By Jackie Morfesis
The faith walk is one where we at times tread lightly, carefully, even cautiously, indeed reverently, and at times where we have the full authority as a child of God to plant our feet firmly into the ground and not only take a stand but draw a line in the sand. And the days of drawing a line in the sand are upon us. In fact, they are here, right here, right now.
When we think of all the ways evil befalls the world and insidiously moves into our lives, we can target such shadows, indeed the workings of darkness with a word, deceit. Deceit is mentioned specifically numerous times in scripture. And also alluded to as the one who weaves behind the scenes. Present yet hidden.
As always, we can use our own lives as testimony. In fact, using our own lives as testimony, is a powerful place to speak truth to not only our own healing but for the healing of others. Years ago, I was deceived by someone I dearly trusted. A childhood friend. Someone I considered as close as family. And our families went back as they say, for generations.
This particular man had all the characteristics of deceit. He was on the surface, charming. Yet underneath his charm was carefully crafted manipulation, fueled by lies upon lies. In fact, lies and deceit go hand in hand. And many times, even if we see the lies and deceit, we are still deceived, like the woman who became his third wife who reached out to me for support when she realized his falsehood and trickery. Or in her exact words, his “lies and deceit.”
And this brings me to scripture. “Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.” Psalm 120:2. So deceit is as old as time. In fact, lies and deceit are part of the grand cosmic drama of the battle between good and evil. And we know how this story ends.
Yet, in the world, right here, right now, we too, are in the midst of battle. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. A spiritual battle. And the deceit that we encounter is the very real battle within the heart of man. And what makes it so very difficult, challenging, and even heartbreaking, is that it can many times manifest in the heart of those that we trust or once trusted. Those who have been entrusted as our leaders. Even our spiritual leaders. And like my childhood friend who has left a trail of trauma, that I reference to, those given our relationship to them, would be the last person that we could have imagined would betray us.
Yet, we are betrayed. And we are betrayed not only by those we love but by those who are in positions of power and authority and called to be shepherds of their flock. And for this reason, the repeated failings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, for me, is not cause for celebration, nor something to rejoice, or to be somehow satisfied that he has proven right our assumptions, even convictions, again and again, but an occasion for dismay, disappointment, even sorrow. I do not take lightly calling out deceitfulness, because I know full well, that the day of reckoning comes. It always comes. Just like it will come for my childhood friend who believes he can live a life of lies and deceit and that the consequences of such character flaws will not eventually harm his soul in the way it has harmed others.
Yet, in the case of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, there is also a precedent. And like lies and deceit, the lies and deceit of those entrusted to lead us are well known. “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:13.
No. I am not joyful in exposing what I see plainly before me in the guise of a leader who in fact is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. And it does not comfort me to know that he would not have been appointed had the deceit that he embodies not on some level been valued and coveted by higher institutional authorities weaving a web of deceitfulness. When instead, what we deserve is honest transparency in our dealings with each other. “Keep me from the way of deceit and graciously give me Your instruction.” Psalm 119:29.
So, as we move forward in the unveiling, uncovering, and working to understand the contradictions and incongruities of someone who was elected to lead his flock, let us at the same time, remember that brokenness is in the world and in the hearts of those who have allowed the world to guide their thoughts and actions.
This does not excuse the behavior, but it certainly calls for not only speaking truth to power but offering prayer for the healing of not only those who are harmed by the actions of the deceitful but for the very heart and soul of those who feel that being deceitful is acceptable in the first place. Yet, God does not leave us in the ashes. In fact, we know that for those who draw near to the Lord, He will bring beauty from ashes. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20. For such a time as this we are called to stand strong.
Yes. The day of reckoning comes. It always comes. And for this, we must be prepared. Prepared to move forward with healing and renewal that is promised to those who love the Lord.
And may that healing also touch those who through their own misguidedness failed to be good stewards of the Holy Orthodox Church and stand for the faith. Who chose the world over drawing a line in the sand for God and His children. God have mercy on us all.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the assembly of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Acts 20:28-30
Deceit and confusion is caused by the enemy of our soul Satan himself in order to remove us from a relationship with God, as he continuously works overtime to lure and attract the sleepy soul-less, flock with the sexy, alluring trappings of immorality, with self-absorbing instant gratifications which seek to manipulate our emotions in order to satisfy our humanly desires and wants of the secular world.
This is not God’s order or will for how He wants us to live and prosper. The first is void of God entirely and is only of the flesh. The second is based on faith knowing that God is our Righteousness Jehovah Tsidkenu, our Sanctifier Jehovah M’Kaddesh, our Banner of Victory Jehovah Nissi, our Healer Jehovah Rapha, our Provider Jehovah Jireh, our Shepherd Jehovah Rohi and our Peace Jehovah Shalom. His will and order requires a direct relationship with Christ with discipline and obedience over thy will. Who then may I ask are we serving? And equally as important, who are the ruling Hierarchs overseeing the administration in the Greek Orthodox Church world wide today serving?
Spiritual warfare as I have previously written, first takes place in the heavenly realm before manifesting in the physical. This is God’s battle which we must release and submit to Him with faith to win, and make no mistake, win He will! As His disciples, we are made in Christ’s image, and are called to put on the armor of God with our prayers and petitions based in scripture as weapons as intercessory prayer warriors for the unseen. Christ has given us the authority to move mountains we can not see, in order to defeat the enemy. THEREFORE PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD, SO THAT WHEN THE DAY OF EVIL COMES, YOU MAY BE ABLE TO STAND YOUR GROUND, AND AFTER YOU HAVE DONE EVERYTHING, TO STAND FIRM THEN, WITH THE BELT OF TRUTH BUCKLED AROUND YOUR WAIST, WITH THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IN PLACE, AND WITH YOUR FEET FITTED WITH THE READINESS THAT COMES FROM THE GOSPEL OF PEACE EPHESIANS 6:10-18 (NIV).
God has given us the authority of favor, to thrive, walk in divine health, prosper and rule in the physical realm as long as we do not forsake Him as he promises never to forsake us. With whom do these so-called “Priestly holy” men of the loin of cloth in Orthodoxy align? No where in the hierarchal ranks of the GO Church do they exist as they have disobeyed God’s order forsaking Him with betrayal as did Judas.
FATHER, WE PRAY THAT OUR HEÄRTS AND MINDS WOULD BE PLIABLE AND USABLE FOR YOUR GLORY. WE ASK THAT YOU WOULD COME AND OVERSHADOW US WITH YOUR HOLINESS
AND YOUR MIGHT SO THAT WE WOULD REFLECT YOUR GLORY ON THE EARTH. WE GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO COME AND TURN OUR HEARTS SO THAT: WE WILL SHOW NO FEAR OF EVIL BUT OVERCOME IT (ISAIAH 8:12-13).
IN ADDITION TO ALL THIS, TAKE UP THE SHIELD OF FAITH, WITH WHICH YOU CAN EXTINGUISH ALL THE FLAMING ARROWS OF THE EVIL ONE. TAKE THE HELMET
OF SALVATION AND THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAY IN THE SPIRIT ON ALL OCCASIONS WITH ALL KINDS OF PRAYERS AND REQUESTS. WITH THIS IN MIND, BE ALERT AND ALWAYS KEEP ON PRAYING FOR ALL THE LORD’S PEOPLE.
EPHESIANS6:10-18 (NIV)
Father, You said that the gates of hell cannot prevail against your church. So in
the Name of Jesus, we destroy every strategy; every plan of the enemy against the
church. No weapon formed against the church, shall prosper. We believe that as
you moved powerfully, in the early church, you shall do again. We pray what the
early church prayed: “Stretch out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders
may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus”.
Father You said, “In the last days, the mountain of the LORD’S house will be the
highest of all the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other
hills, (the other areas of culture, government, business, arts/entertainment,
education, media/social media, family) and people from all over the world will
stream there to worship”. Father we believe we are in this day! We believe that as you move mightily in and through the church, it will influence every area of culture in Jesus Name.
Your Word says that you wish all men to be saved and come to the knowledge and truth.
Father, we see in your Word that as Daniel prayed for his king Nebuchadnezzar, You began to get his attention through dreams. We pray that you would bombard our current leaders in Government and in the Greek Orthodox Church and other religious churches with dreams from
you, that their hearts would be softened towards you and your ways. We continue to speak your Word that says, “Confuse the wicked and confound their words”. We speak confusion in the enemies camp over the region of Washington DC and the Orthodox Church. We bind Satan’s influence over key leaders in government and those leading the flock astray in organized religious services. We believe a massive revival is happening among the leaders in our government and that the church will reign strong and faithful to Your Word. We believe this, for you said the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Endoxy Margaret…
Like the Greek god Hermès Trismegistus
opined:
“As above, so below” –
“As within, so without”