Sometimes people can just spin your words again you. Have you ever been there?

TRUTH: “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” – Genesis 3:4b-5

TRUTH: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and“‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” – Luke 4:10-11

The first statement, when the Devil was tempting Eve in the garden of Eden, was mostly true. Eve wouldn’t immediately die and her eyes definitely would be opened to truth that (she didn’t realize) would be damaging to her. Death was now an eventuality, Satan left that part out, but they would have to live the rest of their lives outside the beauty and safety of the garden as well.

The second statement comes from the Devil’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. He not only told the truth, but he quoted old testament scripture. Yet, he used it as leverage to hopefully get Jesus to test His Father’s love by throwing himself off a high point and hoping God would send rescue angels. It’s true, God will protect His son, but Jesus knew this truth was not one to mess with.

TRUTH: For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” – Galatians 3:10

The song we’re focusing on this week was written by the band Shane & Shane. Shane Barnard had been struggling with his own sins and personal failures and began believing this verse as the utter truth of his relationship with God. Satan kept whispering this powerful scripture to him (with is TRUTH!) but it kept pulling him down deeper into a well of despair. He felt like he should maybe even give up leading worship and preaching the Gospel, because he can’t keep the Law and he should be cursed.

So he went for a run before a concert they were going to play, or order to try and clear his mind. Satan’s voice just got louder and louder and he began to embrace the accusations that Satan cast over him. When all of a sudden, God’s voice cut through the noise and reminded him that there’s more to the story.

TRUTH: (the part Satan didn’t want Shane to remember) Christ REDEEMED us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14)

We are REDEEMED from the curse. Satan likes to use our own stories to twist in his lies and plant seeds of doubt and questions within our souls and minds. And sadly, he often uses God’s Word to try and throw us off. We can’t take one snippet of scripture on its own. There is a bigger story with a bigger refrain, which constantly sings of Jesus’ love, forgiveness, joy and hope. That promise is for us and all who call on His name in faith. Jesus loves you completely and wholly. Not because of anything you’ve done, but because He made you beautiful and He has washed you whiter than snow.

(Note: Listen to the whole song. It’s incredibly powerful. Have a wonderful week in Jesus’ love!)