How to Prepare for Deception: A Guide to Spiritual and Practical Readiness

There is nothing more intense than watching a game wind down to the final moments, and having your team behind, with the possibility of winning the game in the final seconds.

The pressure is intense, your heart seems to stop, and all eyes are upon the one person who will determine the outcome of the game… The quarterback.

As time ticks by in a slow motion, you see that a player from the sidelines is bringing in the play which is shared with the quarterback. He knows what he needs to do. Someone who has seen the entire picture of the game has used his wisdom in creating the actions that the quarterback should take to finish the game.

When successfully executed, your team scores….and wins the game. The jubilation is incredible, as you watch the fans on your side display their pleasure and joy of watching things end so successful.

I would like to speak to by brothers and sisters who are in such a similar “game” of life. We know that we are in the end times of our life upon this earth. We have seen the signs come to be that were foretold in the Bible, and know that Jesus Christ will soon return.

I would like to especially seek out those of you who are growing inpatient with His return, and have become discouraged. In your mind, and studies, you have been preparing for a rapture that seem to be illusive. You again know deep in your heart that we are so close, but feel like you are holding on to something that seems to be slipping away.

I can appreciate your perspective, as well as frustration that you must be feeling. I’m certain that you have a strong conviction and testimony that He will indeed return, and I would like to help you today by building upon that.

For those of you who are convinced that the rapture will happen at the beginning of the Tribulation Period, let me share a few things with you. This information is not intended to debate who is right or wrong, but to open your mind so that you can do the next step of your preparation.

I too shared this thought of the timing of the rapture, and was led to two of the following scriptures:

Daniel 9:27

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: (STOP HERE)

This verse speaks of a covenant (often interpreted as a peace treaty) confirmed by the Antichrist. The “one week” is interpreted as a seven-year period, with the first half appearing peaceful.

There is absolutely no reason for God to rescue us at the beginning of the Tribulation Period, because, we will all be engulfed in peace. (No danger, no rescue).

Matthew 24:24 (KJV):

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

So, if we are in the game for several more years, what play do you think that God would send into you in order for you to win the game? Let me share it with you… The play that is ever so important right now is… “Do Not Be Deceived.”

God has already told us that the antichrist will come, and that even the very elect, YOU, can possibly be deceived.

If all of the elect have been removed from the earth due to the rapture, how can they be deceived by the antichrist? This scripture gives us insight that the “elect” aren’t going anywhere until the antichrist shows up onto the world stage, and has a chance to deceive them.

If we are going to run the play, “Do Not Be Deceived,” what preparation and training has our coach given to us in practice to prepare us to successfully run the play. Are you ready for this deception? Really? God has told us again that even the best of the best might be deceived. Do you still feel prepared to run the play?

Take a moment and look at all of the things that you have prepared for regarding the end times. There’s your food storage, guns and ammo, water, bug out bag, scriptures, Faith in God, Teachings of Christ and His instructions regarding being Born Again.

You have done well, but do you see the book on how not to be deceived by the antichrist anywhere in this preparedness room? If it’s not there, I would like to spend some time helping you add this to your preparedness storage.

I must share that for those who follow Jesus Christ, it will become easier to identify the antichrist. You will be watching:

*Who signs the 7-year peace treaty with Israel allowing Solomons temple to be built upon the temple mount in Israel.

*You will know that he will be a great world leader, and bring peace to the world.

But, all of this will be under the disguise of deception. Let me give you an example. You or someone that you love is paralyzed. By pledging your allegiance to Him and His new religion, he will allow a new device to be planted within your brain to allow you to walk again. A miracle, right? For someone who has never been able to walk, that certainly sounds like something that I would be interested in.

A person struggling with Depression or Anxiety, a new treatment will resolve these problems within minutes. Gone forever. Would you sign up for that? Perhaps I would.

The antichrists deception will be personal. YOU MUST plan on this being the case. This will not be deception from afar, the deception coming will include something that you’ve always dreamed about having or not having.

You will want what is being offered at an incredibly high level. Is it money, power, fame? Study yourself for just a moment. Where are you most venerable? If you don’t know, you will likely be on the list of “Elect”, becoming deceived.

Deception is a challenge humanity has faced since the dawn of time. From subtle lies to grand-scale manipulation, the capacity for deceit affects individuals, communities, and even nations. Preparing for deception requires vigilance, discernment, and an unwavering commitment to truth. This guide explores strategies to prepare for and safeguard against deception, both spiritually and practically.

1. Know That There Is a High Probability That You Will Be Deceived

With this kind of mindset, you will be on high alert, evaluating things to discover their level of truthfulness.

2. Strengthen Your Foundation in Truth

The best defense against deception is a firm foundation in truth. This begins with personal integrity and an active pursuit of knowledge:

• Spiritual Anchoring: Regular study of scripture or other moral teachings helps solidify an understanding of right and wrong. For Christians, passages like John 8:32 (“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”) emphasize the liberating power of truth.
• Critical Thinking: Equip yourself with the ability to question information. Ask: Who benefits from this claim? What evidence supports it? Does it align with reality or known principles?
• Seek Wisdom: Surround yourself with wise, trustworthy individuals who can offer counsel when faced with confusion or doubt.

3. Cultivate Discernment

Discernment is the ability to differentiate between truth and falsehood. Developing this skill requires time, effort, and practice:

• Test All Things: As advised in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good”), do not accept information at face value. Evaluate its source, consistency, and intent.
• Pay Attention to Patterns: Deception often follows predictable patterns, such as appeals to fear, greed, or groupthink. Recognizing these tactics can help you identify deceit.
• Pray or Meditate: For those of faith, seeking divine guidance through prayer can provide clarity and protect against spiritual manipulation.

4. Develop Emotional Resilience

Deception often targets emotions. By cultivating emotional stability, you can avoid being swayed by manipulative tactics:

• Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Be cautious about letting emotions dictate your decisions.
• Pause Before Reacting: When presented with sensational claims or emotionally charged information, take time to reflect before responding or acting.
• Practice Self-Awareness: Understand your own biases, fears, and desires, as these can make you vulnerable to deceit.

5. Stay Informed

Knowledge is a powerful tool in combating deception:

• Educate Yourself: Stay updated on current events, but do so from reliable and diverse sources. Avoid echo chambers where information is filtered to confirm biases.
• Understand Deceptive Tactics: Learn about common forms of manipulation, such as propaganda, gaslighting, and misinformation campaigns.
• Verify Before Sharing: In the age of social media, it’s easy to spread false information unintentionally. Fact-check claims before passing them on.

6. Build a Support System

Deception often thrives in isolation. A strong community can help provide perspective and accountability:

• Form Relationships with Trustworthy People: Surround yourself with those who value truth and integrity.
• Engage in Open Dialogue: Foster an environment where questions and doubts can be openly discussed.
• Seek Accountability: Share your thoughts and decisions with a trusted mentor or group to help safeguard against blind spots.

7. Rely on Faith and Prayer

For those with spiritual beliefs, turning to faith can provide strength and guidance when navigating potential deception:

• Seek Divine Guidance: Pray for wisdom and protection against deception. James 1:5 encourages believers, saying, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
• Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Rest in the knowledge that truth will ultimately prevail. Deception may succeed temporarily, but it cannot withstand the enduring light of truth.

The upcoming deception from the antichrist is inevitable, but preparation can significantly reduce its impact. By building a strong foundation in truth, cultivating discernment, and staying informed, you can navigate through the antichrist’s falsehoods. Include God in your evaluation of what is being presented, for this is a sure way to see through deception. Failure to involve Him is a certain way to lose this fight.

You are now informed to run the play, “Do Not be Deceived.” You have been taught what you must do to successfully complete this game, winning, and celebrating the glorious reunion with your Savior Jesus Christ. Stand firm, for you are prepared, and now what to do for the remaining moments in the “Game of Life.”