DO YOU HAVE HOPE OF GETTING BACK WHAT YOU’VE LOST?
May the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be blessed. Welcome as we explore God’s Word—the lamp that lights our path and guides our steps (Psalm 119:105).
Do you work with your hands, run a business, or manage a farm or livestock? Do you rely on these activities for your income?
Have you ever had a project, business, or investment suddenly fall apart? Sometimes it’s hard to understand why. Today, I want to help you see the reason for such trials through Scripture.
If you are in Christ—standing firm, faithful, and obedient to the Lord—and your work suddenly collapses, know that the cause is like what happened to Job. Satan may go before God to accuse you because of your righteousness, and God allows certain trials. But these challenges have a good purpose: if you endure and overcome them, God will exalt you even more. These trials are meant to move God’s people from one level of spiritual growth to another.
However, if you are outside of Christ—meaning you have not received Jesus, do not believe in Him, and do not live a holy life pleasing to Him—and your work or possessions are suddenly destroyed in an extraordinary way, the story is different. The same spiritual attacks that struck Job can strike you, but the outcome is far more severe.
Satan or his demons may go before God to accuse you, and God may allow them to destroy your work, your business, or your livestock. The difference is, if you are not in Christ, there is no hope of recovering what you’ve lost.
Let’s consider a biblical example to illustrate this. In Mark 5:6–14, we read about a man possessed by many demons. The demons begged Jesus not to send them away but to enter a herd of pigs. Jesus allowed it, and the demons entered the pigs. The entire herd—about 2,000 pigs—ran into the sea and drowned. The herdsmen fled and reported the incident to the town.
Think about it: this man was likely very wealthy, with 2,000 pigs and several herdsmen. But suddenly, everything was gone. On the surface, he might have blamed witchcraft or bad luck, but the real cause was spiritual. Demons went before Jesus to ask permission to destroy his wealth—and Jesus allowed it.
This is similar to Job, whose livestock were also destroyed by Satan with God’s permission (Job 1:9–12).
The key difference is what happened afterward. Job, who was righteous and in God’s favor, eventually received double what he had lost. The rich man in Mark, however, never recovered his herd. He reaped nothing but loss. Even the Lord did not intervene to restore the pigs.
Why the difference? The rich man was outside of Christ. He had not repented, had not believed in Jesus, and may even have been among those who rejected Him. That’s why he never recovered what he lost.
This raises an important question: how secure is your work, your business, or your livestock? Are you in Christ, or are you outside Him? You may trust your possessions to protect you, but remember: demons report them before God every day, and God can allow them to be destroyed in a single day.
If God allowed such destruction for Job, who was perfect in His eyes, what about the rest of us, who are not perfect?
Ask yourself: when a day of sudden loss comes—like it did for Job or the rich man—where will you be? Will you have hope like Job, or will you be lost like the rich man?
If you haven’t yet received Jesus, now is the time. Accept Him for the safety of your spirit, your children, your possessions, and your livestock. Otherwise, you risk losing hope in the days of trial.
May the Lord bless you.
If you like, I can also make a slightly shorter, punchier version that’s perfect for sharing as a devotional or sermon, keeping it impactful and easy to read aloud.
Do you want me to do that next?
Print this post
The question arises: Can God deceive a person? When reading Ezekiel 14:9, it seems like God might deceive a prophet. But is that really the case?
Let’s start by looking at the verse:
Ezekiel 14:9
(NKJV): “If a prophet is deceived and speaks a word, I the Lord have deceived that prophet. I will stretch out My hand against him and destroy him from among My people Israel.”
At first glance, this might suggest that God deceives people. However, we must understand that God is holy and cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). God does not directly deceive anyone. Rather, what we see here is that God allows a spirit of deception to deceive someone, especially when they have already turned away from the truth and chosen to follow evil. This is explained more clearly in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 (NIV):
“They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.”
In these verses, we see that God permits a “powerful delusion” to come over those who refuse to love the truth. This is a judgment for their refusal to accept the truth of God’s Word. God does not deceive them Himself, but allows them to be deceived as a consequence of their choices.
Let’s dive into an example from the Bible to further understand this concept—King Ahab in 1 Kings 22. Ahab had rejected God, worshiped idols, and refused to listen to the true prophets. Yet, when he needed guidance for a battle, he still consulted the prophet Micaiah.
1 Kings 22:19-23 (NIV):
“Micaiah continued, ‘Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on His throne with all the host of heaven standing around Him, on His right and on His left. And the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?’ One suggested this, and another that. Finally, a spirit came forward, stood before the Lord, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ the Lord asked. ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,’ he said. ‘You will succeed in enticing him,’ said the Lord. ‘Go and do it.’ So now the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours. The Lord has decreed disaster for you.’”
In this case, God did not directly deceive Ahab. Instead, God permitted a lying spirit to deceive Ahab’s prophets, leading him to his death in battle. The deception was a consequence of Ahab’s choice to forsake God and turn to idols. Ahab had already hardened his heart, so God allowed the lying spirit to mislead him.
In theological terms, this act of allowing a spirit of deception is part of God’s judicial hardening. When people persist in rejecting the truth of God, He may allow them to be deceived. This concept is supported by several passages in the Bible, including Romans 1:24-28, where God gives people over to their sinful desires as a consequence of their rebellion.
Romans 1:24-28 (NIV):
“Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity… They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator… Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts…”
This “giving over” is not God actively deceiving, but allowing people to pursue the consequences of their choices. It’s a sign of God’s judgment on those who refuse to turn to Him.
When Ezekiel 14:9 says, “I have deceived that prophet”, it’s important to understand the context. This isn’t God lying to the prophet, but rather God allowing a spirit of deception to enter the prophet, because the prophet had turned away from the truth. If a prophet rejects God’s Word, God can allow him to be deceived by false spirits.
In other words, it’s not a direct act of deception by God but a permissive action—allowing a consequence for the prophet’s rebellion.
What does this mean for us today? The Bible warns us to be careful about how we live our lives and how we approach God. If we persist in sin, idolatry, or living a life of rebellion against God, we open ourselves up to deception. We must never treat God like a problem solver or a fortune teller to simply give us answers while continuing in sin. God desires genuine repentance and submission to His will.
Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV):
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
If we approach God with hearts that still love sin and refuse to repent, we risk being led astray by a spirit of deception, just as Ahab was.
Ezekiel 14:1-5 (NIV):
“Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me. Then the word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? Therefore speak to them and tell them, This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When any of the Israelites set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet, I the Lord will answer them myself in keeping with their great idolatry.’”
Here, God warns that idolatry and sin can lead to deception. If we hold on to idols in our hearts and still seek God’s answers while living in sin, we are opening ourselves up to deception. God will not answer us the way we expect, but will allow us to experience the consequences of our choices.
If you haven’t yet accepted Christ, remember that He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). There is no other way to come to the Father except through Him. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus, repentance, and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth (John 16:13).
Maranatha! (The Lord is coming!)
Please share this message with others to spread the Good News.
WhatsApp
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Welcome as we dive into the study of God’s Word. The Scriptures say:
Ezekiel 14:13-14 (NKJV):“Son of man, when a land sins against Me by persistent unfaithfulness, I will stretch out My hand against it; I will cut off its supply of bread, send famine on it, and cut off man and beast from it. Even if these three men Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,”
says the Lord God.
This passage raises an important question: Why does God mention only these three menNoah, Daniel, and Job? Does this mean they were the only ones righteous enough among all the prophets and saints recorded in the Old Testament?
The answer is nuanced. While many biblical saints walked faithfully and pleased God (Hebrews 11 recounts many), these three men stand out because of their unique intercessory righteousness and steadfast faithfulness in times of judgment and national crisis.
Key Theological Insights:
Intercessory Righteousness: Ezekiel 14:20 adds,“Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live,” declares the Lord God, “they would deliver neither sons nor daughters; they would only save themselves by their righteousness.” (ESV)This shows these men’s righteousness was so profound that it had a protective effect—not only on themselves but also extended to their families and communities. Their faithfulness was not merely personal but intercessory. Noah as a Type of the Righteous Remnant and Savior:Noah’s righteousness (Genesis 6:9, KJV: “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”) distinguished him in a corrupt world. God commanded him to build the ark not just to save himself but to preserve his entire household (Hebrews 11:7, NIV). This portrays the principle of one righteous person being an instrument of God’s mercy for many. Job’s Faithfulness Amid Suffering and His Role as Intercessor:Job consistently prayed for his children (Job 1:5, NIV: “Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.’ This was Job’s regular custom.”). His concern for his family’s spiritual well-being highlights his intercessory heart, a key trait recognized by God. Daniel’s Prayerful Advocacy for His People:Daniel’s earnest prayers for Israel while in exile (Daniel 9:3-19, NASB) demonstrate his commitment to the spiritual restoration of his nation. The angel Gabriel’s words in Daniel 9:23 (NIV), “You are highly esteemed… so consider the matter and understand the vision,” indicate Daniel’s unique standing before God due to his faithful intercession.
Intercessory Righteousness:
Ezekiel 14:20 adds,“Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live,” declares the Lord God, “they would deliver neither sons nor daughters; they would only save themselves by their righteousness.”
(ESV)This shows these men’s righteousness was so profound that it had a protective effect—not only on themselves but also extended to their families and communities. Their faithfulness was not merely personal but intercessory.
Noah as a Type of the Righteous Remnant and Savior:Noah’s righteousness (Genesis 6:9, KJV: “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”) distinguished him in a corrupt world. God commanded him to build the ark not just to save himself but to preserve his entire household (Hebrews 11:7, NIV). This portrays the principle of one righteous person being an instrument of God’s mercy for many.
Job’s Faithfulness Amid Suffering and His Role as Intercessor:Job consistently prayed for his children (Job 1:5, NIV: “Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.’ This was Job’s regular custom.”). His concern for his family’s spiritual well-being highlights his intercessory heart, a key trait recognized by God.
Daniel’s Prayerful Advocacy for His People:Daniel’s earnest prayers for Israel while in exile (Daniel 9:3-19, NASB) demonstrate his commitment to the spiritual restoration of his nation. The angel Gabriel’s words in Daniel 9:23 (NIV), “You are highly esteemed… so consider the matter and understand the vision,”
indicate Daniel’s unique standing before God due to his faithful intercession.
What Can We Learn?
The common thread among Noah, Job, and Daniel is their compassionate concern for others. They didn’t seek salvation for themselves alone they interceded for their families, communities, and people. Their faith was active, expressing itself in intercession, obedience, and steadfastness even when those around them were rebellious.
Today, this challenges us as believers: salvation is personal, but our faith must also move us to care deeply for others family, friends, and even our broader communities. We are called to be intercessors and witnesses, bringing others to the mercy of God just as these men did.
If you have received Christ, ask yourself: Do you carry the burden of others’ souls? Are you praying for those yet to know Jesus? True Christian love involves not only securing our own salvation but laboring in prayer and action for others.
May God grant us grace to live like Noah, Job, and Daniel faithful, interceding, and wholly devoted to Him.
Maranatha.
Understanding What Truly Provokes God’s Anger
Many people assume that God’s wrath is primarily directed toward unbelievers those who have rejected Him or those who live in open rebellion without acknowledging Jesus Christ as Savior. While the Scriptures affirm that the unrighteous will face judgment (see Romans 1:18, ESV: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men…”), that’s not the full picture.
A deeper and often overlooked truth is that God’s greatest grief and yes, His fiercest anger is kindled by sin among His own people: those who claim to know Him, yet continue in disobedience.
When someone you don’t know insults or betrays you, the pain is real but bearable. But when someone close a spouse, friend, or child hurts you, the wound cuts much deeper. The same is true in God’s heart.
Amos 3:2 (NIV) “You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins.”
God disciplines His own more strictly because of the covenant relationship He has with them. He expects more from those who have received the light of His truth.
Those in relationship with God Christians who are saved bring joy to His heart. But when they live in sin, they also grieve Him more deeply than the wicked who never knew Him. Jesus said:
Luke 12:47-48 (NKJV) “And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes… For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required…”
This is not just about punishment, but about responsibility. The more truth and grace we’ve received, the more accountable we are before God.
Many Christians deceive themselves by comparing their “occasional” sins to the persistent wickedness of unbelievers. But the Bible teaches that any intentional sin is rebellion especially when committed by someone who knows the truth.
Hebrews 10:26-27 (NIV) “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment…”
A Christian who commits adultery “just once a year” may feel morally superior to a prostitute who sins daily. But God is more grieved by the one who sins against the light.
2 Peter 2:21 (ESV) “For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.”
God does not call us to blend in with the world. He calls us to be holy, set apart for Him. And He warns His people not to take His grace for granted.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV) “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
Romans 6:1-2 (NKJV) “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”
God’s wrath is not an abstract threat. It is real—and it begins in the house of God.
1 Peter 4:17 (ESV) “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
Jesus’ rebuke to the church in Laodicea illustrates this point powerfully. He despises spiritual complacency.
Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV) “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold i am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
Being lukewarm claiming Christ while tolerating sin is to God. It is a form of hypocrisy that poisons both personal witness and the integrity of the Church.
It’s time for believers to stop measuring themselves against the unbelieving world and start measuring themselves by the standard of God’s Word. In these last days, God is calling His people to deeper repentance, holiness, and spiritual fire.
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV) “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
Let’s not assume that our occasional sins are harmless. They offend a holy God deeply especially when we know better.
May we flee from complacency, pursue righteousness with all our hearts, and live in a way that brings honor, not grief, to the One who redeemed us.
May the Lord bless you and help you walk faithfully before Him