What Is “toilsome”? (Ecclesiastes 4:4)
Question: What does the word toilsome mean?
Answer: Let’s explore it through Scripture.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 (ESV):
“Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.”
The Hebrew word “toilsome” (עָמָל), from which Amali is derived, generally refers to toilsome, burdensome labor—work that is not only physically draining but often emotionally and spiritually exhausting. It carries the idea of labor born out of struggle, and often in vain.
So, Ecclesiastes 4:4 can be paraphrased this way:
“Then I observed all the difficult and wearisome labor, and every impressive skill in work, and I saw that it often arises from rivalry or competition between one person and another. This too is meaningless—a chasing after the wind.”
Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, recognized that many people’s hard work is not rooted in divine purpose, but in envy, ambition, and comparison. The implication is that even skillful work—if it is driven by jealousy or the desire to outdo others—is ultimately vain (hebel), which in Hebrew means empty, fleeting, or meaningless.
This does not mean that all hard work is sinful. In fact, Scripture elsewhere commends diligence and responsibility. However, when labor is disconnected from God, or fueled by carnal motives like greed or pride, it becomes vain toil, with no eternal value.
Ecclesiastes 4:8 (NIV):
“There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. ‘For whom am I toiling,’ he asked, ‘and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?’ This too is meaningless—a miserable business!”
This verse reveals the emptiness of labor when it lacks relational and eternal purpose. A person can work endlessly, yet never find fulfillment, because material success without spiritual alignment leads to emptiness.
Not All “toilsome” Is Evil
It’s important to clarify: Not all who labor hard do so from envy or sinful ambition.
Some people work with integrity, with good intentions, and with the fear of God. They seek to provide, to serve, or to fulfill a calling. For them, labor is a form of worship and stewardship.
And the Bible affirms this:
Ecclesiastes 5:19 (AMP):
“Also, every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, He has also given the power and ability to enjoy them and to receive his allotted portion and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.”
Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NIV):
“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.”
When our labor is surrendered to God, it becomes meaningful. God gives joy in the work of our hands when it is done with reverence and purpose.
Jesus Gives True Rest
If your work feels burdensome, if you’re exhausted mentally and physically, and you don’t see lasting fruit—turn to Jesus. He invites all who are weary to come to Him.
Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV):
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Psalm 127:2 (ESV):
“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.”
Conclusion
“Amali” (toilsome labor) can be either vain or valuable—it depends on the heart behind it. Work done for selfish gain or comparison leads to emptiness. But work offered to God, with godly purpose, is rewarded with peace, joy, and eternal value.
May the Lord bless the work of your hands.
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God Removes Both the Root and the Stream of Trouble
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Welcome to this study of the Word of God a light for our path and a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105, ESV).
1. God’s Deliverance is Complete: Root and Stream
When God steps in to deliver His people, He doesn’t just fix the visible problem He uproots it completely and dismantles every hidden structure supporting it. In other words, He removes not just the source of the trouble, but also the flow or system through which the trouble is sustained.
This is a consistent pattern throughout Scripture.
2. Case Study 1: Herod’s Plot Against Jesus
When Jesus was born, King Herod sought to destroy Him (Matthew 2:13-16). But God intervened by sending an angel to warn Joseph in a dream:
“Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”
— Matthew 2:13, ESV
Joseph obeyed. Later, when Herod died, the angel appeared again to Joseph, saying:
“Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
— Matthew 2:20, NIV
Notice: the angel didn’t say “Herod is dead,” but “those” (plural) are dead. This implies Herod was not acting alone. There were collaborators — possibly officials, informants, or religious leaders who shared his agenda. Herod was only the head of the octopus, but the tentacles had to be removed too.
God ensured that the entire network that posed a threat to Jesus was eliminated both the root and the ripple effects.
3. Case Study 2: Haman and the Jews in Persia
In the book of Esther, Haman plotted genocide against the Jews (Esther 3:8-15). Although Haman was executed, the threat remained because his evil decree was still in place.
Queen Esther and Mordecai intervened, and the king allowed the Jews to defend themselves. As a result, not only was Haman destroyed, but also 75,000 enemies across the kingdom who had aligned with his plan:
“The Jews struck all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them… In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men… The rest of the Jews killed seventy-five thousand of them, but did not lay their hands on the plunder.”
— Esther 9:5-16, NIV
Just like Herod, Haman was not alone. He was the visible face of a much broader spiritual and social threat. God permitted a full cleansing of the system that had been built to destroy His people.
4. Spiritual Insight: The Enemy is Often a System, Not Just a Person
In spiritual warfare, we must understand this key truth:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
— Ephesians 6:12, ESV
What looks like a personal attack is often part of a greater satanic structure. When someone opposes your calling, your ministry, or your walk with God that person may be just the tip of the spear. Behind them could be demonic influence, generational bondage, or systemic evil.
And when God’s appointed time comes, He doesn’t only deal with the person He tears down the entire system.
5. God’s Methods of Deliverance Are Diverse
Many assume God must destroy their enemies physically. But that’s not always His way.
God can:
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Relocate your enemies (Exodus 23:28-30)
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Relocate you to a safer place (Acts 8:1-4)
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Transform your enemies into friends (Acts 9:1-20 — Saul becomes Paul)
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Silence or neutralize their influence (Daniel 6:24)
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Change hearts (Proverbs 21:1)
Proverbs 16:7 (ESV):
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
So, God’s deliverance may come through death, displacement, transformation, or reconciliation but it always results in peace.
6. What Should You Do?
Instead of obsessing over what prayer to pray to “destroy your enemies,” focus on aligning your life with God.
When your life pleases Him:
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He removes the threats you see
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And the ones you don’t see
Psalm 34:15 (NIV):
“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.”
1 Peter 3:12 (ESV):
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Live righteously, and God will take care of both the Herods and their networks.
7. Have You Received Jesus Christ?
True peace begins when you make Jesus the Lord of your life. If Jesus returned today, would you be with Him?
If not, we invite you to receive Him today. Eternal life and divine protection begin at the cross.
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
— John 1:12, ESV
Conclusion:
Whenever God intervenes in your life, He works thoroughly. He removes not only the obvious threat but also the underlying current. His goal is full restoration and peace.
Live a life that honors Him, and you’ll experience His complete deliverance.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
— Isaiah 26:3, ESV
REMOVE DECEPTION FROM YOUR LIFE
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, JESUS CHRIST.
The Lesson from the Fig Tree
One morning, as Jesus was returning to the city, He became hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the roadside, He approached it to look for fruit. But despite its healthy appearance—full of leaves—He found none. Then He said:
“May you never bear fruit again!”
Immediately, the tree withered.
— Matthew 21:18–19 (NIV)
At first glance, this might seem harsh. Why would Jesus curse a tree for not having fruit—especially when it wasn’t even the season for figs (Mark 11:13)?
But Jesus wasn’t acting out of frustration. This moment was symbolic. He was using the fig tree as a powerful visual lesson for His disciples—and for us.
Outward Appearance vs. Inner Reality
In biblical times, a fig tree in full leaf would normally signal the presence of early, edible fruit. If it had leaves, it should have had some figs, even if small or unripe. But this tree had all the signs of fruitfulness—yet it was empty. It looked alive but was barren.
This fig tree represents people who appear godly on the outside but are spiritually empty on the inside. They have the “leaves” of religion: church attendance, Christian language, even leadership roles. But when God looks deeper, He finds no fruit—no evidence of true repentance, love, faith, or obedience.
“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
— Matthew 15:8 (NIV)
Just as Jesus expected fruit from the fig tree, God expects fruit in our lives. That fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). Without this fruit, our faith is a facade.
The Danger of Lukewarm Faith
Many Christians today live deceived lives—outwardly religious but inwardly unchanged. This is the same condition Jesus warns about in the book of Revelation:
“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.”
— Revelation 3:15–16 (NIV)
Lukewarm faith is offensive to God. It’s better to be cold (fully apart from God and aware of it) than to pretend to be close to Him while remaining spiritually dead. Lukewarm believers are content with surface-level religion, but their hearts remain unchanged. That’s dangerous, because deception is worse than ignorance—it blinds you to your true condition.
God Desires Sincerity, Not Show
God doesn’t want empty religion—He wants a real relationship. Jesus cursed the fig tree not because it failed naturally, but because it pretended to be fruitful. That pretense—hypocrisy—is what drew judgment.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs,
which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead.”
— Matthew 23:27 (NIV)
It’s not enough to look the part. God sees the heart.
So What Should We Do?
If we find ourselves living like that fig tree—impressive on the outside but empty within—then it’s time to change. God gives us the opportunity to repent and bear fruit. He is patient, but not forever.
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
— Matthew 3:8 (NIV)
If you choose to follow Christ, do it with all your heart. Don’t settle for being “half-Christian.” If you’re going to be a believer, be fully committed. Jesus said:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
— Luke 9:23 (NIV)
Final Encouragement
Let’s not just carry the name of Christ—let’s reflect His character.
Let our lives be filled with true spiritual fruit, not just leafy appearances.
Ask God to search your heart and make your faith genuine.
Pray for the strength to live boldly and fruitfully for Him.
And if you’re lukewarm, ask Him to set your heart on fire again.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… Instead he is patient with you,
not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
— 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
May Jesus help us live lives of real faith, not fake appearances.
May we be fruitful trees, not leafy deceivers.
God bless you
Why Are There So Many Bible Translations, and Which One Is Correct?
The Bible, originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, has been translated into hundreds of languages across the world—including Swahili. But with so many versions available, people often ask: Why are there so many Bible translations? And which one is the most accurate?
Why Do So Many Bible Translations Exist?
There are several key reasons:
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Languages Evolve Over Time
Just like how modern Swahili has changed from how it was spoken 100 years ago, other languages change too. This means older Bible translations might become harder for modern readers to understand. New translations help communicate the same message in language that fits today’s context. -
Different Translation Approaches
Some translators aim for a very literal, word-for-word translation (which can be harder to read but closer to the original text), while others focus more on capturing the overall meaning in a way that’s easy to understand (called thought-for-thought translation). This leads to different versions, each with its strengths. -
Theological Perspectives
Sometimes, translations are influenced by the beliefs of the people producing them. For example, a translation done by a particular denomination might lean toward their doctrinal views. That’s why it’s wise to be aware of who made a translation and what they believe. -
Access to Better Manuscripts
Over time, scholars have discovered older and more reliable manuscripts of the Bible (like the Dead Sea Scrolls). These discoveries have helped improve accuracy in newer translations.
So, Which Bible Translation is the Most Accurate?
The “most accurate” Bible is one that remains faithful to the original languages and clearly communicates the meaning to today’s readers. It should be based on trustworthy manuscripts and translated by a group of scholars—not just one individual—to avoid personal bias.
For Swahili speakers, the Swahili Union Version (SUV) is considered a foundational and trustworthy translation. It has stood the test of time and is widely used across denominations. However, newer Swahili translations can still be helpful, especially when used alongside SUV for comparison and deeper understanding.
Final Encouragement
No single translation is perfect, but God’s message remains clear and unchanged. It’s wise to read from more than one version, compare them, and study the original meanings when possible. Most importantly, let the Holy Spirit guide you as you read and seek to understand God’s Word.
Fake Christians: The True Power Behind False Prophets
Do you know where false prophets, pastors, apostles, teachers, and evangelists get their power from?
It’s not from heaven.
It comes from fake Christians.
Yes—those who claim to follow Christ, but whose hearts are far from Him. They’re the ones keeping false ministries alive.
Who Are Fake Christians?
Fake Christians are those who:
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Carry Christian names,
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Belong to Christian denominations,
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Attend church services,
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Publicly confess Christ…
…yet their hearts are not set on eternal life, but on earthly pleasures.
Jesus described them this way:
“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”
— Matthew 15:8 (NKJV)
Their prayers are focused only on material things—cars, houses, jobs, money.
Their attendance in church is often for personal gain—relationships, business, or recognition.
Their giving is transactional—so they can “receive back” a hundredfold in cash.
But how many pray, fast, or give just to become more holy?
How many cry out to God, “Lord, change me—cleanse me—fill me with Your Spirit!”?
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
— Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)
Sadly, fake Christians don’t hunger for righteousness. They hunger for wealth. And because of that, they become the fuel behind false prophets.
The True Clients of False Prophets
False prophets thrive because there’s a market for deception. And fake Christians are the primary customers.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers.”
— 2 Timothy 4:3 (NKJV)
If fake Christians didn’t exist, false prophets would have no platform. No influence. No audience. But because people crave comfort over conviction, and wealth over wisdom, false teachers multiply.
They preach “breakthrough,” “financial release,” and “miracle promotions”—and people flock to hear them.
Why? Because:
“They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.”
— Titus 1:16 (NKJV)
False prophets grow richer, not because of God’s blessing—but because fake Christians finance them. They give, hoping to buy blessings. They sow “seeds” looking for cars, houses, and visas.
What Changed from the Past?
False prophets existed in Bible times too:
“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you…”
— 2 Peter 2:1 (NKJV)
But what kept them in check?
In the past, the Church was full of spiritually mature believers. People who valued holiness, not hype. Saints who came to church to fast and pray, to be transformed, not entertained.
If someone announced a “special service for financial miracles,” few would show up. But if it was a night of repentance or a Holy Ghost service, the room would be packed.
That’s because Christians then understood this truth:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Today, it’s the opposite. People chase material things first, and God last—if at all.
This Is Why False Prophets Are Flourishing
It’s not that they’ve become more powerful—it’s that fake Christians have become more plentiful.
False teachers are simply capitalizing on the desires of people who are looking for a god who serves them—not the other way around.
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”
— 2 Corinthians 11:13–14 (NKJV)
It’s harvest season for them—because the soil of many hearts has become worldly, selfish, and blind.
So, What Kind of Christian Are You?
Are you seeking God to:
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Build a house?
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Drive a car?
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Get promoted?
None of these things are wrong in themselves. But when they become your main pursuit, they become idols.
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”
— 1 John 5:21 (NKJV)
Today, cars have become gods. Houses have become status. Money is worshipped. Gospel songs are full of prosperity themes. And sermons often sound more like motivational speeches than calls to repentance.
Reject the Spirit of Fake Christianity
Because it is not from Christ.
It is the spirit of the world—the same spirit that Satan uses to keep people spiritually dead while thinking they’re alive.
Jesus warned:
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
— Mark 8:36 (NKJV)
The true fruit of a Spirit-led life isn’t wealth. It’s character, holiness, and spiritual maturity.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
— Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)
Ask Yourself Honestly:
When was the last time you:
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Fasted simply to grow closer to God?
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Gave an offering just to honor Him, not to “get something”?
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Prayed that God would remove sin from your life, not just problems?
If you’ve never done that—or if you rarely do—then it’s time to examine your faith.
“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified.”
— 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)
Come Out from Among Them
Leave behind fake Christianity.
Stop playing religious games.
Return to the true pursuit of Christ.
Be part of the true Bride of Christ, holy and prepared for His return.
“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
— Revelation 22:17 (NKJV)
May the Lord bless you and lead you into all truth.
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DON’T TURN BACK IN YOUR FAITH
As we stand at the beginning of a new year, it is a sacred moment to hold firmly to the truth we have received in Christ and press forward. This is not the time to look back.
“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on…”
—Philippians 3:13–14, ESV
Do Not Return to What God Has Delivered You From
Don’t go back to the sins that once held you captive. Don’t long for the very things God delivered you from. The old man is crucified with Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
—2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV
You left behind drunkenness, sexual sin, and secret battles like masturbation—keep them in the past. You turned from immodesty and worldly fashion—stay separated.
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.”
—1 Peter 1:14–15, ESV
“Do not love the world or the things in the world…”
—1 John 2:15, ESV
This Is the Season When the Enemy Attacks — Be Watchful
The enemy is strategic. He aims to weaken your faith and pull you back spiritually—especially at transition points like the start of a year. He often targets three areas:
1. Your Health
Satan may try to afflict your body or the health of your loved ones—including reproductive health. But God is your Healer.
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
—Psalm 34:19, ESV
“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree… by His wounds you have been healed.”
—1 Peter 2:24, ESV
2. Your Finances
Financial pressure may arise—but God is still Jehovah Jireh. Do not return to ungodly methods or covetousness. Resist the pull toward illegal dealings or materialism.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:19, ESV
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have.”
—Hebrews 13:5, ESV
3. Your Family & Marriage
You may face conflict in your home. This is often a tactic to rob you of your peace and derail your walk with God. Don’t return to old habits—keep your eyes on Christ.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
—John 10:10, ESV
Do Not Fear the Future
It’s okay to think ahead, but don’t be overwhelmed with anxiety about tomorrow. Fear opens the door to spiritual retreat.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.”
—Matthew 6:34, ESV
“Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
—1 Peter 5:7, ESV
Victory Is Not Optional — It’s a Divine Mandate
When you’re in Christ, you are not fighting for victory, but from victory. Christ already overcame.
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
—1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV
So don’t look back:
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Father, don’t turn back.
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Mother, don’t turn back.
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Brother, sister, child—press on.
Returning to your old ways grieves God.
“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.”
—1 Samuel 15:11, ESV
Let This Year End in Praise, Not Regret
Be like Job, who treasured God’s Word more than his own needs:
“I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food.”
—Job 23:12, ESV
Have You Already Started to Turn Back? There’s Still Time.
Repent. Return to God. His mercy is available right now.
“I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them.”
—Hosea 14:4, ESV
“The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.”
—Isaiah 50:5, ESV
But if you persist in turning back, the Bible warns:
“For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them.”
—Proverbs 1:32, ESV
DO NOT TURN BACK! DO NOT TURN BACK! DO NOT TURN BACK!
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God loves you. God bless you.
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What Did Jesus Mean by “The Lilies Do Not Spin”? (Matthew 6:28)
Answer: Let’s take a deeper look…
Matthew 6:28–29 (ESV)
“And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies .
When Jesus says that the lilies “do not spin,” He’s referring to the ancient process of making clothing—specifically, spinning thread from fibers to weave into fabric. In biblical times, clothes were either spun or woven by hand, often laboriously. To “spin” was to twist fibers together to form yarn or thread—this was manual labor.
Exodus 39:28 (ESV)
“And the turban of fine linen, and the caps of fine linen, and the linen undergarments of fine twined linen.”
Leviticus 13:52 (ESV)
“And he shall burn the garment, whether the warp or the woof, in wool or linen, or any article made of skin that is diseased, for it is a persistent leprous disease. It shall be burned in the fire.”
These verses illustrate that human garments required great effort to produce. They involved either weaving (“warp and woof”) or spinning, and it took both skill and labor to produce fine clothing.
Now contrast that with the lilies of the field—wildflowers growing naturally in the open. They do none of this work. They don’t earn, labor, or spin. Yet God Himself clothes them in a splendor greater than even King Solomon, whose wealth and garments were legendary in Israel’s history.
This is the core of Jesus’ point: God provides for His creation without it having to strive, and He does it with beauty and abundance.
So if God clothes wildflowers—which are here today and gone tomorrow—with such glory, how much more will He care for His people, who are created in His image and called His children?
Theological Insight: God as Provider
Jesus is teaching what theologians call Divine Providence—the belief that God sovereignly provides for all of creation. Theologically, this echoes what is found in passages like:
Psalm 104:24 (ESV)
“O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:32 (ESV)
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”
Jesus is inviting His disciples—and us today—not to be consumed with anxiety about material needs (food, drink, clothing), but instead to trust God as a faithful Father who knows what His children need.
Matthew 6:30–33 (ESV)
“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Spiritual Application
Worry is the fruit of unbelief. Jesus is calling us to a higher way of living—kingdom-minded living—where our first pursuit is not survival, wealth, or image, but the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we live in that posture of faith, provision follows.
Even if a believer goes through hardship or lack, it’s not abandonment—it may be a season of testing, a lesson in dependence, or preparation for greater purpose. But God will never forsake His own.
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)
“…for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
Conclusion:
When Jesus said “the lilies do not spin”, He wasn’t just pointing out a botanical fact. He was making a theological statement:
If your Heavenly Father clothes the lilies with such beauty, without their labor, then surely He will clothe and care for you—if only you’ll trust Him.
So don’t be anxious—be faithful. Seek His kingdom, and He will take care of your needs.
Feel free to share this message with others—it’s good news that can lift a heavy heart.
What Is “Toil”? (Ecclesiastes 4:4)
Ecclesiastes 4:4 (ESV):
“Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.”
The Hebrew word “toil” (עָמָל), from which Amali is derived, generally refers to toilsome, burdensome labor—work that is not only physically draining but often emotionally and spiritually exhausting. It carries the idea of labor born out of struggle, and often in vain.
So, Ecclesiastes 4:4 can be paraphrased this way:
“Then I observed all the difficult and wearisome labor, and every impressive skill in work, and I saw that it often arises from rivalry or competition between one person and another. This too is meaningless—a chasing after the wind.”
Theological Reflection
Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, recognized that many people’s hard work is not rooted in divine purpose, but in envy, ambition, and comparison. The implication is that even skillful work—if it is driven by jealousy or the desire to outdo others—is ultimately vain (hebel), which in Hebrew means empty, fleeting, or meaningless.
This does not mean that all hard work is sinful. In fact, Scripture elsewhere commends diligence and responsibility. However, when labor is disconnected from God, or fueled by carnal motives like greed or pride, it becomes vain toil, with no eternal value.
Ecclesiastes 4:8 (NIV):
“There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. ‘For whom am I toiling,’ he asked, ‘and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?’ This too is meaningless—a miserable business!”
This verse reveals the emptiness of labor when it lacks relational and eternal purpose. A person can work endlessly, yet never find fulfillment, because material success without spiritual alignment leads to emptiness.
Not All “toil” Is Evil
It’s important to clarify: Not all who labor hard do so from envy or sinful ambition.
Some people work with integrity, with good intentions, and with the fear of God. They seek to provide, to serve, or to fulfill a calling. For them, labor is a form of worship and stewardship.
And the Bible affirms this:
Ecclesiastes 5:19 (AMP):
“Also, every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, He has also given the power and ability to enjoy them and to receive his allotted portion and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.”
Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NIV):
“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.”
When our labor is surrendered to God, it becomes meaningful. God gives joy in the work of our hands when it is done with reverence and purpose.
Jesus Gives True Rest
If your work feels burdensome, if you’re exhausted mentally and physically, and you don’t see lasting fruit—turn to Jesus. He invites all who are weary to come to Him.
Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV):
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Psalm 127:2 (ESV):
“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.”
Conclusion
“toil” (toilsome labor) can be either vain or valuable—it depends on the heart behind it. Work done for selfish gain or comparison leads to emptiness. But work offered to God, with godly purpose, is rewarded with peace, joy, and eternal value.
May the Lord bless the work of your hands.
If you’ve been encouraged, please share this message with others—this is part of spreading the Good News.
What Does “Fat man” Mean Spiritually and Biblically?
In Judges 3:17, we read:
“So he brought the tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man.” (NKJV)
The Swahili word “ fat man” means “to grow fat” or “to increase greatly.” In this context, it describes Eglon, the king of Moab, as someone who had become exceedingly fat—both literally and symbolically.
So this verse can be understood as:
“Then he presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who had grown extremely fat.”
But beyond the physical meaning, the Bible often uses the concept of “growing fat” to illustrate spiritual complacency, moral decay, and abuse of prosperity. The term appears in other significant passages, including:
📖 Jeremiah 50:11 – Judgment on Babylon
“Because you were glad, because you rejoiced,
You destroyers of My heritage,
Because you have grown fat like a heifer threshing grain,
And you bellow like bulls…” (NKJV)
Here, “growing fat” signifies arrogance, greed, and delight in wrongdoing—a condition that invited God’s judgment.
📖 Deuteronomy 32:15 – The Case of Jeshurun
“But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked;
You grew fat, you grew thick,
You are obese!
Then he forsook God who made him,
And scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation.” (NKJV)
Jeshurun (a poetic name for Israel) is depicted as having grown fat—meaning they became complacent in their prosperity, forgot God, and fell into spiritual rebellion.
👉 For an in-depth study on this figure, see: Who is Jeshurun in the Bible?
A Heart Check: In What Have You “Grown Fat”?
This brings us to an important question for personal reflection:
Spiritually speaking—what are you increasing in?
Are you growing fat in righteousness or in wickedness?
Growing fat in evil is spiritually dangerous and invites the judgment of God.
📖 Jeremiah 5:28–29 – Condemnation of Corrupt Leaders
“They have grown fat, they are sleek;
Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked;
They do not plead the cause,
The cause of the fatherless;
Yet they prosper,
And the right of the needy they do not defend.Shall I not punish them for these things?” says the LORD.
“Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?” (NKJV)
In this passage, spiritual fatness symbolizes corruption, self-indulgence, and the oppression of the vulnerable. God asks rhetorically—should such evil go unpunished?
The Call: Are You Sealed With the Holy Spirit?
The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is God’s seal on the life of a believer:
Ephesians 4:30 – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (NKJV)
Being filled with the Spirit is the opposite of being “fat” in sin. It is to be empowered, purified, and marked for eternal life.
✝️ Jesus Is Coming Soon – Maranatha!
The return of the Lord Jesus is imminent.
Maranatha — “Our Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22)
Let us not be like those who grew fat in sin and forgot God. Let us be spiritually alert, ready, and sealed with the Holy Spirit for the return of Christ.
✅ Share This Message
This is a call to repentance, renewal, and readiness. Share this truth with others—spread the Word.
Have you grown fat in wickedness or in righteousness?
The Lord is returning. Be found faithful.
Why Did the Lord Command the Lepers to Show Themselves to the Priests?
(Luke 17:14, ESV/NIV)
To understand this fully, let’s start at Luke 17:12 (ESV):
“As he entered a village, he was met by ten men who had leprosy. They stood at a distance
and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’
When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed.”
— Luke 17:12–14 (ESV)
Why Did Jesus Instruct the Lepers to Go to the Priests?
In the Old Testament, priests had the divinely appointed responsibility to examine those suspected of having leprosy. According to the Mosaic Law, they declared individuals ceremonially clean or unclean based on their physical condition. This is clearly outlined in Leviticus 13 (NIV):
“When anyone has a defiling skin disease, the priest is to examine them, and if the disease has turned their skin white and the hair on it is white,
and if it appears to be more than skin deep and has infected the lower parts of the body,
the priest shall pronounce them unclean because it is a defiling disease.”
— Leviticus 13:9–11 (NIV)
Therefore, when Jesus told the ten lepers to “go and show yourselves to the priests,” He was instructing them to obey the Law and have the priests officially confirm their healing and restoration to the community. If they still showed signs of leprosy, they would remain unclean and isolated.
What is miraculous is that before they even arrived, their healing took place—demonstrating the power of Jesus’ word and faith in action.
This parallels the healing of Naaman, the Syrian commander, who was instructed by Elisha to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed (2 Kings 5:14, ESV):
“Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.”
— 2 Kings 5:14 (ESV)
Back in Luke, only one of the ten healed men returned to thank Jesus, highlighting the importance of gratitude:
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.
He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?
Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’”
— Luke 17:15–18 (NIV)
Two Key Lessons from This Story
1. Healing Requires Faith in Action
Obedience is essential to receiving God’s healing. The ten lepers had to take the step Jesus commanded—go and show themselves to the priests. If they had ignored His words, they would have missed their healing. Likewise, your breakthrough often comes through trusting God’s Word and acting on it, even when you don’t immediately see results.
2. Gratitude Glorifies God
God desires a heart of thankfulness. Of the ten healed, only one returned to give thanks—and Jesus pointed this out as an example of true faith and worship. Have you taken time to thank God for what He has done? Gratitude is an act of worship that brings glory to God.
Final Reflection
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior?
Are you ready to meet Him if He returned today?
If you haven’t yet, now is the time. If you have, share this good news with others and live a life of faith and gratitude.
