My desire and attempts to make things right illustrate a propensity to lean on my own understanding.  For I am part of the “no one” of which the Lord instructed us to be mindful.  Some Bible translations say “no man” but what they do not say is “no spirit” or angel so this is a direct instruction to be watchful and conscious or else men may lead me astray.  This learning depends entirely on fruit of the Holy Spirit called patience.  Do I have the patience to wait on the Lord’s solution to each problem or must I come up with an expedient answer and wander off the path of reason and righteousness?  Are there voices around me, inclusive of those from my own flesh seeking to call me to action other than the orders I received from Christ in His word and continued prompting of Spirit?

Heed– Careful attention to, notice of or close observation.  One common factor to those who have ever had to stand guard over something or someone is that of vigilance.  This is not an easy practice as demonstrated by the Apostles in the garden of Gethsemane through their failure to remain in prayer per the command of the Savior.  It takes a singularity of purpose, a determination beyond the luring call of distraction, a certain denial of self in observance of mandate.

This charge/challenge comes with the inherent implication of a period of time. With respect to Christianity, this period of vigilance is the time remaining until Christ returns to call us home.  Can I remain awake that long?  Absolutely not, if expected to do so under my own will, power and perseverance.  Thanks be to the Father of Heaven and Earth I do not have to reside in my own understanding or abilities.  I have His word to test all men and their ideas, I have His Holy Spirit to strengthen me and to test every man’s origins whether of God or from antichrist (1John 4), and I have His armor to protect my mind and my body from all the flaming arrows of the enemy (Ephesians 6).  My only hope is to believe and demonstrate my faith through continuous action.  Study plus prayer = vigilance.  My hope is in Jesus

Deceives- The act of leading someone astray by false appearance, statement or delusion.  As Jesus warned we live in an evil time where there are many false teachers disseminating word in direct opposition to the Truth of God.  We must be doubly prepared and doubly aware lest we fall prey to the creeping lion of deception.  The Lord tells my heart that this is why we need the accountability/fellowship of other “close” believers.  Someone watching my back has always given me another layer of defense by providing, another pair of eyes scanning the horizon for trouble, another perspective other than my own understanding and honest reflection of my greatest enemy “self deception”.  I love you my Brothers and Sisters and pray for your continued growth in the Lord and careful attention to the tasks of preparation and prayer.  In Jesus’ precious and holy name.