Proverbs 27:17
Friday, July 17, 2026
The Danger of Self-Deception
The Danger of Self-Deception
Have you ever struggled with telling yourself a story, just so you could feel better about yourself? I have! There was a time when I kept saying to myself, “I don’t eat that badly. I am pretty healthy.”
And then, the blood tests came back and told a VERY different story!
One of the most dangerous parts of disobedience is self-deception. In 1 Samuel, King Saul had convinced himself that he had obeyed God, even when evidence clearly showed otherwise.
I can fall into the same trap—telling myself that I’m fine, that my actions are justified, that my disobedience isn’t really that serious. But self-deception blinds me to reality. The Bible says:
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, NIV)
This verse reminds me that I cannot rely solely on my own perception. I need God’s truth, His Word, and His Spirit to guide me into honesty.
When I allow self-deception to go unchecked, I drift further from God without even realizing it. That’s why accountability, Scripture, and prayer are so important—they keep me grounded in truth, and they can do the same for you!
Today, I ask God to search my heart and reveal anything I am blind to, will you join me? Let’s pray together:
Lord, expose any areas where I am deceiving myself. Help me to see my life clearly through Your truth. Give me a humble and teachable heart that is quick to respond to conviction. Protect me from justifying sin and lead me into honesty and transformation. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
For the record, I am doing better with my health! It’s amazing what the truth and a little movement will do!
Never forget my friend,
You are a miracle!
Grant Fishbook
Enduring Setbacks
Enduring Setbacks
As a teenager, David was anointed as the next king of Israel. But instead of ascending to the throne in a blaze of glory, he spent years running from Israel’s current king (his father-in-law) who repeatedly tried to kill him.
During this time, David laments to God. He has honest conversations about his situation while holding onto the hope that God can—and will—restore him. Psalm 59 is the result of one of those conversations.
David’s laments allowed him to express his grief, cry out for justice, and remember God’s faithfulness. Focusing on God’s faithfulness reminded David of God’s character, and knowing God’s character helped him hold onto hope. That’s why he could say, “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 59:16 NIV)
Talking honestly with God helped David recognize that even though his current situation wasn’t good, God was still good, and still worthy of being worshiped. David believed that God was still in control, and that he would one day see the fulfillment of God’s promises.
And one day, God’s promises did come to pass. But God didn’t waste the years David spent as a fugitive—instead, He used them to help David become the leader and warrior Israel needed. The setbacks David endured actually strengthened his character and prepared him for his future purpose. Although his circumstances were painful, God was faithful.
And God can—and will—be faithful with your life.
When you place your hope in Jesus, you never grieve in vain because the God who is now is also the God who will be forever. And He is constantly advocating and acting on your behalf. That’s why, no matter what you face, you can hold onto this hope: Jesus can turn your setbacks and sorrows into setups for your good and His glory.
God can take your pain and use it for His purposes. He can make a way through your desert seasons. He is your source of strength and your refuge in times of trouble. Nothing is impossible for God.
So today, continue to draw closer to Him, and look for evidence of His faithfulness. As you intentionally pursue God, look for ways to worship Him like David did.
“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” Psalms 59:16
“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.”
Psalms 59:16 NLT
I'm reading the @YouVersion plan 'I Have a New Name: 7 Days of Unlocking What God Says About You'.
I'm reading the @YouVersion plan 'I Have a New Name: 7 Days of Unlocking What God Says About You'.
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