Title 4 August 2019

Jeremiah 17:5–6 (ESV)
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'”

⚠️ Trusting in Man Brings a Curse

The prophet Jeremiah delivers a severe warning directly from the Lord: placing your trust in man rather than in God invites a curse upon your life. When you rely on human wisdom, strength, or protection as your ultimate hope—while turning your heart away from God—you step outside of God’s covenantal blessing.

This is not just about seeking help from people—it’s about depending on people in place of God. That’s a form of idolatry (Exodus 20:3), because it gives the glory and trust that belong to God to mere human beings.

Whether you depend on:

• A political leader to secure your future,

• A boss to determine your promotion,

• A doctor to ensure your healing,

• Or guards to ensure your safety,

…if your ultimate hope rests in them and not in the Lord, you are under a curse—spiritually dry and disconnected from the source of life.

💬 Real-Life Signs of Trusting Man

• When your first thoughts in the morning are about your employer or clients, not God.

• When you compromise your integrity to please people, fearing you might lose opportunities.

• When you fear disobeying men more than you fear disobeying God (cf. Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.”).

• When your decisions are driven by the need to be accepted, rather than by obedience to God’s Word.

This heart posture reveals you are trusting man. And God says such a person will not see when good comes—meaning they may miss God’s blessings even when they’re near, because their heart isn’t aligned with Him.

🛡️ “Man as Your Shield” Is Idolatry

Psalm 127:1–2 (NKJV)
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

Placing full confidence in people—whether in guards, systems, institutions, or authority figures—replaces God’s role as your protector. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t have security measures or receive medical care. Rather, the issue is where your faith is anchored.

Proverbs 21:31 (ESV) says:
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”

In other words, preparations are necessary, but our ultimate trust must rest in the Lord, not in those preparations.

🩺 Misplaced Trust in Human Expertise

Trusting in medical science more than in God is another form of idolatry. Yes, doctors are a gift from God (Sirach 38:1–2, a useful Apocryphal reference), and medical knowledge is a blessing. But salvation—especially eternal life and true healing—comes from the Lord.

Psalm 103:3 (NKJV) reminds us:
“Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.”

No doctor can raise the dead. No medicine can restore a soul. When medical reports lead us into panic, it shows our faith was in man—not in the God who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:9).

✅ Trusting in the Lord Brings Blessing

Jeremiah 17:7–8 (ESV)
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water… It does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

The contrast is powerful. Those who trust in the Lord:

• Remain steady in hard times.

• Do not fear the future (2 Timothy 1:7).

• Continue to bear fruit, even during spiritual or economic “droughts.”

This is both a practical and a spiritual promise:

• Practically, they’ll flourish in work, family, and provision.

• Spiritually, they’ll bear fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience… (Galatians 5:22–23).

• Evangelistically, they will bear fruit by leading others to Christ (John 15:8; Proverbs 11:30).

🔍 How Do You Know Where Your Trust Lies?

The first sign is fear. If fear dominates your decisions—fear of lack, fear of rejection, fear of failure—it reveals a lack of trust in God.

Matthew 6:31–33 (NKJV)
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

People who trust God do not panic when threatened. Like Daniel, they stand firm in righteousness even when others plot against them (Daniel 6:10).

🌱 Those Who Trust God Will Bear Lasting Fruit

Why will they always bear fruit? Because their roots go deep into the river of God’s presence—just as Psalm 1:3 describes:
“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season…”

Fruitfulness in God isn’t seasonal—it is eternal. It includes:

• Fruit in their work and resources.

• Fruit in their character and relationships.

• Fruit in evangelism and discipleship.

And their reward is eternal (Matthew 25:21; 1 Corinthians 3:14).

✨ Final Exhortation

Where is your trust?

• Is it in your salary, your education, your connections?

• Or is it in the Lord who owns everything and never fails?

Psalm 20:7 (ESV) says:
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

Choose the blessing. Put your full trust in the Lord—not partially, not occasionally, but wholeheartedly.

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.”

May the Lord bless you and anchor your heart in Him alone.

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In Judges 19, we encounter one of the most distressing and sobering events in Israel’s history. A Levite’s concubine, who had previously been unfaithful to him, left and returned to her father’s house. After four months, the Levite, out of love and compassion, journeyed to retrieve her (Judges 19:1–3).

On their return, they were taken in by an old man in the city of Gibeah, in the territory of Benjamin. That night, wicked men of the city surrounded the house and demanded that the Levite be brought out so they could abuse him. To protect his guest, the old man offered his own daughter and the Levite’s concubine (Judges 19:22–24). Eventually, the Levite gave them his concubine, and she was abused all night until she died (v. 25–28).

In horror and grief, the Levite cut her body into twelve parts and sent them throughout Israel — a gruesome act meant to awaken the conscience of the nation (Judges 19:29–30). The tribes of Israel responded with shock and a collective demand for justice.

Civil War and Seeking God

The 11 tribes of Israel came together to demand the guilty men from Benjamin be handed over. Benjamin refused (Judges 20:13), revealing the deep corruption and moral decay within the tribe — a spiritual decline reminiscent of Sodom and Gomorrah (cf. Genesis 19).

Israel prepared for war and sought the Lord.

Judges 20:18 (ESV)
“The people of Israel arose and went up to Bethel and inquired of God, ‘Who shall go up first for us to fight against the people of Benjamin?’ And the Lord said, ‘Judah shall go up first.’”

Despite clear instruction from God, Israel lost the battle. That day, 22,000 soldiers died (v. 21). The people wept and asked again.

Judges 20:23 (ESV)
“And the people of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until the evening. And they inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall we again draw near to fight against our brothers, the people of Benjamin?’ And the Lord said, ‘Go up against them.’”

They obeyed — and lost again. Another 18,000 Israelites were killed (v. 25). In total, 40,000 men perished over two days, despite divine confirmation.

The Turning Point: Sacrifice with Prayer

What changed on the third day?

This time, Israel didn’t just fast or weep — they offered sacrifices.

Judges 20:26–28 (ESV)
“Then all the people of Israel, the whole army, went up and came to Bethel and wept… And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord… And the Lord said, ‘Go up, for tomorrow I will give them into your hand.’”

Now the response was not just permission, but a promise of victory:
“Tomorrow I will give them into your hand.”

On the third attempt, God gave Israel a great victory, nearly annihilating the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 20:35–48). Their breakthrough came only after their devotion was expressed through both prayer and offering.

Spiritual Principle: Sacrifice Completes the Equation

This account teaches that seeking God through prayer, fasting, and even hearing His voice is not always enough. There are moments in spiritual warfare that demand sacrificial response — acts of worship, giving, and surrender.

Under the Old Covenant, burnt offerings represented total dedication to God (Leviticus 1:9), and peace offerings symbolized fellowship and thanksgiving (Leviticus 3:1–5).

Today, in the New Covenant, Jesus Christ is our ultimate burnt offering.

Hebrews 10:10 (ESV)
“And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

But God still desires our living sacrifices:

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
“I appeal to you… to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

When you come to God without offering your life, your resources, or your gratitude, you may delay or even forfeit your breakthrough. Many Christians fast and pray like the Israelites did — but hold back when it comes to giving.

Proverbs 3:9–10 (ESV)
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty…”

God doesn’t need our money, but He desires our heart expressed in action (2 Corinthians 9:7–8). Sacrificial giving reflects faith, obedience, and honor.

Don’t Be Surprised by Defeat If You Ignore This Principle

You may say, “God gave me a dream,” or “God confirmed it to me,” yet still fail in what seems like a God-ordained mission. That’s exactly what happened to Israel. Though God said “Go,” they were defeated because they lacked full spiritual engagement — the kind that includes offering, worship, and obedience.

Even with 400,000 warriors (Judges 20:17), they were defeated by only 26,000 Benjamites. That’s a warning: strength, numbers, or even a word from God alone is not always sufficient. The heart posture — expressed through acts of faith — matters greatly.

Conclusion: Prayer Must Be Paired with Sacrifice

Breakthroughs often require more than intercession. You must:

• Fast

• Pray

• Listen

• Worship

• Give

Psalm 50:14–15 (ESV)
“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving… and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

God honors those who come to Him not just with words, but with everything — their hearts, resources, time, and obedience.

Final Encouragement

If your prayers feel unanswered and your spiritual battles remain unwon, ask yourself:
“Have I only been praying, or have I truly been giving my all to God?”

Let your life — not just your lips — become an offering. Then God, who is faithful, will fight for you, open doors, and grant you victory in ways you could never imagine.

Malachi 3:10 (ESV)
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… and thereby put me to the test… if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing…”

May the Lord bless you richly. 

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In Luke 14:12–14 (NIV), Jesus teaches about the heart behind generosity and the eternal nature of true giving:

“Then Jesus said to the host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Theological Insight: The Nature of True Generosity

Jesus contrasts reciprocal generosity (giving with the expectation of return) with selfless generosity (giving without expecting anything back). The former is transactional and temporal, while the latter reflects the character of God and carries eternal reward. This calls believers to imitate God’s grace—“for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil” (Luke 6:35).

The “resurrection of the righteous” (Greek: anastasis ton dikaiōn) referenced here points to the future bodily resurrection described in Scripture (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28–29), when believers will receive their final reward. This doctrine emphasizes that God’s justice and reward extend beyond this life, highlighting the eternal significance of earthly deeds.

Why Invite Those Who Cannot Repay?

The Pharisee’s banquet included only the socially prominent and wealthy, reflecting a worldly perspective of honor and repayment. Jesus challenges this by instructing to invite the marginalized—“the poor, crippled, lame, and blind”—who cannot reciprocate. This is a demonstration of kingdom values where loving the neighbor is not based on social status or expected gain (Matthew 22:39).

This teaching aligns with the Sermon on the Mount’s call to love enemies and give without expectation (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:35), pointing to a life shaped by grace, not merit.

The Eternal Principle of Giving

The early church echoed this principle, emphasizing generosity as a reflection of faith and trust in God’s provision:

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
— 1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)

True giving is an expression of faith in God’s sovereignty and provision (Philippians 4:19). When believers give without expecting earthly repayment, they place their hope in God’s future reward, embracing the “treasures in heaven” that Jesus promised (Matthew 6:19–21).

God’s Justice and Reward

God’s promise of repayment at the resurrection underscores His perfect justice (Psalm 9:7–8; Revelation 20:12–13). While human reward systems are flawed and temporal, God’s judgment is perfect, eternal, and impartial.

This teaching also encourages believers to lay up rewards in heaven, reminding us that our earthly actions have eternal consequences (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Practical Application and Warning

Many believers struggle with the tension between giving to those who can repay versus those who cannot. This passage warns against a self-centered view of generosity and invites us to embrace the costly grace of Christ, who gave Himself for us (Romans 5:8).

Giving to those who cannot repay echoes the character of God’s mercy and points to a life of sacrificial love (John 15:13). It is also a test of our faith and trust in God’s provision and a witness of the gospel’s transformative power.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teaching in Luke 14 calls believers to live by kingdom principles, putting aside worldly calculations for repayment and focusing on eternal reward and pleasing God.

As Paul exhorts:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

May this truth encourage you to give generously, with a heart aligned to God’s will and confident in His eternal justice.

May the Lord richly bless your generosity and faithfulness. Please share this message to inspire others.

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Prayer can be broadly categorized into three main types:

1. Thanksgiving

2. Presenting Our Needs to God

3. Declaration (Proclamation)

1) Thanksgiving Prayers

Thanksgiving prayers are foundational in Christian life. Scripture commands us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV). Gratitude acknowledges God as the source of all good gifts (James 1:17) and expresses humility and dependence on Him.

Thanksgiving involves praising God for life (Psalm 139:13-16), health (3 John 1:2), and protection—even unseen—from dangers and evil (Psalm 91). When we thank God for past deliverances, we affirm His faithfulness and sovereignty (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Such prayers build faith and foster contentment (Philippians 4:6-7), reminding us that God is intimately involved in every detail of our lives.

2) Presenting Our Needs to God

This is the heart of intercession—coming before God with humility and faith, believing that He hears and answers prayer (1 John 5:14-15). Jesus taught us to ask boldly, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11), trusting God as Jehovah Jireh, our Provider (Genesis 22:14).

We ask for wisdom (James 1:5), health (Psalm 103:2-3), deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:13), and spiritual fruit like love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). We seek strength to resist temptation and grow in obedience (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Jesus specifically warned His disciples to “pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40), showing the vital link between prayer and victory over sin. Like Peter’s failure when he neglected prayer (Matthew 26:41), believers must remain vigilant.

3) Declaration (Proclamation) Prayers

This form of prayer aligns with biblical principles of spiritual warfare. The Bible reveals that Christians are engaged in a battle “not against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12). Prayer is a key weapon in this warfare.

When someone is born again and walking in obedience, God places a hedge of protection around them (Job 1:10). However, because we still live in mortal bodies (2 Corinthians 5:1-4), we experience “the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16).

Satan’s limited access to believers is often exercised through curses, spoken words, or declarations that carry spiritual power (Proverbs 18:21). Jesus spoke with authority over evil (Luke 4:36), and we, as His followers, are called to “take captive every thought to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and resist the enemy (James 4:7).

How Satan Uses Words and Declarations

God created the world by His Word (John 1:1-3), so words have creative power. This explains why blessings or curses spoken over a person can affect their lives (Numbers 23:8-10).

Satan exploits this by influencing words spoken over believers—through others or spiritual forces—to bring harm. Yet, God’s protection in Christ is greater than any curse (Romans 8:37-39).

Believers must therefore pray declaration prayers, canceling every evil plan in Jesus’ name, declaring God’s promises over their lives (Psalm 91; Isaiah 54:17). Such prayers reinforce God’s protection and exercise faith in His power.

Practical Steps: Prayers of Declaration

Daily declarations involve speaking aloud blessings, canceling curses, and covering every aspect of life in Jesus’ name (Mark 11:23-24). This includes health, family, work, and faith.

The power of the tongue is emphasized in Proverbs 18:21:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

By consistently declaring God’s Word, believers thwart the enemy’s plans and strengthen their spiritual defenses.

Personal Reflection and Encouragement

Many Christians experience breakthrough when they embrace persistent, biblically grounded prayer. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to “put on the full armor of God” and “pray in the Spirit on all occasions” (Ephesians 6:11-18). Prayer is not optional but essential in the Christian life.

Jesus’ Example and Teaching on Prayer

Jesus modeled fervent prayer, often spending entire nights in communion with the Father (Luke 6:12). He instructed His disciples to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and warned that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

His prayers sustained Him through temptation and suffering, showing believers the importance of perseverance.

Conclusion

Begin your day with thanksgiving, bring your requests to God with faith, and declare His promises over your life. Prayer is a continuous, powerful weapon given by God to overcome trials, resist temptation, and grow in intimacy with Him.

Remember to pray also for others, following the example of intercessory prayer seen throughout Scripture (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

May the Lord strengthen you in prayer and grant you victory in every area of your life!

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Shalom, Child of God! The Scriptures instruct us not to neglect encouraging one another daily, as long as “today” lasts (Hebrews 3:13, ESV). So today, I invite you to reflect on an important truth about the Bible.

While meditating on this verse:

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12, ESV),
I asked myself: What does it mean for a path to seem right?

If a person is a thief, murderer, or corrupt, their conscience often convicts them that their path is wrong (Romans 2:14-15). But what about a path that appears right? Such a path is one confirmed by God’s Word. When Scripture affirms what a person is doing, it gives peace and assurance that they are on the right way (Psalm 119:105).

The Bible: Holy, Complete, and Sufficient

The Bible is holy and perfect, fully sufficient for all matters of faith and life. Nothing can be added or taken away from it (Revelation 22:18-19). Yet, the Bible is not only for the perfectly righteous but offers wisdom and guidance to all. Like a fruitful tree bearing many kinds of fruit (Psalm 1:3), the Bible speaks to various needs and spiritual conditions.

This is because the Bible is the very Word of God, the divine Logos who created all things (John 1:1-3). God created both good and evil (Isaiah 45:7) in the world, and the Bible can address every heart according to its desires (Jeremiah 17:9). Satan even tries to misuse Scripture to deceive and destroy, but God’s Word remains powerful and victorious (Matthew 4:1-11).

The Bible’s Many Uses — Both Good and Bad

• Healing and medicine: The bronze serpent lifted by Moses (Numbers 21:8-9), a symbol of healing, is the emblem of the World Health Organization, showing the enduring power of God’s provision.

• Military strategy: Battles in the Bible, such as those led by Joshua (Joshua 6), are studied for wisdom and leadership.

• Politics: Leaders have used biblical principles of justice, leadership, and wisdom to shape nations (Romans 13:1-7).

• Witchcraft and sorcery: Sadly, some misuse the Bible or mimic its symbols for occult purposes (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), misunderstanding the true power of sacrifice and atonement revealed in Scripture.

• Business: Principles like diligence, sowing and reaping, and stewardship are found in Proverbs and applied to achieve success (Proverbs 10:4; 2 Corinthians 9:6).

• False prophets: Many exploit Jesus’ name to perform false miracles and deceive (Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Peter 2:1-3).

Above All, the Bible Gives Eternal Life

The Bible opens many doors—good and bad. Not every path it reveals leads to life. Jesus began His ministry with a call to repentance:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17, ESV)

Everything He taught was about the Kingdom of God. He warned that life is not measured by possessions:

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15, ESV)

Jesus came to give eternal life (John 10:10), and those who follow Him receive it (John 3:16). Those who reject Him may embrace parts of Scripture but miss salvation (John 3:18).

Examine Your Path Carefully

Don’t assume your way is right just because it feels right or because some Scriptures seem to support it. Ask yourself:
Where is this path leading — eternal life or death? Or uncertainty? (Matthew 7:13-14).

If it leads to death or uncertainty, turn away from it and seek what truly matters: Jesus Christ. As He said:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)

Embrace this truth for salvation. Don’t be distracted by secondary matters and miss the heart of the Gospel (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Learn to Discern Scripture Rightly

Focus first on the Kingdom of God and righteousness, and God will bring understanding of other things (Matthew 6:33; Luke 16:10). We live in the last days, with Christ’s return near (Hebrews 10:25; Revelation 22:20). What state will you be in then? The saddest will not be sinners outside the church but believers who rejected the true Gospel (2 Timothy 3:13).

Beware of False Confidence in Worldly Success

You might say, “Didn’t I receive blessings in Jesus’ name? Didn’t my business prosper? Didn’t my prayers open doors?” Yes, but Jesus warned:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21, ESV)

On Judgment Day, some will hear:

“I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23, ESV)

Why? Because they never truly embraced salvation and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9).

Final Words

Be cautious of popular paths that seem right—even those with a biblical appearance—because many lead to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Remember, the way to hell is broad and easy; the way to life is narrow and hard (Matthew 7:13-14).

May God richly bless you! Please share this message.

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