Friday 18^th July, 2025

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1

Memory Verse:  But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NLT)

Martha McKay believed in second chances. She chose to extend compassion to Travis Lewis, the man who had been convicted of killing her mother and cousin. Despite her family’s concerns, she corresponded with him during his prison sentence and later offered him employment after his release.

But in a devastating turn of events in March 2020, Lewis took Martha’s life in the very same house where the previous tragedy had occurred 23 years earlier. He later drowned while attempting to flee from authorities.

This heartbreaking story reminds us of the need to test before we could trust. We need the guidiance of the Holy Spirit. While forgiveness can be powerful, we must also be mindful of our personal safety and listen to the concerns of those who care about us.

God has commanded that we love all men, but he didn’t command that we trust all men. Friends, test before you trust. Listen to what the disciples said when they wanted to fill a position in the early Church. “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty” (Acts 6:3). These are men who have long been with the Apostles, and have been tested and trusted.

It was the good report of the brethren that opened the heart of Apostle Paul unto Timothy. Acts 16:2 (AMP), “Timothy was well spoken of by the brothers and sisters who were in Lystra and Iconium.” 

It was Barnabas, a man of stature, after he had perceived the grace of God, that introduced Saul of Tarsus unto the disciples. The disciples also had to prove Apostle Paul to be sure that indeed he is not a wolf in sheep clothes before they gave him a hand of fellowship (Galatians 2:1-2). Haven’t you heard that by their fruit we shall know them?

Brethren, there are people you should be discerning enough to keep at arm’s length for a period of time in order to properly discern their motives and current spiritual state. They could be family members of questionable character, old time friends, people who landed you in trouble yesteryear and have pleaded for forgiveness, just to mention but a few. Love them, forgive them, but take your time before bringing them close to you and your immediate family. In conclusion, love all men, but test before you trust. 

Quote: Until a man is redeemed and transformed in his inner man, there can’t be true repentance.

Prophetic Decree:  Affliction shall not arise again the second time, in Jesus name. 

Prayer Focus

1. I receive wisdom to balance forgiveness against genuine repentance, in Jesus name. 

2. I receive grace to operate in discernment, in Jesus name. 

3. My good heart shall not be evil spoken of in Jesus name.

4. By the force of wisdom, my good shall not turn around for evil, in Jesus name. 

5. Those wanting to take advantage of my Christian heart, shall fall into the same gallow they dug, in Jesus name. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Isaiah 23-27