T.C.U.P.T. (Part 14): Passion for truth

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Acts 1:3 (KJV)

After Jesus rose again, He stayed around for forty days because he was passionate about sharing the truth with others.  Using this example, we must also be passionate about sharing the truth even in a world where lying is rewarded.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:18

And unto Enoch was born Irad:  and Irad begat Mehujael:  and Mehujael begat Methusael:  and Methusael begat Lamech.

- Gen. 4:18 (KJV)

In this verse, the text gives the rest of the lineage of Cain.  Starting from the beginning from Cain's perspective, the lineage goes in this generational timeline:  Adam, Cain, Enoch, Irad, Mehujael, Methusael, and Lamech.  Lamech is the seventh in the this lineage.  In verse 15, God declares in a mystery who would kill Cain because vengeance would be seven times more.  Lamech would be the one to murder Cain.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) Stay in God's Word in order to produce.  (9) Overturn evil in order to produce.  (1) Stay in the anointing in order to produce.  (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God in order to produce.

T.C.U.P.T. (Part 13): Madness

And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?  

Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil.  Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

- John 10:20-21 (KJV)

These reactions were the two reactions the Jews had towards Jesus after He gave them the parable of the Good Shepherd.  The first group of Jews that did not believe Jesus said that he was suffering from madness because he was possessed with a devil.  However, the group that believed Him stated that there was no way He could be a mad man because he was able to provide vision to the blind.

That's the key to telling whether or not a person is filled with madness.  A person that is able to open up the eyes and enlighten others cannot be a mad man.  However, a person that looks to blur the vision of others is a mad man.

Numerical Expositions: Gen. 4:17

And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch:  and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.

- Gen. 4:17 (KJV)

Cain was the first one to build a city.  The reason why Cain built a city was to protect him and his family from being murdered.  Since Cain placed the curse upon himself by killing Abel, he knew that his days were numbered.  Therefore, he named the city after his son Enoch.  Enoch means "dedicated."  Cain dedicated this city to his son to carry on the lineage because Cain was in fear of losing his life after receiving the mark and departing from God's presence.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) To stay in God's Word, spend time with your spouse.  (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God in order to conceive.  (3) Stay in the Spirit in order to conceive.  (1) To stay in the anointing, keep building.  (7) To be complete, realize that everything is called by a name.

China, stop messing with your Wang!

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Qin Derfu, an elder from Sichuan’s Early Rain Covenant Church (ERCC) who has been detained since last December, faced his trial today at the Qingyang People's Court.

The court only allowed two family members to sit in, so no one from ERCC was able to witness the trial. Outside of the court, there were many plainclothes officials to intimidate those supporting Qin.

According to Qin’s wife, Xiao Hongliu, the assigned lawyer, Li Gueisheng, was unable to attend the trial, and they knew little about who the government forcibly assigned to Qin as a replacement.

Xiao posted a message on social media today, saying, “Dad and I returned home accompanied by the police. The prosecutor accused Qin Derfu of running an illegal business, and the lawyer defended for his innocence. Qin Derfu also testified [for himself] that it is not a crime to have [Christian] faith. We pray and look up to God for the result— justice is in His hand.”

No conviction was made today, and it is still unknown to the public when the next trial will take place.

Together with Pastor Wang Yi and elder Li Yingqiang, Qin was arrested and accused of “running an illegal business” during the 1209 government crackdown against the house church last year. While elder Li was released last August on bail, Pastor Wang Yi and elder Qin are still being held by the government.

Pastor Wang Yi also faces similar treatment, where his assigned lawyer was forced to resign by the authorities and replaced with two “officially approved” lawyers. He also has not seen his family, who have been closely watched and cut off from communication with the outside world for months.

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “While elder Qin having his trial today is good news in that his family finally got to see him after almost a year, we should not forget that he was detained under trumped up charges, solely for being a leader at the well-known house church. The government has also deprived him of his legal rights and banned his family from visiting. As the 1209 crackdown is approaching its one-year anniversary, we continue to call on Beijing to respect religious freedom and unconditionally release elder Qin Derfu and Pastor Wang Yi.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Knife crime occurs in Egypt

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on November 17, 2019, a Christian family sitting outside of the entrance of their house was attacked by a known Islamic extremist wielding a knife. The incident occurred in a rural Upper Egyptian village located just north of Minya City.

The mother, a widow named Houda Hana, received 20 stitches in her head. The younger son sustained minor injuries throughout his body. The middle son, Shenouda, received injuries that required surgery for his liver and intestines. The older son, Mina, was not present during the incident. The family has not been able to return to their home following the attack.

The incident occurred as the family was sitting outside of the entrance of their house, as is a common custom in the villages. Mohammed Eid Moussa walked past their house and began to question why the family would sit in public view. When the Christians asserted their right to sit outside their home, Mohammed fetched a knife from his house and began attacking the Christians.

“It was a very hard moment for me,” Mina told ICC. He is now reunited with his family following the incident. “We can’t get back to the village. Right now, we try to avoid fights and disputes with them. The extremists’ family live in a house which is not far away from us. We will not let them induce us to fight them or anything like that. If we did something like that, we will lose our rights to punish the extremist. We want law enforcement.”  

Last year, Mohammed attacked another Christian man with a cleaver. For this reason, many Christians in the village were aware of his violent tendencies. He is known to hate Christians. The police have arrested him, but the family reports pressure from the Church to pursue a reconciliation session, rather than seek justice through the legal system.

“(The family) feels a lot of pain, and we also. The Orthodox priests want to calm the situation down and they stated that this incident is normal and it is not persecution. All the people in the village want to punish this extremist,” said one local priest.

Another local priest added, “The Muslims of the village are polite and good individuals. Even now they don’t offer reconciliation sessions. It was a wrong decision of the priest to state this as a normal dispute. He was just [trying] to calm down the situation. But I think the extremist will be punished anyway; that’s a good indicator that Muslims did not seek reconciliation sessions. The Christians are not afraid of anything right now and seek punishing this man; it’s the second time for him to hurt a Christian man.”  

Egypt has the highest concentration of Christians living in the Middle East. Harassment, discrimination, and violence against Christians are commonplace, as they are viewed as second-class citizens since the country is officially Islamic. Egypt is ranked as a Tier 2 Country of Particular Concern by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “We are grateful that there were no deaths in this incident and we pray for a speedy recovery for the family. We urge local officials to hold the attacker accountable through the legal system, rather than excluding them from justice by pursuing a reconciliation session. We are glad to hear that the village supports the Christians in this request, and hope that due process of law will be applied to this situation.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Myanmar releases kidnapped Chin

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Pastor U Maung Maung, who was abducted last month along with 57 others by the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State, Myanmar, was released on November 5.

The pastor from the Chin ethnic group, a minority group in Rakhine State that is primarily Christian, was abducted on October 26 while he was travelling with his wife and his infant on a boat between Sittwe and Buthidaung. While his wife and sick daughter were allowed to leave, the male passengers were kept by the AA.

A local pastor who requested to remain anonymous told ICC that although Pastor U Maung Maung was released, “AA threatens that if he dares to share any information to the government with regards to what happened to him during his abduction, they will make his life very difficult; his family can face danger as well.”

“AA said they will come and arrest him if he releases any information,” another pastor added. “He wasn’t tortured that much, but he is traumatized.”

The news of his abduction and release is well noted among pastors in the region. Some in the mission field have already stepped back in fear of the Arakan Army.

Meanwhile, a Christian parliamentarian, U Hawi Tin, who is also from the Chin ethnic group, was abducted on November 3 and has been missing ever since. The AA stopped two passenger ferries traveling on the Kaladan River in western Myanmar and took all 10 occupants into custody. One Indian national died in custody and eight other passengers were released. U Hawi Tin was held for further interrogation.

According to Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), the upper house lawmaker, representing Chin State constituency No.11 from the ruling National League for Democracy Party (NLD), has been cut off from contact with both his family and the public.

Twenty-two international NGOs joined CHRO on November 18 to urge the AA to immediately and unconditionally release U Hawi Tin and any other civilians who may still be detained.

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “We ask for prayers for Pastor U Maung Maung as he recovers from this traumatic experience, while having the wisdom to deal with the situation when he faces dilemmas with the AA and the government’s investigation. We also urge the AA to safely return U Hawi Tin as soon as possible.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Korean stabbed to death in Turkey

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on November 19, 2019, Korean evangelist Jinwook Kim was stabbed on the streets in the southeastern Turkish city of Diyarbakir. He later died in the hospital from his injuries; he was 41 years old. The Public Security Branch Directorate of Murder Bureau has arrested a 16-year-old suspect and an investigation is ongoing.

Kim had arrived in Diyarbakir with his family earlier this year and was pastoring a small community of Christians. The assailant stabbed Kim three times: twice in the heart, once in the back. Officials, however, claim that the incident occurred in an effort to steal Kim’s phone. Local believers urge the authorities to investigate the incident as an assassination, rather than an attempt at extortion. Kim was married and had one child, although his second is expected to be born in the coming days. A funeral service will be held tomorrow. He had lived in Turkey for five years.

Kim is the first Christian murdered in Turkey since the 2007 Zirve Publishing House murders, which left three Christians martyred in Malatya. Christians living in Turkey have reported an increase in harassment, threats, and other non-violent incidents over the past three years. Turkey is considered a Tier 2 Country of Particular Concern by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.

“This is the first martyrdom since Malatya. The Turkish government has started a massive deportation of Protestant leaders who served in Turkey for many years,” said one church leader. “But deportation isn’t enough for evangelists. This kind of attack would scare [them]. I think this is the last level of a plan, being like China.”

“This wasn’t just a robbery; they came to kill him,” added a Turkish evangelist, who received a death threat the day after this incident. “We always get threats. A brother prophesied a few days ago that they (the government) are going to kick out these foreigners, and probably kill a few Turkish brothers. They are going to cause chaos. They know that I am trying to spread the Gospel, so they may target me too. This may be a sign.”

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “The grief among Turkey’s Christian community is strongly felt, along with great shock and fear. Martyrdom is not normal in Turkey, and this incident sadly shows just how much the country has changed. Just this year, we have seen a significant increase in incidents proving how the environment has grown more hostile toward Christianity. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and pray for God’s peace for them through this difficult time. We also urge the authorities to set public examples of religious tolerance, and to investigate this incident with honesty and due process of law.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

T.C.U.P.T. (Part 12): Lack of consistency

The same was in the beginning with God.

- John 1:2 (KJV)

The Word of God is consistency because the Word has remained the same from the beginning.  To increase consistency, the desire must begin now to never compromise from day-to-day.

He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

- John 1:27 (KJV)

John the Baptist maintained his consistency during his ministry of preparing the way for Jesus by reminding himself that Jesus had full authority over His life.  Instead of promoting himself, he decided to promote the Lord Jesus.  Stay in the Word and stay out of pride so that you will not be lacking in the area of consistency.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:16

And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

- Gen. 4:16 (KJV)

When Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden, they were still in Eden because they still chose to remain in relationship with God after the first sin.  However, Cain fully rejected the Lord by removing himself from God's presence by moving from Eden to Nod.

In the text, it states that the land of Nod is east of Eden.  You have sort of an idea where Eden was in Genesis 2:8-14 because two of the rivers mentioned are still around today:  Hiddekel (Tigris) and Euphrates.  Both rivers start in modern-day Turkey and flow southeast into the Persian Gulf.  The country that is immediately east of these rivers would be ancient Persia, which is known as Iran.  From looking at geography, the land of Nod would be Iran.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) Walk in God's Word so that you do not stray away from His presence.  (7) To be complete, choose not to wander away from God.  (2) To follow after God's kingdom, choose not to stray away from His presence.  (1) To stay in the anointing, do not stray away from the presence of the Lord.  (6) To expose evil, do not stray away from the presence of the Lord.

T.C.U.P.T. (Part 11) - Crtiticism

Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine eye?

- Matthew 7:4 (KJV)

A person that is critical of another person usually has bigger issues than the one that he or she is criticizing.  Always remember that when you point a finger at a person, then four more fingers are pointing back at you.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:15

And the Lord said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.  And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

- Gen. 4:15 (KJV)

God shows Cain some mercy because the consequence for Cain should have been immediate death for murdering his brother.  The Lord places a mark, or a sign, upon Cain so that people would leave him alone.  The sign was that whoever killed Cain would face seven times the consequences that Cain received when he killed Abel.  Whenever someone saw Cain, then they would not murder him because they saw how much of a sorry state Cain was in for murdering Abel.  Allow for God to dole out vengeance instead of putting things into your hands by murdering someone.  God sees who have wronged you.  Let it go because that person that wronged you will eventually have to deal with the consequences down the road.  God's judgment never fails.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) To gain instruction, listen to the voice of the Lord.  (6) To expose evil, choose not to murder anyone.  (1) Follow God or face the consequences.  (5) Stay in God's presence or become a spectacle in the sight of man.

T.C.U.P.T (Part 10) Lack of timing

If you lack timing, then you will be left behind by the rest of the world.  Let's look at the example of Herod in Matthew 2:7.

Then Herod, when he privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

- Matt. 2:7 (KJV)

The wise men had seen a star in the East that proclaimed the birth of the Messiah.  The Magi followed the star all the way to Bethlehem.  They travelled from so far away that the journey to Bethlehem took about two years.  Herod had no clue about the birth even happening because of lack of timing.  Due to his lack of timing and awareness, Herod was two years behind what was currently happening.

The reason why Herod was not current is embedded within his name.  The name Herod means "mountain of pride."  His pride clouded his vision.  Instead of him figuring out what was going on, Herod became critical of the wise man by incessantly asking when the star appeared.  You can tell if someone is critical when they choose to criticize others for the same thing they lack themselves.  (Matt. 7:4)

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:14

Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.

- Genesis 4:14 (KJV)

Since Cain's occupation is a farmer, he understands the concept of sowing and reaping.  The principle of sowing and reaping is that whatever is put into the ground is what the harvest will be down the road.  As an example, if you sow corn seeds, then you will receive corn a few months later.

In this situation, Cain sowed murder so that he knew that he would be murdered down the road.  Violence begets violence.  This cycle of violence continues to this day.  If you do not want to be murdered, then do not kill anyone.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) To stay in God's Word, focus on Him.  (5) Stay in God's presence or be driven off of the face of the earth.  (9) To overturn evil, continue to stay in contact with God.  (1) Stay in the anointing or wander through life aimlessly.

T.C.U.P.T. (Part 9): Persistence

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long:  and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint thyself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

- Daniel 10:1-3 (KJV)

In this passage, the prophet Daniel was persistent enough to wait three whole weeks in order to receive revelation in regards to a vision that was shown to him.  Daniel fasted and cried out to God for 21 days straight until he received an answer from God.  This type of persistence is what we should copy in our own lives. 

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:13

And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear.

- Gen. 4:13 (KJV)

After Cain suffered the consequences for killing Abel, Cain realized that he was not able to carry the punishment doled out by God.  The realization of being overwhelmed is the biggest deterrent for doing something that you are not supposed to do.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) To stay in God's Word, spend time with Him and talk with Him. (8) Choose to have a new beginning in God or face punishment.  (1) Stay in the anointing or face punishment.  (3) Walk in the Spirit or face the consequences.

ISIS members that escaped from prison kill Armenian priests in Syria

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on November 11, 2019, gunmen affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) attacked a car known to be carrying Armenian Christian leaders who were traveling from the Syrian city of Qamishli to Deir ez-Zor. The attack left two priests murdered, and wounded a deacon. ISIS has officially claimed responsibility for the incident.

The attack on the vehicle took place as three nearly simultaneous car bombings occurred in the city of Qamishli, which is well known for its religious and ethnic diversity. One of the explosions occurred near a Chaldean church.

The Armenian church leaders were traveling to Deir ez-Zor to inspect an Armenian Catholic Church which has suffered damage because of the Syrian conflict. Father Hanna Bidu, also known as Father Abrahim Petoyan, was killed instantly during the attack. His son, known as Father Hovsep Petoyan, reportedly succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The deacon, Fati Sano from the Armenian al-Hassakeh Church, was wounded.

“(An) armed group at the entrance of the Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor was targeting a car that was carrying the father,” reported the Assyrian Monitor for Human Rights. “This armed group targeted and killed the priest and his father, while the third person was injured. Father and his companions were headed to Deir ez-Zor city this Monday morning on a mission to follow the status of waqf of the Armenian Catholic Church.”

The incident was confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Video footage obtained by Hawar News shows that the car used by the priests had a special tag in its front window which acknowledged that it was traveling for business with the Armenian Catholic Church. The video shows significant frontal damage to the vehicle, placing the two front seat occupants within a direct line of fire.

“Pastor of the Armenian Catholic Community of Qamishli, Priest Hovsep Petoyan, and his father, Priest Abraham Petoyan, were traveling in a vehicle en route to Deir ez-Zor when terrorists opened gunfire on their car and killed them,” stated the Armenian Press. “The Armenian Catholic priests were heading to inspect the condition of the Catholic Church.”

ISIS’s official Amaq media outlet claimed responsibility, saying, “Two Christian priests were killed today, ISIS shot them down.”

ISIS was officially declared militarily defeated in Syria this past March. However, reprisal attacks following the October death of ISIS leader al-Baghdadi in Syria were expected. Turkey’s invasion of northern Syria also prompted fears that it would allow opportunities for ISIS militants to take advantage of the resulting chaos. This is the first deadly incident since its military defeat in which ISIS has successfully targeted church leaders in the Levant.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “Today’s violence in northern Syria and the targeting of Armenian leadership is a tragedy that deeply wounds the region’s entire Christian community. Christians have long warned that ISIS will seek every opportunity to continue its genocide against religious minorities. Meanwhile, Turkey’s actions in the area have generated an environment of instability. Armenian Christians, whose ancestors were killed by Turkey’s genocide, find themselves caught between violent actors across all of Syria. We must keep the Christian community of Syria in our prayers, and urge for an end to this senseless conflict.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

T.C.U.P.T. (Part 8): Lack of reception

And it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying,

- II Samuel 7:4 (KJV)

During the reign of King David, Nathan was the most prominent prophet within Israel.  The key reason as to why Nathan the prophet was so great at this time because God would send His Word to Him whenever God deemed it necessary.  What was the key to Nathan receiving God's Word so freely when some people go through their entire lives with a lack of reception?

The answer is embedded within his name.  The name Nathan means "a giver."  Too many people want to receive without giving.  Giving prevents lack of reception.  Due to Nathan wholly giving his heart to God, God then sent His Word to Nathan.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:12

When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

- Gen. 4:12 (KJV)

This verse lists the consequences of the curse that God placed upon Cain.  There are only three consequences listed in this verse, but they are dire enough to dissuade anyone from committing murder even though murders are committed every day. 

The first consequence is a lack of productivity.  Wherever Cain went to work in the earth, he would not receive full efficiency from the seeds that he has planted.  You can tell if someone is cursed when you see them working all of the time without any results attached to the work. 

The second part of the curse is that Cain was made to be a fugitive.  A fugitive is someone that escapes from prison.  The fugitive stays constantly on the run so that he will not be captured by the authorities.  You can tell if someone is cursed because the person always seems to be on the go without taking time to rest.

The final part of the curse is that Cain was made to be a vagabond.  A vagabond is a person that continues to move from place to place wandering aimlessly through life.  You can tell if someone is cursed if a person keeps moving from house to house, from job to job, from one relationship to the next.  A lack of stability is a definite sign of the curse.

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) To gain instruction, realize that you have to work.  Work is a requirement.  (3) Walk in the Spirit or remain unproductive.  (7) Be perfected by God or remain a vagabond.  (1) Stay in the anointing or remain a vagabond.  (2) Walk in God's kingdom or remain a vagabond.

T.C.U.P.T. (Part 7) - Strategic Moves

Before the Israelites passed over into the Promised Land en route to enter into battle, the Lord God cleared a path for them by parting the Jordan River in Joshua chapter four.  When word of this event reached the Amorites, the opposition was shaking in their boots.

And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the Jordan side westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

- Joshua 5:1 (KJV)

Due to Israel under Joshua's leadership making the proper strategic move of going westward towards the Amorites, the morale of the opposition was destroyed.  From a military standpoint, the right strategy ensures that the morale of the troops will be whipped up into a frenzy.  However, the opposite of this statement is true as well.  When a leader makes the wrong military decision, then the morale of the troops are crushed.

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 4:11

And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;

- Gen. 4:11 (KJV)

As a result of murdering Abel, Cain was placed under a curse from the earth.  That means that wherever Cain went upon the earth, the earth would make sure that he would experience misfortune.  It did not matter where Cain went; he would not be able to hide from the curse.  This principle of the curse continues today.  Whoever murders someone is cursed for the rest of their lives. 

Numerical Breakdown:  (4) Stay in God's Word or you will be cursed.  (2) To walk in God's kingdom, realize that this earth is a witness to whatever you do.  (6) To expose evil, realize that this earth is a witness to whatever you do.