Beware of Being Surprised!
I am not surprised! Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14
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“Surprise!” Usually we use this expression in the context of something exciting and wondrous or in the unveiling of something amazing. Yet today’s Scripture verse uses the word surprised to mean, “I am not . . . overwhelmed, puzzled, or shocked.” Paul was clearly stating his inability to be caught off guard by Satan and his deceptive ways of twisting and tainting the truth. “An angel of light” refers to the fact that Satan can appear disguised as a messenger of truth, but there is no truth in him. Just as bank employees learn to detect counterfeit bills by painstakingly poring over authentic ones, we learn to perceive the enemy by acquainting ourselves deeply with the ways of our Father. So beware of being surprised! Be alert and on guard. Arm yourself with God’s Word, and learn his ways so that in the day or hour when you are a target for Satan’s deception, you will not fall for his trickery but will instead see and know the truth.
Prayers:
How precious and perfect are your Word and your ways, O Lord. I pray that my relationship with you through the shed blood of Christ will be strong and that your Word will grow deep in my heart. Then the enemy’s deceptions will not take me by surprise. I will recognize him for who he is, the father of lies.
Quotes:
THE DEVIL NEVER SLEEPS, AND YOUR FLESH IS VERY MUCH ALIVE. PREPARE YOURSELF FOR BATTLE. SURROUNDING YOU ARE ENEMIES THAT NEVER REST.
Thomas à Kempis (ca. 1380–1471)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Isaiah 3:1–5:30; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15; Psalm 53:1-6; Psalm 22:28-29.
