Tickles 'n Truth, normally a weekday compilation of humor and inspiration, departs from its usual format for this week, in remembrance of 9-11. Please join in a time of reflection and renewal for a week that recalls one of the most devastating days in USA history. We will return to our regular format next week.
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers,
transforming themselves into apostles of Christ [God]. And
no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an
angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:13-14, NKJV).
Terrorism (which is much on our mind this week) is not only
a reign of terror but a reign of lies. And when justified in
the name of "God" and religion, it becomes even more
deceptive and dastardly. It is evil incarnate!
Today's extremist Islamic terrorists who are reeking havoc
and murder in various parts of the world (Al-Queada is
thought to be operating in as many as 60 countries) are
taught and believe that they are waging a just war in the
name of "God" and religion. They have convinced themselves
that they have the truth and that Jews and Christians are
the infidels and must be destroyed.
The fact is that we live in a world of both good and evil
and it seems to me that the bottom line between the battle
between good and evil is fundamentally a battle between
truth and lies.
God is truth and in him is no darkness. He is symbolized by
light. Satan, on the other hand, is the father of lies and a
liar from the beginning. He is symbolized by darkness and
transforms himself to appear as an angel of light.
Hitler's reign of terror was a reign of lies. Tragically,
too many believed his lies that the Jews were an inferior
race and had to be done away with. Millions were
slaughtered.
Stalin's reign of terror was a reign of lies. Communism was
claimed to be the greatest way of life and democracy had to
be destroyed. Millions were killed.
Every dictator in his lust for power who seeks to destroy
and kill all who oppose him (and his self-glorifying
ambitions) is a messenger of evil, a master of deceit, and
an agent of Satan, the devil.
These masters of deceit dress their lies in an attractive
garment fabricated with an element of truth that makes their
message appeal to those who walk in darkness and not in the
light of God's truth. Evil's messengers may be dressed in
sheep's clothes, but inside they are murderous wolves.
Let us not be lulled to sleep by: (1) those whose aim is to
be politically correct and whitewash or soften the voice of
evil, (2) by those who would have us believe that educated,
civilized man is becoming more tolerant and peaceful, (3) by
those who think that the Osama bin Ladens and the Saddam
Husseins of the world are no threat to Western society, or
(4) by those who would have us believe the lie that all
roads lead to God!
No! All roads do not lead to God, otherwise why would have
Christ come to earth to die on the cross to redeem lost
mankind? Jesus made it very clear that he was the only way
to God (See John 14:6).
And no! Educated, civilized mankind is not getting better.
Remember Hitler was the leader of one of the most educated
and informed people on earth--and a master of deceit.
Evil dictators will stop at nothing--I repeat, nothing--to
fulfill their self-centered, lustful, power-monger
ambitions.
As the Bible says, "The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9,
KJV). This is why our world desperately needs the Savior.
Jesus Christ is not only the hope of the world, but the only
hope of the world and of lost mankind.
Against all evil and its lies, we need to know the truth of
what God's Word teaches and be on our guard. And may we be
reminded once again this week, that "eternal vigilance is
still the price of freedom." And among other things, we need
to oppose the message of terrorism by urgently demonstrating
and proclaiming to all people the gospel message of God's
forgiveness, hope, healing, love, and peace.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, this is a very sobering week.
Grant that our nation will see that there is a reign of
terror and evil throughout the world and may we, seeing our
plight and our need, turn to you--the only hope for our
broken world and lost mankind. Help us all to see the events
of September 11 as a wakeup call to truth and reality, and I
implore you to send us a revival of the Spirit. Thank you
for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus'
name, Amen."
-- From
Daily Encounter (c) Dick Innes 2002. Subscribe
here.
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