August 27, 2026

Dear Church Family  

“You’ve been hacked!”  UGH!  Words we never want to hear, but more and more, especially with the integration of AI, things appear real and are not.  An email, a text, a phone call, all seemingly legit from companies we know and trust – but they only appear real.  These traps lure us in and make us believe what is false to be true.  In the end, if we are not careful, we could give away important private information that leads evil people to take our finances, our trust, our peace, and our joy.  In these last days, how much more will the enemy try and steer us away from the One true God?

Much like Eve in the Garden, the enemy was twisting things to seem other than the truth.  2 Corinthians 11 says as much.  Paul is speaking to the people about false apostles, in verse 3 he says, “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

 For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.”  Then in verse 12, “And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.  For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”  And in verse 19, “For you, being so wise, gladly tolerate and accept the foolish [like me]!  For you tolerate it if anyone makes you his slave; or devours you and your possessions; or takes advantage of you; or acts presumptuously; or hits you in the face.”

Yikes!  I sure do not want to tolerate anyone who devours me and my possessions, takes advantage of me, or slaps me in the face!  

Lord, help us to see the truth in all things we see, hear, and experience.  If we are unsure, let us ask, and Holy Spirit reveal the truth to us, giving us wisdom, and the strength to wait before reacting.   May we not fall into traps or believe the lies of the wicked, who try and deceive us.  May we dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of our God, who is our refuge and our strength, the One we trust in.  You, Lord are our shield, and a very present help in trouble.  We need You.  We need You.  We need You.  Amen