Are you deceived?

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips
    and harbors deceit in his heart;
when he speaks graciously, believe him not,
    for there are seven abominations in his heart;
though his hatred be covered with deception,
    his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. Proverbs 26:24-26

What are the seven abominations?

There are six things that the Lord hates,
    seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
    and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
    feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies,
    and one who sows discord among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19

But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! 2 Peter 2:12-14

 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

What is the biggest need for a believer in Christ in the ‘end / last days’? Discernment. An ability to detect deception.

And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Matthew 24:22

I know, I know, many will argue they will have been ‘raptured’ before this happens.  So being deceived in the present makes no difference in your walk with Christ? Believing lies does no harm to an individual? How much do you believe you are able to spot a lie or the deception? Let me say this bluntly… without the Holy Spirit revealing the lies and deception by His Truth to you personally – you are screwed. We ALL are susceptible to the deception and the lies. It is ONLY through that intimate personal connection and relationship with the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit that we can know the Truth of things. What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you personally?

I sat here this morning being overwhelmed with the heart of Jesus for His bride. His heart breaks when His bride believes lies instead of Him. What is the greatest need in my eyes that the bride of Christ needs presently? Discernment. And that will ONLY come through intimacy with the Holy Spirit. We MUST surrender and agree with His will for us. We MUST obey and repent quickly and walk out His personal instructions to us! Where are those that earnestly pray EVERYDAY asking Him for His personal direction for their lives? Ask Him everyday for His revelation and Truth. Ask Him everyday for revelation of what is in His heart. Pray from the depths of your heart not out of needless religious words.