Oldest Trick In The Book

Literally the oldest trick in the book. “Did God really say?” continues to be a favorite tool of the enemy as he “prowls around, like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

We first see this snare set in the Garden of Eden, way back in Genesis 3:1, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”

And you know the rest of the story. How easily we are swayed to doubt God’s word!

Whispering Seeds Of Doubt

Adam and Eve walked side by side with God in the cool of the Garden. As yet unstained by sin, they spoke face to face with Him and heard his voice. They stood with Him as He pointed out all the blessings He had created for them, all the trees and plants that were good for food, and the one tree out of all the rest that they were to avoid. Just this one tree. One. Tree.

But along comes the serpent, hissing in their ear seeds of doubt, “Did God really say?” And instantly our first parents choose to believe the lie. To believe the creature instead of the Creator. To doubt the goodness of God’s commands, and indeed even to doubt the goodness of God Himself!

And we do the same thing today.

Old Trick, New Garden

The serpent is still whispering, “Did God really say?”, and if we listen to him, “as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)

Did God really say that I cannot serve both God and money?

Did God really say He commands me to forgive all who wrong me?

Did God really say not to sin in my anger?

Did God really say to do everything for His glory?

Did God really say all my money is really His money?

Did God really say not to invest in immoral industries like abortion and pornography?

Did God really say that He demands holiness in my relationships, finances, investments, work, thoughts and every other area of life?

Perfect Word

Dear beloved, hear me! The answer is “Yes, God really did say!” Go to His perfect word and soak your sin stained mind in the truth of God! Let it wash over you, cleansing away the serpent filth and reminding you of the truth, goodness and majesty of God! His commands are life and blessing, protection for your soul!

“The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold…” (Psalm 19:7-10)

Do you believe this?

Trust in His goodness. Silence the snake. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.