Beware of Poison

We live in an old farmhouse. (Emphasis on old. Picture fieldstone foundation, gross basement and scary attic.) And, we have no cat. The reason this is important for you to know is cuz to keep mice from  cohabiting, we (meaning Dave) has to set traps with rat poison.

Have you ever read the ingredient label on a box of rat poison? It’s 99% yummy rat food and 1% poison? Lots of good stuff mixed in with a little poison.

Beware of poison!

The devil uses this same approach on you and me. He doesn’t show up in a red suit with a pitch fork; he’s sneaky and devious. Satan feeds you truth (do not think for a moment he does not know Scripture) but he mixes in a little bitty distortion or deceit so he can schnooker you into disobedience or fear or doubt.

From Genesis to today, he drops a little bit of poison into God’s narrative causing us to doubt God’s goodness and love for us. He was able to trick Eve with this tactic she walked with God! Lies are the devil’s native tongue (John 8:44) so we really have got to be on our guard.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. John 10:10, says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…”

The devil comes to ruin you. To kill your relationships, steal your future, and destroy your dreams.

The best defense

Our best defense against the poison from the enemy’s lies is to know Truth by reading and studying God’s Word. In the Bible we discover God’s best for us and understand His character. Once you know God through his word, you won’t mistake God’s delays for God’s denial. You’ll recognize truth from lies, tests from temptations, know when to run and when to stand firm.

No matter how much time or Bible knowledge you have or don’t have, there are simple ways to study God’s word.

Self-study

Study something of interest to you. It might be: thankfulness, God’s love, fear, the trinity, anger, love, or wisdom.

Simply look up the topic using Google or a concordance or Bible dictionary. Read the sited references and surrounding text. Then journal what they mean and how you can apply this new information to yourself or situation.

Guided Bible Study

Study a book of the Bible or topic of interest using a Bible Study workbook. Most studies provide historical references, explain cultural influences and help you apply the text to your life.

I love the Moody Bible studies for women but if you’re short on time or want a less intensive study, I highly recommend Journey to Trust, which I wrote to silence accusing voices, displace chaos with God’s peace and develop healthy habits to support spiritual growth.

If you’ll sacrifice 20-30 minutes of your television viewing time or social media scrolling time, you can complete a lesson a day.

Group Study

Most churches host a weekly Bible study. Not only will you begin to experience God, but you will get to know the women in the group as you share what you’re learning from the study.

What’s your next step?

To keep yourself from being schnookered by enemy lies, stick your nose in God’s big book. Discover for yourself what it says and guard your heart from being poisoned.

I’d love to know how you are studying God’s word. Tell me in the comments below.

Verse for today:  When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV)

Prayer: Holy Spirit, lead me in truth today. I want only to be influenced by you. Protect me from being deceived. Give me supernatural understanding of your Word. Guard my heart and mind from lies. I ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. amen.