Strength of man or Christ covering?

"Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion." Isaiah 30:1-3

Is not the strength of man (humanness) limited? What protection can a shadow give? Does it not move with the sun and fade as the sun passes? Oh, but to "add sin to sin"! The endless opportunities, yet unbenounced leads to confusion, chaos, shame, regret and not to mention, a wide open target because outside the Lord's Will is to be outside of His protection! 

"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD." Jeremiah 17:5

Yet in His mercy and grace---> "...For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." Isaiah 10:4 He still bids us "come"!

Honestly give yourself a prayerful examination. Where is your hope, peace and trust placed?

My heart is fixed

"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." Psalm 57:7

Only a heart "fixed", which is established, fastened, firm and/or ready can continually sing and give praise. Why? Because this heart sees Christ above all circumstances, trials, tribulations and temptations. 

Do you know why this is so important? It testifies to those around us Who Christ is: he is our Rock, our Strength, our Fortress, our Deliverer, our Strong Tower, He is alive, working and ever present! Is the joy of the Lord evident in your life today?

Falling for flatteries or strength to stand?

Falling for flatteries or strength to stand?

"And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries." Daniel 11:21
"And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." Verse 32

According to the Strong's Concordance, "flatteries" is used as 'flattery, smoothness, fine promises' (strongs/H2514)

Now we know this passage reveals how the antichrist will get his way, but there is spiritual application for us today as well!

Many of us know a smooth talker. May we be close enough to the Lord God and full of His Holy Spirit, so we can recognize such talk in our day to day lives. After all, whether it be one attempting to get what they want from us, or the ultimate deceiver's soon coming antichrist the Word of God reminds us "but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.(v 32)".

Keys to victory, know the God who lives!

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

No doubt smooth talkers, filled with fine promises and "feel good" words can be quite convincing! May we draw nearer to Christ than ever before, clothed in Him, filled with His Holy Spirit and Word so that we trust Him, His covering and His promises in such deceptive times as we are in.

Can you recognize these people who deceive with such pleasantries? Is it any wonder  that we are warned of such vile and evil ones? Truth is, we weren't made to battle alone! Are you abiding in the vine? Living in Christ? Will you recognize that false feel good and have His strength to stand?