Remain Focused
Perseverance through trial
Our thoughts,
The Pharisees didn’t make Judas greedy and bitter; he was already lost before their encounter. Evil workers recognized the opportunity and took advantage of a brother’s weakness. Devoured his vulnerability, recruiting his fallen soul. And this is to dispose of Jesus and take preeminence as gatekeepers ultimately.
Low-hanging fruit becomes easy prey at the hands of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Because their hearts are not pure to Christ, they are easily persuaded to participate in all sorts of wickedness against the innocent and faithful.
Fraudulent individuals who insert themselves into our lives may be able to conceal their true identity for a while, or even for many years, so cunningly fooling brethren of notable reputation who are incapable of discerning the difference, thereby causing all sorts of spiritual chaos and disorder.
But once enough victims have been made and the truth begins to narrow in, devils start to hide, and their slander and false witness become evident. Reality is inescapable; genuine witnesses come forward and stand firm.
What the Pharisees did might have seemed successful initially, as they promoted themselves as righteous and victorious, but it later proved a colossal failure. The work Satan took over appeared upright to all who were willing to believe a lie, but over time, it proved itself a disaster.
Friends, God has blessed us to count it all joy. Remain aware of your surroundings.
Shepherds, please learn to discern; the devil is always seeking to devour us. Have independent faith in Christ. Be humble, kind, and loving.
Brother so and so may have attended the “best” preaching school, knowing the law with remarkable accuracy. But if there is no love in his heart, he is an empty vessel, manipulating the text for his own belly, resulting in a noisy gong, useless.
And though we may have been victims of evil workers. Divisive fiends. We were not defeated, but God made us a strong and growing people - “in no way alarmed by *our opponents, which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for *us, and that too, from God.” (Phil. 1:28).
Take courage, the day is coming when all will be just.
Your servant,
SM