The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"Prone To Wander"
"Where have I been deceived? Where are spiritual enemies presently seeking to deceive me? What potential pitfalls of error lie ahead?"
We are an easily deceived race of beings, as confirmed early in our existence.
"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat" (Genesis 3:6).
Failure to realize and remember our weakness in this regard means we are already deceived. Faithfulness in consistently seeking God's confirmation and correction means we are aware of our great need for His light and guidance.
"Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path because of mine enemies" (Psalm 27:11).
"Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty" (Job 5:17).
We pray, read the Scriptures, fellowship with other believers, and seek to "walk humbly with thy God" for many reasons (Micah 6:8). Proneness to deception certainly constitutes a primary aspect for our availing ourselves of the aforementioned gifts, privileges, and responsibilities. A subtle serpent ever seeks to lead sheep astray. Wise saints realize "the wiles of the devil" will inevitably succeed if we blithely ignore the Bible's warnings to seek God's help in overcoming deception by abiding in His means of maintaining truth in our hearts and minds (Ephesians 6:11).
"Where have I been deceived? Where are spiritual enemies presently seeking to deceive me? What potential pitfalls of error lie ahead?" Ongoing communion with God regarding these possibilities helps to overcome past, present, and future diversions that may affect us without our realization. "Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults" (Psalm 19:12). Sheep require a shepherd to avoid poisoned pastures and putrid streams. Believers require the good, great, and chief Shepherd to enable our avoidance of cunning lies, innuendos, and notions in our minds that seem true, but which actually darken our souls. "For Thou art my lamp, o Lord, and the Lord will lighten my darkness" (II Samuel 22:29).
"Prone to wander" suggests the hymnwriter of a human race easily misled. This includes the flesh of believers, regardless of the measure of devotion to the Lord. A deceiving and dreadful enemy ever allures us to thoughts, attitudes, and perspectives that shine like stars, but whose glimmer offers a false light. "If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matthew 6:33). We must be wary, and even more, we must avail ourselves of the means God provides to supply His guidance and protection. Prayer, the Scriptures, fellow believers, and a humble heart open to the possibility of deception will serves as the means whereby a faithful Shepherd confirms and corrects.
"Search me, o God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
(Psalm 139:23-24)
Weekly Memory Verse
As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.
(John 1:12)
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