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Wheat Harvest Magazine is a Magazine that shares the truth of God's word and the testimonies of those who have experienced the love, grace, favor and faithfulness of God.

A few months ago, I had eye surgery in one eye. They went in and sewed my retina together because it had torn. My vision...
16/11/2025

A few months ago, I had eye surgery in one eye. They went in and sewed my retina together because it had torn. My vision was not expected to improve—the hole was unusually large, and the shape was unusual. This type of tear usually happens to people in their 70s or older. I was decades early. Nothing in my medical history increased my risk.

When I asked why this happened, the surgeon answered, “Bad luck.” But I don’t believe in luck. I don’t think my life is a series of random events. I believe my steps are ordered by God, even when the path is unclear. “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). And: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart… in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

Despite the bleak expectations, my vision did improve. I went from 20/500—meaning I was seeing at 20 feet what others could see at 500 feet—to 20/50, ten times better. It still wasn’t what it once was, but I was grateful. Deeply grateful. I thanked God because I was functional, and every day I expected complete healing despite the statistics.

“Is there no balm in Gilead…?” (Jeremiah 8:22)

Yes, there is. And His name is Jesus. For a while, I felt steady. Then, a few weeks before a major two-day exam, my other eye began acting up. I noticed gaps—blind spots—when I looked at things. My “good eye” was now doing the same thing the first eye had done. Fear tried to grip me. This eye had compensated for months; it was the reason I didn’t notice the first tear earlier. It had been dependable—and now it was failing me. And the timing could not have been more difficult. But God had not changed. “For I am the Lord, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).

The situation changed, and I felt the weight of it, but I steadied myself in God’s Word. I reminded my heart of what I knew: there is still a balm in Gilead. I said it until my spirit agreed: “There is a balm in Gilead, and no matter what it looks like, my eyes will be healed.”

This was not the end of my story. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it…” (Philippians 1:6).
He had not brought me this far to leave me. I reflected on His past faithfulness—on what He had already carried me through. God is compassionate and kind, and His Word says He is “a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15).

I saw the retina specialist. They confirmed that the retina in the good eye had lifted. I asked what I could do to prevent a complete tear. My surgeon was honest—he did not know. Doing nothing might tear it. Doing something might tear it. All he could say was, “You have to wait and see what the eye will do.”

Meanwhile, my exam approached—two full days of testing—hours each day—and no updated glasses. Postponing meant postponing my life another year. Taking it meant struggling to see.

I prayed. I cried. I sought God’s direction. And after careful consideration, I chose not to postpone. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made. The testing center allowed me to pull the screen close, enlarge the font, and take breaks to rest my eyes. By God’s grace, I finished both days. Trusting the God who has helped me every time and has never let me down, even when I have disappointed Him.
Once the crisis had settled, God began teaching me something deeper. It is often easier to trust God when the situation is impossible—when we know we cannot fix it ourselves. In moments like that, we run to Jesus.

But what about trusting Him in the everyday things we assume will always work? We trust our feet without thinking. We stand up expecting them to work. We trust our eyes without thinking. We look at something expecting to see it. Yet the truth is this: we only walk because God allows us to walk. We only see because God will enable us to see. “In Him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Everything we consider automatic is actually sustained by His mercy.

And as I learn this, I hold tightly to this promise: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6). I did not understand what was happening to my eyes. I could not predict the outcome. During my exam, I could not rely on my own strength or abilities. What I thought I could depend on without thinking—my eyes—I no longer could. But when I acknowledged the Lord—when I brought my fear, my exam, my uncertainty to God—He directed my path. He gave me courage. God carried me through.

Because the truth is: nothing is automatic. Every heartbeat, every breath, every moment of clear vision—physical or spiritual—is a gift sustained by His hands. He holds all of that, and He has me.

This is the simple thought I share today: Trust God with everything—even the things that seem trivial and automatic. “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Rosie was asked to take on a task at work that required her to speak in front of a thousand people at a major event. She...
04/10/2025

Rosie was asked to take on a task at work that required her to speak in front of a thousand people at a major event. She was highly competent — no one doubted that. But there was one thing she always struggled with: public speaking. Rosie preferred working behind the scenes and doing the work quietly, without the spotlight. The idea of standing in front of a crowd made her uncomfortable.

Still, she decided to push herself outside her comfort zone and give it her best shot.
Shivering, nervous, and unsure, she kept writing her speech. She practiced it day and night. She made so many mistakes while rehearsing that at times she thought of giving up. But she pressed on, pushing past her self-doubt and worry.

The day finally came. As she walked toward the podium, she could picture herself stumbling or stuttering. But she kept climbing the stairs. She held onto the tiniest sliver of courage and trusted it would be enough. And would you believe it — she did it. Not only did she deliver the speech, but it was a huge success. Her words were remembered for years to come.

Years later, Rosie looked back and smiled. She remembered how she had overcome and grown. And how much she went on to achieve because she dared to step forward in the very place she once feared most.

“Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’ They did so”( John 2:6–8).
The story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana was a moment where everything could have gone terribly wrong. The wine had run out. The couple faced shame and embarrassment in front of their guests. Yet what stood out to me this time wasn’t the miracle itself. It was the jars.

I’ve read this story many times, but this time I noticed something different: the water was already there, and the jars were already there too — ordinary vessels, standing close by, waiting to be used.

Imagine if they hadn’t been. Someone would’ve had to find a source of water and then hunt for containers to carry it. That would have taken time. It might even have exposed the problem to everyone at the banquet. But instead, the jars were nearby — within reach, ready to be filled. The water was there too, close at hand.

The Bible says, “Nearby stood six stone water jars.” They were available. They were adequate in size, large enough to hold twenty to thirty gallons each. They were clean enough because they were used for ceremonial washings. And they were enough — because Jesus didn’t tell the people to get something else. He simply asked them to use what was already present.

When availability and obedience come together, that’s where transformation begins. Everything needed for the miracle was already there, waiting. This wasn’t just a matter of convenience. It was a powerful metaphor.

The jars had been made for purification — symbols of the old covenant, focused on outward cleansing. But Jesus repurposed them to hold wine — a symbol of joy, abundance, and the new covenant. The transformation wasn’t only physical; it was spiritual. The old wasn’t discarded. It was fulfilled and elevated.

And the water itself? It wasn’t rare or special. It was ordinary, familiar, part of tradition. But in Jesus’ hands, it became something extraordinary. That tells us something: God’s transforming power doesn’t always begin with something new. It starts with what we already have — our gifts, our routines, even our weaknesses.
Mary’s words linger: “Do whatever he tells you.” And they did. Their obedience shows us that faith doesn’t always require preparation. It requires readiness. The miracle didn’t depend on their effort. It depended on their trust and availability.
And here’s something else: to most of the guests, Jesus looked ordinary — just another face in the crowd. But Mary saw differently. She trusted what others could not yet see.

Rosie didn’t think she had what it took. She felt too nervous, too ordinary, too unprepared. But like those stone jars, she was available. And when courage and obedience came together, she discovered that everything she needed was already there.

Sometimes we look at ourselves and see only emptiness or weakness. But God sees a vessel He can use. It’s not about being perfect, polished, or impressive. It’s about being present, available, and willing to be filled.

Maybe for you, it’s speaking up in a meeting. Leading a training session. Sharing an idea you’ve been holding back. Perhaps it’s applying for a job you’re not sure you’ll get, starting a new project, or saying yes to a call that scares you. Maybe it’s having an honest conversation with someone you love, even though it feels risky.

We often wait for the “right conditions” before we act, speak, or believe. But the story of Cana reminds us: what we need may already be present. The jars are available. The water is waiting. And the miracle begins not when we go searching, but when we offer what we already have to be transformed.

So the next time you feel unprepared or not enough, remember:
The water was already there. The jars were already there. And so are you.
🙏🏾

There are moments in life when news about someone we love compels us to act immediately. Sometimes the news is joyful—a ...
30/08/2025

There are moments in life when news about someone we love compels us to act immediately. Sometimes the news is joyful—a cousin announcing a wedding, a child receiving their first-choice university acceptance, or a friend buying their first home. Other times it brings sorrow—illness, job loss, divorce, or a sudden move across the world. In both joy and pain, our instinct is the same: to reach out. We want to call, show up, help, comfort, and celebrate. Love urges us to act—to mend what is broken and to share in what is good.

However, not everything can be fixed in a moment. Some seasons demand patience. Some wounds need time before they begin to heal. Some journeys can only be walked slowly, step by step.

During these times, another kind of love is needed—a love that doesn't rush. It is the love that shows up quietly and listens before speaking. The love that prays before picking up the phone. The love that finds you in the middle of your storm and chooses to stay—not to judge, not to fix, but simply to be present. It waits with you. It sits beside you in the struggle. It remains until the right moment comes to help you rise again. This love doesn't require change before offering comfort. It doesn't retreat when things get hard. It stays.

I recall a time in college when a dear friend was going through a challenging season. Drinking had become her escape, her way of coping. One night, we found her in her apartment, sitting in a pool of vomit. She had become so intoxicated that she had thrown up all over the room. She looked so lost—like she had placed all her hope in this escape, only to find it had failed her. We saw her brokenness— and we stayed. We cleaned. We waited. We helped her through the night. We loved her in her struggles, cared for her in her mess, and embraced her in her pain.

I had never walked that road myself, but I could still love her in the storm. I could still help her through the brokenness. I could still be with her after the pain.
That is the God we serve—the One who declares: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness' (Jeremiah 31:3)
No matter how broken we are, no matter how flawed, no matter the mistakes we've made—God loves us. He waits for us to see His love. He embraces us in the pain, the shame, and the struggles of life. His love is not conditional on our perfection. His love doesn't disappear when we fall short. His love is steady. His love is patient. His love never gives up.

So if you're reading this and you've heard about someone going through a difficult time—remember that love isn't always about finding quick answers or speaking the right words. Sometimes the greatest gift is choosing to love someone in the waiting. Be present. Be patient. Be kind. And if you are the one in a waiting season—hurting, grieving, or regretting—remember: you are not alone. You are loved. You are valued. God sees you. And no matter how stormy, broken, or painful life feels—God cares. God loves you in the wait. God is always there with love! His love is big enough, wide enough, deep enough, and strong enough.

Romans 8:35 (MSG)
"Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture."

For the past few years, it has become increasingly difficult to see, and the situation has worsened significantly over t...
27/07/2025

For the past few years, it has become increasingly difficult to see, and the situation has worsened significantly over the last year. I chalked it up to needing a stronger eye prescription and assumed my next eye exam would take care of it. So, I waited. Life was busy right now, a blessing because it hadn't been for a while, and I didn't want to stop, so I convinced myself it could wait a little longer. I was productive despite the issue.

Eventually, I went in for the eye exam. After the initial tests, they had another area with frames, so I tried on a few, compared deals, and was excited to walk out with a new pair of glasses. Then the doctor called me in for her exam. She initially thought the same thing —that there was a change in prescription. But as she retested, the concern in her eyes overshadowed her features. Her tone shifted the moment she looked back at my retina scan from the last exam. She told me there was a hole in my retina. I would need to see a retina specialist sooner rather than later. And until then, no new glasses. I walked out of the office feeling unsure of what I was feeling. Deep inside, I knew I could not ignore it.

That was the beginning of a journey I had not expected. The specialist confirmed the diagnosis: one eye had a full-thickness macular hole with a posterior tear, and the retina in the other was beginning to lift off. I was legally blind in one eye and at risk of losing vision in the other. There was no clear cause. The doctor mentioned that it may be due to something that was missed in childhood, but he was unsure. So, there is no clear future for prevention and no clear guarantee of recovery. He spoke of surgery—complicated, risky, with low odds of restoring vision. Doing nothing meant staying blind in one eye and risking the other eye.

I was stunned. I sat there, silent. I couldn't even cry. My thoughts were a blur of fear, confusion, and grief. I had just come through one of the hardest seasons of my life—one that had stolen over a decade from me. I was finally moving on. Over the last year, I felt joy and fulfillment after a long time of living in constant fear. And just when I finally thought I was moving forward, this. I waited. This was on me. But the Lord is always an easier to blame.

For a brief, unguarded moment, (shamefully) I turned my heart toward the Lord and asked, "Is there no one else, Lord? Why me again?" I caught myself. That question was wrong, selfish, and irreverent. Who was I to question the Lord? I repented, remembering how kind and faithful God has always been to me. The Lord had carried me through every second of those lost dark years. I know better. I do not deserve anything; everything God afforded me is a gift, and it demands an attitude of gratitude. I live for the LORD's pleasure. My life is God's to direct. I am created for God's glory, not mine, something I sometimes forget. I had made the decision to delay testing. According to the doctors, there was nothing in my medical history that explained why this happened. This happened.

I would not be presumptuous and equate myself with Job who was described as a perfect man. But I will borrow his words when he was going through an impossible series of terrible events. Job said in chapter 2, verse 10, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" And in Job 1:21, he said, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job was frustrated, but never allowed that to affect his perspective of reverence and gratitude to his God.

What I Am Learning?

Lesson 1: Nothing comes to me that hasn't first passed through God's hands.
I belong to Almighty God. My life is the Lord's. The Lord God is sovereign. I look to God for answers because God is my source. Nothing that happens to me is without thought or purpose. Nothing happens without the Lord's consent. What appears to be a detour is a direct path in His design. There is purpose even in this. Granted, I don't yet know the whole lesson or the full purpose—and perhaps I never will. But I will trust the One who has always held me, who has always led me with Gentle Hands. I believe He will bring me to His expected end for me. Psalm 139:16 says, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

Lesson 2: The clay cannot dictate to the Potter.
I may dislike the shaping. I may resist the fire that the Potter uses—but I trust the Hands that mold me. God is not reckless. The Lord is deliberate. Every pressure, every turn on the wheel is intentional. God does not waste pain. God is the definition of kindness. Isaiah 64:8 says, "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand." Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope."

Lesson 3: If He parted the Red Sea, He will part the Jordan too.
The first time the seas parted, it was dramatic—walls of water towering high on either side. It was unmistakable and unforgettable. But the second time something like this happened, it was different. It came years later, and the miracle required something more.

At the edge of the flooded Jordan River, God didn't part the waters ahead of time. This time, the Lord gave different instructions. God told the priests to step into the water first. Only after their feet touched the river did the waters begin to part. It took a step of faith before the miracle unfolded.

Faith sometimes looks like waiting—standing still at the edge of the Red Sea with nowhere to go. But other times, faith means stepping into deep, uncertain waters, trusting that God will make a way where there is none.

Joshua had already seen the Red Sea part under Moses' leadership. He had seen what God could do. But now, faced with another body of water and the same impossible situation, he had to believe again. Although it was a different sea, it is still the same God. The need was still the same: they had to get through. And Joshua had seen it before. Joshua 3:15-16 says, "As soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing." Exodus 14:14 says, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

My life, as it has always been, is in God's hands—for His glory, His direction, His timing, and His plan. I may not always understand or respond the way I should, but I will always trust. God has never failed me. I have felt the Lord's love all my life, especially during the difficult times. And I have been here before. The problem is irrelevant because God is the same, all-powerful! So I will do the only thing I know works: keep my eyes, heart, and mind fixed on the Lord.

I will end with Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Beloved, the Lord continue to bless you! Have a God-centered day!

Kai had been working at his company for five years. He was respected by his team, known for his quiet professionalism, a...
15/06/2025

Kai had been working at his company for five years. He was respected by his team, known for his quiet professionalism, and often helped newer employees settle in. He wasn't flashy or overly assertive—just dependable and hardworking. Then came Jay: charismatic, ambitious, and socially skilled. Jay quickly built relationships with upper management, laughed a lot in meetings, and seemed to get along with everyone. But behind the scenes, Jay often took credit for Kai's ideas, hinted that Kai—although capable—lacked "leadership presence," and made subtle jokes in meetings that undermined him.

Kai began to feel insecure. What started as something small gradually grew into something heavier. During meetings, Kai would often feel uncomfortable. No matter how hard or successful he worked at completing tasks, his efforts and achievements largely went unnoticed. Jay and others quietly but consistently questioned Kai's ideas, pointed out minor mistakes, and even suggested to management that Kai might not be ready for his role. It wasn't overt sabotage—but it was just enough to plant significant seeds of doubt in the minds of others.
Kai saw it happening and knew exactly what Jay was trying to do. So did others. But no one said anything—no one wanted to "get involved."

Eventually, when a promotion opened up for team lead, it went to Jay—even though Kai was more competent. It had finally paid off: all the negative comments Jay had been spreading, the private conversations with upper management, the half-truths and rumors about others, the subtle efforts to downplay Kai's contributions. In the end, Jay got what he wanted. And still, no one said anything. Kai was left disheartened and deeply disappointed. He had played fair, worked hard, and kept his integrity. But it seemed like the person who dug the pit had climbed the ladder instead.

"Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them."— Proverbs 26:27. This verse promises that wrongdoing eventually backfires—but it doesn't promise when. And it's the "when" that confuses us. Because as life continues, those who have done the most injustice often remain unchecked. They carry on with their daily lives, reaping benefits from the destruction and pain of others.

The pit-digger seems to win in many situations like Kai's. The manipulator gets the promotion. The gossiper earns the spotlight. Meanwhile, the humble person who tries to do the right thing is passed over and undervalued. But the wisdom of Scripture speaks to a longer timeline—God's timeline.

It's hard sometimes to comprehend these situations, but God's justice doesn't always move at our pace. Psalm 37:1–2 reminds us: "Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither." Romans 12:21 encourages us: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." And Galatians 6:9 urges us: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." These verses point us to a deeper understanding when things like these happen.

If you've been like Kai—overlooked, mistreated, or harmed by someone else's ambition—here are some biblical responses to consider:

1. Guard Your Heart, Not Just Your Reputation— Stay soft toward God and others. Bitterness is another pit you don't want to fall into.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." — Proverbs 4:23.
2. Speak Up When Necessary But With Wisdom —Sometimes silence is noble, but other times, it's right to speak the truth graciously. Document facts. Speak to leadership if appropriate. "Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." — Proverbs 31:9.
3. Rest in God's Justice —God's justice may not be immediate, but it is always sure. "The Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" — Isaiah 30:18.
4. Trust That Your Faithfulness Will Bear Fruit —Your integrity is never wasted—even if unseen. "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." — Proverbs 11:3.
5. Life Isn't Always Fair— Proverbs 26:27 isn't a promise of instant justice but a comfort that God will not let any sin go unchecked forever. God gives us time to repent. The LORD is slow to anger and gracious, always giving us time to reflect and repent. These are reflected in numerous scriptures. Psalm 103:8 says, "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Joel 2:13 states, "Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster." And 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
6. Focus on What’s Next— It is sometimes hard to move forward and not dwell on past hurts or mistreatments. However, we are reminded to push forward, leave the former things behind and focus on positive things. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." And Phillipians 4:8 states, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
7. Always have hope— Don't give in to despair or compromise when the world rewards sin. Keep walking with God. Keep doing what's right. Ultimately, God promotes differently than the world does. He looks at the heart—not the résumé. And He has the final word—not just at work, school or play, but in eternity. "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more."— Psalm 71:14.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You know all things. We humbly come before You today and ask that You help us place our trust entirely in You. Help us walk according to Your Word and live with integrity, justice, and truth. As we go about our day, grant us wisdom in how to act, speak, and interact with those around us. We seek Your grace, forgiveness, and love. Help us to forgive those who have cheated, belittled, or tried to harm us. Give us rest in the assurance that all things will work together for our good, according to Your purpose. Promote us in Your timing as we humbly wait on You. In Jesus's name, amen.

Growing up, I often heard people discuss certain sins as being especially "bad" or "serious," while others were dismisse...
06/04/2025

Growing up, I often heard people discuss certain sins as being especially "bad" or "serious," while others were dismissed as "small" or "insignificant." Whether they realized it or not, people tended to rank sins, assigning them varying levels of severity. As a result, those who committed what were seen as "big" sins were often looked down upon, while "small" sins were brushed off or overlooked entirely. However, reading the Bible clarifies that God doesn't sort sins into categories like we do. To God, sin is simply sin. In fact, some of the very things God considers detestable are the ones we often view as normal or minor.

Take, for example, the list of things God hates. Would you consider a prideful attitude something God despises? What about stirring up conflict among people? Surprisingly, these are exactly the kinds of things God names as detestable. Proverbs 6:16–19 says, "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community."

Seven things God hates!
Marcus was a well-respected man, admired for his charm and generosity. Outwardly, he was successful, and many looked up to him. But beneath his polished exterior was a heart filled with pride, deceit, and greed.
One afternoon, while looking out over the countryside from his office, Marcus's assistant entered hesitantly.
"Sir, about the expansion project—do you remember there's a community living in that area? If we move forward, they'll be forced to relocate."
Marcus barely looked at her. "And?"
"Well… some of them have nowhere else to go," she said softly.
Marcus smirked. "That's not my problem. We proceed."
That evening, at a charity event, Marcus was all smiles—shaking hands, making generous pledges, and playing the part of a benevolent leader. But it was all a performance, carefully constructed to maintain his public image.
A few days later, his accountant, Peter, approached him with concern.
"Marcus, the financial reports—something doesn't add up. Are we falsifying numbers to attract investors?"
Marcus leaned back in his chair. "Let me give you some advice, Peter—don't ask questions you don't want answers to."
Peter's expression darkened. "You're lying to them. That's fraud."
Marcus chuckled. "I prefer the term' strategic persuasion.' If you're uncomfortable, I'm sure I can find someone more flexible."
That night, Marcus met with a lawyer known for bending the truth as easily as Marcus did.
"I need a favor," Marcus said. "Peter's asking too many questions. If this gets out of hand, I'll need someone to...adjust the story."
The lawyer smiled knowingly. "Consider it handled."
Weeks passed, and Marcus's deceit continued unchecked. Then he learned that a former friend, Daniel, had launched a competing business. The idea of losing influence irked him, so he called in a favor from a media contact.
"I've got a story for you," Marcus said. "Daniel's been involved in some shady stuff."
It was a complete fabrication, but Marcus knew public opinion could be easily swayed. Within days, Daniel's reputation was in tatters.
At a corporate event, they crossed paths. Marcus approached him with a false smile.
"Tough break, Daniel. If you're looking for a job, I might have a position."
Daniel's eyes burned with silent fury, knowing exactly who had sabotaged him. Marcus only smiled, pleased with his manipulation.
One morning, an emergency board meeting was called. Marcus's assistant stood before the group, her voice trembling.
"We need to address the safety concerns about the new project."
Marcus rolled his eyes. "This again?"
A senior board member added, "Sir if we move forward, there's a serious risk of structural failure. People could be injured."
Marcus scoffed. "This deal is worth millions. Do you really think anyone cares about possible dangers? We move forward."
The room fell silent. Fear had built Marcus an empire—one where speaking up came at too high a cost. But Marcus's carefully crafted world was about to fall apart. Heartbreaking tragedy struck—a building from his expansion collapsed, injuring multiple workers. The story exploded across the media. Investigations exposed his fraudulent practices. Investors pulled out. News outlets flooded his office, demanding answers.
And one by one, the people Marcus had wronged stepped forward. Peter, the accountant, testified. Daniel, the slandered friend, brought forward evidence. His assistant revealed the truth about the unethical decisions that had long been hidden. The board abandoned him. His legal team quit. Marcus was arrested, facing charges of fraud, endangerment, and perjury.
Sitting alone in a prison cell, Marcus finally saw what he had become. His haughty eyes, deceitful words, and wicked schemes had led to ruin. He had shed innocent blood, spread lies, and caused division—everything that God detests.
Stripped of power and prestige, Marcus was left with nothing but the weight of his sins.

Marcus's story is a sobering reminder of how pride, dishonesty, and selfish ambition can destroy not only our lives but the lives of others. But before we judge him too quickly, we must ask ourselves how we compare to Marcus.

Have we ever told a lie, even a small one, to avoid consequences or make ourselves look better? Have we ever spoken negatively about someone, whether in gossip or out of jealousy, knowing it could harm their reputation? Have we ignored situations where people were mistreated because it was easier to stay silent? Have we ever acted selfishly, prioritizing personal gain over what is right?

Proverbs 6:16–19 isn't just a warning for "some people." It's a mirror for us all. Pride, lies, gossip, and division may seem like small sins to us, but they separate us from God's truth and love.
What can we do?
• Examine Our Hearts – Ask God to reveal any of these behaviors in us. Psalm 139:23–24 says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there is any offensive way in me."
• Repent and Seek Forgiveness – If we recognize these patterns in ourselves, we must confess them and ask for God's help to change (1 John 1:9).
• Speak Truth and Act with Integrity – We're called to stand up for truth, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.” Proverbs 10:9 says, “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.”
• Use Our Influence for Good – Unlike Marcus, we can use our voice and power to uplift, protect, and serve others, especially the vulnerable. I Peter 4:10 says, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Proverbs 31:9 says, “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
• Pray for Ourselves and Others – When we see these destructive behaviors in others, let's respond not with condemnation but with prayer that God will open their hearts and lead them to repentance. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (I Tim 2:1).
Marcus's story ends in tragedy, but our stories don't have to. God's grace invites us to turn around, confront the sin in our lives, and live in a way that reflects His righteousness.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us see sin the way You see it. Give us hearts that are sensitive to the things You detest. Help us remove pride and deceit. Help us to desire to please You, LORD. Help us to want to remove whatever You view as detestable from our lives. And when we see others caught in these patterns, give us compassion—not to judge but to pray. May our lives reflect Your truth and light, and may we walk daily in Your grace. Amen.

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