Garden of Evil

God Is Our Refuge.

Where do you go in times of trouble? Who do you run to? God is our refuge and our strength, He is always available to help us in trouble. Go to God. Run to God.

"I will make them and the places surrounding My hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing."

— Ezekiel 34:26 (NIV)

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MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+ Proverbs 6:14 Their perverted hearts plot evil,
    and they constantly stir up trouble

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SUBJECT: No Perverted Heart

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM FILLED WITH JOY

I AM WAITING ON GOD

I AM NOT ALONE

I AM FREE

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READ TIME: 7 Minutes & 36 Seconds

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THOUGHTS:

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When we think about the word perverted, it is often used to describe behavior or actions that are considered morally wrong or twisted away from what is right. Understanding this helps us better grasp Scriptures that warn about hearts that are not aligned with God. A heart that is turned away from God can begin to think in ways that are harmful, selfish, and destructive, leading to actions that stir up confusion, conflict, and sin.

The Bible warns us about people whose hearts are not focused on pleasing God, but instead are focused on doing what feels good to them. When we live only to satisfy our own desires, we can easily drift away from God’s will. Our lives are meant to reflect holiness, not to be shaped by whatever the world says is acceptable. God calls us to be different people who pursue righteousness, purity, and peace rather than chaos and sin.

This also applies to the way we speak and behave. Our words and actions should not stir up trouble or lead others into confusion or harm. In today’s world, it is easy to see people encouraging drama, conflict, and sinful behavior as if it is normal or entertaining. But as believers, we are called to a higher standard. God is aware of everything we say and do, and He desires that we live in a way that honors Him. Instead of promoting trouble, we should be people who promote peace, truth, and righteousness in every area of our lives.

Proverbs 6:14 Their perverted hearts plot evil,
    and they constantly stir up trouble

This verse is warning us about a heart that is turned away from God’s ways and instead chooses to create problems, division, and trouble among people. A heart that is not submitted to God can easily become destructive in its thinking, always looking for ways to stir up conflict instead of peace.

What is in our heart eventually shows up in our actions, our words, and how we treat others. When someone is not aligned with God, their thoughts can become focused on negativity, gossip, and causing division. But God calls us to be people of peace, love, and unity, not people who spread confusion or harm among others.

We should ask God to search our hearts and remove anything that is not pleasing to Him. Instead of allowing our hearts to drift toward pride, anger, or division, we should allow the Holy Spirit to shape us into people who build others up. When we walk with God, our lives should reflect His peace, bringing healing and unity rather than conflict.

Proverbs 6:18-19 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

These verses are very serious because they show us that God cares deeply about the condition of our hearts, our actions, and how we treat others. God is not only concerned with outward behavior, but also with the intentions and attitudes behind what we do.

A heart that plans evil or imagines wickedness is a heart that is far from God’s truth. When people quickly run toward wrongdoing or enjoy causing trouble, it shows a lack of reverence for God’s ways. God desires that His people turn away from sin and instead pursue righteousness, honesty, and peace in all they do.

The final warning about sowing discord among brethren reminds us how important unity is to God. God does not want His people to spread lies, create division, or tear others down. Instead, He calls us to build one another up in love and truth. As believers, we should be careful with our words and actions, making sure we are not causing harm but instead promoting peace, unity, and righteousness in every relationship.

Proverbs 2:14 who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil,

This verse describes a dangerous condition of the heart where someone not only chooses wrong actions, but actually takes pleasure in them. It shows how far a person can drift when they turn away from God’s wisdom and begin to enjoy what is sinful or harmful.

God desires that His people find joy in righteousness, truth, and obedience to Him. When someone begins to enjoy wrongdoing, it shows that their heart is becoming hardened and disconnected from God’s ways. That is why Scripture often calls us to guard our hearts and renew our minds so that our desires stay aligned with God’s will.

The people and environments we surround ourselves with can shape what we consider normal or enjoyable. As believers, we are called to separate ourselves from what is evil and instead pursue what is pleasing to God. When we walk in wisdom, our joy comes from doing what is right, living in truth, and honoring God in every part of our lives.

*** Today we talked about guarding our heart and what that means being careful about what we allow to influence our thoughts, emotions, and desires. The Bible teaches that the heart is very important because it affects every part of our life. What we see, hear, and think about can either draw us closer to God or pull us away from Him. That is why we must be intentional about protecting our hearts from things that do not line up with God’s truth.

One of the main ways we guard our heart is by staying rooted in God’s Word. When we fill our minds with Scripture, it helps us recognize what is right and what is wrong according to God’s standards. Without the Word, it becomes easy to be influenced by the world’s opinions, emotions, or temptations. But when God’s truth is inside of us, it becomes like a shield that helps us make better decisions and resist sin.

We also guard our heart by being careful with our relationships and influences. The people we spend time with and the environments we allow ourselves to be in can shape our thoughts and behaviors. If we constantly surround ourselves with negativity, gossip, or sinful behavior, it becomes harder to stay focused on God. But when we choose godly influences, we strengthen our walk with Him and grow in wisdom and maturity.

Finally, guarding our heart requires daily surrender to God. We cannot protect ourselves in our own strength—we need the Holy Spirit to guide us. Through prayer, obedience, and repentance, God helps us keep our hearts clean and focused on Him. When we guard our heart well, we begin to live with more peace, clarity, and purpose, because our lives are being directed by God instead of being controlled by the world. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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Heavenly Father I thank you for the things you have given us . We thank you for the strength you have bestow upon us we are so grateful for everything you have done. Lord forgive us of the sins we have done . Help us not to have a perverted life help us to be more like you. Give us strength to make it through our day leading guide us so we won’t do anything wrong that’s not like you in Jesus name amen.

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REFERENCES

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+ Psalm 36:4 He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.

+ Ezekiel 11:2 And he said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who devise iniquity and who give wicked counsel in this city;

+ Isaiah 57:20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt.

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FURTHER READINGS

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Proverbs 19

Isaiah 57

Ezekiel 11

Psalm 36

Exodus 20

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THE JOY OF SALVATION

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me

by Your generous Spirit.”

Psalms 51:12 (NKJV)

READ: Psalm 51:1–17

We could see in our text that David was asking for the joy of salvation to be restored to him (Psalm 51:12). There is a joy that comes to the heart when someone is saved or reborn. This joy can be lost when a believer puts his or her hands in sin. When you leave God, turn your back against Him, the joy of salvation can be lost.

But there is hope for whoever has lost the joy of salvation; if the person repents and reconciles back to God, the joy will be restored (2 Corinthians 5:18,19; 1 John 1:9).

David also asks that God would uphold him by His generous Spirit (Psalm 51:12). The generous Spirit being referred to in the passage is the Holy Spirit. God does not want believers to live independently of Him. Jesus did promise not to leave believers as orphans, but to send the Comforter or Helper like Him, to be with them (John 14:16–18). Believers are upheld by the Holy Spirit. In another place, the

Bible says believers are sealed and the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of the seal until the day of redemption (2 Corinthians 1:22).

READ: Ephesians 1:14.

This is one reason—among others—why a believer in Christ Jesus should build his or her intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, believers would not be able to do much (Romans 8:26).

No believer can stand alone in this world of darkness without the help of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–18,26; 16:12,13).

If I may ask:

• What is your relationship with the Holy Spirit?

• How are you faring in your walk with Him?

In continuation, David in verse 13 says he will teach the transgressors the ways of God, and sinners shall be converted to Him (Psalm 51:13).

Now, teaching the transgressors the ways of God and sinners being

converted would happen after he himself had been upheld with the

Holy Spirit. Whatever you will do for God, or whatever you will be

in the kingdom, your own relationship with God should be intact first. This shows that BEING precedes DOING.

In other words, your relationship with God determines your productivity, fruitfulness, or effectiveness in God. Someone who is not living right or clean cannot talk about working for God and converting sinners. You can only give what you have; what you do not have, you cannot give (Acts 3:6). If you are not saved or bornagain, you cannot lead others to God. Thus, if you are not sure of your salvation, take a step now and surrender your life to Christ Jesus; tomorrow might be too late (Romans 10:9,10; 2 Corinthians 6:1,2).

Reflect:

• Do you still have the joy of your salvation, or has something stolen it from you? What needs to happen to restore it?

• How are you doing spiritually?

Peace!

The Edification Daily Devotional for June is out.

Get a copy here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BiqNY3jaNIPPgdmyHpwndrrtGVfe596j/view?usp=drive_link

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RUNNING WITH PATIENCE CONTINUANCE

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1,2 (NKJV)

You need to accept God’s decision concerning your life.

A number of believers do not want to accept God’s plan for their lives.

You do not have to compare your life with that of others. Rather, you should strive to know what God has in plan for you, and cooperate with Him to bring it to pass. Thus, stop comparing yourself with someone else, there is no wisdom in it (2 Corinthians 10:12).

God has set a race before every individual believer. The race sets before you is different from the one sets before me.

You have to know the race God has set before you, and be ready to run the race with endurance. What is being said as the race set before you, in a plain language, is the plan of God for your life.

You also need to lay aside every weight, that is, legitimate things which may weigh you down in running the race.

No one runs a race with a bag of cement on his or her head and win the race.

Whoever running a race has to strip himself of things that could be a weight. They only needs to have their short and top/vest on, with the trainers/sneakers, and no other thing.

Anything apart from what they put on is a weight and it can slow them down:

4 NO ONE ENGAGED IN WARFARE ENTANGLES HIMSELF WITH THE AFFAIRS OF THIS LIFE, THAT HE MAY PLEASE HIM WHO ENLISTED HIM AS A SOLDIER. 5 AND ALSO IF ANYONE COMPETES IN ATHLETICS, HE IS NOT CROWNED UNLESS HE COMPETES ACCORDING TO THE RULES” (2 Timothy 2:4,5 NKJV).

In addition, it is not only weight you lay aside, you put away sin which can easily ensnares.

If you are still struggling with certain sins in your life, you need to do away with such.

3 BUT FORNICATION AND ALL UNCLEANNESS OR COVETOUSNESS, LET IT NOT EVEN BE NAMED AMONG YOU, AS IS FITTING FOR SAINTS; 4 NEITHER FILTHINESS, NOR FOOLISH TALKING, NOR COARSE JESTING, WHICH ARE NOT FITTING, BUT RATHER GIVING OF THANKS. 5 FOR THIS YOU KNOW, THAT NO FORNICATOR, UNCLEAN PERSON, NOR COVETOUS MAN, WHO IS AN IDOLATER, HAS ANY INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND GOD" (Ephesians 5:3-5 NKJV).

Sin will slow down your pace in the race of life. You are to get rid of whatever sin in your life (Colossians 3:8,9).

After you have laid aside every weight and easily ensnared sin, then you run the race with endurance.

It is a race, yet it has to be run with patience. The word ‘endurance’ in that verse was translated ‘patience’ in the King James Version of the Bible.

The word is hypomoné in Greek, and it means cheerful or hopeful endurance; constancy. It also means patience continuance, waiting.

The Amplified Bible renders: " . . . LET US RUN WITH ENDURANCE AND ACTIVE PERSISTENCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US” (Hebrews 12:1 Amp.)

It is a race, however, it has to be run with patience or endurance or active persistence, that is, constancy, patient-continuance.

Know the race God has set before you as an individual and run the race with patience and endurance.

Looking unto Jesus

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He initiates and perfects our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Jesus is our role model. He is our standard. We look up to Him to know how to run the race.

We learn from Him, look how He ran His race when He was here on the earth. How He endured the cross and despised the shame. He did that because of the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).

We are to run the race before us because of the joy at the end of the race.

“DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT THOSE WHO RUN IN A RACE ALL RUN, BUT ONE RECEIVES THE PRIZE? RUN IN SUCH A WAY THAT YOU MAY OBTAIN IT.”

1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV)

“WHILE WE DO NOT LOOK AT THE THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN, BUT AT THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN. FOR THE THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN ARE TEMPORARY, BUT THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN ARE ETERNAL.”

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV)

Jesus was enthroned because He ran the race set before Him successfully.

If you also run the race set before you; you lay aside every weight and easily ensnared sins; you run with endurance or active persistence; you focus on Jesus as you run; then you surely will win the race.

25 AND EVERYONE WHO COMPETES FOR THE PRIZE IS TEMPERATE IN ALL THINGS. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

26 THEREFORE I RUN THUS: NOT WITH UNCERTAINTY. Thus I fight not as one who beats the air.

27 BUT I DISCIPLINE MY BODY AND BRING IT INTO SUBJECTION, LEST, WHEN I HAVE PREACHED TO OTHERS, I MYSELF SHOULD BECOME DISQUALIFIED.”

1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (NKJV)

For you to be enthroned you need to run well. For someone who quit on the way cannot be enthroned. Moreover, God has a place for you in destiny and you can only get there if you run as it is expected of you. Thus:

• Do not run against the plan of God for your life. Do not strive with your Maker—God (Isaiah 45:9). Efforts to resist God’s plan for your life may lead to sorrows and regrets.

• In addition, do not run another man’s race, focus on your assignment. Efforts to run another man’s race will lead to frustration (Isaiah 45:7-10).

• And also, do not be a spectator or commentator, those who spectate and comment on the runners do not receive any prizes—medals. It is only the runners who win that receive prizes or medals: “DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT THOSE WHO RUN IN A RACE ALL RUN, BUT ONE RECEIVES THE PRIZE? RUN IN SUCH A WAY THAT YOU MAY OBTAIN IT [win]" (1 Corinthians 9:24 NKJV).

“AND ALSO IF ANYONE COMPETES IN ATHLETICS, HE IS NOT CROWNED UNLESS HE COMPETES ACCORDING TO THE RULES.”

2 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV)

19th June, 2026

READ: Job 42:1-17

Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

Exodus 34:7

The friends of Job assumed that Job’s troubles were from some sins he had committed and that he must have done something wrong to experience all this trouble. As you develop and mature in Christ, you will discover that trouble does not just come because someone has sinned. There are many complex reasons why troubles come.

A novice does not know that trouble comes because of curses. There are curses in the world and these curses are being implemented daily. People end up in great frustration because a curse is at work. It is only when we are out of this world that there will be no more curses (Revelation 22:3).

Sin and the effect of sin is something that your ancestors can pass on to you. As the Bible teaches us, sin passed to all men (Romans 5:12). You may not have done anything wrong but because you are the child of a bad person, you may experience a curse. God visits the iniquity of people upon their children and upon their children’s children, to the third and fourth generation (Exodus 34:7).

Job’s friends and judged Job so harshly and accused him of wrongdoing. Eliphaz the Temanite found out at the end that Job had done nothing wrong. Job was just enduring a test. God vindicated Job and showed everyone that He approved of Job (Job 42:12-17).

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+ Luke 18:25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

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SUBJECT: Eye of A Needle

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM FREE

I AM PROTECTED BY GOD

I AM LISTENING TO GOD

I AM TRANSFORMED

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READ TIME: 9 Minutes

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THOUGHTS:

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With everything that we own and all the things that we have, we must understand that those things do not define who we are. They are simply possessions. Before I gave my life to Christ, I had a lot of things and took great pride in them. I knew I had more than many people around me, and I wasn’t afraid to show it. I found my value in what I owned, and I allowed pride to take root in my heart. Looking back now, I realize that my focus was misplaced. The things I owned could never give me true purpose, peace, or identity.

After giving my life to Christ, I began to understand that life is not about what we possess but about our relationship with Him. What matters most is not the size of our house, the amount of money we have, or the things we collect. What matters is whether we are walking with God, spending time in His presence, reading His Word, and growing in our relationship with Him. Our position in Christ is far more valuable than anything this world can offer. The things we own may come and go, but our relationship with God has eternal value.

This does not mean that having nice things is wrong. God often blesses His children, and there is nothing wrong with enjoying those blessings. However, we must be careful not to make our possessions an idol or a source of pride. We should never place anything above God or use what we have to make ourselves feel superior to others. The danger is not in owning things; the danger is allowing those things to own our hearts. God calls us to a life of discipleship where He remains first in everything. When Christ is our greatest treasure, we are free from the need to find our identity in possessions, and we can live with grateful and humble hearts that honor Him.

Luke 18:25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

In this verse, Jesus is not teaching that having money is a sin. Rather, He is warning about the danger of placing our trust in riches instead of in God. Wealth can easily become a distraction, causing people to depend on their possessions, status, and achievements rather than on the Lord. God wants our hearts to be fully devoted to Him and not controlled by the things of this world.

The rich ruler who spoke with Jesus was unwilling to let go of the things that had become more important to him than God. His possessions had a hold on his heart. This serves as a warning to all believers that anything can become an idol if we place it above our relationship with Christ. Whether it is money, possessions, success, or even our own desires, we must be willing to surrender everything to God and trust Him completely.

No amount of wealth, good works, or personal accomplishments can earn a place in God’s kingdom. Just a few verses later, Jesus reminds His listeners that the things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Our hope is not in what we have but in who God is. When we put our faith in Christ and make Him the center of our lives, we discover that true riches are found in knowing Him and walking in His will.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

In a world that constantly tells us we need more, God calls us to find our satisfaction in Him rather than in possessions. Money and material things can be useful, but they were never meant to be the source of our joy, security, or identity. True contentment comes from trusting God and believing that He will provide what we need.

This verse also contains a powerful promise from God: I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. What a comfort it is to know that no matter what we face, God is always with us. People may disappoint us, circumstances may change, and material possessions may come and go, but God’s presence remains constant. When we understand that God is with us, we can have peace even during difficult seasons because our confidence is in Him and not in our circumstances.

When we focus on Him, we learn to be grateful for His blessings without becoming attached to them. Contentment grows when we recognize that having God is enough. As we trust Him daily and rest in His promises, we can live with confidence, knowing that He will guide us, provide for us, and never abandon us.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

When money becomes our main focus, it can take the place that belongs to God in our hearts. We can become so concerned with gaining more that we neglect our relationship with Him, our families, and the things that truly matter. God wants us to use money wisely, but He never wants money to control us.

When people place their trust in wealth instead of in the Lord, they often find themselves disappointed and empty. Money can provide temporary comfort, but it cannot give lasting peace, salvation, or joy. Only a relationship with Jesus Christ can satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts. That is why we must be careful to keep our priorities centered on God and not on material possessions.

As believers, we are called to be content with what God has provided and to trust Him for our needs. God may bless us with material things, but those blessings should always point us back to Him rather than become idols in our lives. When we keep our hearts focused on Christ, we can enjoy His blessings without becoming attached to them. True wealth is not found in what we own but in knowing God, walking in His will, and storing up treasures in heaven that will last forever.

*** Today we talked about the love of money the Bible teaches that money itself is not evil, but the love of money can become a serious spiritual danger. When people begin to love money more than they love God, their priorities become misplaced. Instead of trusting the Lord for their needs, they begin to trust in their wealth, possessions, and financial security. God wants our hearts to be devoted to Him above everything else.

The love of money can easily lead to greed, selfishness, and discontentment. Rather than being thankful for what God has provided, a person can become consumed with wanting more and more. The world often teaches that happiness is found in having greater wealth, but the Bible teaches that true contentment is found in Christ. No amount of money can provide the peace, joy, and fulfillment that come from a relationship with God.

Jesus often spoke about the danger of allowing riches to take control of our hearts. He taught that we cannot serve both God and money because eventually one will become our master. When money becomes more important than obedience to God, it becomes an idol. God desires for us to use our resources wisely and responsibly, but He never wants material possessions to take His place in our lives.

There is nothing wrong with having money or being blessed with material things, but our trust must remain in God and not in our possessions. When we keep Christ at the center of our lives, we can enjoy His blessings without becoming controlled by them. True riches are found in knowing God, growing in faith, and storing up treasures in heaven that will last forever. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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Heavenly Father we thank you for today. We ask you to be with us throughout our day. Guide and protect us from the seen and unseen. Lord we are so thankful for your protection. Lord give us strength to get through our day . Lord help us be more like you daily and help us not to use money as a way to get ahead in life in Jesus Name Amen

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REFERENCES

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+ Luke 6:38 Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.

+ Luke 12:15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions

+ Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

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FURTHER READINGS

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Proverbs 17

Ezekiel 29

Daniel 5

Hosea 14

Amos 1