This time of year kids from all over go from door to door saying, “Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat.” The door then opens and the children are rewarded with something good from that person.

Now we all know these children do not really want a trick, all they want is a treat. When I was little, I can remember getting all types of candy bars, suckers, caramels, popcorn balls, gum, and even an apple every now and then. I never received any tricks, always treats.

Conversely if we consider Eve, the first woman on earth and mother to us all, we will have to admit the serpent definitely gave her a trick, and the fruit she received was anything but a treat.

In Genesis 3:1-7 we read this infamous story of trickery and deceit that Satan used against Eve to tempt her to disobey God’s command to not partake of the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Eve was vulnerable to Satan’s attack. Satan knew her weakness, which was a lack of contentment with what she already had. How could she possibly be happy and content when she wasn’t allowed to eat from one of the most beautiful fruit trees? She was given access to every other thing in the garden, yet that wasn’t enough to satisfy her. Eve wanted what she couldn’t have and fell for the idea that the one thing that was within her reach would make her happy. Without regard to God’s command or the consequences her disobedience might bring, she had to have it.

Does this sound familiar? Nowadays most of us seem to have this “got to have it now” attitude, and without consideration to God’s word, we fall into the tricks of the devil such as envy, greed, and other selfish behaviors.

We must also examine the tricks Satan used on Eve because he is still the same liar, and he still uses the same old tricks on us today.

In chapter 3, verse 1 Satan asked, “Yea, hath God said,” and this brought forth doubt into Eve’s mind. She knew what God had said. Simply stated, yes means yes and no means no. If God says it, then that should settle it in the hearts of believers. However, we find Eve questioning whether God really meant what He said about partaking of the tree. Satan uses doubt even today to trick the children of God. Doubt always leads to confusion.

In verse 2 & 3 we find that Eve is talking to the serpent and she alters the command from God to suit her desires. God told her and Adam not to eat of the tree and now Eve is saying that God said not to touch it. Does this sound familiar as well? Do we not change what we know is right and compromise just to fit our own needs and desires? It is the old he said, she said, and twisting of words. There has been more confusion and fights between people because of this. On in verse 4, Satan lies and says, “Ye shall not surely die.” Lies lead to temptation and in verse 5 Satan tells Eve that she can have what it is that she is lacking but desires and so Eve falls for Satan’s trick.

The next time Satan come to you, trying to deceive, tempt, and trick you, remember what James 4:1 tells us. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” May God help us not to fall into the tricks of Satan. Until next time, God bless.

Tune in to WBCU 103.5 FM Sundays at noon for the Shining Light Broadcast. I preach a 15-minute message that I pray will be a blessing to those who listen. If you have a prayer concern, comment, or question, please write to: Voice of Victory, Attn: David Burrell, PO Box 1221, Pacolet, SC 29372, message me on Facebook, or e-mail me at daveburrell@live.com.