Still awake?

Every evening, a little closer to Jesus.

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July 16, 2026

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No One Is Forgotten

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Matthew 1:3–6

“Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar… Salmon was the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz was the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.”
Matthew 1:3–6 (excerpt)

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Did you notice something?

In the middle of a long list of men, Matthew suddenly mentions the names of several women.

At that time, this was anything but ordinary.

And something else stands out.

None of these women had a perfect life.

Tamar.

Rahab.

Ruth.

Bathsheba.

Each of them carries her own story.

Stories filled with pain.

Stories filled with guilt.

Stories filled with courage.

And stories filled with grace.

Why do their names appear specifically in the genealogy of Jesus?

Because God wants to show us:

His grace writes the final line.

Not your past.

Not your mistakes.

Not what others think about you.

Perhaps you too are carrying things you would rather forget.

Maybe there are moments you are ashamed of.

Or wounds no one knows about.

Then look at the genealogy of Jesus.

There you will find people who were not known for their perfection, but because God did not give up on them.

And the same is true for you.

With God, no one is forgotten.

No one is written off.

No one is without hope.

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Think About It

Is there an area of your life that you believe God cannot use?

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Prayer

Dear Father,

thank You that Your grace is greater than my past.

Thank You that You do not judge people by their mistakes, but according to Your loving heart.

Help me believe that my life also has a future in Your hands.

Thank You that I am never written off by You.

Amen.

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Sleep well.

Your loving Father knows your whole story—and loves you anyway.

See you tomorrow.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%8c%99-still-awake-07-15-2026-%f0%9f%8c%b8-no-one-is-forgotten/

The Biblical Person of the Day

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Ehud – the Judge with a Courageous Mission

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Profile

• Name: Ehud
• Time of birth: the period of the Judges
• Place of birth: probably the territory of the tribe of Benjamin
• Time of death: unknown
• Age: unknown
• Occupation: judge and deliverer of Israel

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Short Story

Ehud lived during the time of the Judges, a turbulent period in Israel’s history. Again and again, the people turned away from God, came under pressure from their enemies, and then cried out to God once more in their distress.

In Ehud’s time, Israel was oppressed by Eglon, king of the Moabites. For eighteen years, the people had to suffer under this foreign rule.

In this difficult situation, God sent Ehud as a deliverer. He came from the tribe of Benjamin and is especially described as being left-handed.

Ehud was given the task of bringing tribute to the Moabite king. However, he used this opportunity to free Israel from oppression.

He acted with courage, wisdom, and determination in a dangerous situation. His plan required great strength of nerve, because he stood very close to the enemy king.

After his deed, Ehud called Israel to battle. The people followed him, and the Moabites were defeated.

His story shows that God can also use unusual people and unexpected ways to bring deliverance.

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The Decisive Moment

Ehud courageously appears before King Eglon and becomes an instrument of deliverance for Israel.

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7 Special Things About Ehud

1. He came from the tribe of Benjamin
2. He lived during the time of the Judges
3. He was left-handed
4. God used him as a deliverer of Israel
5. He courageously appeared before King Eglon
6. After his deed, he called Israel to battle
7. After his victory, the land had eighty years of rest

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Strengths & Weaknesses

courageous
determined
wise
ready to act
he had to act in a very violent time
his story is difficult for modern readers to interpret

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The Mistake That Shaped Him

The Bible does not report any particular personal mistake made by Ehud.
His life is shaped mainly by his courageous commitment to Israel’s deliverance.

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Key Verse

“But when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud.” (Judges 3:15)

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The Life Lesson

God can also use unusual qualities and unexpected ways to bring help and deliverance.

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Application for Today

Do not underestimate what God can accomplish through your special abilities, your story, or your courage.

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Question for You

What quality in yourself might you see as a weakness, even though God may want to use it?

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Context

Ehud lived during the period of the Judges, when Israel was repeatedly oppressed by foreign nations and delivered through judges.

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Connection

Ehud was one of Israel’s judges and was appointed after Othniel as a deliverer of the people.

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Conclusion:

Ehud shows that God can use people with special qualities to bring deliverance and a new period of peace in difficult times.

See you tomorrow with the next biblical person!

The Story of His Life

The Life Story of Ehud – Courage in a Time of Oppression

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A Dark Time for Israel

Ehud lived during the time of the Judges. It was a troubled period in which Israel repeatedly moved between disobedience, distress, cries for help, and deliverance.

The people had turned away from God and came under the rule of Eglon, king of the Moabites. For eighteen years, Israel had to suffer under this oppression.

Those years were difficult for the people. They reminded Israel how bitter it is to lose freedom and to have a foreign power determine one’s life.

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A Man from Benjamin

In this situation, Ehud came forward. He belonged to the tribe of Benjamin and is especially described as a left-handed man.

This detail is not mentioned by accident. What may have seemed unusual to some became a decisive part of his mission.

Ehud therefore shows that God does not use only what is obvious. Sometimes a special quality becomes an instrument in God’s hand.

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The Mission with the Tribute

Ehud was chosen to bring the tribute to King Eglon. This mission brought him directly into the presence of the ruler who oppressed Israel.

Outwardly, it seemed to be only an ordinary political duty. But Ehud carried within him a plan that was dangerous and courageous.

He knew that his action could cost him his life. Nevertheless, he went forward because the deliverance of his people was at stake.

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The Dangerous Moment

After the tribute had been delivered, Ehud looked for an opportunity to speak with the king alone. He said that he had a secret message.

The moment was filled with tension. Ehud stood before the powerful enemy without protection and without any guarantee that his plan would succeed.

Yet he acted with determination. In a violent time, he became the instrument through whom Israel’s oppression was broken.

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The Escape and the Call to Battle

After his deed, Ehud escaped and returned to Israel. He sounded the trumpet and called the people to fight against Moab.

This showed that Ehud’s mission was not limited to one individual action. He also had to gather the people, lead them, and move them to act decisively.

Israel followed his call, and the Moabites were defeated.

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Rest After Deliverance

After the victory over Moab, the land had eighty years of rest. This long period of peace showed how far-reaching the deliverance through Ehud had been.

One courageous step became the beginning of a new period for the whole nation.

Ehud’s story reminds us that in times of distress, God can raise up people who take responsibility and have the courage to act.

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A Challenging Story

Ehud’s story is not easy for modern readers because it takes place in a violent time and tells of a harsh act of deliverance.

Yet it belongs to the reality of the period of the Judges, when oppression, war, and deliverance were often closely connected.

It does not present violence casually, but tells a dramatic rescue story from a dark and dangerous era.

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The Lasting Message of His Life

Ehud shows that God can use people in unexpected ways. His story makes clear that special qualities, unusual paths, and courageous action can become part of a greater deliverance.

It also reminds us that courage does not always mean feeling no fear, but taking responsibility despite danger.

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Closing Thought

Ehud lived in a time when Israel was under pressure and needed deliverance. He was not an ordinary hero, but a man with a special quality and a dangerous mission.

Through his courage, a long period of oppression came to an end, and the people were given a new period of rest.

His life story shows that God can also use unusual people and unexpected ways to bring deliverance and hope.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%91%a4-the-biblical-person-of-the-day-07-16-2026-%f0%9f%97%a1%ef%b8%8f-ehud-the-judge-with-a-courageous-mission/

Bible Stories to Marvel At

Where God’s miracles become great – for little and big children

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Job Chapter 20 – Zophar Responds with a Serious Warning

When Zophar Warns Against False Happiness

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Introduction

In the previous chapter, Job had spoken in a deeply moving way. He had told his friends how deeply their words hurt him. He felt abandoned by people, forgotten by relatives, and misunderstood by friends. His heart was full of pain, and yet, in the middle of his lament, a wonderful sentence shone forth.

Job said that he knew his Redeemer lives. It was like a ray of light in a dark night. Although Job was ill, although his friends were pressuring him, and although many questions remained unanswered, he held on to this hope. He believed that God knew the truth about him and that his suffering would not simply be forgotten.

But his friends did not receive this statement of hope as one might have wished. They could have marveled. They could have asked what Job meant. Perhaps, for the first time, they could have become more cautious. But Zophar, the third friend, becomes restless.

Zophar feels personally challenged by Job’s words. To him, Job’s answer does not sound like an honest lament, but like a provocation. He believes he must respond immediately and warn Job once again. So he answers with a speech that sounds serious and harsh.

This chapter tells how Zophar speaks about the short-lived happiness of the wicked. He describes people who rely on wealth, power, and injustice, but eventually lose everything. His warning contains serious thoughts. Yet because he directs it against Job, it once again fails to bring comfort. Job needs understanding, but Zophar adds another burden.

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The Biblical Story

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Zophar Becomes Troubled Within

Zophar begins his speech by saying that his thoughts are pressing him. He feels stirred up and cannot remain silent. Job’s words have irritated him. It is as though something inside him is saying: Now you must answer.

He believes he has heard a humiliating rebuke. Perhaps he thinks Job has attacked his friends too harshly. Perhaps he is annoyed because Job does not simply accept what they say. Zophar sees himself as being on the side of wisdom and wants to show Job that he is wrong.

But even here, we can see that Zophar does not first listen to Job’s pain. Above all, he listens to his own anger. He reacts quickly and sternly instead of becoming quiet and asking: What does Job truly need right now?

This still happens today. When someone speaks out of sadness or despair, others may feel attacked and answer immediately. But a quick word spoken in anger can wound an already hurting heart even more. Zophar speaks because he feels compelled to do so, but his words will not heal Job.

Zophar Appeals to an Ancient Truth

Zophar says that people have known for a long time how things end for the wicked. He presents his message as a very old and certain truth: the happiness of evil people lasts only a short time.

He points out that a person may rise high for a while. He may appear proud, become rich, gain power, and be admired by others. It may even seem as though no one can harm him.

But Zophar says: this happiness does not last. It exists only for a moment. It may rise high, but it falls again. A person who sets himself against God cannot remain secure forever.

In itself, this warning is serious and important. A life built on injustice is not a safe path. But Zophar makes the same mistake as the other friends: he speaks as though Job must belong to exactly this kind of person. In this way, a general warning becomes a painful accusation.

As High as Heaven, Yet Still Temporary

Zophar describes the wicked person as someone whose pride rises to heaven. His head seems to touch the clouds. He appears great, untouchable, and strong.

Children might imagine it like a tower of building blocks that is made higher and higher. At first, everyone is amazed. The tower looks impressive. But if it stands on an unstable surface, one small push is enough, and everything collapses.

This is how Zophar understands false pride. A person may make himself seem very great. He may believe that he needs no one, least of all God. But if his life is not built on truth and justice, then his greatness has no firm foundation.

Zophar says that such a person suddenly disappears. Others then ask: Where has he gone? What looked so powerful did not remain. Proud splendor fades like something that cannot be held on to.

Like a Dream That Disappears

Zophar uses another image: the wicked person disappears like a dream. During the night, a dream can seem very real. We see images, hear voices, and experience things as though they were truly happening. But in the morning, everything is gone.

This is how Zophar describes false happiness. It may shine for a short time, but it does not remain. People may look for it, but they can no longer find it. It is like a beautiful soap bubble that shimmers in the sunlight and suddenly bursts.

These images make Zophar’s speech vivid. He wants to show that a life without God has no secure future. Someone who builds on pride and injustice may experience brief success, but not lasting peace.

Yet for Job, this speech must once again have been painful. Job had not dreamed of false happiness. He had suffered real losses. His children had died, his possessions were gone, and his health had been ruined. When Zophar speaks about the disappearance of the wicked, it sounds as though he wants to explain Job’s losses by saying: This is simply the end of a bad person. And that was cruel.

Sweet in the Mouth, Bitter in the Stomach

Then Zophar describes evil with an especially powerful image. He says that evil can be sweet in a person’s mouth. At first, it tastes pleasant, like something one wants to keep and not let go.

But later it becomes bitter. What was sweet at first turns into poison. The person realizes too late that what he desired did not bring life, but harm.

Children might imagine it this way: someone finds a beautiful, colorful bottle and thinks it contains juice. It looks inviting. But in reality, it contains something dangerous. If someone drinks it, they become sick. Not everything that looks beautiful is good.

Zophar means that sin can appear attractive at first. Lying, stealing, cruelty, or pride may feel like an advantage for a moment. But in the end, they make the heart sick and destroy relationships.

Wealth Gained Unjustly Does Not Last

Zophar continues by speaking about a person who swallows wealth but must give it back again. What he has taken through injustice does not remain with him. He cannot truly enjoy it.

He describes someone who oppresses the poor, takes possession of houses, and greedily wants more than belongs to him. Such a person may think: Now I am secure. Now I am strong. Now nothing can happen to me.

But Zophar says that this injustice returns. Whoever takes from others what rightfully belongs to them builds his life on guilt. That cannot end well. God also sees what people would like to hide.

This message is important: God loves justice. He sees the poor and the weak. He does not overlook it when people exploit others. But once again, the problem is that Zophar directs this truth toward Job, even though Job is not sitting before him as an oppressor, but as a suffering man.

Greed Finds No Rest

Zophar describes the wicked person as someone who never has enough. He is like a person who keeps eating but is never satisfied. He wants more possessions, more power, more security, and more honor.

But this greed gives no rest. Even if the person has many things, his heart remains empty. He fears losing something. He must hold on, defend, and keep chasing after more.

It is like a bag with a hole in it. More and more is placed inside, but nothing remains. That is what a heart is like when it always wants more without God. It never truly becomes full.

Zophar says that at the very moment when the wicked person thinks he has everything, distress comes upon him. His security collapses, and he realizes that his possessions cannot save him.

Zophar Paints a Picture of Judgment

Then Zophar’s words become even more serious. He describes disaster overtaking the wicked person. It is as though he cannot escape. He flees from one danger and falls into the next. Arrows, terror, and darkness appear in his images.

Zophar wants to show that no one can hide from God. If a person deliberately lives in evil, he cannot simply pretend that no one sees it. God is just, and in the end, what is hidden comes to light.

This is a serious truth. The Bible repeatedly says that God brings justice. Wrongdoing does not remain hidden forever. Someone who hurts others should not think that God does not see it.

But this speech does not fit Job. Job did not ask for wrongdoing to remain hidden. He asked for understanding. He cried out to God. He suffered under false suspicion. Therefore, Zophar’s message of judgment does not sound to Job like truth that brings healing, but like a false accusation.

Heaven and Earth Become Witnesses

Zophar says that heaven will reveal the guilt of the wicked and that the earth will rise up against him. This is a powerful image. It means that in the end, the truth will not remain hidden. Even if people try to conceal it, it will become visible.

The picture is striking: heaven above and earth below stand as witnesses. Everything that was hidden comes to light. No one can hide injustice under a rug forever.

Here too, we hear something about God’s justice. God sees more deeply than people do. He knows deeds, thoughts, and paths. Therefore, no one can deceive God.

But for Job, this is painful again. He himself longs for the truth to come to light. In the previous chapter, he wanted his words to be written down. He longs for a Redeemer who will stand up for him. Zophar speaks of exposure, but he does not understand that Job is not the one hiding something; he is the one who has been misunderstood.

Everything False Will Be Swept Away

Zophar says that the possessions of the wicked will be carried away. Everything he has gathered will not remain. His house, his security, and his treasures cannot save him from God’s judgment.

This is a serious reminder that material things are not the most important. Money, houses, clothes, and honor cannot give a person what only God can give. Someone who attaches his heart to these things builds on something that can break.

But Job already knew this. He had lost his possessions and still had not simply cursed God. He had learned that wealth cannot preserve life. Zophar speaks to him as though he still had to learn this lesson, but Job is already sitting in the middle of a loss that Zophar does not understand.

That is why Zophar’s speech sounds so harsh at the end. It contains warnings about false wealth and evil ways. But it does not answer Job’s real question. Job asks: Why does an upright person suffer? Zophar answers: The wicked lose everything. That is not an answer for Job’s heart.

A Serious Speech, but No Comfort

At the end, Zophar says that this is the portion God gives to the wicked person. With this, he summarizes his entire speech. For him, it is clear: the one who is evil loses his brief happiness, his security, his possessions, and his future.

But Zophar does not see how deeply his words hurt Job. He speaks about God, but he does not listen to Job. He defends a simple order, but he overlooks a suffering person who is searching for truth.

For this reason, this chapter does not only give us a warning against false happiness. It also gives us a warning against speaking wrongly. Even serious truths can hurt people when we apply them without love and understanding.

Job’s story continues. Zophar has spoken, but Job will answer. And his answer will show that the world is not always as simple as his friends think.

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What This Chapter Shows

This chapter shows that Zophar describes the happiness of the wicked as brief and fragile. He speaks of pride that rises high and falls again, of false sweetness that becomes bitter, of unjust wealth that does not last, and of guilt that comes to light.

This chapter also shows that correct warnings directed at the wrong person can cause great harm. Zophar speaks about real dangers of evil, but he directs his speech against Job, who does not need more hopelessness through warnings, but understanding and mercy.

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Summary

Zophar answers Job for the second time and speaks with great agitation. He says that the happiness of the wicked lasts only a short time, even if they first appear proud and powerful. Zophar describes evil as something that is sweet in the mouth but later becomes bitter and poisonous. He warns against unjust wealth, greed, false security, and God’s judgment. But Zophar makes the same mistake as the other friends: he applies these warnings to Job. As a result, he does not comfort Job, but accuses him once again.

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Message for Children Today

Not everything that looks beautiful or easy at first is truly good. Lies, cruelty, pride, or greed may feel like an advantage for a short time, but in the end they make the heart heavy and hurt others.

We also learn this: when someone is suffering, we should be careful about the words we say. A warning may be correct, but if it comes at the wrong time or is directed at the wrong person, it can hurt. That is why sad people first need compassion and a heart that listens.

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Questions for Reflection

Why does Zophar say that false happiness lasts only a short time?
What does the image “sweet in the mouth, but bitter in the stomach” mean?
Why did Zophar’s speech not really help Job?

Invitation to Job Chapter 21

Job Looks Closely at Reality

Zophar has given a stern warning and said that the happiness of the wicked lasts only a short time. To him, everything seems simple: whoever lives wickedly will soon fall.

But now Job will answer and show that reality often looks more complicated. He observes that some wicked people live long lives, become rich, and apparently die without fear.

How does this fit with the simple explanations of his friends?

Come along and discover the next chapter!

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Preview of Job Chapter 21

When the World Is Not So Simple

Job asks his friends to truly listen to him. Then he raises a difficult question: Why do some wicked people prosper even though they do not seek God?

Why does Job disagree with Zophar’s simple explanation?
What does Job observe in the lives of some people?
And why does this chapter show that God’s ways are deeper than quick answers?

In the next chapter, we will hear Job’s careful observations and learn that suffering and happiness are not always easy to explain.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%a7%92%f0%9f%93%9a-bible-stories-to-marvel-at-16-07-2026-%f0%9f%8c%bf-job-%f0%9f%8c%a9%ef%b8%8f-chap-20-zophar-responds-with-a-serious-warning/