A Word of Encouragement

January 24, 2026

Black Mountain - Dec 2025

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

Talking about false teachers infesting the Church, Paul wrote,

Such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
	2 Corinthians 11:14-15

Why do we sometimes find it difficult to differentiate what is from God and what is from Satan? A psalmist wrote,

The Lord reigns, may the earth rejoice; May the many islands be joyful. Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
	Psalm 97:1-2

"Clouds and thick darkness surround Him." But God is light! Where does the darkness come from? Satan! Paul explained the conundrum.

If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
	2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Since the incident in the Garden of Eden, (Genesis 3) Satan has sought to distort humanity's view of God, but the Psalmist added,

Light is sown like seed for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
	Psalm 97:11

Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." (John 8:12) And He told those who followed Him, "You are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:14)

But Satan tries to deceive believers too. How can we see through the darkness and distortions that Satan tries to put between us and God? Jesus answered that question by giving us His Spirit, saying,

When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
	John 16:13

The Spirit gives us discernment to see through the 'clouds and darkness'. And as Paul wrote, "Do not quench the Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

Yahweh Elyon - Lord Most High, keep me focused on You

Be joyful in the Lord, you righteous ones, and praise the mention of His holy name.
	Psalm 97:12

Look up,