“What A Tangled Web We Weave When We Are Deceived!”

A modern modification of Shakespeare from a Christian perspective.

I’ve learned, and I continue to learn, that the devil seeks those he can devour and that he is extremely angry with the believers in Christ.[1] To see an extreme form of the devil’s testing of faith, you need not look further than the book of Job in the Old Testament. What is particularly appalling is that the devil’s attack wasn’t just on Job, but it impacted his family, wealth, and his health.

Our Hope in Glory to Come!

Even when given advanced notice of a satanic attack, we can fail the test. A great example of that is the Apostle Peter. Jesus warned Peter of his testing and even told him exactly what he would do — deny him three times.[2] Peter was determined it would not happen to him, but it did! Exactly as Jesus foretold.

Some might say that this was before Peter received the Holy Spirit and became the chief apostle. However, that is not true. Peter continued to wrestle with the devil as seen in Galatians 2:11–14, where Paul rebukes Peter for religious bigotry.

Having the Spirit is not an insurance plan for avoiding the attacks of the devil. It does however assure you’ll not be tempted beyond your capacity to resist.[3] Believers are advised to put on the whole armor of God and be watchful all the time with focus on pure good thoughts.[4]

We must understand that the faithful of God will be severely tested to determine if our faith is genuine.[5] We should also know that the devil is prowling about seeking those he can devour.[6]

One of the greatest openings for the devil’s attack is anger.[7] Unchecked anger is a doorway for spiritual attack, and this includes fear that leads to anger and resentment.

I know this on a personal level, and I’ve seen the damage such an attack can produce. Even this very morning I was in conversation with a family member and in the discussion, I started thinking about the various trials and difficulties I had to overcome as a son of a sharecropper from the American South.

The subject moved to how the current administration is striking down the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and virtually all civil rights gained for people of color. I hold great fear in my heart about the direction this administration is taking America. I fear it will ultimately ruin this great nation and close doors to achievement for many groups of people.

But that wasn’t the real problem; as my fear has led me to extreme anger! When anger increases, it actually feeds the beast and makes it stronger.

My anger overwhelmed the very room and atmosphere, such that my more sensitive family member felt almost assaulted by the negative atmosphere that was created. Thankfully, I learned I was getting out of control, and then I knew Satan had entered the room and into me. I fell for the opening and in doing so, overwhelming evil was allowed to feaster.

In self-reflection, I felt inside an insecurity and fear I should not have. I work really hard to contain and discipline myself not to react to anger, but I feel a growing darkness that is enveloping the nation and ultimately the world. But it also seeks to infect us with despair if we allow it to do so.

I describe a power that feeds on discord and unrest. I have mentioned that good fruit or outcomes cannot come from a bad or corrupt tree. You know them by their works. If division and disturbance are the fruits of a proclaimed Christian-sanctioned action, this is in no way an act of the Holy Spirit or condoned by Jesus.

It’s fake and it leads to corruption — period!

I never want to display a level of self-righteousness that is false and based on some platform of achievement. I’ve learned that I benefit from knowing the mistakes of others and how they overcame their challenges far better than those who have never been severely tested or attempt to show an image of perfection.

I expose myself in these writings and reveal that I, too, face testing, and I have faced failures. However, thanks to the Lord of Heaven and Earth, I do learn from the experience.

The haze of history and the ever-increasing power of growing negative influences have made the sea of reality we navigate gray and murky. As a comparison, the waters are nearly impossible to see through clearly, and we are all swimming in a sea of predators.[8] The need for insight and a clear vision is critical to avoiding attack.

The Bible compares God’s people to sheep needing a shepherd.[9] Some consider it insulting to compare followers to dumb sheep, but this is because of a current lack of vision and righteous leadership.

It’s not that followers of God are dumb, but they operate in a dark and murky world of dangers. A good shepherd with insight understands this and works to guide the followers of Christ carefully. dangers ahead. We in the faith now need such leaders to help us prepare for the tribulations ahead.

© Bob Russell

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Sources & References:

[1] 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12: 9–12, 17

[2] Luke 22:54–62; Matthew 26:69–75; Mark 14: 66–72

[3] James 4:7; Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 10:13

[4] Philippians 4:8; Ephesians 6:10–18

[5] Daniel 7:25; Revelation 12:6; 1 Peter 1:7; Revelation 3:10; James 1:2–8. It is very important to know what gives room for the devil to attack and test our faith.

[6] 1 Peter 5:8–9; 1 Timothy 4:1

[7] Ephesians 4:27–31; Proverbs 29:11

[8] Call them hungry sharks if that provides a more vivid image.

[9] Psalms 100:3; John 10:27; 1 Peter 5:2; Matthew 9:36–38; Psalms 23:1