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Have you ever been deceived by this?

The word deceive means: “to ensnare or trap, to be false to fail to fulfill, to cheat.” Wow, that’s a handful. I hear many young people disregard their parents’ concerns about their friends. The parents say: “I don’t want you hanging around those kids. they are going to get you into trouble.” Their children respond: “Don’t worry, I know what I am doing. I won’t let them change me, and I won’t do what they do.” However,  1 Corinthians 15:33 (AMPC)  says: “Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character. Our friends and associates will affect us one way or another. In Matthew 4:19, the Lord Jesus told the disciples: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 2 Corinthians 6:17 says: “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.” You can clearly see that according to God’s wisdom, we can be more easily deceived than we realize. Therefore, wisdom dictates that we be very careful and discerning of who we associate with and who we choose as friends. If you associate with gossipers and complainers, that is the impartation you will receive from them. If we associate with godly visionaries and people who love God and His word, they will draw us closer to God and His plans for us. It’s Spring time, so it’s time to do some Spring-cleaning. If your associations are corrupting your good manners and morals, it’s time to get rid of them and find those that will help you in your relationship with God. Selah!

1 Corinthians 15:33 (AMPC) “Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.”

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It can take you there, but it can’t keep you there!

There are many who get easily impressed with “anointed” people. Yet we are continuously seeing “anointed” ministers fall from grace in the news. We all have gifts given to us from God. Your gifts can take you to great  heights, but if you do not have character, your gifts won’t be able to keep you there. Only character and integrity can keep you in the tough places. The Scriptures reveal leaders like Samson, who had an amazing anointing, yet fell into immorality. But when you look at a person like Joseph, who even though  was tempted, lied about and deceived, still ended up prospering in any and every challenge. Why? Because he was a man of character and integrity. Samson didn’t build up his inner man and as a result, succumbed to temptations and suffered devastation and loss (Judges 16:1).

Here are some steps to a strong inner man:

Meditate on God’s word constantly. (Are we disciplined or just gifted?).

 We must develop a strong, effective, fervent, consistent prayer life.

 We must begin to act and walk in faith. Faith without works  is dead (James 2). 

Always be alert.

Stand firm in the faith.

Walk in love (1 John 4: 7-8).

Live righteously (Psalms 24: 4-5). 

Be faithful and steady.  Hasty and impetuous people sin and miss the mark (Prov. 20: 28).

Seek God’s wisdom daily (Prov: 8:32-36).

Ephesians 6:10 “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might”

Hebrews 6:11-12 “And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit  the promises.”