will forgive you, but He will not deliver you from the consequences of your sin. Like your words, once spoken they can never be retracted. The damage has been done.”

­Thoughts From the Diary Of A Desperate Man

By Walter A. Henrichsen
(Bolding and italics mine.)

Brothers as I meditated this morning in the devotional listed, I was reminded (and want to remind you) that we live in a day of deception, perhaps like none other. Rev. 3:17.

It’s scary to think, “If you’re deceived, you don’t know it!”

To fight deception, stay in the Word. Stay in community with God seekers. Pray, and stay in the “fear of the LORD.”

Also, “Don’t tire of the battle!” You are born into a world at war. Fight to the end. God will give you rest from time to time, and you’ll need it! But don’t give up the battle and take things into your own hands.

He loves you! Great Easter service yesterday! Thanks be to Him! -=db=-

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8)