February 13, 2024

What does it mean to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us?” What is a snare? Normally, in this context, it is like a small [threadlike] hidden wire loop or cord, attached to a spring lever [like a bowed over limb/branch] that is someway attached to said wire/cord, and the loop encircles the “bait,” used to entice the victim [i.e. rabbit, squirrel, bird, or similar game]... the hunter [snare setter] has craftily prepared the snare for the intention of seizing the unaware victim that will later become a meal… the victim target either carelessly or unwittingly thought the bait was attractive and worth taking.

Let us now consider the power and influence of distraction… and deception.

There's the old saying, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions;” and concerning the foolish and ignorant, traveling that road, is a first step to becoming ensnared or distracted [from what they know is danger] or being deceived… leading to either irreversible destruction or severe damage and suffering for the “traveler,” and many times for their family as well. Just one example is the transition from pot smoking [thinking fun and approval of peers, just for kicks] to heroin and cocaine addictions when the snare is sprung. Many good snare setters know how to set the trap to not kill the victim, but restrain it so it’s meat does not spoil before they retrieve it… sounds like a drug dealer’s clever baiting of a careless user who thinks he can manage his/her “recreational” usage. Think again.

The Bible is full of “boundary guides,” that keep the faithful and obedient believer from the “snare of the Fowler…” What dose the Bible say about snares?

“Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; Those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, And plan deception all the day long.” ps 38:12 nkjv

“They encourage themselves in an evil matter; They talk of laying snares secretly; They say, “Who will see them?”” ps 64:5 nkjv

“Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence.” ps 91:3 nkjv

“Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; The snare is broken, and we have escaped.” ps 124:7 nkjv

“Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.” ps 141:9 nkjv

These snare setters [fowlers] are busy influencing the [distracted and deceived] children of men, who are doing the work of the satanic powers…  called workers of iniquity; which is translated as “lawlessness” in a better contrast to works of righteousness. The word lawless is in fact “Torahlessness.” Attempting to remove, damage or destroy the “boundary guides,” of the Word of Yahweh. The famine of Truth [Torah instruction] is said to be prevalent of the culture of the last days:

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God, “That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the Lord.” amos 8:11 nkjv

What is the prevalent message and culture of mainstream religious institutional ministry in our day? It is not the rebuking of sin and the careless and rebellious lifestyles of people caught up in a woke and “feel good” and “indulge yourself” in the pleasure of the hour lifestyle… But teaching, that a loving God and grace peddling Jesus will be OK with your distracted thinking [especially social media and entertainment culture... an addictive form of idolarty] and deceived heart, that things will go well as long as we just love people… This is NOT what the Bible teaches. The sins that “beset us,” and weights us down, makes us susceptible to being snared… Satan’s last days onslaught on mankind is driven by distraction and deception, causing unawareness, and is consuming our society because there is NO “hearing of the words of the Lord.”

Our society is starving for Yahweh’s truth; and the famine for His Truth/Word [WHICH YAHWEH SAID HE WILL SEND] is making the lawless work of the wicked one “attractive” to the fleshly and lustful nature of fallen man… I think this is a Holy response to the rebellious hearts of men, with Yahweh saying, “OK… you asked of it, now judgment will come to your house.” He did that very thing to the Children of Israel, who likewise turned their back on His ways. Without the born again mind of a spirit filled believer, only more tragic calamity is to come until Yeshua steps in at the end of the age and koshers the earth.

Until then, one of the dangerous deceptions is that we become calloused and indifferent to what the Bible clearly calls sin. It is a fact, that the state of being deceived, causes one to believe that they can’t be deceived… The Bible clearly cautions us about this. Only the Holy Spirit’s counsel will protect us. The Bible tells us that our own heart will deceive us, and it is wicked above all else. Jer 17:9   Those who have decided to accept sinful activity and tolerate it, are giving tacit approval… and it will erode their own faith and lull them into the snare. You can't enable or be agreeable to one who is sinning. The hardest part is to see those you love carelessly indulging in sinful lifestyles and them not caring or not knowing of their destructive pathway. We must be willing and available to counsel them in Yahweh's truth, if they will allow us to speak into their lives. Hopefully today, leaving it in tomorrow's careless hands could prove tragic.

When I was preparing this devotional I received my monthly newsletter from Derek Prince Ministries… Derek has been celebrating his heavenly citizenship for about 20 years now… He has had a profound impact on my spiritual life and his teachings have provided much understanding for my walk with Yeshua. This newsletter included a link to one of His many teachings, this one fits well into this devotional, and I highly recommended your read or listen to his message… both options are at this link:

Satan's Program for the Close of This Age:

Should this link fail, the PDF copy of the file is at this link:

Shalom, John