Propaganda/Winning the Battle for Your Mind -DO NOT LET TERROR TACTICS WEAKEN YOU

Keep in mind, though, that Satan's propaganda is not always subtle. At times, he uses terror tactics -"one of the oldest of all forms of propaganda."  (Easily Led-A History of Propaganda)  The Assyrians, for example, dominated their enemies with "a policy of terror coupled with one of propaganda," wrote British professor Philip M. Taylor.  Satan will use fear of man, fear of persecution, fear of death, and any other kind of negative fear to try to dominate you and make you shrink back from serving Jehovah. -Isaiah 8:12; Jeremiah 42:11; Hebrews 2:15.  

Do not let Satan use fear itself to weaken your morale or break your integrity. Jesus said:  "Do not fear those  who kill the body and after this are not able to do anything more."  (Luke 12:4) Have complete confidence in Jehovah's promise to watch over you, to give you "the power beyond what is normal," and to help you withstand any attempts to frighten you into submission.  -2 Corinthians 4:7-9; 1 Peter 3:14. 

You may, of course, encounter frightening, morale-weakening events. But keep in mind Jehovah's words of encouragement to Joshua: "Be courageous and strong. Do not be stuck with terror or fear,  for Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go."  (Joshua 1:9)  If anxiety strikes, go immediately to Jehovah in prayer with all your concerns.  You can be sure that "the peace of God . . . will guard your hearts and your mental powers" so that you will have the strength to resist all of Satan's propaganda. -Philippians 4:6, 7, 13.  

Do you remember the propaganda used by the Assyrian envoy, the Rabshakeh, against God's people?  He said, in effect, "Nothing can protect you from Assyria. Even your God, Jehovah, can do nothing for you.' He boldly added:  'Jehovah himself told us to destroy this land.' What did Jehovah say in return?  "Do not be afraid because of the words that you heard, . . .with which the attendants of the king of Assyria blasphemed me."  (2 Kings 18:22-25; 19:6) He then sent an angel who destroyed 185,000 Assyrians in one night! -2 Kings 19:35. 

BE WISE-ALWAYS LISTEN TO JEHOVAH

Have you ever watched a film in which, from  your vantage point in the audience, you can clearly see that someone is being deceived and manipulated?  Did you find yourself thinking: 'Do not believe it!  They are lying to you!'  Imagine, then, the angels shouting the same message to you:  "Do not be fooled by Satan's lies!"

Shut your ears, then, to Satan's propaganda.  (Proverbs 26:24, 25)  Listen to Jehovah, and  trust in him in all that you do.  (Proverbs 3:5-7) Respond to his loving appeal:  "Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice."  (Proverbs 27:11) Then, you will win the battle for your mind!

Next time:  Abel in the Bible/"He, Although He Died, Yet Speaks"

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