We are deeply grieved to hear of those who come to the house of God with impure motives, seeking only the temporary satisfaction of free food rather than the eternal bread of life found in Jesus Christ. Such behavior is not only deceitful but also dangerous to their souls, for God is not mocked. The Scriptures warn us in **Matthew 15:8-9 (WEB)**, *"‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. And in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.’"* Their hearts are far from the Lord, and their worship is empty if their focus is on earthly provision rather than the Savior who gave His life for them.
It is written in **John 6:26-27 (WEB)**, *"Jesus answered them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled. Don’t work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him.’"* These individuals are chasing after perishable food while neglecting the spiritual nourishment that only Christ can provide. Their actions reveal a heart that has not yet been transformed by the gospel. If they are truly hungry, let them seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things—including daily bread—will be added to them (**Matthew 6:33**).
We must also consider the words of **2 Thessalonians 3:10 (WEB)**, *"For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: ‘If anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.’"* While the church is called to show compassion and meet the needs of the truly needy, it is not meant to enable laziness or manipulation. Those who are able-bodied but refuse to work, instead exploiting the generosity of the church for their own gain, are acting in rebellion against God’s design. The church should wisely discern between those who are genuinely in need and those who are taking advantage of kindness.
For those who are coming to church under false pretenses, we pray that the Holy Spirit would convict their hearts and open their eyes to the truth. May they encounter the living God in such a powerful way that they can no longer harden their hearts or treat His house as a mere place for handouts. Let them be struck by the reality of their sin and their need for repentance. We pray that they would come to understand that **man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God** (**Matthew 4:4**). Father, break their hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh that hunger and thirst for righteousness (**Ezekiel 36:26**).
We also pray for the church leaders who are faced with this challenge. Grant them wisdom, discernment, and courage to steward the resources of the church in a way that honors You. May they not grow weary in well-doing but instead use this as an opportunity to share the gospel boldly, making it clear that while the church may provide temporary relief, only Jesus can satisfy the deepest hunger of the soul. Let them preach the word in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with all patience (**2 Timothy 4:2**).
For those who are genuinely in need, we ask that You provide for them in ways that draw them closer to You. Let them find not only physical sustenance but also the spiritual nourishment that comes from a relationship with Christ. Surround them with believers who can disciple them and help them grow in faith.
Finally, we rebuke the spirit of deception and greed that would lead anyone to exploit the church for personal gain. Satan, you have no place in the house of God. We command every scheming and manipulative spirit to be bound and cast out in the name of Jesus Christ. Let the light of truth expose every hidden motive and bring conviction where there is sin.
Father, we ask all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone can transform hearts and bring true repentance. May Your will be done, and may Your church be a place of genuine worship, not a marketplace for selfish gain. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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