Day two:  John 8:44 tells me Satan is a liar.  He lies to deceive and we naturally do the same.  Evil comes naturally to him because his father is the devil.  Satan doesn’t want to know the truth and he doesn’t want others to know either.  He has been evil since day one and he will remain that way.  2Corinthians 4:4 tells me Satan has blinded those who don’t believe in God.  He has taken them from the truth and feeds them lies so they will not see the light that God shines for us.  Satan’s followers can’t understand Christians because he stands in their way.  2Corinthians 11:14 tells me that no form can escape Satan.  He can take the form of the most beautiful creature in the world to do his task of deceit.  There’s nothing that can defy him except God.  Ephesians 6:11-12 tells me that we need the full armor of God to defeat Satan.  He is evil and is not made of flesh and bone.  We are dealing with powers of darkness that will do whatever they need to get to their prey.  It requires all of God’s armor to defend ourselves against him.  1Peter 5:8 tells me to watch out.  Satan is always on the lookout for food and he wants to take us.  Hedoesn’t ever stop coming to attack.  Satan’s lies appear good and attractive because he needs to lure us in.  We wouldn’t follow if someone told us to come eat dirt and worms but wouldn’t hesitate if that same person said we were eating lucious pudding and decedent truffles.  The bait has to be sweet and something we want or we will turn away in disgust.  He’s not stupid.  He knows exactly what he’s doing to lure us in.  Our culture is riddled with lies and deceit from Satan.  Where o where do I begin.  Politicians.  They tell us half truths to get into office – just enough to make us believe they will work for our cause.  Once they get elected, they make their own laws and pass their own agendas – regardless of what was said before.  There’s always an excuse to make it not their fault.  Pharmaceuticals.  I know your life is bleak and gray and doesn’t seem worth living.  If you’d just take this drug it will all go away.  The blue skies will come back.  Your children will love you and not fight.  You will be able to go outside and climb mountains and go in a hot air balloon because you aren’t sick anymore.  It wasn’t your fault – you needed this drug.  The body was created with pain for a purpose.  It’s a signal to tell you something’s wrong.  When you take that drug and dull the pain, you are taking away your body’s right to tell you something’s wrong.  You’re ignoring that warning sign in your car that says to check engine.  Cover it with your finger and it will be ok – until you’re on a road trip in the middle of nowhere and you hear a sputter and the engine no longer works.  Drugs are a very slippery slope.  Public programs.  I believe they mean well.  They mean to help people back on their feet.  When they’re used for that purpose, I don’t have a problem with them.  However, I do have a problem with families that have been living on the public programs for 2-3 generations and believe the government owes them because they just aren’t able to get off the couch and get a job.  I believe these programs are lying to these people and helping them stay right where they are.  They don’t force them to learn a skill or really work to find a job.  They give them money and food stamps every month and say, well, as long as you’re still at this level then we’ll keep giving it to you.  Why would they go find a job?  They’d lose out on all that free money.  The devil takes many shapes in our culture.  These are just a few and I could go all night but I have more questions to answer.  I believe truth and deception are realized with time and prayer.  When something seems like life will be wonderful if you’d only have XXX, that’s a sign you need to step away, talk to your spouse, and pray.  Life isn’t easy with anything.  Only praying and talking with people you trust can you hear God’s word speaking to you.  Good things keep me away from consistent study all the time.  My daily tasks: managing the house, managing the office, managing the children, running errands, exercise, cooking, cleaning, and everything else keeps my mind occupied.  In any spare moments, I find myself wondering what the staff is doing and if they’re doing all they can to reach goals – do they want to reach goals – what will the numbers today be – what were they yesterday – what should I cover at staff meeting – etc.  I worry about the kids – will they ever really like each other – how will they learn cleanliness with rooms looking like that – I need to make them do what I want them to do – etc.  I do chores at home – cooking – laundry – cleaning – fixing – sewing  – computer work – etc.  My mind doesn’t rest and when it doesn’t rest I can’t focus on God.  I can’t focus on His voice for me.  These are all worthwhile things to take care of so the house and everyone functions well.  But, it takes away from my time with God.  I will raise my awareness of the enemy and embrace the truth by making time to be in study.  I will check my day and prepare for those times when I can sit and read the Bible.  I can engaged my children in Bible games or stories.  I can recognize that people come before tasks.  The dishes will still be there but my children need to learn forgiveness right now.  It takes willpower but I can do it with His help.