What Does the Word “Fasting” Mean in the Bible?
The word fasting originates from the Aramaic and Hebrew languages. In Hebrew, the term “tsom” (צוֹם) is used, which means “to abstain from food and drink.” In biblical practice, fasting was primarily a spiritual discipline meant to express humility, repentance, and a deep desire to seek God.
Fasting is not just a physical act of denying oneself food—it is a spiritual practice meant to align the heart with God’s will.
Zechariah 8:19 (NIV):“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.’”
This verse shows that fasting was practiced regularly in Israel as a spiritual tradition, often tied to national events like mourning or remembrance. But God desires that these fasts be transformed into times of joy, truth, and peace when done with the right heart.
Joel 1:14 (NIV):“Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.”
Here, fasting is connected with national repentance. The people are called to turn back to God through prayer and mourning for their sins.
Also see:
Joel 2:15 (NIV):“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.”
Again, fasting is linked with a collective call to repentance and revival. Fasting that pleases God is more than skipping meals—it’s about transformation of the heart and actions. The prophet Isaiah delivers a powerful message from God, rebuking religious fasting that lacks love, justice, and mercy.
Isaiah 58:3-8 (NIV): [3 ]Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. [4] Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. [5]Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? [6]“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? [7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter ,when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? [8] Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.”
Isaiah 58:3-8 (NIV):
[3 ]Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.
[4] Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
[5]Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?
[6]“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
[7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter ,when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
[8] Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.”
God rebukes superficial religion. He desires worship that reflects His own character: justice, mercy, and compassion. Fasting is empty when it’s disconnected from righteous living. Jesus affirms this heart-centered view of fasting in Matthew 6:16–18, where He teaches that fasting should be sincere, not for show.
Fasting is meant to be a way of humbling ourselves before God and creating space to hear Him more clearly. In Scripture, people fasted:
To seek guidance (Acts 13:2–3)In repentance (Daniel 9:3–5)In mourning (2 Samuel 1:12)For deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:3)To grow spiritually (Matthew 4:2 – Jesus fasted in the wilderness)
Yet even long fasts—like Moses’ 40-day fast (Exodus 34:28)—are meaningless if they are not accompanied by repentance and spiritual renewal. As Paul writes in
1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV):“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
When you fast, ask yourself: Is my heart turning away from sin? Am I growing in love and righteousness? If not, the fast may have little eternal value. Fasting should not just be a ritual—it must be an act of surrender, a cry for holiness, and a commitment to justice.
Otherwise, as Isaiah warns, you might be working hard in vain—even fasting 40 days and nights won’t please God without genuine transformation.
Please, share this message of truth and hope with others.
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The End of the Harvest is the End of the World
Not every person you preach to will immediately show signs of change. It’s natural to desire instant transformation in everyone we witness to, and as a preacher or believer, it can be discouraging when you spend months—or even years—faithfully sharing the gospel, only to see little or no lasting fruit.
Sometimes, even when you do see results, they seem minimal compared to the effort you’ve invested.
However, in these moments, remember this profound truth: the end of the harvest is not today. The final harvest is not the moment you’re preaching; it is not today. The harvest will come at the end of time, when God sends His angels to separate the wheat from the weeds, and the wheat will be gathered into the barn. That moment is not now.
Matthew 13:39 (New King James Version): “The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.”
In this passage, Jesus explains that the harvest symbolizes the final judgment at the end of the world. The reapers (angels) will gather the righteous (the wheat) into God’s eternal kingdom, and the wicked (the weeds) will be cast away. This passage reminds us that the results of our efforts in spreading the gospel may not be fully revealed in this lifetime, but God will take care of the final separation.
Matthew 13:49-50 (New International Version): “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
At the end of the age, when Christ returns, there will be a final separation: the righteous will inherit eternal life, while the wicked will face judgment. The immediate results of our evangelistic efforts are not always apparent, but we are assured that God’s justice will prevail.
So, if the person you’re witnessing to today doesn’t show immediate signs of change, don’t be discouraged. Keep preaching, because the final harvest has not yet come. Perhaps today you are planting the seeds, and someone else will water them tomorrow (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Or, you might be the one watering, while someone else will pull the weeds, or another will reap the harvest. All of these parts are essential before the final gathering of souls at the end of the world.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (New International Version): “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
This passage emphasizes that our work in spreading the gospel is part of a larger process. We each play our role, but it is God who causes the growth. Even if we don’t see the fruits of our labor now, we trust in His timing and His plan.
Therefore, don’t lose heart. The end of the world is indeed approaching, but it’s not yet here. Keep shining the light of Christ in this short time we have left, even if you don’t see the fruit of your labor right away. Leave the outcome in God’s hands. As
Ecclesiastes 11:4 (New Living Translation) says: “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.”
God calls us to be faithful in our work, regardless of the immediate results.
Keep moving forward. Continue proclaiming the message of Christ, knowing that your labor is not in vain. Even if you don’t see the results now, trust that God is working, and one day, all will be revealed.
Shalom. Please share this Good News with others.
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THE GREAT IMPORTANCE OF GIVING TO THE LORD Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Let us take a moment to explore a spiritual principle that is often misunderstood and sometimes overlooked—the importance of giving in the life of a believer. This is not just about money; it’s about understanding the heart of God, the mission of Christ, and our calling as disciples.
One of the areas the enemy fiercely attacks is the spirit of generosity. Satan understands that giving is both a spiritual weapon and a blessing channel. He does not want anyone—believers or non-believers—to develop a generous heart.
Even non-believers, when they give, can experience God’s principles in action.
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says,
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Satan resists this truth by promoting selfishness, materialism, and fear of lack—he wants people to be closed-hearted, always thinking they don’t have enough to give.
God is the ultimate Giver. The foundation of the Gospel is giving. John 3:16 (NIV) says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
God is the ultimate Giver. The foundation of the Gospel is giving. John 3:16 (NIV) says,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
When we give, we reflect the very nature of God. It becomes an act of worship, an expression of love, and a tangible sign that we trust God as our provider.
Jesus made it clear that what we do (or don’t do) for others, we do (or don’t do) for Him. In Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV), Jesus says:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat… I was a stranger and you invited me in… I was in prison and you came to visit me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Notice that Jesus refers to the “least of these brothers and sisters of mine.” He is speaking about fellow believers, especially those who suffer for their faith or are in difficult circumstances. These are not just anyone in need, but those in whom Christ dwells by His Spirit.
This is a theological mystery but a biblical reality: although Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3), He still experiences suffering through His body—the Church.
Acts 9:4-5 (NIV) recounts Saul’s encounter with Christ:
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
Even though Saul was persecuting Christians, Jesus took it personally. In the same way, when we ignore or help a suffering believer, Jesus sees it as done to Him.
There’s a popular teaching today that says if you are saved, you will never be poor, sick, or suffer. But this contradicts the life of Jesus and His apostles. 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 (NIV) says:
“…as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger.”
God allows seasons of need not because He is unjust, but to test faith, refine character, and provide opportunities for others to bless and be blessed.
Helping those in need—especially fellow believers—is a direct investment in God’s kingdom. Jesus said in Mark 9:41 (NIV):
“Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.”
Even the smallest act of kindness done in Christ’s name carries eternal significance. God records and rewards every act of generosity done with the right heart.
Generosity isn’t reserved for the rich, the clergy, or church elders. It is a calling for all believers. Galatians 6:10 (NIV) says:
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
This includes financial help, hospitality, encouragement, prayer, and practical support.
God doesn’t need our money—He owns everything. But He allows us to partner with Him through giving so that our hearts can grow in love, and so that His people can be supported and strengthened.
When we give to fellow believers in need, we are giving to Christ Himself.
So don’t withhold your hand. Don’t ignore the prompting to help. Whether it’s a financial offering, a visit to someone in prison, food for the hungry, or even just a word of encouragement—do it as unto the Lord.
And remember Jesus’ words:
Acts 20:35 (NIV)
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Maranatha – The Lord is coming soon. Let us be found faithful, loving, and generous.
Please share this message with others—it might be the encouragement they need today.
AVOID SPYING AND INVESTIGATING EVERYTHING GOD HAS PROMISED.
Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I welcome you to reflect on the words of life from our God. Welcome.
One thing we must be careful about is examining, scrutinizing, or spying on the promises God has made to us in our lives. It’s not that investigating is inherently wrong—no—but the result of doing so may be that what we encounter will turn out differently from our expectations, and at the end of the day, we may become disheartened, even leading us to offend God, or even reject what He promised us.
To understand this, let’s look at an example of the children of Israel. We know that when they left Egypt, God led them in the wilderness for a very short time. Now, as they were about to enter the Promised Land—a land God had promised them as a land flowing with milk and honey—they were not content to follow God patiently; instead, they wanted to rush things.
What they did was approach Moses and say, “Send men to spy out the land for us, to see if what God promised us is really there or not.” Remember, God did not command this; it was their own idea. Later, God allowed it through Moses, but He did not command it.
As most of us know, it’s true that they saw the beauty of the land and acknowledged that it was indeed a very attractive land. But the beauty was not all there was; there were also many threats in that land. The beauty became overshadowed by these dangers. Instead of rejoicing in the good they saw, the children of Israel mourned the hardships, disasters, and deaths they witnessed there—the strength, size, and advanced technology and weapons of the people who lived there.
This greatly angered God, so much so that He swore that all those who left Egypt would die without seeing the land, except for Joshua and Caleb.
They also angered Moses, who was himself rebuked by God and told that he would not enter the land either.
Numbers 13:22-27, 34-37 (paraphrased in English):22 “Then they went up and explored the land, coming to the Valley of Eshcol, and they spied it out.23 They brought back some of its fruit to us and reported, ‘The land that the Lord our God is giving us is a good land.’26 But you did not trust the Lord your God; you grumbled in your tents, saying, ‘Because the Lord hates us, He brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us.’ 34 The Lord heard your words, and His anger burned. He swore, saying,35 ‘Not one of the men of this evil generation will see the land I swore to give their ancestors, except Caleb son of Jephunneh; he will see it, and I will give him and his children the land he explored, because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.’37 The Lord was angry with me because of you and said, ‘You will not enter it either.’”
Numbers 13:22-27, 34-37 (paraphrased in English):22 “Then they went up and explored the land, coming to the Valley of Eshcol, and they spied it out.23 They brought back some of its fruit to us and reported, ‘The land that the Lord our God is giving us is a good land.’26 But you did not trust the Lord your God; you grumbled in your tents, saying, ‘Because the Lord hates us, He brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us.’
34 The Lord heard your words, and His anger burned. He swore, saying,35 ‘Not one of the men of this evil generation will see the land I swore to give their ancestors, except Caleb son of Jephunneh; he will see it, and I will give him and his children the land he explored, because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.’37 The Lord was angry with me because of you and said, ‘You will not enter it either.’”
All this teaches us that it’s not that God is displeased with us for inspecting His promises, but the danger lies in the potential for destruction. God often hides His blessings in surprising circumstances—sometimes in affliction, trials, illness, hardship, or suffering. That is why He wants His people always to live by faith, trusting only in Him.
Look at Joseph. He was shown that his brothers would betray him. If he had lived assuming that everything would always be easy, suddenly, without challenge… there would have been no betrayal by his brothers, no imprisonment in the king’s prison for many years, no long period of being a servant to another person. God would have been forgotten for a long time.
Likewise, for you, the saved one, all the promises and blessings that God promised to all His faithful chosen ones will come at the right time. Perhaps God will first use you in other levels of service, or provide blessings in the physical realm such as money, a house, or possessions. Do not scrutinize when; just think positively all the time, remain neutral, and trust God in every situation. You might face setbacks today and think God is not with you, but that is the path toward achieving your vision.
May the Lord help us to walk in His spiritual principles.
God bless you abundantly.
(Romans 1:14)
“I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.” — Romans 1:14–15 (NIV)
When Paul says he is “obligated,” the original Greek word used is opheilētēs, which means “a debtor” or someone who owes a debt. Paul isn’t speaking about financial debt, but a spiritual one. He felt deeply responsible for sharing the Gospel with everyone because of the grace he had received from Christ.
In Paul’s cultural context:
The same applies to the wise and the foolish—categories that reflect levels of intellectual receptiveness.
“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.” — 1 Corinthians 1:21 (NIV)
Paul knew that regardless of their education or background, all people needed the Gospel.
The Gospel transcends human boundaries—ethnic, intellectual, or social. Paul’s theology affirms:
Paul saw himself as a vessel through which this message should be delivered—urgently and inclusively.
Paul often encountered two types of responses:
“Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” — 1 Corinthians 1:22–23 (NIV)
Jews tended to require miraculous signs, while Greeks preferred rational argument and intellectual reasoning. Paul tailored his approach accordingly:
This principle is seen clearly in Acts 17.
In Acts 17:16–34, Paul addressed the philosophers of Athens:
This shows Paul’s missional adaptability—he neither compromised the truth nor ignored the context.
“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” — 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NIV)
Like Paul, we are also debtors to all people. We have a responsibility to:
Sometimes, the reason people don’t respond is not their resistance—but our failure to approach them wisely.
We must pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to speak in ways that touch each person’s heart and mind.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” — James 1:5 (NIV)
Paul’s approach teaches us:
May we, like Paul, be eager to share the Gospel with all kinds of people, being all things to all people, so that some might be saved.
Maranatha – The Lord is coming soon!
In Philippians 3:1–3 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul writes:
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”
In this passage, Paul is warning the believers in Philippi primarily Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians about a group known as the Judaizers. These were Jews who taught that in order to be truly saved, Gentile Christians needed to obey the Law of Moses, including physical circumcision. Paul refers to their insistence on circumcision as “mutilation” (Greek: katatomē) a sharp rebuke implying that this ritual had become nothing more than meaningless cutting of the flesh when separated from genuine faith.
Under the Old Covenant, circumcision was commanded by God as a physical sign of His covenant with Abraham and his descendants:
Genesis 17:10–11 (NKJV)“This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.”
This practice became a cornerstone of Jewish identity and religious life. However, even in the Old Testament, God hinted that true circumcision was spiritual:
Deuteronomy 10:16 (NKJV)“Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.”
Jeremiah 4:4 (NKJV)“Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your hearts…”
With the coming of Christ, the requirement for physical circumcision was fulfilled and replaced by spiritual transformation through the Holy Spirit. Paul explains that those who are truly God’s people are not marked by external rituals but by inward change:
Romans 2:28–29 (NKJV)“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter…”
This inner transformation is what the Bible calls being “born again” a spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:3,5 (NKJV)“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God… unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Titus 3:5 (NKJV)“…according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
Paul continually warned that relying on the flesh including rituals like circumcision undermines the gospel of grace. Salvation is by faith alone in Christ, not by works of the law:
Galatians 5:2–4 (NKJV)“Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing… You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”
Galatians 6:15 (NKJV)“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.”
In other words, what matters is not whether someone is circumcised in the body, but whether they have been made new by the Holy Spirit.
Those who belong to Christ are recognized not by outward signs, but by the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives:
Romans 8:9 (NKJV)“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”
Therefore, spiritual circumcision the cutting away of sin and the old nature is done by the Holy Spirit, not by human hands:
Colossians 2:11–12 (NKJV)“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh… buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith…”
Jesus taught that unless a person is born again, they cannot enter the Kingdom of God. This involves:
Believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Repenting of sin.
Being baptized in water (by immersion) in Jesus’ name.
Receiving the Holy Spirit, who renews the heart and seals the believer as God’s child.
This is the spiritual circumcision that God accepts.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Maranatha!(Our Lord comes!)
Feel free to share this message of truth with others so they too may understand the power of the new birth through Christ.
What does it mean to “pray in the spirit, and also pray with the understanding”?
Question: What did Paul mean when he said, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding”?
1 Corinthians 14:14-15 (NKJV): 14 – “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 – What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding; I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”
1 Corinthians 14:14-15 (NKJV):
14 – “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 – What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding; I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”
In 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul addresses confusion in the early Christian church regarding the use of spiritual gifts, especially the gift of speaking in tongues. This confusion has persisted in many church communities to this day, particularly surrounding the nature and purpose of tongues and prophecy.
To understand what Paul meant, it’s important to first grasp the basic function of spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts, including tongues, are given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7). The gift of tongues, in particular, serves multiple purposes, such as:
The gift of tongues is divided into two categories:
The primary purpose of speaking in tongues is to communicate with God in the spirit. This is a personal prayer language that is not meant to be understood by others unless it is interpreted.
1 Corinthians 14:2 says, “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”
However, tongues can also serve as a sign to the unbelievers.
In 1 Corinthians 14:22, Paul writes: “Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.” The use of tongues in this way is meant to demonstrate the power of God to those who do not yet believe, pointing them toward salvation.
Paul’s statement, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding,” speaks to the balance between the two types of prayer:
Paul’s approach is not to downplay the importance of tongues but to emphasize that understanding should not be neglected. In a corporate setting, tongues should always be accompanied by interpretation, so that the church can be edified.
In 1 Corinthians 14:6-12, Paul addresses the confusion caused by speaking in tongues without interpretation. He explains that if a person speaks in tongues without offering an interpretation, they are only speaking to themselves and God, not edifying others. He likens it to speaking a foreign language in a place where no one understands it— it would be unhelpful to the listeners (1 Corinthians 14:11).
Paul then urges those who speak in tongues to pray that they may also interpret (1 Corinthians 14:13). Without interpretation, the tongues are only beneficial for the speaker, not the congregation.
The gift of tongues is complemented by the gift of interpretation of tongues, which allows the message spoken in tongues to be understood by others. 1 Corinthians 12:10 lists the gift of interpretation as a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit. Paul encourages believers to desire the gift of prophecy and interpretation, as prophecy edifies the church in a way that tongues alone cannot (1 Corinthians 14:5).
Paul’s conclusion in
1 Corinthians 14:19 is clear: “Yet in the church, I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
Here, Paul highlights the importance of speaking in a way that benefits the body of Christ as a whole, particularly through understanding, teaching, and prophecy.
Paul’s teaching is that both forms of prayer (in the spirit and with understanding) should be used appropriately. In private, praying in the spirit (in tongues) is a powerful means of personal edification, as the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). But in public worship, praying with understanding (in a known language) is essential for the edification of others, so they can join in prayer and worship.
As we see from 1 Corinthians 14:26-33, spiritual gifts are meant to be used in an orderly and edifying manner within the church. 1 Corinthians 14:33 states, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” Therefore, when we speak in tongues, we must be mindful of how it affects others, ensuring that it builds up the body of Christ and does not cause disorder.
God bless you.
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?
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!)
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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.