THE DEVIL’S PLAYBOOK REVEALED BY AI   

In a world brimming with noise, distraction, and division, it often feels like unseen forces are working overtime to pull us away from God. To explore just how cunning these tactics can be, I posed a hypothetical question to various artificial intelligence (AI) programs: “If you were the devil, how would you keep people as far away from God as possible?” Their answers eerily mirror the spiritual assaults we see in the world today.

1. Distraction & Busyness: All AIs highlighted one clear strategy: keep us so busy chasing careers, possessions, and social-media validation that we never carve out time for prayer or Bible study. When our calendars—and minds—are crammed with endless “to-dos,” our souls grow starved for God’s presence.

2. Instill Fear, Division & Conflict: Next on the list: sow discord. Exploit differences to create conflict and fear, making it difficult for people to unite in positive, faith-based communities. The adversary delights in pitting Christians against one another—whether over theology, politics, or personality clashes. Every argument, gossip session, or schism weakens our witness and distracts us from the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17:21.

3. Doubt, Distortion & Cynicism: AI warned that twisting Scripture, promoting half-truths, or spreading rumors about the Church can breed skepticism. When we begin to question God’s character or the reliability of His Word, our faith takes a critical hit.  “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth” (John 17:17, KJV) reminds us where our certainty must rest.

4. Pride & Self-Reliance: The lie of “I can do it on my own” was front and center. By feeding our pride—telling us success, wealth, or self-help philosophies
are enough—the devil tries to convince us we don’t need divine help. Yet Scripture warns us: “Without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5, KJV).

5. Instant Gratification & Materialism: Promoting quick fixes—whether through addictive entertainment, mindnumbing habits, or the pursuit of fleeting
pleasures—keeps us from craving the “living water” that only Jesus offers (John 4:14). When satisfaction comes easily, the deep, lasting fulfillment of a relationship with God can slip through our fingers.

6. Cultivate Indifference & Dilute Religious Teachings: Make apathy about spiritual matters more acceptable, leading people to prioritize daily distractions over seeking a relationship with God, and encourage a superficial understanding of the Bible, preventing deeper, meaningful connections with faith.

7. Hopelessness & Despair: Finally, AI applications spoke of instilling hopelessness—making people believe they are too broken, too far gone, or too insignificant for God’s love. However, Paul’s words speak truth: “Such were some of you: but ye are washed… and justified… and sanctified” (1 Corinthians 6:11, KJV). No one is beyond the saving grace of Jesus.

The remarkable takeaway? You can turn the tables on the devil. Once you recognize these strategies, you can take your stand with Jesus against them:

    • Prune Busyness: Schedule daily quiet time—even five minutes—to pray and read God’s Word.
    • Pursue Unity: Choose grace over gossip, humility over pride, forgiveness over offense.
    • Anchor in Truth: Memorize Scripture to combat every lie (Psalm 119:11).
    • Cultivate Hope: Surround yourself with believers who remind you of God’s promises.

Jesus has already disarmed the greatest foe. Ephesians 6:11 calls us to “put on the whole armour of God” so that we may stand firm. Let us heed that call today, resisting every tactic designed to separate us from our Savior, and instead, draw closer to the One who conquered sin, death, and every scheme of the enemy.

– Mike Lemon

Upcoming Episodes

AUGUST 2


Finding a Place to Belong
Imagine a courageous, godly mother praying to be guided in her journey to raise her young boy to become a man of faith in a foreign country and having to do the unthinkable: leave her son because it is the best option given the circumstances.

AUGUST 9


Living with Grief
Pastor Emile Maxi, a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, who after experiencing a tragic past of loss and traumatic abuse, discovered the blessings that you too may experience in the midst of your sorrows—how you too can come to a place of healing for your heart and mind on your own journey through the process of grief recovery.

AUGUST 16


A Star is Born
When young Joey Aguilar and his boy band were offered a contract with a major music producer in Beverly Hills, California, it was a dream come true for this young aspiring star from British Columbia.

AUGUST 23


Getting to Know Jesus Again after Failure
Even when we have known Jesus, we sometimes need a fresh look at His grace and a new appreciation of His love for us, especially when we have made a  shipwreck of our lives.

AUGUST 30


Nutrition For Life
Dr. Darlene Blaney, with a PhD in nutrition, lays out some simple guidelines to help us understand and achieve the simplicity of God’s ultimate diet plan.

THIS MONTH’S FREE OFFER – More Seeing is Believing, by Mark Finley & Steven Mosley

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ORANGE & CHARD SALAD
WITH TANGY CITRUS DRESSING

INGREDIENTS:

Swiss Chard Salad:

  • 1 large bunch Swiss chard
  • 2 medium oranges, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, shelled

Citrus Vinaigrette:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small orange, juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper (as desired, optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Wash chard leaves, and dry. Chop them fairly fine and place in a large salad bowl. Add chopped oranges and pumpkin seeds.
  2. To make citrus vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, orange juice, cumin, and salt and pepper (optional) in a small dish.
  3. Toss dressing into salad, combining well to tenderize greens.
  4. Set aside or chill for about 30 minutes to let dressing tenderize greens. Toss again to distribute ingredients and serve