The Puppet Master

Mystery Man
For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.2 Timothy 3:2-5

Yesterday we learned the main problem with sin is that sin separates us from God, but the effects of sin are vertical as well as horizontal. Sin also has a negative effect on our relationship with each other. The verse above lists characteristics that are far from ideal in establishing and maintaining healthy relationships and makes it challenging for mankind to operate according to God’s original plan for humanity.

The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:12-13

Demons are the ultimate puppet masters and the kingdom of darkness operates strategically. Although satan’s method of operation never changes, we fall victim every time. We are blinded by the fact that his method of operation is to divide and conquer. He plants a seed and sets up a scenario that creates division. He then works on each individual separately to fuel contention and separation.

God holds us accountable for our transgressions and accountability requires confession. After Adam and Eve sinned, God asked questions that were very clear. Instead of owning the deed and being transparent, Adam and Eve played the blame game. Adam blamed God and Eve blamed the serpent. This is the price of sin. Sin creates friction between individuals, sows seeds of discord among groups working towards a greater, God ordained good and attempts to undermine God’s authority.

Satan wants us to be in constant conflict with each other. Behind the scenes of our conflicts, he is busy pulling the strings and using mankind to manipulate situations in his favor. When we give the kingdom of darkness control over our relationships, our members and our thoughts the devil wins every time.

When we get drunk and become physically and verbally abusive, the devil wins. When we cultivate a victim mentality and deny the power of Christ and His promises, the devil wins. When we watch porn and fail to control our lustful desires, the devil wins.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.Ephesians 6:11-12

Stop viewing people as the enemy. People are not the source of the problem, the devil and the kingdom of darkness are the problem. Sin is the problem and the more we allow ourselves to be used by the forces of evil, the more we will succumb to our sinful nature.

Journal Entry


  • Consider your relationship and how sin has affected your interaction with others. Think about situations in which you were hurt and situations in which you have hurt others and ask God to start the process of forgiveness. Cut the strings of the puppet master.

  • God, I ask forgiveness for [insert what you did here] to [insert name here].

  • I forgive [insert name here] for [insert what they did here].

About the Author

Ebonie Jones

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Ebonie-Marché Jones is the Bonding Ministry Cordinator at MyGen Church. Her mission is to encourage, motivate and inspire others to start with God, to develop the mindset of an overcomer, to make healthier lifestyle choices and to connect with others in safe spaces filled with love, support and encouragement. Her journey has taught her that it is impossible for fear and faith to co-exist and the road to peace is paved with forgiveness. Her favorite verse is "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" (Eph. 2:10, NIV).

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