It Looked Real

I have no idea what was so special about yesterday, but through the 400-something miles, there were plenty of State Troopers along the highways and by-ways. Part-trained eye, part life experience; it's just a part of my time on the road... perhaps more-so than most drivers.

Towards the final miles of my day, I was talking with my friend, also in the home-stretch of his day. In discussing police presence on the roads, he shared his own experience. One of the former patrol cars had just passed him. Of course, when someone is flying up on you, you don't know that it's a former unit, rather than an active one... until they pass you. Then he interrupts the conversation with an "ut-oh"... the real deal pulls alongside, then decides to brake and duck in behind him

Naturally, we've all thought it. "I haven't done anything! What gives?" Moments later, the trooper exits. Realized he wasn't going to make it jumping ahead of traffic, so he played it safe and raised my friends' blood pressure. A few minutes later, I'm a mile from my exit. And out of nowhere.... sure enough, trooper in the fast lane, flying up. I back off, just to be on the safe side... he passes me, then gets in front of me. I watch him take the very exit I need. "Well, that was fun. Just keep going bro!"

How often we "forget", Satan was an insider. Cast down from Heaven, he has an understanding of spiritual matters. He was once part of the truth, enjoying the presence of God. He no longer stands on the authority of Heaven for whatever plans He attempts to carry out, but that doesn't mean He won't have some fun with people, having the appearance of the truth from a distance.

Satan is the former patrol car in the spiritual realm!

Much like counterfeit money, you can't fathom the innumerable opportunities for anything less than 100% authenticity and truth, except to study what is 100% truth. Thus, our relationship with God through the person of Jesus Christ is just as important for the believer as it is for the pastor that is leading the believer. And if that is the case for our lives as adults, how much more to teach our children to recognize the truth.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray we would be and raise a church that would know and recognize the truth of God and the power of Christ. May we not be faked or freaked out over the deceptive attacks and temptations of the enemy. Pray for pastors, as they lead this next generation of the church that they would not be led away and deceived themselves. May they have a better understanding of God and His Word, that they may better instruct and model a healthy and active life of faith to all who come in contact with them. May we be reminded, that even with spiritual principles, the law establishes boundaries, yet, because of the Cross, we live under grace.

A proper respect for the authority of God
A clear discernment for spotting the deceit of Satan
Standing firm in our faith.
Having no fear of what is false.
Speaking and living the truth
For the glory of God.

- PNC

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