Deceptive cycles have trapped most people at one time or other. You, me, pretty much everyone. These cycles are key enemy strategies to get God’s people to fail, live defeated, be burdened, and struggle with discouragement. Deception formed the original temptation of Adam and Eve. So, we are not alone. Still, this was never God’s plan. He wants you free to have an Alive and Active Life.

At first glance you may conclude you aren’t deceived and that you can not be easily tricked. That may be true. Still, it’s always good practice to ask yourself good questions. Self-assessment using God’s Word helps reveal things, if you answer honestly.

I really like good questions. They help you look deeper. Plus, they prepare you to openly receive from God. Good questions help you get on the same page as God.

David is exemplary in being open to God’s assessment. He asked for it. Then he listened intently to hear God’s thoughts. Finally, he did something about whatever God revealed. Every time! In other words, David used the “tool” of God’s assessment for his own self-assessment. That is dedication! Trust! Obedience! Commitment!

Listen to one of David’s recorded prayers. I’m going to give you four versions from Ps. 139:23-24.

I migrate toward the deeply honest expressions and very humble confession of The Message version. It’s not my favorite study version, but it’s an accurate expression of self-assessment using the tool of God’s assessment through prayer.

HONESTY and HUMILITY nurture you to be HOLY as you trust Jesus and obey HIM.

“H” words can change your life.

It can be confusing to begin asking yourself good questions to engage an Alive and Active Life. Here is a starter list to prime your pump. There are so many more.

Some thoughts about those 7 questions.

Warning! Deceptive cycles start easily. Be alert, self-assessing, and in prayer to avoid them. 1 Pet. 5:7-9

People in the habit of asking good questions are usually:

Plus, they trust God!

Answering questions is critical to an Alive and Active Life. Honest answers prepare you to change and heal. You can’t just “love your way” into good habits. You need a good action plan. It’s work. God wants you to use your head, engage your heart, and obey His Word.

Below is an excerpt from SharpShooting: Your Bronze Bow. It gets into deceptive cycles and breaking free! But first, let me describe an incredible marksman who has a reputation of skill and accuracy as He shoots into the human heart.

Jesus is the earth’s best Sharpshooter. He is brilliant, perfect in holiness, accurate in every shot into the human condition, direct, loving, and kind. He sharp shoots a common human cycle: the deceptive cycle.

It’s so easy to get hooked into deception, even for a seasoned, healthy adult. This cycle sneaks in and clouds thinking skills. It limits creative trouble-shooting. And it pulls a person down, affecting well-being, perspective, habits, and relationships.

“The human heart is prone to sin. When it is not surrendered and focused on Jesus, all manner of evil rises. It starts a little at a time, becoming a greater presence with each deceptive cycle. The conscience is seared and the heart desensitized. Relationships are broken. Then one day, you ask, “How did I get here?!”

The enemy has crafty strategies to target body, soul, and spirit:

Your mind is actively involved in all three of these human components. You engage in processes like: justifying, judging, wanting, defending, fighting, ignoring, shutting down, etc. All these are outlets of fear, insecurity, pride, and deception. The fix: “Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (Jas. 4:10)

After humbling yourself comes the step of renewing your mind in Scripture. Following that, you must work out your salvation: do what the Word says! This is posturing correctly with God. Finally, God does what only He can: He literally forms you into His character as you partner with Him. The miracle: transformation.

Many life conditions are the result of hardened hearts, especially in close relationships. Hardness of heart breaks down intimacy. Relationships end.”

So, what’s your part? What should you do when you realize you are in a deceptive cycle, no matter how small? Here are 4 steps to help you get free from deceptive cycles:

What is God’s part? He does what no one else can. You need His part to get out of deceptive cycles and live an Alive and Active Life.

Will you let God do His part? Will you do your part?

Order SharpShooting: Your Bronze Bow. It takes you through Matthew. Each daily session is short and “to-the-point practical.” Even kids have gone through this study and can understand the helpful action steps. Every session has an archer with a “daily quiver” of featured Scriptures to read.