QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP ( 1. What “traps” do believers fall into without realizing? 2. Why do you think God used a bird as the example? 3. How can we recognize bait before stepping into the snare? 4. What spiritual “laws” do we see in Amos 3:3–7? 5. What doors need to be closed in your own life?

The phrase “watch and pray” in Hebrew draws from two powerful roots that reveal deep spiritual meaning: 🕊️ 1. Watch — “Shamar” (שָׁמַר) Meaning:To keep, guard, preserve, observe, protect, or give careful attention. Hebrew Context: - Shamar is used throughout the Old Testament for “keeping” God’s commandments or “guarding” something sacred. - It conveys vigilance, spiritual awareness, and protection — staying alert to what God is doing and guarding your heart from sin and deception. Scripture examples: - Genesis 2:15 — “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to keep (shamar) it.” - Psalm 121:7–8 — “The LORD shall preserve (shamar) you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.” 🙏 2. Pray — “Palal” (פָּלַל) Meaning:To intercede, judge oneself, mediate, or intervene through prayer. Hebrew Context: - Palal suggests more than just talking to God — it’s standing in a place of spiritual alignment and intercession. - It means to plead your case before God, to judge your own heart, and to intercede on behalf of others. Scripture examples: - 1 Samuel 1:10 — “And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed (palal) unto the LORD.” - 1 Kings 8:28 — “Yet have regard to the prayer (tefillah, from palal) of Your servant…” 🔥 Combined Meaning: “Watch and Pray” In Hebrew understanding, “watch and pray” means: “Guard your spirit and stay spiritually alert while interceding and aligning your heart with God’s will.” It calls for a life of spiritual awareness (shamar) and communion with God (palal) — so that you may not fall into temptation or deception (see Matthew 26:41).

Verse of the Day Verse of the Day: Psalm 91:1 (NKJV) “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Reflection: Let this verse remind you today that there is a place of closeness with God that is your refuge. When you dwell there, faith and revelation naturally flow, and you rest under His protection. I hope this gives you a solid outline and content for your Bible study and your verse of the day! If you need any adjustments or more detail on any part, just let me know.

📖 Matthew 6:19 — “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…” (NIV) This verse isn’t just about money — it’s about where your heart truly lives. Jesus was speaking to a people who, like us today, were consumed with what they could see, touch, and control. He wasn’t condemning possessions, but the attachment and dependence we build around them. The heart behind His message was this: “Whatever you treasure most will become your master.” In the original Greek, the word for treasure is thēsauros — meaning “a storehouse, a chest of precious things.” Jesus was saying: “Don’t build your storehouse on earth, where everything you depend on can be stolen, corrupted, or destroyed.” The world teaches us to chase what glitters: 💰 Money for security. 🏆 Status for validation. 🏠 Comfort for peace. 📱 Attention for worth. But each of these fades, decays, or disappears the moment life shifts. That’s why Jesus redirects us: build your storehouse in Heaven — meaning, store your faith, your obedience, your acts of love, your time with Him. Because these can’t be stolen; they’re recorded in eternity. Every time you choose to forgive instead of resent — that’s a treasure in Heaven. Every time you obey God when it’s hard — that’s a deposit in eternity. Every time you give when no one sees — Heaven takes note. When you serve, when you love, when you believe even when it hurts — these are divine investments that will never lose value. “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:2 Because where your mind dwells, your heart follows, and where your heart follows, your treasures grow. 🕊️ A Kingdom Mindset This verse calls us to shift from earthly ownership to Kingdom stewardship. You’re not the owner — you’re the steward. Everything you have — your gifts, money, influence, relationships — was entrusted to you by God. The question isn’t, “How much can I gain?” but rather, “How well am I managing what belongs to Him?” Jesus warns that when our focus is fixed on earthly gain, our hearts drift away from divine purpose. The more we accumulate, the more we protect; and the more we protect, the less we surrender.

💭 Verse of the Day: Micah 7:6–7 (NLT) “For the son despises his father. The daughter defies her mother. The daughter-in-law defies her mother-in-law. Your enemies are right in your own household! As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” 🕊 Reflection: This verse reminds us that sometimes the greatest challenges and opposition don’t come from the outside world—but from those closest to us. Even in seasons of conflict, betrayal, or misunderstanding within your own home or circle, God calls you to look to Him. When everything feels divided and confusing, He is your peace. When voices rise against you, He is your defender. When love seems hard to find, His love remains unshaken. Like Micah, choose to lift your eyes above the chaos and say, “As for me, I look to the Lord for help.” He hears you. He sees you. And He will move in His perfect time. 🙏 Prayer: Lord, when trouble rises even in my own home, remind me to look to You. Help me to wait confidently for Your salvation and trust that You hear my every cry. Be my peace when relationships feel broken and my strength when I feel alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.