Doubt: The Devil's Deceptive Weapon

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by doubt? It’s a powerful tool the devil uses to chip away at our faith. Like a sly serpent, it slithers into our minds, whispering doubts and fears that can erode our trust in God. But fear not, for we are not alone in this battle.

Doubt Seeds Discouragement:

When doubt takes root, it can quickly sprout into discouragement. It paints a bleak picture, convincing us that we’re unworthy of God’s love or that He’s abandoned us. Remember, the devil thrives on our discouragement, feeding on our fears and insecurities.

Doubt Creates Division:

Doubt can drive a wedge between us and God, distancing us from His loving presence. It can also lead to division within the Body of Christ, as we question the teachings and guidance of others.

Doubt Hinders Our Faith:

When doubt clouds our minds, it can hinder our faith and prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings. It’s like trying to walk through a dense fog; we can’t see clearly where we’re going or what lies ahead.

Overcoming Doubt

But we don’t have to be prisoners to doubt. Here’s how we can break free from its grip:

• Focus on God’s Word: The Bible is our spiritual compass, guiding us through the stormy seas of doubt. Immerse yourself in His Word, and let it fill your mind with truth and hope.

• Pray for Faith: Ask God to increase your faith and strengthen your trust in Him. Remember, faith is a gift from God, and He is more than willing to bestow it upon those who seek Him.

• Surround Yourself with Believers: Connect with other Christians who can support and encourage you. Their faith can be a powerful antidote to your doubt.

Let’s rise above the whispers of doubt and embrace the unwavering love of our Heavenly Father. Together, we can overcome this deceptive weapon and experience the freedom that comes with a life of faith.

Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be easy to lose sight of our true purpose and the path God has laid out for us.

Just as a traveler we need to rely on a compass to navigate through the unfamiliar terrain, we too need a reliable guide to navigate the complexities of life. The Bible offers us that compass, a divine roadmap that illuminates our path and provides direction even in the foggiest of times.

As Psalm 32:8 reminds us, "I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." God knows the twists and turns of our lives better than we do. He sees the obstacles ahead, the potential pitfalls, and the most promising paths to follow. When we trust in Him and seek His guidance, He becomes our compass, leading us safely through the challenges and uncertainties of life.

How can we use God as our compass?

• Pray for direction:

  Ask God to reveal His will for your life and wait on him.

• Study the Bible:

  The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance.

• Seek counsel from trusted people:

  Talk to believers we can trust and we know walk in the power of the Holy spirit who can offer advice and support.

• Listen to the Holy Spirit:

  The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth (John 16:13).

Remember, God's love for you is unwavering. He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Trust in Him, and He will lead you safely through life's journey.

It is impossible to see the hand of God at work in our lives when we do not believe that He will come through for us. Many of us give up when the results we desire. In my experience God never answers me the way I want him to. That in itself is a blessing. His thoughts and ways surpasses my understanding.

He who dares not cannot be honest." This provocative statement challenges us to examine the depths of our own souls and the motivations behind our words. It suggests that honesty, far from being merely a matter of truthfulness, is a courageous act that requires us to confront our fears and speak the truth, no matter the cost.

The Bible, a wellspring of wisdom and guidance, echoes this sentiment. Proverbs 12:22 declares, "Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are his delight." Zechariah 8:16 urges us to "Love truth and peace." And Ephesians 4:25 reminds us to "speak the truth, each one of you with his neighbor." These verses make it abundantly clear that honesty is a cornerstone of a godly life, a reflection of our love for both God and our fellow human beings.

Yet, the quote raises a perplexing paradox: can we truly be honest if we are afraid to speak the truth? Does fear, a powerful enemy of the soul, prevent us from being authentic? The Bible suggests that it can. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul exhorts us to "do not be afraid of their threats, for the Lord is with you." Fear, it seems, is a formidable obstacle to honesty.

Many of us have faced many seasons of impossibility. In those moments, we may feel unequipped to face the challenge. Yet many scriptures give us a different approach to dealing with impossible circumstances. Rather than aborting the mission altogether, we need to ask the Lord for wisdom to navigate through them.

Scripture: Matthew 7:3-5

"Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye but do not notice the plank in your eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."  

Reflection:

Jesus' words in this passage powerfully remind us of our human tendency to judge others quickly while overlooking our own faults. We often focus on the specks in others' eyes, oblivious to the planks hindering our vision. This hypocrisy can lead to division, conflict, and spiritual stagnation.

Self-Awareness and Humility

The image of a plank in one's eye is a stark metaphor for our self-righteousness. It highlights the need for self-awareness and humility. Only when we acknowledge our shortcomings can we truly see the faults of others with compassion and understanding.

Material possessions, social status, and achievements often define success. We admire those who climb the corporate ladder, accumulate wealth, and become famous. We measure our worth based on external validation and societal expectations.

Steve Jobs once said, "For me, success is being able to look at my children and see the person I've helped them become." This perspective highlights a different kind of success, one that is focused on personal growth and making a positive impact on others.

He also said, "At this moment, lying on the sick bed and recalling my whole life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in have paled and become meaningless in the face of impending death.

The idea that women marry men like their fathers and men marry women like their mothers is not far-fetched. Many of us come from broken homes, raised by single parents, grandparents, or adopted parents. Children who grow up in ungodly households may have difficulty trusting others and God. A lack of a Biblical foundation in the household can affect our image of God the Father.

Church, get ready for God's new move. Be prepared to witness God's influence in industries that have not seen His hand before. Get ready to see it, as it has already begun to happen, and the Body of Christ will rise in its influence. The world cannot deny that the God who answers by fire is responding to the cry of His people.

Every corrupt industry will be exposed, and no stone will be left unturned. Gates shut before the children of God will be opened like never before, and God's glory will not go unnoticed. Those who have not answered the call will have no choice but to step aside for the sons and daughters of Zion to do the work assigned to them by God.

n Psalm 42:5-6, David expresses his deep sorrow and discouragement: "Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and 6. my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you—even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar."

Despite feeling overwhelmed, David turns to God for encouragement. He reminds himself of God's faithfulness and the promise of salvation. This simple act of trusting in God, even in despair, is a powerful example of how the Holy Spirit can uplift us in our darkest moments.

Many believers feel stuck because they fail to realize that God has already provided us with everything we need. His purpose for us was given to us when we were in our mother's womb. Even though the enemy might lead us astray, we cannot use that as an excuse when we discover the truth that we have been given authority. The truth is that we can bind the works of darkness and release God's blessings.

“Submit yourselves one to another out of reverence for Christ.” - Ephesians 5:21

The word "submission" often carries a negative connotation, stirring up the stinky eye and the bent lip. Today, the word submission ushers in resistance and builds walls. However, when viewed through the lens of the Bible, submission takes on a profound and beautiful meaning. It is not about losing one’s identity or power; rather, it is a conscious choice to yield to a higher authority out of love, respect, and reverence.

At its core, submission is an act of humility. It involves recognizing that we are not the ultimate authority in our lives. God, as our Creator and loving Father, holds that position. When we submit to Him, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust His perfect plan for our lives. It's like willingly choosing to do the blind fall test that the world practices as a trust exercise. “I am not sure if you will be there to catch me, but I will fall in hope and faith, believing I will be caught.”

The responsibility to provide for one’s family can be overwhelming. It’s easy to become consumed by work and neglect spiritual growth. However, Jesus reminds us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Trust in God's provision and prioritize your spiritual life.  

Like Esther, you are positioned to be a leader in your time, guiding people away from despair and into a fulfilled life. God has predestined for you to be prepared through unconventional circumstances. In my experience, God often prepares leaders in unexpected ways. We can see God's guiding hand preserving us when we reflect on our lives.

As a child of God, you have access to the true source of all power. Adam and Eve fellowshipped with God daily. They were successful in their tasks and assignments. They did not experience sickness, failure, or limitations.

Our homes are the foundation upon which our ministries are built. A fractured marriage or neglected family can create a ripple effect that undermines our spiritual effectiveness.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, outlines the qualifications for church leadership: "He” must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?" (“ Timothy 3:4-5). This passage is a clear reminder that our ability to lead others is directly tied to our ability to lead our homes.

Great leaders understand that every believer has a place and function in the church. They recognize that new believers start with foundational teachings before maturing and eventually serving outside the church. By God’s design, we go out as mature believers to positively influence the world.

Fear is a spirit that can paralyze us, hinder our growth, and distort our perspective. It's not just a common human experience, emotion or feeling. It's not God's intended way for us to live. Today, we'll explore how to overcome fear and embrace God’s gift of hope.

The Biblical Blueprint for Business

The Bible is replete with principles for conducting business ethically and successfully. From Solomon's wisdom to Joseph's entrepreneurial spirit, Scripture offers invaluable guidance.

Integrity: Proverbs 11:3 says, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." Honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct are paramount in the business world.

I have fallen into deception more times than I can recall. Deception is a huge part of maturing in our walk with the Lord, especially for those called to the prophetic office. It is because I have fallen into deception so many times that I qualify to speak on the topic. People may overlook the signs of deception when focused on the gifts. But that does not fool God. He is just and never changes his rules to fit into our molds.