steveezekiel

[steveezekiel]

UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT MEANS TO WALK IN LOVE 2

14 I KNOW AND AM CONVINCED BY THE LORD JESUS THAT THERE IS NOTHING UNCLEAN OF ITSELF; BUT TO HIM WHO CONSIDERS ANYTHING TO BE UNCLEAN, TO HIM IT IS UNCLEAN.

15 YET IF YOUR BROTHER IS GRIEVED BECAUSE OF YOUR FOOD, YOU ARE NO LONGER WALKING IN LOVE. DO NOT DESTROY WITH YOUR FOOD THE ONE FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED.

16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;

17 FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT EATING AND DRINKING, BUT RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE AND JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.

18 FOR HE WHO SERVES CHRIST IN THESE THINGS IS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD AND APPROVED BY MEN."

Romans 14:14-18 (NKJV)

You may want to ask or argue, Why would what I do, minding my own business, affect or disturb another person? In other words, Why would what I eat, what I wear or how I dress is a concern to another person? Am I not free to do whatever I like?

You are free to do whatever you like, according to human law, fundamental human right. But in God's or Biblical injunction, you are not free to live whichever way you like or want, neither are you free to do whatever you like. Believers are not living for themselves. Whoever is born-again is no longer living for himself or herself but for God, Christ Jesus who died for them: "AND HE [Jesus Christ] DIED FOR ALL, THAT THOSE WHO LIVE SHOULD LIVE NO LONGER FOR THEMSELVES, BUT FOR HIM WHO DIED FOR THEM AND ROSE AGAIN" (2 Corinthians 5:15 NKJV).

READ: 1 Peter 4:2

A believer should strive and endeavour to live to please God not the self. If I had my way, I might not be doing what I am doing now, or be where I am now, but because I live to please God, Jesus Christ, Who died for me, I have to be doing what I am doing now and have to be where I am now.

A believer is not saved to live for the self or live independently of God. He wants whatever you wanted to do, from the time you pledged your allegiance to Him or you accepted Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, be directed by Him, God.

Thus, your eating, dressing or outlook, and everything about you and your life should be according to God's Will or intention. If what you eat, wear, or do is not helping other people, especially other believers, the body of Christ, God would want you to change:

19 THEREFORE LET US PURSUE THE THINGS WHICH MAKE FOR PEACE AND THE THINGS BY WHICH ONE MAY EDIFY ANOTHER. 20 DO NOT DESTROY THE WORK OF GOD FOR THE SAKE OF FOOD [or dressing or wanting to be in vogue]. ALL THINGS INDEED ARE PURE, BUT IT IS EVIL FOR THE MAN [woman] WHO EATS WITH OFFENSE. 21 IT IS GOOD NEITHER TO EAT MEAT NOR DRINK WINE [nor dress suggestively in a church meeting] NOR DO ANYTHING BY WHICH YOUR BROTHER STUMBLED OR IS OFFENDED OR IS MADE WEAK" (Romans 14:19-21 (NKJV).

In rounding off, Apostle Paul said: "FOR HE WHO SERVES CHRIST IN THESE THINGS IS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD AND APPROVED BY MEN" (Romans 14:14-18 (NKJV).

In other words, a believer who is serving God, putting a number of things that are shared here into considerations; is acceptable to God and also approved by fellow believers or humans.

Remember, whatever you are doing which you believe that you are convinced to do, or you considered that you have the right to do as a person, should not be what is weakening or killing other people's faith—making them to stumble or weak in their faith (Romans 14:21).

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

Whatever is not of God in your body that is contrary to your health, such is completely uprooted now in Jesus' mighty name.

Peace.

TO BE CONTINUED

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

[steveezekiel]

WALK IN WISDOM TOWARDS THOSE WHO ARE OUTSIDE

2 CONTINUE EARNESTLY IN PRAYER, BEING VIGILANT IN IT WITH THANKSGIVING;

3 MEANWHILE PRAYING ALSO FOR US [Paul and His team], THAT GOD WOULD OPEN TO US A DOOR FOR THE WORD, TO SPEAK THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST, FOR WHICH I AM ALSO IN CHAINS,

4 THAT I MAY MAKE IT MANIFEST, AS I OUGHT TO SPEAK.

5 WALK IN WISDOM TOWARDS THOSE WHO ARE OUTSIDE, redeeming the time.

6 LET YOUR SPEECH ALWAYS BE WITH GRACE, SEASONED WITH SALT, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

Colossians 4:2-6 (NKJV)

Another important and relevant point to be discussed in the passage of our text is, the Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul admonishes believers to walk in wisdom towards those who are outside—the unbelievers, those who are not of Christian faith: "WALK IN WISDOM TOWARDS THOSE WHO ARE OUTSIDE, REDEEMING THE TIME" (Colossians 4:5).

Believers are advised or admonished to also cultivate the habit of redeeming the time—improving the opportunity or making the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5).

To make the most of the opportunity you have with unbelievers is to showcase the good attributes of God in your life, in your relationship or rapport with them.

Note:

a. Be a practical believer and let them see God in your life—in how you live your Christian life.

b. Let your God, Christ Jesus, appeals to them through the way you live your life.

The Expanded Bible translation of the Bible puts the passage thus:

5 BE WISE IN THE WAY YOU ACT WITH [behave towards] PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT BELIEVERS, MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY. 6 WHEN YOU TALK, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BE KIND [gracious] AND PLEASANT [winsome; engaging; or wholesome; seasoned with salt] SO YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ANSWER EVERYONE IN THE WAY YOU SHOULD" (Colossians 4:5,6 Expanded Bible).

The truth is, your life actually preaches Christ Jesus the more than whatever you say with your mouth. Thus, having the privilege or opportunity to relate or engage with the unbelievers should be an opportunity to preach Christ to them through your character—your attitude as regards how you relate with them:

"WHEN YOU ARE WITH PEOPLE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN CHRIST, BE CAREFUL HOW YOU LIVE. USE EVERY CHANCE TO DO GOOD THINGS" (Colossians 4:4-6 (EasyEnglish Bible).

"BEHAVE YOURSELVES WISELY [living prudently and with discretion] IN YOUR RELATIONS WITH THOSE OF THE OUTSIDE WORLD (the non-Christians), MAKING THE VERY MOST OF THE TIME AND SEIZING (buying up) THE OPPORTUNITY."

Colossians 4:5 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).

The conviction of whoever would follow Christ comes through the observation of the lives of the professed believers around the potential soul.

The best and most effective way to convince and cause an unbeliever to embrace the gospel of Christ Jesus is through the character—the way and manner of life—of the professed believers around the unbelieving person.

Thus, If I may ask you; Is your life drawing people to Christ Jesus or it is repelling or driving them away?

Whatever you are doing that is not in line with the biblical principles is a force that is driving or repelling people away from Christ Jesus.

A professed believer should be the light of the world and the salt of the earth indeed (Matthew 5:13-16).

Peace!

[steveezekiel]

UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT MEANS TO WALK IN LOVE 1

14 I KNOW AND AM CONVINCED BY THE LORD JESUS THAT THERE IS NOTHING UNCLEAN OF ITSELF; BUT TO HIM WHO CONSIDERS ANYTHING TO BE UNCLEAN, TO HIM IT IS UNCLEAN.

15 YET IF YOUR BROTHER IS GRIEVED BECAUSE OF YOUR FOOD, YOU ARE NO LONGER WALKING IN LOVE. DO NOT DESTROY WITH YOUR FOOD THE ONE FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED.

16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;

17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

18 FOR HE WHO SERVES CHRIST IN THESE THINGS IS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD AND APPROVED BY MEN."

Romans 14:14-18 (NKJV)

The above passage of the Bible is addressing a number of things that are usually controversial among the believers.

In a matter of such, the spiritual age and level of maturity comes to play, that is, had to be considered.

There are some things that are not outrightly bad perse but some would see it as a bad thing because of their level of maturity.

There are many things in which the opinions of individual believers are divergent. Remember, opinions are determined by someone's level of maturity, understanding of Scriptures, the depth of the person's walk with God, and the level of his or her exposure.

I have seen some who condemned, or preached against, some things at the early stage of their ministry life; but as they grow mature in the ministry work and the things of God, they have a different opinion concerning what they had earlier condemned or preached against. The Scripture says we know in part (1 Corinthians 13:9-11).

This is the reason why Apostle Paul said: I KNOW AND AM CONVINCED BY THE LORD JESUS THAT THERE IS NOTHING UNCLEAN OF ITSELF; BUT TO HIM WHO CONSIDERS ANYTHING TO BE UNCLEAN, TO HIM IT IS UNCLEAN" (Romans 14:14 NKJV).

Apostle Paul was not trying to justify unrighteousness or condoning gratification of the flesh or worldliness, but he was stating the truth in line with the Bible.

The issue that led to that statement was about the dispute, or a divergence of opinions, on the issue of the meat sacrificed to idols. Apostle Paul was trying to say, whether you eat it or not, It is according to your faith: "DO YOU HAVE FAITH? HAVE IT TO YOURSELF BEFORE GOD. HAPPY IS HE WHO DOES NOT CONDEMN HIMSELF IN WHAT HE APPROVES" (Romans 14:22 NKJV).

That is, If your faith says Yes you should go ahead and eat such meat after you have sanctified it with prayer and thanksgiving, you should go ahead and eat it (1 Timothy 4:2-5).

However, If your own faith says No to it, you should not eat such. If you ate the meat when your faith says No, you have committed a sin:

6 HE WHO EATS, EATS TO THE LORD, FOR HE GIVES GOD THANKS; AND HE WHO DOES NOT EAT, TO THE LORD HE DOES NOT EAT, AND GIVES GOD THANKS. 23 BUT HE WHO DOUBTS IS CONDEMNED IF HE EATS, BECAUSE HE DOES NOT EAT FROM FAITH; FOR WHATEVER IS NOT FROM FAITH IS SIN" (Romans 14:6,23 NKJV).

Having said that, the emphasis is: "THEREFORE DO NOT LET YOUR GOOD [intention] BE SPOKEN OF AS EVIL" (Romans 14:16 NKJV).

In other words, what you had faith to do, either to eat the meat sacrificed to idols or whatever, let It be that your act or deed does not wound another person's faith.

If your action, the way you live, what you are doing, is causing other believers to be losing their faith, you have to stop It. If you did not, it means you are not walking in love:

15 YET IF YOUR BROTHER IS GRIEVED BECAUSE OF YOUR FOOD [dressing or outlook], YOU ARE NO LONGER WALKING IN LOVE. DO NOT DESTROY WITH YOUR FOOD THE ONE FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED. 16 THEREFORE DO NOT LET YOUR GOOD BE SPOKEN OF AS EVIL; 17 FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT EATING AND DRINKING, BUT RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE AND JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT" (Romans 14:15-17 NKJV).

Now, the point being made here is, If whatever you are doing as a believer is stirring a wrong or an evil passion in another fellow believer, you should stop doing it.

A believer who is doing whatever he or she is doing without minding the significant effect or impact of what they are doing on other believers are not walking in love (Romans 14:15).

This is not only about food but on whatever you are doing as a believer that could affect other believers' faith negatively and would not edify them.

If your dressing as a believing sister is fanning lust in the mind of the brothers in the church you attend or wherever you find yourself, It means you are not walking in love.

You might say you are free to dress whichever way you like but If your dressing is suggestive and the brothers who are still struggling with lustfulness are being aroused in a church meeting, It means you are not considerate and you are not walking in love.

If you wanted to help the lustful brethren you would not dress suggestively or half-naked to the church gathering, or your workplace, or wherever you may find yourself as a believer.

Whatever you are doing, It could be on food, dressing or outlook, the way you talk, your meddling or interfering or being a busybody in other people's affairs, or whatever, the list is endless;

If your actions are not helpful or edifying to other people or believers, you would do well to stop It: "FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT EATING AND DRINKING [something ephemeral], BUT RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE AND JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT" (Romans 14:17 NKJV).

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

Whatever is not of God in your body that is contrary to your health, such is completely uprooted now in Jesus' mighty name.

Peace.

TO BE CONTINUED

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

[steveezekiel]

AN OPEN DOOR FOR THE WORD

2 CONTINUE EARNESTLY IN PRAYER, BEING VIGILANT IN IT WITH THANKSGIVING;

3 MEANWHILE PRAYING ALSO FOR US [Paul and His team], THAT GOD WOULD OPEN TO US A DOOR FOR THE WORD, TO SPEAK THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST, FOR WHICH I AM ALSO IN CHAINS,

4 THAT I MAY MAKE IT MANIFEST, AS I OUGHT TO SPEAK.

5 WALK IN WISDOM TOWARDS THOSE WHO ARE OUTSIDE, redeeming the time.

6 LET YOUR SPEECH ALWAYS BE WITH GRACE, SEASONED WITH SALT, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

Colossians 4:2-6 (NKJV)

We could see in the same passage of our text in verse number 3, Apostle Paul was asking the Colossian believers to pray for him and members of his team: "MEANWHILE PRAYING ALSO FOR US [Paul and his team], THAT GOD WOULD OPEN TO US A DOOR FOR THE WORD, TO SPEAK THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST, FOR WHICH I AM ALSO IN CHAINS" (Colossians 4:3 NKJV).

A mature believer should not always be praying for himself or herself alone, without praying for others.

Your prayers should include:

a. Prayer for the leadership of the church you attend (Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3).

b. Prayer for other brethren who might be facing one difficulty or another (1 Timothy 2:1).

c. Prayer for the leadership of your nation or those in government (1 Timothy 2:2).

d. Prayer for peace in other parts of the world where they are experiencing chaos, pandemoniums, uproars or disorders, wars and restlessnesses and tribulations (1 Timothy 2:2).

A wise and mature believer would not only pray for himself and his immediate family alone.

The prayer points given by Apostle Paul are:

I. That a door to to speak or preach or teach the Word should be opened (Colossians 4:3).

II. The door through which the mystery or hidden truth of Christ Jesus would be preached or taught or shared (Colossians 4:3).

It was because of this preaching or teaching of the Word that Paul was in chains—being frequently imprisoned (Acts 28:20; 2 Timothy 1:16).

III. Apostle Paul was also soliciting for prayer to be able to make the Word of God manifest frequently as he ought to speak (Colossians 4:3; Ephesians 6:19).

Why is it necessary to pray for an open door before there could be any opportunity to preach or teach the Word of God?

• It is necessary because we live in the world where the devil reigns or rules and his goal is to steal, kill and destroy—he would always want to stop any potential soul from having an encounter with Christ Jesus and be saved (John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 4:4).

• Also, the devil being a supernatural being has any number of demons and human agents who are working for the propagation of his kingdom, thus, prayers are needed to counteract their works and operations.

THE devil's demons are working in the air to cause an average human being who is not in Christ and the ones who are in Christ but not walking in the spirit to rebel against God and His commands—fulfilling the desires of the flesh (Ephesians 2:2,3).

• When prayer is prayed concerning doors to be opened, It is about God touching or stirring the heart of the people to be reached, in order to be opened to the gospel—the Word that would be preached or taught: "NOW A CERTAIN WOMAN NAMED LYDIA HEARD US. SHE WAS A SELLER OF PURPLE FROM THE CITY OF THYATIRA, WHO WORSHIPED GOD. THE LORD OPENED HER HEART TO HEED THE THINGS SPOKEN BY PAUL" (Acts 16:14 NKJV).

It is God Who opens the heart of the people to heed the Word preached or taught.

• When a door to preach or teach is opened to a believer or minister, utterances would be given to such a believer or minister to speak—preach or teach—boldly the undiluted Word of God (Ephesians 6:19).

• When a door is opened before a believer or minister who is sent to preach or teach the Word of God, the anointing needed to speak the Word boldly would be given to him or her (John 3:34).

Thus, prayers are needed:

a. To open the doors of those whose minds are shut or blinded by the devil that they might not receive the light of the glorious gospel of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:4).

b. To counter the forces of darkness that would want to cause chaos or pandemoniums in order to hinder the programmes or meetings where the Word of God would be shared or preached or taught.

c. To draw the people to come to the place of the meeting, that no unforseen occurrences would hinder them from coming to hear the word of God.

d. Prayers are also needed for whoever would preach the Word of God and those who would work alongside with him during the meeting—whilst ministering—and all that would be done during the programme.

Note: If all the things mentioned above and others are not covered in prayer or not prayed on, there might be hitches and hindrances in the programme or outreach.

Peace.

[steveezekiel]

WALKING IN CLOSE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

22 AFTER THE BIRTH OF METHUSELAH, ENOCH LIVED IN CLOSE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD FOR ANOTHER 300 YEARS, AND HE HAD OTHER SONS AND DAUGHTERS.

23 Enoch lived 365 years,

24 WALKING IN CLOSE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD. THEN ONE DAY HE DISAPPEARED, BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM."

Genesis 5:22-24 (NLT)

• Enoch did experience and enjoy a close fellowship with God throughout his life time.

- God wants you to walk in a close fellowship with Him in your Christian journey.

- Though Enoch's life span was short compared with others in his time, but he did not taste death.

- Your life would be meaningful when you walk with God as you ought to.

- To walk in close fellowship with God means; to study His Word, apply the Word, that is, live in line with it, and be at the centre of His Will for your life.

- A person walking with God in close fellowship with Him would want to know His Will in every step they wanted to take.

- Walking with God get started with giving your life to Christ Jesus, that is, accepting and acknowledging Jesus as your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

- You walk with Him in fellowship; by studying His Word, the Bible; living the Word, being a practicer or doer of the Word; praying to know His Will on every matter; and being a person who has the willingness or readiness to do whatever is commanded by God.

Walking with God is not about rigidly or regimentally following some laws, rules or commands, of the Bible, so to speak.

It is about communion or fellowship, having a rapport with God. It is about intimacy, not about following a slavish rules or devotions.

Christianity or being a disciple of Christ or a believer in Him is primarily about walking with God. It was never meant to be laws set up by God that has to be observed or strictly followed.

This is where being a disciple of Christ or a believer in Him is different from the practice of old testament religion pattern—Judaism.

We are not called to rigidly observe laws perse but to relate and fellowship with God. And in fellowshipping with God, It is what is done in a relaxed, calming or nerveless mood, having understanding of and oneness with Him.

It is not what is being done under duress or being forced to do or obey some rules rigidly. It is about willing submissiveness. What is done willingly and convincingly. Not that you are cajole or coerced into the doing.

God wants the relationship of Him with every believer to be thus, that is, as It is explained here.

This was the type of relationship and fellowship that Enoch had with God and was eventually taken to heaven without the need to taste death (Genesis 5:23,24).

Walking with God can be exciting and refreshing If the person understands God. However, the process of understanding God is the major task, and that is the essence of studying the Bible to learn about it.

Relating with God could have not been hard If the flesh, the adamic nature, was not recalcitrant or resistant. The flesh being rebellious, unsubmissive and self-willed always wants man to resist God's Will or bidden.

Albeit, If you as a believer could get to know what God wanted or expected of you, the relationship and fellowship with Him can be refreshing and rewarding and fulfilling.

Thus, the primary assignment of a believer should be about learning how to walk with God. When this learning gets to equilibrium, a state of balance or steadiness, where God is well understood, know what He does want and not, then, the relationship becomes enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling.

God is not a tyrant, waiting for those who are relating with Him to commit a blunder and uses that to give them a smack or hard strike. No, He is a loving and caring Father and God.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

Should there be any ailment in your body, receive your healing now in Jesus' name.

Peace!

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

[steveezekiel]

BEING VIGILANT IN PRAYER

"CONTINUE EARNESTLY IN PRAYER, BEING VIGILANT IN IT WITH THANKSGIVING."

Colossians 4:2 (NKJV)

One thing that believers should not get wearied of is prayer. Apostle Paul was admonishing the the Colossians believers to continue earnestly in prayer and they should be vigilant in it with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2).

A good number of believers are lazy in prayer, they find it difficult to pray whilst they are alone in their homes. The only time some believers pray is when they gather with other believers which might be a minimal time.

Prayer should be an integral or essential part of whatever every believer is doing. In fact, a believer should always be in the mood of prayer. You can be praying while you are doing whatever you are doing, going about your daily activities praying alongside. This is possible especially when what you are doing does not require full engagement of your mind—it is usually done by praying in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:2; Jude 20).

There are three altars of prayer that every believer should raise:

I. Congregational altar of prayer

II. Family altar of prayer.

III. Personal or private altar of prayer.

I. The congregational altar of prayer is the altar of prayer which you gather with other believers in your local church or the fellowship of believers you belong.

At times, It could also be the gathering of like minded believers who gather for prayers, for one particular purpose or the other.

This altar is important in a believer's life and should always be serviced, because when you are in such a gathering, you are under the corporate anointing of the Holy Spirit. Issues or challenges of life that could not be solved or handled alone by yourself would always be solved or done by God with ease because the problem is brought under a corporate or mass anointing which the devil or whatever demon behind the problem could not resist other than to loose its hold.

Believers are admonished not to forsake the assembling or gathering of believers or brethren; It was because of this and such a reason the admonition was given (Hebrews 10:25).

II. Family altar of prayer is another important altar that a believer's family should raise. A husband and wife with their children should have a time which they pray together as a family. In such a prayer time, the issues that are bothering the family would be unanimously agreed on in prayer (Matthew 18:19).

The prayer requests of each member of the family would also be prayed on in such a gathering.

The prayer would also be focused on the friends of the family and acquaintances; coworkers, neighbours, the church and the leadership, and other people with the issues that might be impressed in the heart of any member of the family.

In this altar of prayer, a lot of issues regarding the family affairs are settled or taken care of, as the family jointly prayed on them (Matthew 18:19,20).

III. The third one is the private or personal altar of prayer and it is very important for every believer. Through this altar of prayer you build a strong communion or fellowship or bond with God.

It is at this time of prayer that you would be able to unburden your heart to God, especially on things that could not freely be shared or discussed with anyone, which might be bothering your mind.

In this type of prayer, the growth and intimacy of a believer is usually built with God.

Note: Intimacy with God is not usually built in a congregational altar of prayer or family altar of prayer.

In the two other altars of prayer we have mentioned and discussed, you might not be free enough to tell God everything about your privacy and express yourself freely.

However, when you are alone with God in a solitary or secluded place, the consciousness of having someone around you or someone watching you or disturbing you with his or her voice would not be there, because no one is around to distract you. As a result this facts, you would be able to talk freely with God and assume any posture while praying. You may choose to knee down, prostrate, or take any posture you think is best convenient for you—that which you think is appropriate for you to talk to God that would make Him answer your prayer.

In a church meeting or congregational altar of prayer, you definitely would be conscious of others around and would not be able to do or express yourself the way you like, either by shouting or praying gently.

Note:

It is in this place of private or personal time of prayer that you receive vital things from God which you might not be able to hear when you are with the crowd of people.

This type of private prayer is a usual practice of prayer in the earthly Ministry of Jesus Christ. We have the record of Jesus going out a long while before the day break to a solitary or deserted place to pray (Mark 1:35).

He also on several or often occasions would go on a mountain or a solitary place to pray all night (Luke 5:16; 6:12).

The point being established here is that, Jesus Christ being our role model, the author and finisher of our faith, had this prayer altar raised in His earthly Ministry and usually serviced it.

He had the practice of having a private or personal time of prayer with God the Father.

The success of Jesus' earthly Ministry dependent on the time He usually spent in the place of prayer, conversing with God the Father.

Any believer who would go higher in their faith and walk with God and live a victorious Christian life would not play or joke with his or her private time of prayer which is also known as fellowship or communion with God.

Things that could not be revealed to you by any prophet would be told or revealed to you by God in a time of such private prayer or communion.

Peace.

[steveezekiel]

TENDERNESS OF THE HEART AND THE FEAR OF GOD

1 NOW THE SPIRIT EXPRESSLY SAYS THAT IN LATTER TIMES SOME WILL DEPART FROM THE FAITH, GIVING HEED TO DECEIVING SPIRITS AND DOCTRINES OF DEMONS,

2 SPEAKING LIES IN HYPOCRISY, HAVING THEIR OWN CONSCIENCE SEARED WITH A HOT IRON."

1 Timothy 4:1,2 (NKJV)

One of the things that a believer should guide not to lose is the tenderness of his or her heart and the fear of God. Do not allow your heart to be seared or calloused!

Your conscience is the voice of your spirit man, the recreated human spirit, which should not be allowed to be calloused or seared. If you did allow your conscience to be calloused or seared, you would be permitted to commit sins freely without any remorse.

If you had been constantly disobeying or violating your conscience, it would get to a point that it becomes seared or calloused and given a way to any negative thing you may want to do—you would no longer be checked or restrained again by your conscience but be permitted to do whatever you want.

Your conscience is one of the functional parts of your spirit man, apart from the intuition and fellowship. It is usually not the Holy Spirit Who condemned when a believer missed it or committed a sin or did wrong, it is his or her conscience. Your conscience would make you lose your peace when you did anything wrong, not the Holy Spirit. When you see a believer committing sins or living in a sin and entrenched in it without any remorse, such a believer has wounded his conscience and the conscience has relented—given up and permitted him to do whatever he would want to do.

Note: some have allowed their hearts or spirits, the conscience, to be calloused or seared to the point that when they are committing a sin, doing a wrong or dirty thing, they would still be arguing and fighting as If they are doing the right thing. When such a person is confronted to be corrected in his or her sin, they would be arguing blindly and would not mind to quarrel with the person who is trying to talk sense to them: "HE WHO IS OFTEN REBUKED, AND HARDENS HIS NECK, WILL SUDDENLY BE DESTROYED, AND THAT WITHOUT REMEDY" (Proverbs 29:1 NKJV).

The journey usually starts from being disobedient and trying to justify the wrong things that are being done by the person, the believer—justifying their unwholesomeness, the uncleanness or corruption or disobedience (1 Samuel 15:13-23).

If corrections and efforts to bring back the believer to the right track are abortive, he or she would degenerate further and the tenderness of their heart or conscience would be lost. In such a state, It would always be hard or difficult to get such a believer convinced when they did anything wrong, because the tenderness of their heart or conscience is gone.

Further down the line, If nothing is done to correct or change the believer, he or she would be accommodated by demons—such a believer would begin to give heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons—being taught by the ministers who are not of God (1 Timothy 4:1).

If it goes on, after a while, he or she would also begin to speak lies in hypocrisy—they would begin to act under a deceit (1 Timothy 4:2). They would begin to speak in line with what they are hearing, the hypocrisy they are hearing from the false teachers who are being led by the deceitful spirits.

Also, If the recalcitrancy persisted, the conscience would no longer prick him or her when they did wrong or about to do anything wrong—because the conscience that supposed to prick or check him or her is already silenced or seared and made inoperative, through the constant violation of it.

At this point, the fear of God would no longer be in the believer again, because the conscience has given up, permitting them to do whatever they wanted to do—the point of reverencing God or trembling at His Word would no longer be there (Isaiah 66:2).

Note: when a believer loses the tenderness of his or her heart or conscience, because it supposed not to be lost; the intimacy of such a believer would be totally lost.

This tenderness of the heart causes the reverential fear, palpitation, and constantly acknowledgement of God. Thus, when the tenderness is gone, all the attributes—reverential fear, palpitation and constant acknowledgement of God—mentioned here would all be gone.

In conclusion, one would notice that the degeneration of the believer in question is gradually done. The devil does not take hold of his victims at once, he does his work of possession gradually and systematically. It is always from one level of degeneration to another—such believers usually lost their grounds in the faith gradually!

The next point after these series or stages of degeneration is that such would depart from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). Albeit, It my prayer that this would not be your portion in Jesus' name.

Therefore, endeavour to guide, protect and preserve, the tenderness of your heart.

Peace!

[steveezekiel]

THE LORD REIGNS

1 THE LORD REIGNS; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad!

2 CLOUDS AND DARKNESS SURROUND HIM; RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE ARE THE FOUNDATION OF HIS THRONE.

3 A FIRE GOES BEFORE HIM, And burns up His enemies round about.

4 HIS LIGHTNINGS LIGHT THE WORLD; The earth sees and trembles.

5 THE MOUNTAINS MELT LIKE WAX AT THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD, At the PRESENCE OF THE LORD OF THE WHOLE EARTH.

6 THE HEAVENS DECLARE HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THE PEOPLES SEE HIS GLORY."

Psalm 97:1-6 (NKJV)

• The Psalmist talks about God's reign. And he tries to talk about what happens and should happen when God reigns in someone's life or that of a group of people or in a place.

God's reign is universal because He created all things. He is the Creator of the things that are seen and the things that are seen (2 Corinthians 4:18).

In other words, the seen world, the physical world and the unseen world, the spiritual world are all created by God.

God's presence is made known both in the physical world and the spiritual world. His presence can be felt in both realms.

God's reign is universal as said, but it might not be so in an individual person's life. God is the God of the whole universe, both the godly and ungodly, heathens. But not a Father to all!

God is only a Father to those who put their faith in Him through Jesus Christ. Those who acknowledged that Jesus Christ came into the world and believed that He died for their sins and resurrected that they might be justified and be reconciled to Him, God (2 Corinthians 5:18).

Such people are the ones called sons and daughters of God Whom He reigns in their lives: "BUT AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM, TO THEM HE GAVE THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD, TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIS NAME" (John 1:12 NKJV).

Thus, a relationship is established between such people and God—He is their Father and they are members of His family (Ephesians 3:14,15).

This family is also called the church of the firstborn that is registered in heaven which is the city of God (Hebrews 12:22-24).

Those who are in this family are the actual people that could be said that God reigns or is reigning in their lives.

God knows that those who are not in this family do exist and He is there God, but not their Father!

In fact, in a number of other religions, they do not even acknowledge God as Father. Some do not even believe that one entity or supreme being do exist as God, they rather believe that numerous gods exist, polytheism.

It is only in Christianity, Judaism and Islam that they believe in monotheism. Even with that, both in Judaism and Islam, they do believe they are qualified to see or call themselves children of God. They rather believe that they are His slaves or servants—they do believe they are not worthy to be called children of God.

It is only in the Christianity that we talk and teach about the Fatherhood of God for those who put their faith in Him through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus (John 1:12).

These believers are the people that God reigns in their lives. He controls and directs and leads the affairs of their lives—they are His and sheep of His pasture. Thus, If you are among those who God reigns in their lives, you should always rejoice!

• Another thing that the Psalmist said and did in our text is that he was trying to describe the throne of God which exists in the spiritual realm, because It could not be seen physically (Psalm 97:2).

And the Psalmist said the isles or islands should rejoice because of God's reigning.

He made us understand that God Himself is surrounded by clouds and darkness (Psalm 97:2).

That, the foundation of His throne is righteousness and justice. In other words, iniquity, unrighteousness and injustice, cannot be found or seen with Him, God. He is a just God (Numbers 23:19; Romans 2:11).

The Psalmist testimony here talks about God's integrity, purity and His justness.

Thus, whoever wants to walk with Him, or who walks with Him, should be like Him—His attributes of purity and justness should also be found or seen in such a person (Ephesians 5:1).

High moral standard is expected and required from whoever claimed to be of God (1 Peter 1:14-16).

• Fire goes before God!

- God is asserted to be a consuming fire in the Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 12:29).

- Also, the God we serve is a many sided-God, multifaceted, has innumerable aspects; thus, a God with manifold wisdom (Ephesians 3:10).

- The fire aspect of God can be unleashed when His faithful and committed children are being threatened and wanted to be done harm.

Fire could go from God to deal with those who stand as His enemies, or those who rise against His beloved children.

- If this would actually be or happen, the group of such believers should be the ones who are unwavering in their commitment to Him.

- Such should understand what It means to have God's presence; when God is always acknowledged, being communed with, and being carried along in whatever is being done by such (Proverbs 3:5,6). Without God we can but do nothing (John 15:5).

- The presence of God in your life put those who stand as enemies to flight. Thus, strive not to lose God's presence in your life. Absence of God's presence can be calamitous!

• God's presence is gotten through:

I. The Word of God. When you study the Word and live your life in line with it (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3; James 1:22-25). Do not compromise your stand in God.

II. Praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). When you study and live the Word, added with prayer, His presence would always be with you.

III. Your obedience to the instructions given to you by God is also a thickening force in your relationship and fellowship with Him—It makes His presence strong in your life.

IV. What a believer should strive to build most is the fellowship or communion, walking daily, moment by moment, with the consciousness of God. Acknowledging Him in all you do, even in the minutest things, what could be considered insignificant (Proverbs 3:5,6).

If a believer succeeded in building this cordiality, the presence of God would be manifestly strong in the life of such a believer.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

I declare healing for any ailing part of your body in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Peace!

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

[steveezekiel]

ACHAN'S SIN

10 SO THE LORD SAID TO JOSHUA: “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face?

11 ISRAEL HAS SINNED, AND THEY HAVE ALSO TRANSGRESSED MY COVENANT WHICH I COMMANDED THEM. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff.

12 THEREFORE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL COULD NOT STAND BEFORE THEIR ENEMIES, BUT TURNED THEIR BACKS BEFORE THEIR ENEMIES, BECAUSE THEY HAVE BECOME DOOMED TO DESTRUCTION. Neither will I be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed from among you.

13 Get up, sanctify the people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says the Lord God of Israel: “THERE IS AN ACCURSED THING IN YOUR MIDST, O ISRAEL; YOU CANNOT STAND BEFORE YOUR ENEMIES UNTIL YOU TAKE AWAY THE ACCURSED THING FROM AMONG YOU.”

14 In the morning therefore you shall be brought according to your tribes . . . .

15 THEN IT SHALL BE THAT HE WHO IS TAKEN WITH THE ACCURSED THING SHALL BE BURNED WITH FIRE, HE AND ALL THAT HE HAS, BECAUSE HE HAS TRANSGRESSED THE COVENANT OF THE LORD, AND BECAUSE HE HAS DONE A DISGRACEFUL THING IN ISRAEL.’ ”

Joshua 7:10-15 (NKJV)

I want to reiterate or repeat the point we have been sharing in some of our teachings. One of the major ways through which God shows His displeasure or annoyance is by withdrawing from whoever He is angry with: I WILL RETURN AGAIN TO MY PLACE TILL THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR OFFENSE. THEN THEY will SEEK MY FACE; IN THEIR AFFLICTION THEY WILL EARNESTLY SEEK ME" (Hosea 5:15 NKJV).

One man, Achan, took some of the forbidden things and as a result, God withdrew Himself, He did not go out with the Israelite armies and thirty-six people lost their lives—just because of one man's sin.

As a believer, If you received an attack or a calamity struck, you would do well to first of all look for the area you have missed it in your life—go before God to find out about it.

When Israelites army were defeated by a small nation, Ai, they knew something had gone wrong (Joshua 7:5). Joshua had to lie prostrate, fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until evening; he and the elders of Israel (Joshua 7:6).

Note:

It is not the time to keep fighting the attacker or opposer but the time to go before God in order to know whatever has actually gone wrong. Why did God permit the attack in your life, ministry, business, or home?

When you are attacked, know that God is angry with you. His method of showing His anger or displeasure is by withdrawing the protections or hedges He put around you as a covering.

The pathetic aspect of this method is, about God showing His anger or annoyance, many believers are always oblivion of what is actually happening and the message which God is trying to convey to them through the calamity.

One would notice that Joshua did not plan and prepare for the relaunch of another battle, rather he went before God to lie prostrate, supplicating and pleading, from morning till evening; before God spoke and told him what actually went wrong—what made them lose the battle even with a small nation (Joshua 7:10-12).

Please, before you start engaging whoever stands as an enemy in a battle or warfare, you would do well to find out from God if you had missed it somewhere which has made the opposer find an access into your life.

When you sought God's face, supplicated and pleaded, He would reveal what the cause of the calamity or attack or defeat is actually is.

Another thing I want us to note is, the sin or misdeed of someone in your camp could make God withdraw His presence and could bring a defeat and great disaster on the whole congregation or assembly.

This is where the prayer of a leader over the people under his leadership is very important. Through supplication, you can avert the evil intended to be committed by someone in your camp, or If the offence had been committed, you can through supplication pacify God's anger before any calamity struck.

This and a number of other reasons why a leader should always lift up the people under his leadership before God in prayer—pleading and supplicating for mercy (Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 1:3,4,9).

You will not receive attacks in Jesus' name.

Peace.

[steveezekiel]

THE CHARACTER EXPECTED OF A BELIEVER

12 THEREFORE, AS THE ELECT OF GOD, HOLY AND BELOVED, PUT ON TENDER MERCIES, KINDNESS, HUMILITY, MEEKNESS, LONGSUFFERING;

13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; EVEN AS CHRIST FORGAVE YOU, SO YOU ALSO MUST DO.

14 BUT ABOVE ALL THESE THINGS PUT ON LOVE, which is the bond of perfection.

15 AND LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

16 LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY IN ALL WISDOM, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 AND WHATEVER YOU DO IN WORD OR DEED, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, GIVING THANKS TO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH HIM."

Colossians 3:12-17 (NKJV)

A number of things are mentioned in the passage above which are more of a responsibility than what just to be read.

As the elect of God, Holy and beloved, you should put on the attributes mentioned here; tender mercies, kindness, humility meekness, and longsuffering (Colossians 3:12).

Putting on these attributes would involve taking a deliberate step on the part of you as a believer who wanted or intended to do obey the Scripture.

a. You make the choice to be merciful, show mercy to others in your relationship with them (Romans 12:8; Colossians 3:12).

b. You also choose to be kind. One of the fruits of the spirit that a believer ought to grow and develop is kindness (Galatians 5:22; Colossians 3:12).

c. The choice to be humble and meek, and be longsufferingly or forborne with others should be made (Psalm 25:9; Galatians 5:22).

These are to be deliberately done or put on, that is why, You, is the subject matter of the statement. You are the one to deliberately put them on.

In the verse that follows, you are also to bear or tolerate others, forgive whoever had any issue with you. Those who have complaints against one another should forgive as Christ did forgive them (Matthew 6:14,15; Colossians 3:13).

These being talked about here are about tolerance which the flesh would want to resist. Although, some people might want to take advantage of you If these godly attributes are found in your life, but the Bible says you should put the attributes on anyway. Putting them on does not mean that you are stupid but being obedient to the Word of God, the Bible.

Love which is the ultimate of godly characters or attributes is said to be put on because It is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14).

When you love, being able to put on all other godly attributes would not be difficult for you. The love being talked about is a major attribute of God and it is given by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).

This love is usually poured in a believer's heart after being saved. Every professed believer is given the ability to love by the Holy Spirit: "NOW HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT, BECAUSE THE LOVE OF GOD HAS BEEN POURED OUT IN OUR HEARTS BY THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO WAS GIVEN TO US" (Romans 5:5 NKJV).

However, a lot of believers do not always allow this love to find expression through them. Love of God is poured in your heart if you are born-again but the expression of it is the issue or problem of many believers.

a. Let the love of God deposited in you be expressed.

b. Yield yourself to God and let Him use you to show Himself, showcase His attributes, to the world around you. Love bears all things and it does not keep any record of evil (1 Corinthians 13:5,7).

Instead of yielding to the demands or dictates of the flesh that is urging you to do contrary to God's Word, that is, respond to things according to the dictates of the flesh, you should rather consider and choose to yield to the urging of love on the inside of you. Let God's love find expression through you, that the world around you might see how the true love of God is.

You should also let the peace of God rule in your heart: "AND LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, TO WHICH ALSO YOU WERE CALLED IN ONE BODY; AND BE THANKFUL" (Colossians 3:15 NKJV).

Being apprehensive and agitative are signs of unbelief. When a bothering matter is taking to God through prayer and supplication, the Scripture says, the peace of God which surpasses all understanding would guide your heart and mind through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Note:

a. Without the peace of God, development or progress would be a mirage.

b. Without peace which is a sign or symbol of trust and faith in God, nothing can be received from God.

c. Unbelief is an absence of peace and it displeases God (Hebrews 11:6).

d. Peace is also a freedom from of all forms of anxiety and worry. Where worrying or anxiety is, faith cannot work there and nothing can be received from God (James 1:5-7).

Thus, peace is important and pivotal to the development, growth and progress that any believer would experience in God.

Lastly, It is said in the passage that whatever is done in word and deed should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him, Christ (Colossians 3:17).

Through the name of Christ Jesus, miracles are done and performed. God's name is glorified through Christ Jesus' name.

Let the name of Christ Jesus always be in your mouth!

Peace.

[steveezekiel]

Happy New Month, Family!

September is here, and so is your FREE Daily Devotional — filled with short, powerful messages to strengthen your faith and keep you spiritually refreshed every single day.

Don’t miss out! Download your copy now and be a blessing by sharing it with others. Thank you🙏

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Wishing you a month full of grace, growth, and God’s goodness.

[steveezekiel]

CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART

"AND THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL CIRCUMCISE YOUR HEART AND THE HEART OF YOUR DESCENDANTS, TO LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, that you may live."

Deuteronomy 30:6 (NKJV)

The circumcision of the heart is mentioned in the above passage of the Bible which God did promise to do in the new generation of Israelites. Through the circumcision of heart the Israelites would love God (Deuteronomy 30:6).

Those who are circumcised in the heart are the true Israelites. They are the seed of Abraham through faith:

28 FOR HE IS NOT A JEW WHO IS ONE OUTWARDLY, NOR IS CIRCUMCISION THAT WHICH IS OUTWARD IN THE FLESH; 29 BUT HE IS A JEW WHO IS ONE INWARDLY; AND CIRCUMCISION IS THAT OF THE HEART, IN THE SPIRIT, NOT IN THE LETTER; WHOSE PRAISE IS NOT FROM MEN BUT FROM GOD" (Romans 2:28,29 NKJV).

11 AND HE [Abraham] RECEIVED THE SIGN OF CIRCUMCISION, A SEAL OF THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE FAITH WHICH HE HAD WHILE STILL UNCIRCUMCISED, THAT HE MIGHT BE THE FATHER OF ALL THOSE WHO BELIEVE, THOUGH THEY ARE UNCIRCUMCISED, THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS MIGHT BE IMPUTED TO THEM ALSO,

12 AND THE FATHER OF CIRCUMCISION TO THOSE WHO NOT ONLY ARE OF THE CIRCUMCISION, BUT WHO ALSO WALK IN THE STEPS OF THE FAITH WHICH OUR FATHER ABRAHAM HAD WHILE STILL UNCIRCUMCISED."

Romans 4:11,12 (NKJV)

When a person's heart is circumcised, the love of the person for God would have no bounds. Those who are yet to be totally dedicated and faithful in their relationship with God, in terms of love and commitment; they are because their hearts are yet to be circumcised. When your heart is circumcised, you want to obey God in all things, even to the risk of your life. But when this circumcision is lacking, the love for God would also be lacking. And when there is no love for God, the reverential fear of Him would be lacking as well.

When you love someone:

a. You would not want to disobey Him.

b. You would not want to deceive Him.

c. And you would not want to take Him or His Word for granted—be indifferent to his words.

Circumcision of the heart is what God is asking or demanding for from whoever professed to be a believer in Christ Jesus. It not about being neck-deep or deeply involved in the church or ministry activities alone, in order to have the feelings of serving God. Being deeply involved in God's work in His vineyard or kingdom is good but your communion or fellowship with God should not be neglected.

If you are overtaken or consumed with the activities, like Martha did when Jesus visited their home, that would not be pleasing to God. What is pleasing to God, Jesus Christ is that your attention be given to His Word, being obedient to Him through His Word, and being a doer or practicer of whatever He commanded or instructed you to do (John 15:10,14; James 1:22-25).

Martha was reproved by Jesus Christ because her focus was on a wrong thing. She wanted to feel fulfilled by getting food ready for Jesus Christ Who visited their home. But what matters most to Jesus was what Mary did, sitting at the feet of Jesus to hear and learn what He was teaching (Luke 10:39,42). Martha was reproved by Jesus that her concern should have been about listening to what He was saying or teaching, not about food she was passionate about getting ready for Him, Jesus (Luke 10:40-42).

Your passion to do menial works in your local church or fellowship might be commendable and impressive in the sight of others in the church or ministry, but your heart relationship with God is what matters most to God—the work you do in your local church or fellowship should be out of your love for God.

There are things some believers do to receive praise and accolade of men or people, but such things you do might not have any significance to God If your heart is not circumcised to love God passionately and the things done were not done or being done out of a circumcised heart and genuine love for Him, God.

Whatever you are doing that is not being done out of passionate love for God is not reckoned with by Him. In other words, such has no meaning in the sight of God. Remember, those who love God with all their heart and soul are the ones who would live (Deuteronomy 30:6).

Peace.

[steveezekiel]

Hello Beloved Family, September is almost here!  Our FREE Daily Devotional for September 2025 is out and ready for you.

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[steveezekiel]

GOOD GRAPES AMONG A CLUSTER OF BAD ONES

8 “BUT I WILL NOT DESTROY THEM ALL,” SAYS THE LORD. “FOR JUST AS GOOD GRAPES ARE FOUND AMONG A CLUSTER OF BAD ONES (and someone will say, ‘Don’t throw them all away—some of those grapes are good!’), SO I WILL NOT DESTROY ALL ISRAEL. FOR I STILL HAVE TRUE SERVANTS THERE.

9 I WILL PRESERVE A REMNANT OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL AND OF JUDAH TO POSSESS MY LAND. THOSE I CHOOSE WILL INHERIT IT, AND MY SERVANTS WILL LIVE THERE.

10 THE PLAIN OF SHARON WILL AGAIN BE FILLED WITH FLOCKS FOR MY PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEARCHED FOR ME, AND THE VALLEY OF ACHOR WILL BE A PLACE TO PASTURE herds."

Isaiah 65:8-10 (NLT)

• Choose to stand out among others.

- The Scripture above says, there are good grapes among the cluster of bad ones. Thus, He, God, would not destroy all Israel, because He still has true servants among them (Isaiah 65:8).

- The world might be full of wickedness; corruptions and sins, but you can choose to be different and stand out in the midst of the corrupt multitudes.

- God promises to be good to those who have searched for Him, even in the midst of perverse generation (Isaiah 65:10).

- God wanted to preserve the nation of Israel because of those who are faithful—He wanted to turn their captivity (Isaiah 65:8-10).

- God can spare others around you through the good life you live. God promises to spare Sodom and Gomorrah If He could get at least ten righteous people there (Genesis 18:32). Unfortunately, God could not get up to that number, in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah, but still spared Lot and his family (Genesis 19:15-22).

- If you know better than the people around you, do not join them to do whatever evil which they are doing or practicing.

- The people of the world usually say, If you cannot beat them, you join them. You do not join others to do evil. Believers are to be the lights of the world, wherever they may find themselves:

14 “YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, AND IT GIVES LIGHT TO ALL WHO ARE IN THE HOUSE. 16 LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS and GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN" (Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV).

- God has allowed you to find yourself among the people you are working with, and those you are living with, that you might be a light to them and influence them for Christ Jesus.

- If you joined others, those who do not know what you know, to do evils; God would be severer in punishing you than He would do to them.

- To whom much is given, much would be required:

"BUT HE WHO DID NOT KNOW, YET COMMITTED THINGS DESERVING OF STRIPES, SHALL BE BEATEN WITH FEW. FOR EVERYONE TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, FROM HIM MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED; AND TO WHOM MUCH HAS BEEN COMMITTED, OF HIM THEY WILL ASK THE MORE" (Luke 12:48 NKJV).

- Your life as a believer should be a light in the midst of the darkness of this world.

- When a group of people or a community of people are not living right, and you are among them, you should be among those who held the tenets of righteousness or faith that could be looked up to by God.

- You should be an ambassador, a good representative, of God's Kingdom wherever you may find yourself.

- Because of the life you live, the people in the place where you are should be able to receive the blessings of God and be preserved.

- You should be one of the good grapes among the cluster of the bad ones!

• God counted on you.

- God deliberately allowed His children, the believers in Christ Jesus, to be strategically planted in different communities in the world; to be His representatives—to represent His Kingdom and interests.

- If you joined others, the people where you work or live, to do evil, you have disappointed God and His Kingdom.

- You are an ambassador of God's Kingdom, you are to present the good image of His Kingdom wherever you are.

- You have a responsibility over the neighborhood where you live and work.

Your light should give light to others. You are to shine in the midst of darkness of the world.

- A Believer's light should not be hidden. Your light should shine that they, the people of the world, would see your good work and glorify your Father, God, in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

- It is a sobering thought, a disheartening, that any number of Believers' lights, those who professed to know Christ, are hidden in the midst of this perverse generation.

• You give light, as a Believer, to others through your character; the way and manner you live.

- You give light through prayers, enforcing the Kingdom of God to be established where you are—the neighborhood where you live and where you work.

- You draw down the presence and the power of God, over the neighborhood or community you live and work.

- If you failed in your assignment, as the representative of God's Kingdom, wherever you are, the devil's agents would take over the community.

- The evil happenings in the communities; towns, cities, and nations of the world, are caused by the laxity of the Believers who lived a compromised life and failed to take over for God where they supposed to.

- You are saved to occupy, take over, for Jesus Christ, till He comes (Luke 19:13).

- You are not meant to be oppressed by the devil and his agents who are around you.

- You are to subdue their powers, render them inoperative, because you have been given power, authority, to tread on them:

"LISTEN CAREFULLY: I HAVE GIVEN YOU AUTHORITY [that you now possess] TO TREAD ON SERPENTS AND SCORPIONS, AND [the ability to exercise authority] OVER ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY (Satan); AND NOTHING WILL [in any way] HARM YOU" (Luke 10:19 Amps).

• All you need is to live right, keep away from sin, and shirk not, or evade not, from spiritual exercises which you have been doing.

- You are God's representative, you cannot afford to live a carefree life.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Whoever is reading this piece, having an ailment in his or her body, I declare your healing now in Jesus' name.

Peace!

[steveezekiel]

Attention!!!

Hello Beloved Family,

The new month is just around the corner, and another edition of our FREE Daily Devotional for September 2025 is now available!

This month, we've put together a collection of powerful and encouraging readings to help you grow in your faith and draw closer to God every day.

Download your copy here:

·        Telegram: https://t.me/EdificationDailyDevotional/19

·        Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kPr3ubsqZIuyy-ncIiAEby2wfBTsyc8P/view?usp=drive_link

Kindly share this book with your loved ones and friends. Thank you.

[steveezekiel]

THE HANDWRITING OF REQUIREMENTS WAS WIPED OUT

11 IN HIM YOU WERE ALSO CIRCUMCISED WITH THE CIRCUMCISION MADE WITHOUT HANDS, BY PUTTING OFF THE BODY OF THE SINS OF THE FLESH, BY THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST,

12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, HAVING FORGIVEN YOU ALL TRESPASSES,

14 HAVING WIPED OUT THE HANDWRITING OF REQUIREMENTS THAT WAS AGAINST US, WHICH WAS CONTRARY TO US. AND HE HAS TAKEN IT OUT OF THE WAY, HAVING NAILED IT TO THE CROSS.

15 HAVING DISARMED PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS, HE MADE A PUBLIC SPECTACLE OF THEM, TRIUMPHING OVER THEM IN IT."

Colossians 2:11-15 (NKJV)

A number of things are stated or outlined in the above passage of the Bible that talked about the inheritance of believers:

a. Believers are circumcised in Christ by faith, without hands, and the body of sin is put off through this circumcision of Christ (Colossians 2:11). In other words, ability to live above sin, subdue or mortify the flesh, is given through the circumcision of heart.

b. Through the water baptism observed by a believer after being born-again, the person is identified with Christ, being buried with Christ in the baptism and also resurrected with Him through faith (Colossians 2:12).

c. Believers are made alive together with Christ having been forgiven all trespasses (Colossians 2:13).

d. Whatever had been written against a believer who is alive together with Christ has been taken out of the way or cancelled or nullified (Colossians 2:14).

Note:

There is this emphasis about the teaching of inherited curses and covenants. In the light of this passage of the Bible, such teaching is faulted. Whatever is done by your parents or ancestors that may have stood as a written evidence against your success or progress or fulfilment in life is annulled or cancelled or abolished, taken out of the way, as you come to Christ Jesus (Colossians 2:14).

Such allegations or indebtedness or written accusations are cancelled and nailed to the cross when you came to Christ Jesus (Colossians 2:14).

Being a disciple or being born-again is all about faith living. You are by faith identified with Christ on the cross, crucified with Him, buried with Him and resurrected or raised with Him from the dead (Colossians 2:12). If this is not believed or understood by a professed believer, such has not gotten the full understanding of the believers' basic or central tenets of faith.

This identification with Christ, of whoever is born-again or comes to Christ by faith, seems to be a ruse or lie or trick to some people. It looks too simple to be real for many people. People still want to believe that there should be a kind of rigorous work to be done in order to pay for one's past sins or wrong deeds.

They also want to believe that to access the God of justice, It should be more than just believing by faith that you are crucified and buried and resurrected or raised with Christ. There should be a sort of work that should be done, or the sacrifice that should be made, before one could be made right with God.

But the ways of God are full of simplicities; If care is not taken by a believer, what God is doing, or about to be done, could be taken for granted and not received—it would be too simple to be real or true in the person's sight!

This is the reason why some still find it difficult to believe that the handwritings or ordinances, also known as, curses or covenants that were against them, either inherited from their family or lineage, had been abolished or taken out of the way and nailed to the cross. Such people wanted to believe that they had to do a kind of rigorous work of prayer before they could be delivered from such curses or covenants or handwritings that are against them.

The true Christian living is all about faith, but If you cannot believe the Word of God, the Bible as it was written; you cannot but resulted to work—trying to get things done by rigorous prayer and some other gymnastic works.

Everything about Christianity, being born-again, is about faith, anything that is not of faith in God's Kingdom is sin (Romans 14:23).

This lack of faith or inability to comprehend or fathom the infinite wisdom of God has made some believers unable to embrace God's provisions made available for them through His Word, the Bible.

For instance, in the area of financial abundance or lifting or prosperity; some still find it difficult to believe and agree with the principle of giving or sowing in order to receive back. Even though the principle is explicitly written in the Bible (Luke 6:38), it still remains incomprehensible for any number of professed believers. This is the reason for the outrage against financial giving that leads to the prosperity of the saints or believers. It is being fought vehemently now on social media, some even call it transactional gospel. Although, the principle of giving has been bastardized or corrupted by some charlatans, wolves in sheep clothing, but that does not deny the fact that it is real and genuine and biblical. The fact that the principle is being abused or bastardized does not negate the authenticity of it biblically.

Thus, everything in the kingdom of God on earth is about faith. If you cannot believe or simply exercise your faith by believing whatever is written in the Bible as it was written there, you may not be able to walk with God and receive anything from Him (James 1:5-8).

Note:

a. There is no special prayer needed to be prayed before the handwritings—curses or covenants which are against you that was inherited from your lineage—could be broken or taken out of the way (Colossians 2:14).

b. You also would not need to do any special work or spiritual exercise for the principle of financial abundance or prosperity to work for you. You simply just obey the Scripture that says you should give and it shall be given to you (Luke 6:38).

c. You would also not need to buy any special cloth or bath in a particular river or climb a special mountain or do one special thing or another before whatever is written against you could be abolished or taken out of the way; only through your faith obedience in what the Bible says (Colossians 2:14).

The reason why your faith in God's Word is enough is that Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection did a great blow to the devil and his kingdom. The devil and his cohorts were disarmed and made a spectacle or subjected to a public shame: "HAVING DISARMED PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS, HE MADE A PUBLIC SPECTACLE OF THEM, TRIUMPHING OVER THEM IN IT" (Colossians 2:15 (NKJV).

Whatever a believer is doing should be done with the view or perspective of victory or being an overcomer through faith. What would make a believer victorious or an overcomer is faith: "FOR WHATEVER IS BORN OF GOD OVERCOMES THE WORLD. AND THIS IS THE VICTORY THAT HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD—OUR FAITH" (1 John 5:4 NKJV).

Your faith in the Word of God, believing that the devil and his cohorts are already defeated and disarmed makes you victorious potentially which eventually becomes a reality. Faith is invisible but it is not intangible. If you have it, it will show because it will produce results in your life and on whatever is applied.

Peace.

[steveezekiel]

THE FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATER 2

14 BUT THOSE WHO DRINK THE WATER I GIVE WILL NEVER BE THIRSTY AGAIN. IT BECOMES A FRESH, BUBBLING SPRING WITHIN THEM, GIVING THEM ETERNAL LIFE.”

15 “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.”

John 4:14,15 (NLT)

• Your coming to Jesus Christ, when you confessed or professed Him as Lord and Saviour, establishes a relationship between you and God.

- This will satisfy all your needs! Knowing Jesus Church is all you need. And that is more than attending church meetings or programmes.

- The main purpose of attending church meetings is to be edified in the faith and be equipped for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-15).

- When you attend church meetings, there you would be equipped for steadfastness and service.

- What you heard, the Word of God you were taught, would satisfy your thirst. You would not have to look for water somewhere else, because the water of life is already given to you, via the Word of God (John 6:63).

- Someone who claims to be a believer, who fails to drink the water of life that is found through God's Word, may find himself or herself looking for water in a broken cistern, which he or she would never find:

“My people have committed two sins: THEY HAVE FORSAKEN ME, THE SPRING [fountain] OF LIVING WATER, AND HAVE DUG THEIR OWN CISTERNS, BROKEN CISTERNS THAT CANNOT HOLD WATER" (Jeremiah 2:13 NKJV).

- Many have become slaves of false prophets, and pawn, [someone being used or manipulated to further another person's purposes], in the hand of the manipulators—because they have forsaken the fountain of living water—Jesus Christ.

- If you are having Jesus in your life, you have life, Zoe. And also, If you have Jesus in your life, you have a living water in you, you will never be thirsty again (John 4:14).

• Strive to establish a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, If you have not done that.

- If Jesus is in you, and His Word dwells in you, then you have life and all you need (John 15:7).

- Be serious with your relationship and fellowship with God, and that is done through:

(i) the studying the of the Word, the Bible, and the practice of it (Joshua 1:8; James 1:22,25).

(ii) Praying often, without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Taking everything to God in prayer, even the minutest thing.

a. Resisting the adversary, the devil, in prayer, telling him to take his hand off on whatever belongs to you and those who are yours.

b. Being importunate, or relentless, in your prayers. You pray until something happens.

(iii) Seeking to know His Will on every matter of life, and being prompt to do whatever you discovered or heard from Him and known to be His Will.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Whatever is contending with your wellbeing is condemned in Jesus' name.

- Whatever is not planted in your body that is contrary to your health is uprooted now in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Peace!

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!