Like many teenage boys, I was drawn toward horror flicks in high school. I’m not sure why I developed this unhealthy attraction, but the adrenaline of being scared out of my mind brought me back to the movies time after time. When I dreamed that I was being chased around my neighborhood by a beast or killer, I just assumed this was a harmless nightmare, Little did I realize that I was actually fighting an invisible enemy.
For such men are false apostles [spurious, counterfeits], deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles (special messengers) of Christ (the Messiah). 14 And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light; 15 So it is not surprising if his servants also masquerade as ministers of righteousness. [But] their end will correspond with their deeds, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
As another Friday 13th approaches, it’s fitting that I was born on Saturday the 14th. I won’t read too much into this irony, but the apostle Paul warns Christians of what believers in God are up against. Following in the footsteps of his heavenly identity Lucifer, this fallen angel is a spiritual magician who is the master of deception. Just as this cunning serpent deceived Adam and Eve, human beings are fooled every day by this invisible enemy.
I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. 10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows), John 10:9-10.
In the passage above, Jesus suggests that Satan tries to convince people that there is more than one way to enter heaven. As the gullible begin to search for this back door, character is stolen, dreams are killed and lives are destroyed. Jesus didn’t come to earth to condemn those who wonder off, but to seek and to save the lost, Luke 19:10. Therefore, as your eyes are opened to this invisible enemy, come to Jesus so you can begin to experience the abundant life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 