BUT YOU MUST NOT EAT FROM THE TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL, FOR WHEN YOU EAT OF IT YOU WILL SURELY DIE
(Genesis 2:17).

Notice that God’s Counsel is clear…straightforward…uncomplicated.

NOW THE SERPENT WAS MORE CRAFTY THAN ANY OF THE WILD ANIMALS THE LORD GOD HAD MADE. HE SAID TO THE WOMAN, ‘DID GOD REALLY SAY, ‘YOU MUST NOT EAT FROM ANY TREE IN THE GARDEN?’
(Genesis 3:1).

Take notice of how Satan attacked God’s Word.  He proposed, “Did God really say?”

I bless you to look out for these words of doubt from the father-of-lies: “Did God really say?”  Understand that the words of the father-of-lies are cunning and subtle.  His goal is to distract from the Truth.  His aim is to confuse God’s clear and uncomplicated Word.  His plan is to separate you from God’s Counsel of Love, Light, and Life. His weapon is deception—the practice of luring you into accusatory beliefs that are not true.

When the crafty one fills your mind with his spiritual pictures and words of fear, hopelessness, and unworthiness, turn these deceiving pictures and oppressing words over to God, and ask Him to tell you the Truth. Then, you can answer the father-of-lies with the very words of the Lord Jesus Himself:

MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD
(Matthew 4:4).

With which accusatory beliefs has the father-of-lies been distracting you from the Truth?

What effect have these negative, destructive beliefs had on your life, so far?

What are you going to do about this?

PRAYER: Majesty, let me live by Your Truth. Let me recognize the father-of-lies’ spiritual pictures and words of doubt that bring confusion, fear, and despair to my mind and heart. Speak to me, Lord. Remind me, during times like these, to acknowledge You in all my thoughts and beliefs and to live from every Word that comes from Your mouth.