A Full Understanding of Fear

 To fully understand fear, we must first understand what fear is. To understand fear properly, I believe we
must examine it from both a physical and a spiritual perspective. Scripture consistently teaches us that there is more to reality than what we can see with our natural eyes. Paul reminds us that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers… against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Fear From a Physical Perspective

From a physical or natural perspective, fear is a strong emotional response triggered by a real or perceived threat to our physical, emotional, or psychological safety. It is the feeling of being afraid, scared, anxious, or worried about danger, pain, loss, uncertainty, or the unknown.

Our bodies can physically respond to fear. Our hearts may begin to race. Our breathing may change. We may become tense, nervous, restless, or overwhelmed. In other words, fear can produce very real emotional and physical reactions.

This is why fear is commonly understood simply as an emotion.

However, the Bible introduces another dimension that should not be ignored.

Fear From a Spiritual Perspective

From a spiritual perspective, Scripture also speaks of what the King James Version calls “the spirit of fear.”

Second Timothy 1:7 declares:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Notice carefully that Paul does not simply say that God has not given us fear. He specifically uses the expression “the spirit of fear.”

This presents an interesting question.

If fear can be experienced physically as an emotion, yet Scripture also describes a “spirit of fear,” how do we understand the relationship between the two?

Here is the principle I want you to consider:

The feeling of fear can be the emotional and physical manifestation of a spiritual influence of fear.

In other words, what is happening internally may sometimes reveal a battle that is taking place spiritually.

This principle is consistent with the broader teaching of Scripture that spiritual realities can influence what happens in the natural realm. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that our struggle is not merely against flesh and blood. Therefore, as believers, we should not automatically assume that everything we experience emotionally has only a physical explanation.

At the same time, we must use biblical discernment. Not every experience of fear means that an evil spirit is present. Scripture records godly people experiencing ordinary human fear in dangerous or distressing circumstances. David himself said:

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” — Psalm 56:3

Notice that David acknowledged that he sometimes felt afraid. His experience of fear did not mean that he had abandoned God. Instead, he responded to that fear by deliberately placing his trust in God.

This distinction is important.

Fear Can Become a Controlling Force

There is a difference between experiencing fear and being controlled by fear.

A momentary feeling of fear may alert you to danger. But when fear begins dominating your thoughts, controlling your decisions, paralyzing your actions, tormenting your mind, and preventing you from doing what God has instructed you to do, then fear has moved beyond a passing emotion and has become a controlling influence.

This is why Proverbs 29:25 warns:

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”

A snare is a trap. Therefore, fear can become a trap when it begins controlling how we think, speak, and make decisions.

This also helps us understand why 2 Timothy 1:7 contrasts the spirit of fear with power, love, and a sound mind.

Fear says, “You cannot do it.”
God gives power.

Fear causes us to become consumed with ourselves and what might happen to us.
God gives love.

Fear produces confusion, panic, and irrational thinking.
God gives us a sound mind.

Therefore, one of the greatest battlegrounds concerning fear is the mind.

Fear Often Speaks Through Thoughts

Fear frequently begins with a thought:

What if something happens to me?

What if I fail?

What if I lose everything?

What if they reject me?

What if the situation never changes?

The danger is that once these thoughts are repeatedly entertained, they can begin producing corresponding emotions. Those emotions can then influence our behavior and ultimately our decisions.

This is why Scripture instructs us to bring our thoughts under spiritual discipline:

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5

Therefore, we should never allow fearful thoughts to operate in our minds unchecked. We must examine them against the Word of God.

Faith and Fear Both Respond to What Has Not Yet Happened

There is also an interesting contrast between faith and fear.

Hebrews 11:1 says:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith believes God concerning something that has not yet manifested.

Fear often does something similar in the opposite direction: it causes us to emotionally experience a negative future that has not yet happened.

Faith asks, “What has God said?”

Fear asks, “What if the worst happens?”

This is why the believer must continually bring the imagination back under the authority of God's Word.

Isaiah 26:3 gives us a powerful principle:

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Notice the relationship between the mind, trust, and peace. When the mind remains fixed upon God and His truth, trust is strengthened, and peace becomes the result.

Not All Fear Is Evil

Finally, we must distinguish tormenting fear from the biblical fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 9:10 says:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

The fear of the Lord is not the same as the spirit of fear described in 2 Timothy 1:7.

One kind of fear draws us away from God; the fear of the Lord draws us toward obedience to God.

One produces bondage; the other produces wisdom.

One can torment the mind; the other teaches us to walk according to God's ways.

This is why 1 John 4:18 declares:

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.”

The Principle to Remember

So, when we speak about fear, we should understand that there can be both a physical/emotional dimension and a spiritual dimension.

The physical feeling of fear is real. But as believers, we should also discern whether fear is being used as a spiritual influence to intimidate us, control our thinking, paralyze our faith, or prevent us from obeying God.

Most importantly, feeling afraid does not automatically mean you are operating in unbelief or that a spirit is present. David experienced fear, yet he chose trust: “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” (Psalm 56:3).

The issue is not simply whether fear knocks at the door of your mind.

The issue is whether you allow fear to enter, remain, and govern your decisions.

God has not given His people the spirit of fear. He has given us power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Therefore, when fear attempts to dominate us, our response must be to recognize it, test the thoughts associated with it against Scripture, reject what contradicts God's Word, and deliberately place our trust in Him.

Fear may speak, but fear does not have to become your authority. God's Word must have the final say.

Pastor Kevin L.A Ewing

EWINGLAKEVIN@ICLOUD.COM

WWW.KEVINLAEWING.COM

KEVINLAEWING.BLOGSPOT.COM

Understanding the Times and Seasons of Your Life

 One of the beautiful things about life is that absolutely nothing lasts forever. No matter how pleasant or
unpleasant a season may be, eventually it must change.

Scripture reminds us of this powerful truth in Ecclesiastes 3:1:

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

I like to call this the law of the temporary.

The reality is that every season of your life is temporary. Every situation has an appointed time; therefore, the circumstances surrounding your life today do not necessarily represent what your life will look like tomorrow.

This means that wherever you are in life right now, you must understand that you are in a season.

Your season is not necessarily your destiny.

Your present condition is not necessarily your permanent condition.

Your current chapter is not the conclusion of your story.

Every Season Has an Appointed Time

Ecclesiastes 3:1 teaches us that there is both a season and a time connected to the purposes of life. Ecclesiastes 3:11 adds another important truth:

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.”

Notice the words “in his time.”

Something may not look beautiful while you are going through it. You may not understand why God allowed it. You may wonder why the season has lasted as long as it has. But Scripture reminds us that God sees the completed picture while we are experiencing only one portion of it.

This is why we must be careful not to judge our entire lives based on one difficult season.

Joseph could have judged his life while he was in the pit.

He could have judged his destiny while he was a slave in Potiphar’s house.

He could have concluded that God had forgotten him while he was sitting in prison.

But the prison was not Joseph's final destination. It was simply one season in the process that eventually positioned him for the palace.

The same principle appears throughout Scripture.

David experienced the wilderness before the throne.

Moses experienced the backside of the desert before leading Israel.

Israel experienced Egypt before the Promised Land.

Jesus experienced the cross before the resurrection.

Therefore, never allow a painful season to convince you that God has abandoned His purpose for your life.

Be Careful What You Say During Difficult Seasons

There is another important lesson we must learn.

While seasons change, our attitude and behavior within those seasons matter.

You can unknowingly make an already difficult season more painful by constantly complaining about everything that is wrong. Israel provides us with a powerful warning concerning murmuring and complaining during seasons of transition.

Instead of allowing your mouth to continually rehearse the negativity of your circumstances, begin reminding yourself:

“I know things will get better.”

And then add:

“At some point in all of this, favor will locate me.”

Why?

Because difficult circumstances do not cancel God's ability to favor you.

Joseph had favor even while he was a slave. Genesis 39:3–4 tells us that Joseph found grace in the sight of Potiphar. Later, even while Joseph was in prison, Genesis 39:21 says:

“But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

Think about that.

Joseph was in an unfavorable place, but the favor of God was still upon his life.

Therefore, never confuse your environment with your spiritual position. You can be experiencing a difficult season and still have the favor of God working behind the scenes.

Ask God for Understanding of Your Season

Wisdom is not merely knowing that seasons exist. Wisdom is discerning which season you are presently in and knowing what that season requires of you.

Ecclesiastes 8:5 says:

“A wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.”

This principle is beautifully demonstrated in 1 Chronicles 12:32, which speaks concerning the children of Issachar:

“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do...”

This is powerful.

They did not simply understand the times—they understood what needed to be done because of the times.

That is a wisdom every believer should desire.

There is a time to build and a time to prepare.

There is a time to speak and a time to remain silent.

There is a time to save and a time to release.

There is a time to fight and a time to be still.

There is a time to move forward and a time to wait patiently upon God.

If you misunderstand your season, you can make decisions that work against what God is trying to develop in your life.

Therefore, one of the prayers we should regularly pray is:

“Lord, give me understanding of the times and seasons of my life, and show me what I ought to do.”

Do Not Waste the Season You Are In

Instead of only asking God to remove you from an uncomfortable season, sometimes you should ask:

“Lord, what are You trying to teach me in this season?”

Every season has something to teach you.

Some seasons teach patience.

Some teach discipline.

Some teach humility.

Some teach stewardship.

Some expose wrong relationships.

Some reveal weaknesses in our character.

Some teach us how to trust God when we cannot understand what He is doing.

James 1:2–4 teaches that trials can produce patience and maturity in us. In other words, sometimes God uses what we desperately want to escape to develop something we desperately need.

This is why Romans 8:28 becomes so important:

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

The Scripture does not say that everything that happens to us is good. It says that all things can work together for good according to God's purpose.

That means God can take the pleasant seasons and the painful seasons, the victories and the disappointments, the open doors and the closed doors, and weave them together according to His divine purpose.

Therefore, instead of complaining through every season you dislike, ask God for the wisdom to understand it, the strength to endure it, and the discernment to recognize when that season is changing.

Prepare for Your Next Season

Understanding seasons also means recognizing that your present season should help prepare you for your next one.

Joseph's years of difficulty were preparing him for leadership.

David's wilderness experience was preparing him for kingship.

Moses' years in the desert were preparing him to lead people through a desert.

Your current season may be developing wisdom, discipline, patience, character, or experience that your next season will require.

Therefore, do not despise preparation simply because it is uncomfortable.

Remember the principle:

Your current season is temporary, but what you learn from it can prepare you for what comes next.

So wherever you are today, do not lose hope.

Do not allow what you see presently to convince you that nothing will ever change.

There is “a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

Ask God to give you the understanding of the children of Issachar—to discern the times and know what you ought to do.

Appreciate what God is teaching you today.

Prepare yourself for tomorrow.

And above all, remember:

This season is not forever.

Prayer

Father, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray that You bless me with the spirit of understanding the times and seasons of my life and, by extension, life as a whole, so that I will appreciate the season that I am presently in and wisely prepare for my next season.

Lord, forgive me for complaining during the seasons I dislike. I am reminded of Your Word in Romans 8:28, which declares that all things work together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.

Your Word also instructs me in 1 Thessalonians 5:18:

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Therefore, Father, teach me not merely to endure my seasons but to discern them. Give me wisdom like the children of Issachar, who had understanding of the times and knew what Israel ought to do.

Finally, Lord, I embrace both the good and the difficult seasons of my life because I believe that, according to Your divine plan and purpose for my life, You will cause them all to work together for my good.

Give me the wisdom to understand my present season, the patience to endure it, the humility to learn from it, and the discernment to recognize and prepare for the season that is coming next.

I ask all of these things in the name of Your Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen!

Pastor Kevin L.A Ewing
www.kevinlaewing.com
www.kevinlaewing.blogspot.com
ewinglakevin@icloud.com

Practical Guide To Implementing Biblical Financial Wisdom

 Here is an excerpt from my soon-to-be-released financial book:

Knowledge by itself doesn't change lives; it's really about how we put that knowledge into action. James
encourages us to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only' (James 1:22). The ideas shared in this article only become truly helpful when we practice them consistently. I promise you, before God distributes finances into your life, He initiates it with wisdom. To clarify, financial freedom doesn't start with having a lot of money. It begins with a biblically renewed financial mindset, coupled with discipline to manage the resources God intends to bless us with.

Below are seven practical steps that will help you begin applying these biblical financial principles to your daily life.

1. Renew Your Mind Daily with Scripture

Key Scriptures: Romans 12:2; Proverbs 23:7; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1–3

Every enduring financial transformation starts with renewal of the mind. While the world encourages us to consume excessively, borrow freely, and pursue instant gratification, God's Word guides us toward wisdom, patience, diligent effort, and faithful stewardship.

The Apostle Paul writes:

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2)

Solomon likewise reminds us:

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)

Spend time each day reading passages on stewardship, wisdom, diligence, generosity, and contentment. Allow Scripture, not culture, social media, or public opinion—to shape your financial thinking.

A renewed mind eventually produces renewed habits.

2. Evaluate Your Financial Beliefs

Key Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 13:5; Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 28:26

Ask yourself difficult questions.

* Do I spend emotionally?

* Do I save consistently?

* Am I driven by appearances?

* Do I trust God's principles more than my feelings?

Proverbs 4:23 says,

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

Your financial habits reveal what you truly believe.

Replace beliefs such as:

* "I'll always be broke."

* "Debt is normal."

* "Saving can wait."

with biblical convictions such as:

* "God owns everything." (Psalm 24:1)

* "I am His steward." (Luke 16:10–12)

* "Wise planning honors God." (Proverbs 21:5)

3. Create a Written Financial Plan

Key Scriptures: Proverbs 21:5; Luke 14:28–30; Proverbs 24:27

God consistently honors preparation.

Jesus taught,

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost." (Luke 14:28)

Likewise,

"The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness..." (Proverbs 21:5)

Develop a realistic written budget.

Include:

* Giving

* Savings

* Living expenses

* Debt reduction

* Emergency reserves

* Future investments

A written plan gives every dollar an assignment before it is spent.

4. Practice Disciplined Saving

Key Scriptures:Genesis 41:33–36; Genesis 47; Proverbs 6:6–8; Proverbs 21:20

Joseph's financial wisdom preserved an entire nation.

During seven prosperous years, Egypt stored twenty percent of its harvest. When famine arrived, Egypt possessed abundance while surrounding nations lacked food.

Likewise,

"There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up." (Proverbs 21:20)

Saving is not a lack of faith.

Saving is biblical preparation.

Consistent saving allows believers to meet future needs without unnecessary dependence upon debt.

5. Avoid Unnecessary Debt

Key Scriptures: Proverbs 22:7; Romans 13:8; Psalm 37:21

Debt is sometimes unavoidable, but Scripture never encourages believers to remain permanently enslaved by it.

Solomon writes,

"The borrower is servant to the lender." (Proverbs 22:7)

Paul likewise teaches,

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another." (Romans 13:8)

Make reducing debt a priority.

Every debt eliminated increases your future financial freedom and expands your ability to save, invest, give generously, and provide for your family.

6. Make Assisting The Less Fortunate a Lifestyle

Key Scriptures: Matthew 25:31–40; Proverbs 19:17; Psalm 41:1–3; Proverbs 22:9; Proverbs 28:27; 2 Corinthians 9:6–11

Generosity is not simply something Christians do.

It is part of who faithful stewards become.

Jesus declared that acts of compassion shown toward the hungry, thirsty, stranger, sick, imprisoned, and needy are received as though they were done directly to Him (Matthew 25:40).

Solomon adds,

"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD." (Proverbs 19:17)

David likewise declares,

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor." (Psalm 41:1)

Biblical generosity shifts our focus from accumulating wealth for ourselves to becoming channels through which God blesses others.

7. Think Long-Term

Key Scriptures: Proverbs 21:5; Ecclesiastes 11:1–2; Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:21; Luke 19:17

God's financial system rewards faithful stewardship over time.

Quick wealth and impulsive decisions often lead to disappointment.

Instead, Scripture teaches patience, consistency, and wise planning.

Jesus said,

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

Faithfulness in small matters prepares us for greater responsibility.

Resist impulsive purchases.

Seek God's wisdom before major financial commitments.

Think in years rather than days.

Small acts of faithful stewardship, repeated consistently, eventually produce significant financial fruit.

Final Encouragement

Financial freedom is rarely the result of a single dramatic breakthrough. More often, it results from numerous wise decisions consistently made over many years. As God's Word renews your mind, your habits start to shift. These changed habits foster wiser financial choices, gradually transforming your financial future.

Remember Joseph. His prosperity was not built in the years of famine but in the years of abundance, through faithful preparation and disciplined stewardship. Likewise, the financial future God desires for His people is rarely achieved through impulse or chance. It is built upon obedience to His principles, practiced faithfully over time.

May the Lord grant you wisdom according to James 1:5, establish the work of your hands according to Psalm 90:17, and prosper you as you walk in His ways according to Joshua 1:8. As you apply these biblical principles, may you become a faithful steward who provides for your family (1 Timothy 5:8), honors God with your substance (Proverbs 3:9–10), lends generously to those in need (Psalm 112:5), and lays up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21).

Always keep in mind that genuine biblical prosperity is not just about possessions, but about faithfully managing what God has given you for His glory, your family's good, the growth of His Kingdom, and helping those who can never repay you. This kind of wisdom lasts, and such stewardship earns the Master's praise: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).

Pastor Kevin L A Ewing

www.kevinlaewing.com

kevinlaewing.blogspot.com

ewinglakevin@icloud.com

Who God Blesses, No Man Can Curse — But Who Actually Qualifies?

 There is a story tucked into the book of Numbers that speaks louder to the Church than most believers
Realize — so loudly that many Christians have turned it into a badge of honor, a line to reach for the moment trouble shows up.

I watched this play out firsthand. Some time ago I witnessed two women in the middle of a heated argument, each one hurling accusations at the other. In the middle of it, one of them stopped, pointed her finger, and declared, “Whom God blesses, no man can curse.” She said it like the conversation was over — like the words alone settled the matter.

Here’s what neither woman in that argument knew, and what most people quoting this verse don’t know either: this isn’t a blanket guarantee that comes standard with being a believer. It’s a conditional promise, and Scripture is specific about the condition. Before you plant your flag on “whom God blesses no man can curse,” you need to know two things — what actually blessed the people in this story, and whether that same thing is true of you.

The story behind the verse

This phrase is lifted from Numbers 23, out of one of the strangest and most instructive stories in the Old Testament. Balak, king of Moab, was afraid. The children of Israel had grown too numerous and too strong for his army to face head-on, so he did what desperate people running out of options often do — he turned to the occult. He sent for Balaam, a sorcerer with a reputation for making curses stick, and paid him to speak destruction over Israel.

Three attempts, one confession

What follows is Balak dragging Balaam to three different locations, hoping a change of scenery might change the outcome. Three times he tried. Three times he failed. It’s on the second attempt that we get the moment this entire article hinges on — the moment Balaam is forced to explain, out loud, why the curse he was paid to deliver won’t leave his mouth.

In Numbers 23:1–2, Balaam arrives in Moab and immediately orders seven altars built, with a sacrifice offered on each one. The ritual fails. So in Numbers 23:8, Balaam says:

“How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?”  — Numbers 23:8

Read quickly, that sounds like nothing more than divine favoritism — God likes them, so hands off. That’s exactly how most people who quote this verse understand it: no strings attached. But Balak wasn’t satisfied with a surface answer, and neither should we be. He relocated Balaam and tried again. This time, Balaam didn’t just report that the curse failed — he explained why it was legally impossible in the first place.

What actually qualified Israel

According to Numbers 23:13, Balak moved Balaam to a new vantage point, convinced the location was the problem. It wasn’t. Balaam failed a second time, and this time he told Balak exactly why:

“Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them. Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!”  — Numbers 23:20–21, 23

Read that again, slowly, because this is the verse everyone skips past on the way to the one they wanted to quote. God didn’t bless Israel simply because they were His. He blessed them because when He looked, He found no iniquity in Jacob and no perverseness in Israel. That’s not a statement about identity. That’s a condition statement.

So the phrase “whom God blesses no man can curse” was never meant to function as spiritual armor you put on by default the moment you say “I’m a Christian.” It’s the result of a life that has removed what gives a curse legal ground to land. That’s a very different thing than a slogan — it’s a standard.

Scripture doesn’t leave this open to guesswork.

If this were an isolated statement, you could argue it was unique to Israel’s situation and move on. It isn’t. This principle shows up again and again.

Psalm 125:3 puts it plainly: “For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.” In plain terms — the schemes, plots, and curses of the wicked can only take root in the righteous if the righteous themselves become entangled in iniquity. The door has to be opened from the inside.

Proverbs 26:2 adds the mechanism: “As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.” A curse without cause has nowhere to land — the same way a bird can’t perch where there’s no branch. If a curse does take hold, it isn’t proof that God abandoned you. It’s evidence there was a cause.

King Solomon understood the same principle from a different angle in Ecclesiastes 10:8: “and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.” That word “hedge” isn’t decorative — it’s the exact word Satan himself uses in Job 1:10, when he tells God, “Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?” Even the enemy testified, under oath in the courtroom of heaven, that there is a spiritual hedge around the people of God. Solomon’s warning is what happens when that hedge gets broken from the inside: the very protection that kept the serpent out becomes the opening that lets it in.

Isaiah 54:17 ties the same protection directly to the same qualification: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper… This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” Notice the verse doesn’t stop at the promise. It immediately names who the promise belongs to — the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness. You don’t get to keep the first half and skip the second.

But didn’t Job still suffer?

If you know the rest of Job’s story, you’re probably already asking the obvious question: didn’t Job lose almost everything anyway? Doesn’t that disprove the whole principle?

It doesn’t — it sharpens it. Look closely at how Job’s hedge came down. Satan couldn’t simply decide to attack; he had to ask God’s permission first, and God set the terms of what he was and wasn’t allowed to touch. Nothing about Job’s trial was causeless or unauthorized. The point of this principle was never that nothing bad can ever happen to a righteous person. The point is that nothing touches a child of God apart from legal permission — whether that permission is opened through our own disobedience, or granted by God Himself for a purpose we may not see until later. Either way, it is never random, and it is never outside of God’s authority.

Doesn’t this put us back under the law?

If you grew up under grace-heavy teaching, you might feel a warning bell going off right about now. Are we saying blessing has to be earned? That obedience saves us? Not at all.

Scripture is clear that God has already blessed us spiritually — the key word is spiritually — before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:3–4 says exactly that. Obedience was never the price of that spiritual position; Jesus already paid it in full. But there’s a difference between a blessing that is spiritually secured and a blessing that is physically manifested, and Deuteronomy 28 is where that difference is spelled out in plain language.

Notice who Moses is speaking to in Deuteronomy 28 — not outsiders, not unbelievers, but the covenant people of God, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And even to them, Moses says the physical manifestation of what God had already promised required something on their part:

“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shalt thou be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.”  — Deuteronomy 28:1–6

And Moses doesn’t stop there. The very next section of that same chapter lists the curses that come with disobedience. Moses wasn’t being inconsistent — he was being exact. The blessing was never unconditional, and neither was its opposite. Both were tied to the same thing: obedience.

This is the same principle Paul later confirms under the New Covenant in Galatians 6:7 — “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Grace changed how we’re saved. It didn’t repeal the law of sowing and reaping.

So what do we do with this?

Go back to those two women for a moment. One of them stood in the middle of an argument, full of accusation toward someone else, and quoted a verse that only applies to the person with no iniquity, no perverseness, and no unresolved sin between herself and God. The verse wasn’t wrong. Her use of it was.

“Whom God blesses no man can curse” is true. It’s just not automatic, and it’s not a weapon you get to swing at someone else while your own hedge has holes in it. It’s the outcome of a hedge that’s intact, a life free of the iniquity that gives a curse somewhere to land, and an obedience that turns what’s already yours spiritually into what’s visible in your life.

So the next time you’re tempted to declare that verse over your life — or worse, over an argument — ask the question first: have I actually qualified for it?

Written By Pastor Kevin L. A. Ewing

www.kevinlaewing.blogspot.com

www.kevinlaewing.com

ewinglakevin@icloud.com

The Biblical Way of Investing In Our Future

 One of the greatest discoveries I have ever made from reading the Bible for myself is that God has
established spiritual laws that govern every area of life. Just as the physical world operates according to natural laws, the Kingdom of God also operates according to spiritual principles. When those principles are understood and obeyed, they produce predictable results because God remains faithful to His own Word.

Among all the principles I have discovered, none has impacted my life more profoundly than the biblical principle of caring for the poor.

For many years, I believed what I had been taught by much of modern Christianity—that the primary way to increase financially was simply to give money to God, or to religious ministries, with the expectation that God would multiply it back to me. At the same time, the world taught a completely different philosophy: accumulate as much wealth as possible, protect it, and keep increasing it for yourself. Although these two systems appear different, they often produce the same result—our focus remains primarily on ourselves and our own prosperity.

However, when I began reading the Scriptures independently, I discovered that God repeatedly places extraordinary emphasis on how we treat the poor, the needy, the oppressed, the widow, the orphan, and those who cannot repay us.

That discovery completely changed my understanding of what true biblical investment really is.

God's Investment Strategy

Psalm 41:1-3 declares:

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness."

Notice something remarkable.

God does not merely promise financial increase.

He promises protection.

He promises preservation.

He promises deliverance.

He promises favor.

He promises victory over enemies.

He promises strength during sickness.

These promises touch virtually every important area of life.

This passage completely changed how I viewed generosity.

I realized that every act of kindness toward someone who can never repay me is actually an investment in my own future.

The Greatest Investment You Can Ever Make

The world's investment strategy is simple:

Invest in stocks.

Invest in businesses.

Invest in property.

Invest in retirement accounts.

While there is certainly wisdom in proper financial stewardship, Scripture reveals another investment that reaches far beyond financial markets.

God teaches us to invest in people.

Not wealthy people.

Not influential people.

Not people who can promote us.

But people who have absolutely nothing to offer us in return.

This is where biblical investment begins.

When I feed someone who is hungry...

When I clothe someone who cannot afford clothing...

When I help someone burdened by life's hardships...

When I extend kindness to someone society has forgotten...

I am making deposits into an account that Heaven itself acknowledges.

Jesus revealed this profound truth in Matthew 25:35-40 when He declared that whatever we do for "the least of these," we are actually doing for Him.

What an incredible perspective.

The poor become an opportunity to serve Christ Himself.

Understanding Proverbs 11:24

One verse that transformed my thinking is Proverbs 11:24:

"There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."

At first glance, this verse appears to contradict human reasoning.

How can giving away resources cause someone to increase?

How can holding on to possessions eventually produce poverty?

From a purely human perspective, that makes little sense.

But God's Kingdom often works contrary to natural human thinking.

The person described as "scattering" is not wasting resources recklessly. Rather, they are distributing them wisely and generously where God desires them to go. As they release what God has entrusted to them, God continues supplying them because they have become faithful stewards rather than owners.

The second individual continually withholds more than is appropriate. Fear, greed, or self-preservation causes them to cling tightly to everything they possess. Ironically, the very thing they are trying to avoid—lack—becomes the direction in which they are moving.

The principle is simple.

Generosity invites God's continued provision.

Selfishness eventually restricts it.

The issue is not merely money.

It is the condition of the heart.

God looks for people through whom He can continually channel His blessings.

My Personal Journey

As I continued studying Scripture, I gradually had to unhinge myself from beliefs that no longer aligned with what I found throughout God's Word.

I also had to reject the world's philosophy that fulfillment comes from endlessly accumulating wealth while giving as little away as possible.

Instead, I embraced God's economy.

I began viewing every opportunity to help someone in genuine need as an opportunity to invest in my own future.

What amazed me was that the more I aligned myself with these biblical principles, the more I witnessed God's faithfulness in ways I could never have imagined.

I discovered that generosity is not merely an emotional response to human suffering.

It is participation in one of God's spiritual laws.

The Bible repeatedly teaches this principle.

Proverbs 19:17 says:

"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."

Imagine that.

God considers our generosity toward the poor as a loan made directly to Him.

And God never defaults on His promises.

Likewise, Proverbs 22:9 declares:

"He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor."

Paul echoes the same principle in 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, teaching that God supplies seed to the sower and increases the harvest of those who generously share with others, so that they may continue to abound in every good work.

These passages reveal a consistent biblical pattern: generosity is not designed merely to reduce someone's need today, but to position the giver to become an even greater blessing tomorrow.

Investing Into My Own Future

Today, when I read Psalm 41:1-3, I no longer see it merely as a beautiful promise.

I see it as one of God's greatest investment principles.

Every time I intentionally bless someone who cannot repay me, I am investing in my own future.

I am investing into my family's future.

I am investing into God's promises over my life.

I am investing into divine protection.

I am investing into divine preservation.

I am investing into God's intervention during times of trouble.

I am investing into His healing power.

I am investing into His favor.

I am investing into blessings that no financial institution, government, employer, or investment portfolio could ever guarantee.

Conclusion

After years of studying the Scriptures, I have become convinced that the greatest investment anyone can ever make is not first into financial markets, property, or earthly possessions.

It is investing into the lives of those who can do absolutely nothing in return.

The poor are not interruptions to our prosperity.

They are often God's appointed opportunities to activate His promises.

Psalm 41:1-3 reveals that God Himself becomes personally involved in the life of the one who thoughtfully considers the poor. He delivers, preserves, strengthens, protects, and blesses that person in ways that extend far beyond material wealth.

When we embrace this principle, we are doing far more than helping another human being—we are participating in God's economy.

In God's Kingdom, generosity toward the poor is never merely an expense.

It is an eternal investment.

And when one faithfully engages the principle of Psalm 41:1-3, they are, in reality, investing in every area of their own life and in the future that God has prepared for them.

Pastor Kevin L.A. Ewing

www.kevinlaewng.com

www.kevinlaewing.blogspot.com

ewinglakevin@icloud.com

 

The Spirit of Offense: One of Satan's Most Effective Weapons Against the Believer

There aren't many evil spirits that I can think of that have crippled more relationships, divided more churches, destroyed more ministries,
and robbed more believers of their peace than the spirit of offense. It is subtle, deceptive, and often goes unrecognized because it rarely announces itself. Instead, it disguises itself as wounded feelings, justified anger, personal hurt, or righteous indignation. What begins as a seemingly minor disagreement can, if left unresolved, develop into bitterness, unforgiveness, resentment, and ultimately spiritual bondage.

Offense is not merely an emotional reaction to being hurt. While every human being will experience moments of disappointment, rejection, betrayal, or misunderstanding, Scripture warns that allowing those experiences to take root in the heart creates an environment in which destructive spiritual influences can flourish. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of guarding the heart because it is the birthplace of our attitudes, decisions, and actions.

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

— Proverbs 4:23

The heart is more than the seat of human emotion. Biblically, it represents the center of a person's thoughts, desires, motives, and will. Whatever is permitted to settle there eventually shapes a person's words, actions, relationships, and spiritual condition. For this reason, Satan continually seeks opportunities to plant seeds of offense within the believer's heart. If those seeds are nurtured through bitterness, pride, anger, or unforgiveness, they can grow into strongholds that influence every area of life.

The book of Proverbs reveals just how powerful offense can become:

"A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle."

— Proverbs 18:19

This remarkable statement paints the picture of a fortified city surrounded by massive walls and secured behind iron gates. Solomon compares the heart of an offended individual to such a fortress. Once offense has established itself, the offended person often erects invisible emotional and spiritual barriers that become increasingly difficult to penetrate. Communication breaks down. Trust disappears. Reconciliation becomes nearly impossible, not because God is unwilling to restore the relationship, but because offense convinces the individual that maintaining distance is safer than extending forgiveness.

One of the greatest dangers of offense is that it distorts perception. An offended person frequently begins to interpret innocent actions as deliberate attacks, sincere correction as personal rejection, and genuine concern as criticism. Conversations become misunderstood. Motives become misjudged. Small disagreements become major conflicts. As offense grows, it continually rehearses past wounds until they appear larger than the blessings God has provided.

The New Testament repeatedly warns believers against allowing unresolved anger and bitterness to remain in their hearts because these attitudes create opportunities for the enemy to exploit.

"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil."

— Ephesians 4:26–27

Paul's warning is significant. Anger itself is not necessarily sinful; even Jesus expressed righteous anger. However, anger that is allowed to linger and mature into resentment becomes dangerous because it gives the devil "place"—an opportunity to influence the believer's thinking, relationships, and spiritual effectiveness.

Likewise, the writer of Hebrews exhorts believers:

"Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled."

— Hebrews 12:15

Notice that bitterness is described as a root. Roots grow beneath the surface long before they become visible above the ground. In the same way, offense often develops quietly within the heart before its destructive fruit appears outwardly. Eventually it produces resentment, division, harsh speech, broken fellowship, and spiritual stagnation—not only affecting the offended individual but also influencing families, friendships, churches, and entire communities.

Throughout Scripture, Satan consistently seeks to divide God's people rather than confront them openly. If he cannot destroy a believer through persecution from without, he often attempts to weaken them through offense from within. A divided church loses its effectiveness. A divided family loses its unity. A divided marriage loses its intimacy. An offended believer gradually loses spiritual sensitivity, joy, and peace.

This is why the Apostle Paul reminds believers that the true battle is not ultimately against people:

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

— Ephesians 6:12

The objective of this article is not to encourage believers to become suspicious of everyone around them, nor to excuse sinful behavior committed by others. Rather, its purpose is to help Christians recognize the destructive power of unresolved offense and to respond biblically whenever they are hurt, misunderstood, rejected, or betrayed. Scripture calls believers to discern spiritual realities without losing sight of personal responsibility. We are accountable for how we guard our hearts, respond to injury, pursue forgiveness, and seek reconciliation.

As we examine the Scriptures together, we will discover how offense develops, why it becomes so difficult to overcome, how it damages spiritual growth and relationships, and—most importantly—how God's Word provides the pathway to freedom. Jesus Christ did not call His followers merely to avoid conflict; He called them to overcome evil with good, to forgive as they have been forgiven, and to walk in the freedom that comes from a heart fully surrendered to God.

Only when we refuse to allow offense to rule our hearts can we truly experience the peace, unity, and spiritual maturity that God desires for every believer.

Pastor Kevin L. A. Ewing

www.kevinlaewing.com

www.kevinlaewing.blogspot.com

ewinglakevin@icloud.com

Could Your Breakthrough Be Waiting on Your Obedience?

Countless believers are patiently waiting for their breakthrough. They have prayed, fasted, wept before
God, sought the prayers of others, and faithfully trusted Him for a major turnaround in their lives. Yet many continue to ask the same question:

"Why hasn't God answered my prayer?"

What if the answer is not that God has ignored your request?

What if He has already answered it, but you rejected His provision because it did not come packaged the way you expected?

This possibility deserves serious consideration.

God's Word Is His Law

The Bible reveals that God governs His Kingdom by spiritual laws and principles. His promises are certain, but they are often realized as we cooperate with the instructions He has given.

Whenever we ask God for something, He frequently responds by leading us to participate in one of His divine principles. When we reject His instruction, we may unknowingly reject the very pathway God has established to answer our prayer.

That is why Solomon wrote:

Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life."(Proverbs 4:13)

Notice the strength of this command.

We are not merely told to hear instruction—we are commanded to hold tightly to it, guard it, and treasure it.

Why?

Because instruction is life.

Every instruction that God gives is designed to preserve us, guide us, and lead us into His blessings. His instructions are never random; they are the protocols that govern His promises.

The Consequences of Rejecting Instruction

If treasuring God's instruction brings life, what happens when we reject it?

The answer is equally clear:

"Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honored."(Proverbs 13:18)

This verse should cause every believer to pause.

Notice that Solomon does not attribute poverty and shame solely to a lack of prayer. Instead, he identifies refusing instruction as a cause.

Conversely, those who receive correction, embrace God's wisdom, and obey His instructions position themselves for honor.

This is an important biblical principle.

Many people pray for God's promises while simultaneously resisting God's instructions.

Yet throughout Scripture, God's blessings are consistently connected to obedience.

God's Instructions Are Often the Answer to Our Prayers

Consider two familiar passages:

"There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth. (Proverbs 11:24)

And:

"Give, and it shall be given unto you..."(Luke 6:38)

These verses are much more than inspirational sayings.

They reveal spiritual laws established by God.

Now consider this scenario.

You have been crying out to God for financial breakthrough. Bills are piling up. Your mortgage is behind. You desperately ask God to rescue you and provide more than enough to meet your needs.

Only hours later, a homeless person asks you for assistance.

You ignore him.

The following day, while scrolling through social media, you discover that a friend has created a GoFundMe campaign because they are about to lose their home and have exhausted every available resource.

You scroll past it without giving it another thought.

Later that evening, you pray once again:

"Lord, why haven't You answered me?"

But what if He already had?

What if those opportunities to help someone in genuine need were not interruptions, but invitations?

What if they were God's way of inviting you to participate in the very spiritual law connected to the breakthrough you have been praying for?

Prayer Does Not Replace Obedience

Please understand.

Prayer is essential.

Fasting has its place.

Corporate prayer is valuable.

Agreement with other believers is biblical.

However, none of these practices were ever intended to replace obedience.

Too often we want God to fulfill His promises while ignoring the principles He established to release them.

God frequently answers prayer by allowing us to obey.

Sometimes His answer does not arrive as money in our bank account.

Sometimes it arrives disguised as a person in need.

Faith Requires Action

Scripture reminds us:

"Faith without works is dead."(James 2:26)

Faith is not merely believing God can do something.

Faith responds when God provides an opportunity to obey.

Perhaps your breakthrough has not been delayed because God is unwilling.

Perhaps it has been delayed because the instruction connected to your breakthrough has repeatedly been overlooked.

A Question Worth Asking

Before asking God why your breakthrough has not yet come, perhaps ask yourself another question:

Have I treasured God's instructions enough to obey them?

Have I embraced His principles?

Have I acted upon the opportunities He has placed before me?

Or have I prayed for provision while refusing the protocol that governs it?

The Pathway to Breakthrough

God's promises never fail.

But His promises are often experienced through obedience to His instructions.

Treasure His Word.

Receive His correction.

Practice His principles.

Walk in obedience.

Then trust God to fulfill His promises in His perfect way and in His perfect timing.

Your breakthrough may not be waiting on another prayer.

It may be waiting on your next act of obedience.

"Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life."(Proverbs 4:13)

"Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honored."(Proverbs 13:18)

The choice is ours.

Spiritual protocol will always require us to treasure God's instructions, obey His principles, and trust Him to bring the breakthrough only He can provide.

Pastor Kevin L. A. Ewing

www.kevinlaewing.com

www.kevinlaewing.blogspot.com

ewinglakevin@icloud.com