I would first start off by saying, "Good Morning".As I was doing my morning devotion, I came across the following reading, which comes from Last Day Events, EGW. It reads as follows:
Satan's Last Day Deceptions
Under the Garb of Christianity
Under the Garb of Christianity
We are approaching the end of this earth's history, and Satan is working as never before. He is striving to act as director of the Christian world. With an intensity that is marvelous, he is working with his lying wonders. Satan is represented as walking about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. He desires to embrace the whole world in his confederacy. Hiding his deformity under the garb of Christianity, he assumes the attributes of a Christian, and claims to be Christ Himself. 8MR 346, 1901
The Word of God declares that when it suits the enemy's purpose, he will, through his agencies, manifest so great a power under a pretense of Christianity that, "if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" [Matt. 24:24] MS 125, 1901
As the spirits will profess faith in the Bible, and manifest respect for the institutions of the church, their work will be accepted as a manifestation of divine power. GC 588 (1911)
The strongest bulwark of vice in our world is not the iniquitous life of the abandoned sinner or the degraded outcast; it is that life which otherwise appears virtuous, honorable, and noble, but in which one sin is fostered, one vice indulged. . . . Genius, talent, sympathy, even generous and kindly deeds, may thus become decoys of Satan to entice souls over the precipice of ruin. Ed 150 (1903).
So when I read that, I am not directed to one person or group, but to the spirit of deception. So then the question that arise is: "Am I deceived, or am I being deceived"?
Sister White had that same concern in her days. Let's take a look at one of here statements she made years ago, which also pertains to us today.
".... The enemy is at work, to divide, to scatter. Now as never before, he will make determined efforts to scatter our forces. Above every other period, it is unsafe now for us to move out in lines of our own. The truth for this time is broad in its outlines, far reaching, embracing many doctrines; but these doctrines are not detached items, which mean little; they are united by golden threads, forming a complete whole, with Christ as the living center. The truths we present from the Bible are as firm and immovable as the throne of God. {2SM 87.1}
Satan will work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness to personate Jesus Christ; if it were possible, he would deceive the very elect. Now if the counterfeit bears so close a resemblance to the genuine, is it not essential to be on your guard, that no man deceive you? Christ enforces His warnings, saying, "Behold, I have told you before" (Matt. 24:25). {2SM 87.2}
Brethren, preach the Word, call not the people to rest their faith upon uncertain things or to place confidence in the human agent. I have the word from the Lord. I was shown Elder R before a number of persons reading from the professed revelations of Anna Phillips. A noble, dignified Person was present, and with a grieved expression upon His countenance He removed the written document, placed in Brother R's hand the Bible, and said, "Take the Word of God as your textbook,
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). {2SM 87.3}
"Those who search the Scriptures will find explicit instruction as to what God requires of them on points of practical religious life. You are making a mistake in calling the attention of the flock of God from the Word, the unerring word of prophecy. Take heed what you hear, and be cautious what you receive. There is need of caution lest the minds of the little flock shall be found accrediting that which is not the genuine work of the Holy Spirit. There is a very great danger here. Satan is ever seeking to introduce spurious material into the work, in order that he may mar the testimony, and bring discredit upon the truth. He would mingle with it, an element that would be a stumbling block in the pathway of God's people." {2SM 88.1}
The commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus, is the message we have to bear to the world. The Word of God is not one-sided, it is truth to be practiced. It is light extending on every side, like the rays of the sun. It is light to lighten every man who will read and understand and practice its teachings.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). Letter 103, 1894. {2SM 88.2}"
As the wheat and the tares grow together, be not in the bunch that is bound together and burned. I prefer to see you Heaven bound than earth bound.
As we go through our day, I will continually keep you, (all of humanity) in my prayers, that we may not be deceived by the wiles of Satan.
Let's pray the prayer of David: Psalms 141
141:2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
141:4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.
141:5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities. 141:6 When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
141:7 Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.
141:8 But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
141:9 Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.
141:10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.
May God bless us all today.
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