Living Strategically

On the day The Harbinger II: The Return was released, Jonathan Cahn wrote a message that included: “The ancient template leads up to where we are right now. What I have written in The Harbinger II, I believe all the more is that the present moment is most critical and dangerous – one that could seal America’s future once and for all, for judgment or redemption.”

Reed and Elizabeth Hewitt were blessed to meet Jonathan Cahn in April 2019 at The Jerusalem Center (one of the largest Messianic Worship centers in the world) located in Wayne, New Jersey.

And that is the main theme in his new book. America is on the verge of judgment, if it does not return to its foundation in being one nation under God. Join us for a review of this timely new book, as well as a discussion of the broader themes of repentance and revival in America.

If you’ve never read a book by Jonathan Cahn, get ready for a different way of looking at the world — in a good way! Just as we believe his message is important, Jonathan Cahn’s methods provide a fresh perspective on prophecy and history to help us understand the world we live in today.

Jonathan Cahn is a watchman, and a prophetic voice, for this generation. God has used him to sound the alarm of warning to anyone who will listen, and he has been faithful in his calling. We are grateful that God allowed us to discover his work back in 2013, so we could better understand what is going on in our nation and consider how to respond to things that are still to come.

In case you couldn’t tell already, we really think you should go get this book! Purchase it through our affiliate link here: https://www.christianbook.com/the-harbinger-ii-return/jonathan-cahn/9781629998916/pd/998916?event=AFF&p=1205899&

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28, NASB

“The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you. The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. So all the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will be afraid of you. The Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your beast and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. The Lord will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. The Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully, and do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.” Deuteronomy 28:8-14, NASB

“So all these curses shall come on you and pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you would not obey the Lord your God by keeping His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you. They shall become a sign and a wonder on you and your descendants forever.” Deuteronomy 28:45-46, NASB

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16, NASB

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV

The Harbinger II: The Return by Jonathan Cahn

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From studying God’s Word, we understand the big picture. We see the signs of the times and we fully trust in God’s plan. Now it is time for biblical Christians to live each day with prophetic urgency. As it says in Romans 12:11-12, “Keep serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, enduring in distress, persisting in prayer…”

Perhaps the best example of a man who understood prophetic urgency was Noah. God gave Noah a prophetic revelation about the coming judgment of his generation and He assigned Noah a task to prepare for it. It says in Genesis 6:5, that Noah lived in an age where “every intent of the thoughts of [man’s] heart was only evil continually”. But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, being a righteous man who was blameless and walked with God. The Lord declared that Noah and his family would be spared from the coming destruction, because Noah was the only righteous one in his time.

Our mission at Living Strategically is to help you strategically pursue your God-given purpose, especially in these prophetic times that we live in. God hasn’t called you to the same assignment as Noah, but He has given all of His children specific callings. Through faith and obedience, we need to be following God’s will for our lives.

No matter how bad things get in these prophetic days, we can take courage knowing that God will always keep a remnant for Himself, and He has a purpose for that remnant.

“As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’ And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and will mislead many. You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.’ ” Matthew 24:3-8, NASB

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:42, NASB

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” Hebrews 11:6-7, NASB

“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. The Lord said, ‘I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:5-9, NASB

“Then the Lord said to Noah, ‘Enter the ark, you and all your household, for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time.’ ” Genesis 7:1, NASB

“Noah did according to all that the Lord had commanded him.” Genesis 7:5, NASB

“Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He said, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.’ ” I Kings 19:9-10, NASB

“Yet I have preserved seven thousand in Israel whose knees have not bowed to Baal and whose mouth has not kissed him.” I Kings 19:18, Tree of Life Version (TLV)

“For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:37-39, NASB

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” Psalm 91:1-2, NASB

“Because he has devoted his love to Me, I will deliver him. I will set him securely on high, because he knows My Name. When he calls on Me, I will answer him.

“Keep serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, enduring in distress, persisting in prayer…” Romans 12:11b-12, TLV

Understanding Prophetic Urgency article

Biblical End Times Signposts article

Podcast Episode 10: Living in the End Times

When it comes to studying end-times prophecy, there are books, blogs, and Bible studies beyond number. In our personal search, however, we have found that most resources go into extreme detail. It’s easy to be overwhelmed before you even get started.

This is our attempt to take a step back, look at the big picture, and share some signposts that can help us identify where we are on the biblical, prophetic roadmap. God has given His children knowledge of these signposts ahead of time so we will know how to best use our time and prepare for what comes next. That is what living strategically is all about.

A list of birth pangs – Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13

“Gog of Magog” war – Ezekiel 38-39

War between the powers in the Middle East – Daniel 8:1-14, 21

“And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week [a week of years, meaning seven years], but in the middle of the week [after 3.5 years] he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.” Daniel 9:27, NASB (Brackets added.)

“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. […] For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.” Matthew 24:15-16, 21, NASB

“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” 2 Thess. 2:1-4, NASB

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place…” Revelation 1:1, NASB

Seal Judgments – Revelation chapters 5-7

Rapture – Revelation 14:14-16

Biblical End Times Signposts article

Understanding Prophetic Urgency article

Podcast Episode 10: Living in the End Times

Christian financial advisor Ron Blue shares, “Financial freedom comes from having an open hand with our money and trusting God to direct us in how to use it.” When we connect our faith with our finances, we will find the abundant life that God has planned for us.

In the final episode of our podcast series on managing money and possessions as wise stewards, we take a look at what it means to find true financial freedom. We talk about our goals as we aim for financial freedom, and the character traits required to get there. We also share our take on Dave Ramsey’s “baby steps”, as a guide for transforming your finances.

Want to go deeper in this study? Click on this image to download our FREE eBook on Biblical Stewardship.

Christians managing God’s resources in accordance with biblical priorities is what being a wise steward is all about. Join us on the journey of reaching true financial freedom!

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:20-21, NASB

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Matthew 6:24, NASB

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5, NASB

Video: Why Has America Been Blessed by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Article: What is Biblical Stewardship by Liz Hewitt

Article: Money, Wealth, and the Book of Proverbs by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Class: Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey

Book: Master Your Money written by Ron Blue and published by Moody Publishers in 1986/updated in 2016.

Book: Debt-Free Living written by Larry Burkett and published by Moody Publishers in 1999/updated in 2010.

When it comes to personal finance, one of the best lessons to learn is avoiding the use of debt. Debt has become widely accepted in our culture, to the point where some would argue that they cannot survive without it. We are here to tell you there is a better way. When you invite God into your finances, you can live a debt-free lifestyle.

Join us for the fourth episode of our current podcast series about money management and biblical stewardship. It may just transform your finances!

Want to go deeper in this study? Click on this image to download our FREE eBook on Biblical Stewardship.

“…we are helpless because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” Nehemiah 5:5b, NASB

“Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God…” Deuteronomy 28:1-2, NASB

“But it shall come about, if you do not obey the Lord your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you…” Deuteronomy 28:15, NASB

“The Lord will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.” Deuteronomy 28:12, NASB

“He shall lend to you, but you will not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you will be the tail.” Deuteronomy 28:44, NASB

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” Proverbs 22:7, NASB

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.'” Isaiah 55:8-9, NASB

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19, NASB

Video: Why Has America Been Blessed by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Article: What is Biblical Stewardship by Liz Hewitt

Article: Money, Wealth, and the Book of Proverbs by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Class: Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey

Book: Master Your Money written by Ron Blue and published by Moody Publishers in 1986/updated in 2016.

Book: Debt-Free Living written by Larry Burkett and published by Moody Publishers in 1999/updated in 2010.

Thanks for joining us for the Living Strategically podcast! In our current series, we are talking about money and possessions and what the Bible says about biblical stewardship. In this episode, we ask ourselves, “Do we have enough?” and “How can Christians find true and lasting happiness?” The answers can be found in cultivating contentment in our lives.

At Living Strategically, we define contentment as “the attitude of gratefully accepting what God gives, while gracefully releasing what He withholds”. We believe that contentment is not about a number, or achieving a certain amount of wealth to be satisfied. It’s about the attitude of the heart, being content with whatever God blesses you with to manage for His glory.

Christian financial advisor Ron Blue summarizes contentment this way:

“No financial principle can have a greater impact on you or free you up more than this truth: Money is not the key to contentment! Contentment has everything to do with your relationship with God and nothing to do with your money. Once you are free from the love of money and the pursuit of it, you can have a lot or a little and be content all the same. At that point you have learned the secret to contentment.”

If we want to take hold of that which is life indeed, then we need to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness! By prioritizing that which really matters in life, sort of recalibrating our priorities, we can reach a point of true fulfillment in life. Now that is thinking strategically!

Want to go deeper in this study? Click on this image to download our FREE eBook on Biblical Stewardship.

“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” Genesis 3:6, NASB

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity.” Eccl. 5:10, NASB

“Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Deut. 8:11-14, NASB

“Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Deut. 8:17-18, NASB

“Then He said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.'” Luke 12:15, NASB

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” I Timothy 6:6-10, NASB

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” I Timothy 6:17-19, NASB

Video: Why Has America Been Blessed by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Article: What is Biblical Stewardship by Liz Hewitt

Article: Money, Wealth, and the Book of Proverbs by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Book: Master Your Money written by Ron Blue and published by Moody Publishers in 1986/updated in 2016.

Book: Managing God’s Money written by Randy Alcorn and published by Tyndale House in 2011.

It’s time for the second episode in our latest podcast series on biblical stewardship and managing money and possessions.

We define biblical stewardship as Christians managing God’s resources in accordance with biblical priorities. This requires the conversion of our hearts, minds, calendars, and pocketbooks. It means that decisions on how to invest our resources are really spiritual decisions that require faithfulness and wisdom.

It can be difficult to keep a biblical stewardship perspective in today’s culture. But in the end, godliness and contentment are key to living a strategic life!

(Audio note: Can you tell we picked a rainy day to record under a metal roof? Sorry about that! Even so, we give thanks to the Lord for sending rain to South Texas.)

Want to go deeper in this study? Click on this image to download our FREE eBook on Biblical Stewardship.

“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” I Cor. 4:1-2, NASB

“Then He said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.’” Luke 12:15, NASB

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” I Timothy 6:17-19, NASB

“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds, for riches don’t last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.” Proverbs 27:23, NLT

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing…” Proverbs 3:9-10, NIV

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” James 4:3, NASB

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10, NASB

“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Prov. 21:20, NIV

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6‐8, NIV

“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another…” Romans 13:8a, NASB

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” Prov. 22:7, NASB

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21, NASB

Video: Why Has America Been Blessed by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Article: What is Biblical Stewardship by Liz Hewitt

Article: Money, Wealth, and the Book of Proverbs by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Book: Master Your Money written by Ron Blue and published by Moody Publishers in 1986/updated in 2016.

Book: Managing God’s Money written by Randy Alcorn and published by Tyndale House in 2011.

This is the first episode of a new series for the Living Strategically podcast about money and possessions and what the Bible says about biblical stewardship. We start the series off by discussing that everything under our care ultimately belongs to the Lord. He owns it all and we are merely His managers (or stewards).

For Christians who are new to the topic of stewardship, this is the ultimate paradigm shift! How about you…are you seeking God for the answers to your financial decisions? Are you relying on Him for your provision?

Want to go deeper in this study? Click on this image to download our FREE eBook on Biblical Stewardship.

We believe that financial decisions are really spiritual decisions. What we do with our money and how we use our possessions shows where our heart is. It all comes down to giving full ownership back to the Lord.

(Audio note: Can you tell we picked a rainy day to record under a metal roof? Sorry about that! Even so, we give thanks to the Lord for sending rain to South Texas.)

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it on the seas and established it upon the waters.” Psalm 24:1-2, NIV

“Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.” I Chronicles 29:1-2, NASB

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.” Proverbs 19:21, NASB

Video: Why Has America Been Blessed by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Article: What is Biblical Stewardship by Liz Hewitt

Article: Money, Wealth, and the Book of Proverbs by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Book: Master Your Money written by Ron Blue and published by Moody Publishers in 1986/updated in 2016.

Are we living in the end times? That’s the big question on today’s episode of the Living Strategically podcast. Join us as we discuss biblical prophecy and cover the final two keys to living strategically — prophetic urgency and a biblical framework.

Reed and Elizabeth Hewitt were blessed to meet Jonathan Cahn in April 2019 at The Jerusalem Center (one of the largest Messianic Worship centers in the world) located in Wayne, New Jersey.

We began our current podcast series telling listeners about the impact that Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn had on us in 2013, which led us to start Living Strategically. It seems fitting to end our podcast series by reviewing Jonathan Cahn’s new book, The Oracle: The Jubilean Mysteries Unveiled, which was released in September 2019.

We’ve read all of the books from best-selling author Jonathan Cahn, since he first released The Harbinger. (The Oracle and The Book of Mysteries are now our two favorites.) Through Rabbi Cahn’s new book, you’ll learn about the prophetic history of Israel, from it being reborn as a nation in 1948 to present day events, and see the fingerprints of God through Jubilean mysteries.

OUTLINE OF THE EPISODE

1:10 – Are we living in the End Times?

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” Hosea 4:6, NASB

“But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, NASB

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6, NASB

“If your outcasts are at the ends of the earth, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you back. The Lord your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers.” Deuteronomy 30:4-5, NASB

End Times Signposts article by Reed Hewitt

The Oracle: The Jubilean Mysteries Unveiled by Jonathan Cahn

We are so glad you’ve joined us for today’s episode! We are currently in a series exploring our “five pillars of living strategically” and today we are focusing on living more simply…in order to have a fuller life.

Simple living is an attitude of the heart that God calls His children to live by in order to find true fulfillment. The world will tell you to aim for quantity over quality, but that actually leads to a stressful life. When we stay content with a more simple lifestyle, it helps us prioritize the essential and live more intentionally.

In our upcoming episode, we’ll continue to “unpack” the core principles of Living Strategically, so be sure to subscribe to this Christian podcast!

SCRIPTURE FROM THIS EPISODE

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17, NASB

“There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being hoarded by their owner to his hurt.” Ecclesiastes 6:13, NASB

“Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward.” Ecclesiastes 6:18, NASB

“Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” Genesis 2:15, NASB

“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” Genesis 3:6, NASB

“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10, NASB

“I cared for you in the wilderness, in the land of drought. As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, and being satisfied, their heart became proud; therefore they forgot Me.” Hosea 13:5-6, NASB

“And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the Word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful.” Mark 4:18-19, NASB