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THE SURROGATE JOURNEY: BIRTHING PURPOSE THROUGH OTHERS.  PART 3: THE WEIGHT OF THE WOMB — WHEN CARRYING GETS COMPLICATED Genesis 16:5–6 Then Sarai said to Abram, ‘You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my servant in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me.’ Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.” (NIV) 🔁 Quick Recap: In Part 2 , we met Hagar, the Egyptian servant chosen by Sarai to carry her child. Though not her dream, not her plan, and not her baby—she became the carrier of a promise she didn’t initiate. We learned how sometimes we are called to be the “other woman” in someone else’s destiny story—carrying, serving, interceding, and pushing someone else’s dream forward. 🤰 The Blessing that Brought Bitterness Hagar became pregnant. She was carrying the long-awaited seed. She should have been celebrated. But instead… she was mistreated. The one who chose her now chased her. The one who needed her now neglected her. The woman...
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THE DOWNFALL OF JUDAH – A KINGDOM BESIEGED BY SIN PART 4: THE TEMPLE TREASURES AS OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS

THE DOWNFALL OF JUDAH – A KINGDOM BESIEGED BY SIN
PART 4: THE TEMPLE TREASURES AS OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS


2 Kings 24:1–20

“Jehoiakim turned against Babylon, but because Judah kept sinning, God allowed foreign armies to attack. One by one, the walls of protection fell. Even the king and the treasures of God’s temple were taken. Judah’s refusal to turn from sin led to its captivity and shame.”


RECAP from part 3:

In Part 3, we explored how sin gradually erodes our spiritual authority and identity. In today’s devotion, we focus on another tragic loss—the temple treasures, which represent the spiritual gifts and virtues God has entrusted to us. Just as the Babylonians carried off the physical treasures from God’s temple, sin seeks to rob us of our inner wealth: peace, joy, discipline, purpose, and passion.



Part 4: The Temple Treasures as Our Spiritual Gifts


When 2 Kings 24:13 says Nebuchadnezzar took away treasures from the temple, it wasn’t just political conquest—it was a symbolic stripping of divine inheritance. These treasures represented more than gold—they stood for consecration, favor, and purpose. Likewise, when sin gains entrance, it doesn’t just inconvenience us—it loots us.


Sin steals the things we value most:

Spiritually: Our passion for prayer, our ability to hear God, our gifts of prophecy, teaching, or intercession.


Emotionally: Our joy, confidence, and inner peace.


Socially: Our influence, relationships, and integrity.


Physically: Our health declines when stress, addiction, or immoral habits take root.


Academically/Mentally: Our focus fades; guilt and confusion replace clarity and creativity.



Romans 6:12 warns, “Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” Why? Because once sin reigns, it doesn't just sit on the throne—it ransacks the palace.



When Treasures Are Lost


You may have noticed this:


That passion you once had to write, sing, mentor, study, or lead… now buried.


The excellence you pursued in school or career… now lost in mediocrity.


That purity and confidence… now replaced by insecurity or shame.



But the good news? Jesus restores temples. Even the broken ones. He can re-anoint your gifts, restore your creativity, and rekindle your passion—if you invite Him back into the temple.




REFLECTION:

What treasures have you lost or neglected due to sin, distractions, or discouragement? Can you identify a gift or quality in your life that was once strong but now feels distant?





Write down at least one “temple treasure” (a gift, virtue, or grace) that sin or neglect may have damaged in your life. Commit this week to taking a step toward restoring it—whether through repentance, accountability, mentorship, or devotional focus.




PRAYER:

Lord, help me to guard my body, mind, and spirit as Your holy temple. Expose every hidden sin that has tried to steal my spiritual treasures. Restore what has been lost. Rekindle my gifts. Refill me with joy, peace, and purpose. Make me whole again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Next Chapter:

Part 5 – SIN’S DEVASTATION – FROM SIEGE TO SLAVERY




📌Let’s Talk:

What’s one area where you feel “robbed” spiritually or emotionally? How do you think rebuilding your inner temple can impact your academics, relationships, or health?


Share your thoughts, testimonies, or questions—we grow better together.


Thank you!









Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson

(EL-PJ God’s Penman)





Comments

  1. Esi22 May 2025 at 22:04

    Sin is able to silence purpose and potential but Jesus has the power to restore everything we've lost🙌🏿

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EL-PJ God's penman23 May 2025 at 22:29

      Oh yes! He's the great restorer. God bless you Esi!

      Delete

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