Posted by En-Joy Ministries on June 17, 2025

Dear En-Joy Ministries Family,

Have you ever believed something with all your heart, only to discover it was a lie? One of the most striking examples in recent history is the claim of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in Iraq. In 2003, the U.S. government, backed by intelligence reports, justified a war by asserting that Saddam Hussein possessed dangerous WMDs. The world watched as troops were deployed, lives were lost, and nations were reshaped. But the truth? No WMDs were found. The Iraq Survey Group, tasked with scouring the country, concluded in 2004 that Iraq had no active WMD programs at the time of the invasion. What was sold as an undeniable truth turned out to be a mirage, eroding trust in institutions we once relied on.

This moment in history is a sobering reminder: we cannot blindly accept everything we’re told—not from governments, not from media, not from any human authority. As followers of Christ, we’re called to a higher standard. We’re called to discern. The Bible warns us, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, NIV). In a world swirling with half-truths and agendas, how do we find solid ground? The answer lies in the indwelling Holy Spirit, our divine guide to truth.

The Promise of Discernment

Jesus Himself promised, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13, ESV). As believers, we have a gift the world cannot claim: the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, sharpening our spiritual senses to distinguish truth from lies. This isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessity in a culture where deception lurks in headlines, policies, and even well-meaning voices. The Apostle Paul urges us, “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, NKJV). Discernment isn’t optional; it’s a spiritual discipline we must cultivate.

Consider Daniel, a young man thrust into the heart of Babylon—a culture steeped in idolatry, political intrigue, and falsehood. Surrounded by pressures to conform, Daniel stood firm. He sought God’s wisdom through prayer and obedience, and God granted him “knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom” (Daniel 1:17, NKJV). When faced with the king’s demand to interpret a dream, Daniel didn’t lean on human reasoning or the deceptive voices around him. He turned to God, and the truth was revealed (Daniel 2:27-28). Like Daniel, we’re called to navigate a world that often obscures truth, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us.

The Battle for Truth

The WMD narrative isn’t just a historical footnote; it’s a warning. If entire nations can be swayed by a falsehood, how much more must we, as individuals, guard our hearts and minds? The Bible reminds us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV). The enemy’s greatest weapon is deception, and he wields it through systems, institutions, and even voices we’re tempted to trust.

But here’s the good news: we’re not defenseless. Jesus declared, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32, NKJV). The truth isn’t just a set of facts; it’s a person—Jesus Christ. Through His Spirit, we can discern what’s real, reject what’s false, and stand firm in faith. This is our calling as Christians: to be a light in a world of shadows, to test every claim against the unchanging Word of God, and to walk in the freedom that truth brings.

Growing in Discernment

So, how do we grow in this spiritual skill? Here are three practical steps En-Joy Ministries encourages you to embrace:

• Immerse Yourself in Scripture: The Bible is our anchor. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, ESV). Regularly reading and meditating on God’s Word equips us to recognize truth and spot deception.
• Pray for Wisdom: James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (NKJV). Ask the Holy Spirit daily to sharpen your discernment and guide your decisions.
• Test Everything: Whether it’s a news report, a policy, or a cultural trend, hold it up to the light of Scripture and the Spirit’s leading. As Paul instructed, “Test all things”—don’t accept anything at face value.

A Call to Action

At En-Joy Ministries, we believe God has equipped His people to stand firm in a deceptive world. The WMD saga reminds us that human systems fail, but God’s truth endures. Let’s commit to being a people of discernment, anchored in prayer, grounded in Scripture, and led by the Holy Spirit. Ask yourself: Am I leaning on the Spirit to discern what’s true? Am I testing the voices around me against God’s Word?

Let’s rise up as Daniel did—uncompromising, prayerful, and wise. The world may spin its narratives, but we serve the One who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). With the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can walk confidently in truth, shining His light for all to see.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, our guide into all truth. In a world filled with deception, help us to discern Your voice above the noise. Grant us wisdom, courage, and humility to test all things and hold fast to what is good. May we be a light for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

With love and prayers,
Barron Greenwalt, Pastor, En-Joy Ministries