Bethel Digital Library

[steveaezekiel]

DO I PLAN ACCORDING TO THE FLESH?

“Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, DO I PLAN ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No?”

2 Corinthians 1:17 (NKJV)

It has been taught that one should plan and set goals.

Planning and goal setting are good only if they are not done according to the flesh.

Whatever you plan, the goal you set, must involve God. Any plan you made or the goal you set without God cannot be fulfilled.

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”;

14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

15 INSTEAD YOU OUGHT TO SAY, “If The LORD WILLS, WE SHALL LIVE AND DO THIS OR THAT.”

16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.”

James 4:13-16 (NKJV)

Since you do not know what tomorrow entails, why planning about it without carrying God along.

“A MAN'S STEPS ARE OF THE LORD; How then can a man understand his own way?”

Proverbs 20:24 (NKJV)

“THERE ARE MANY PLANS IN A MAN'S HEART, nevertheless the LORD’S COUNSEL—that will stand.”

Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV)

“A man’s HEART PLANS HIS WAY, but the LORD DIRECTS HIS STEPS.”

Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)

“The preparations [plans] of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.”

Proverbs 16:1 (NKJV)

Whatever you do or build without God, being the foundation or source of anything that will stand and last, will eventually collapse.

Some want God to rubber-stamp their decisions or plans which they did not inform Him before they made or drew.

You should not see God as a rubber stamp for decisions you made or plans you drew personally without His involvement.

If God would be involved in a plan, He must be the One who initiated it or commanded it.

What He has not commanded cannot receive His full backing or support.

Some are struggling, toiling, in what they do, because it was not commanded by God.

There cannot be provisions for a vision that was not given by God.

Take note:

The reason why you are toiling in fulfilling that plan could be God is not involved.

He probably did not command it.

You will need to go back to God for an approved plan of His.

You will not suffer in Jesus’ name. Peace!

[steveaezekiel]

Friday 03

NOTE THOSE WHO CAUSE DIVISIONS AND OFFENCES

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”

Romans 16:17 (NKJV)

READ: Romans 16:17–20; 1 Corinthians 5:9–13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15

The Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul was saying in the above passage that those who are causing divisions and offences should be noted. They are doing and teaching contrary to the

doctrine or teaching they learned, and thus they should be avoided (Romans 16:17). Those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly. Through smooth words and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the simple (Romans 16:18).

A believer should be wary of those who peddle wrong doctrines or teachings. Those who, through their teachings and ways of life, cause divisions and offences in the Body of Christ and live contrary to the doctrine of the Bible. Such people should be avoided. Not

on the basis of hatred, but the fact is that they are not serving God (Philippians 3:19). They do whatever they do because of their belly—what to eat (Romans 16:18).

One would be amazed at the way some people, so-called believers, promote deceptions because of money and what to eat (Philippians 3:19). They use smooth words and flattering speech to deceive those who are simple-minded (Colossians 2:4). These people are many today and a number of them are found on social media.

What should matter most to a believer is the practice of the Scriptures. However, you will not be able to practise what you do not know. Thus, there is a need to pay attention to feeding on the Word of God, the Bible (Psalm 1:1–3; James 1:22–25). Christian living is all about being a practicer of the Word of God, an adherent of Christ Jesus’ teaching; that is the hallmark of a true disciple of Christ.

It is those who are looking for what is not lost that are easily deceived by charlatans who parade themselves as true ministers of God (1 Timothy 3:5–7). Avoid whoever comes to you with whatever is not in line with the written Word of God:

9 WHOEVER TRANSGRESSES AND DOES NOT ABIDE IN THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST DOES NOT HAVE GOD. HE

WHO ABIDES IN THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST HAS BOTH THE FATHER AND THE SON.

10 IF ANYONE COMES TO YOU AND DOES NOT BRING THIS DOCTRINE, DO NOT RECEIVE HIM INTO YOUR HOUSE NOR GREET HIM;

11 FOR HE WHO GREETS HIM SHARES IN HIS EVIL DEEDS.

2 John 9–11 (NKJV)

REFLECT:

• Are there voices in your life (online or in person) that are feeding

you teachings contrary to the Word of God?

• Are you feeding on the Word enough to recognise false teaching

when you hear it?

Peace.

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[steveaezekiel]

MATURITY IN CHRIST

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

14. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

Hebrews 5:12-14 (NKJV)

God expects every child of His to be responsible and accountable.

When you newly give your life to Christ, God may be soft with you, permit and condone some things you do wrong.

However, as time goes on, God expects you to grow in your walk with Him—He expects you to leave babyhood stage and go on to maturity (Hebrews 6:1).

God expects you to grow through His Word and challenges of life (Acts 14:22; 1Thessalonians 3:3,4).

As you study, learn, and grow in the knowledge of His Word; He wants you to put that knowledge to work, by living your life in line with the Word, that is, applying the Word to circumstances of life you face.

“AS NEWBORN BABES, DESIRE THE PURE MILK OF THE WORD, THAT YOU MAY GROW THEREBY.”

1 Peter 2:2 (NKJV)

God will send to you, people who can help you in your christian Journey. He will order your steps to where to fellowship, and allows some belivers to come your way, who will be interested in you, to help you in your Christian growth.

After God has done all these, He expects you to grow, change in your way of life (Isaiah 5:1,2)

God would not want you to continue in sin. He would not want you despise or take for granted the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long-suffering (Romans 2:3,4).

If God made every effort and you refused to make progress in your Christian growth, He would have no choice but to begin to discipline you for sins you committed—He will no longer condone, overlook, what you do wrong.

7 IF YOU ENDURE CHASTENING, GOD DEALS WITH YOU AS WITH SONS; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?

8 BUT IF YOU ARE WITHOUT CHASTENING, of which all have become partakers, THEN YOU ARE ILLEGITIMATE AND NOT SONS.”

Hebrews 12:7,8 (NKJV)

You cannot continue, or remain, at the babyhood stage in your Christian life.

If you remained a baby Christian, when you ought to have grown up; God will not be able to relate with you at the level He wants—He will not be able to share the deep things of the kingdom with you (1 Corinthians 2:14).

1 AND I, BRETHREN, COULD NOT SPEAK TO YOU AS TO SPIRITUAL PEOPLE BUT AS TO CARNAL, AS TO BABES IN CHRIST.

2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;

3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?”

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NKJV)

If you committed a sin and someone told you that God does not discipline or punish believers; it is either the person who said it does not have the understanding of the Bible or he also is struggling with a similar sin, thus, he is encouraging you to continue in it.

I have heard it said by some people that God does not punish believers, that Jesus had been punished for us, paid for our past, present, and future sins–that a Christian should not bother if he/she committed a sin.

If Christ has paid for our sins, He does not pay for our sins that we may continue in it (Romans 6:1,2; Ephesians 2:8-10; 4:21-25; Colossians 3:5-9).

Of course, we are not living right to be saved, that is, to be accepted by God; but we are saved to live right, to bear the fruit of righteousness.

11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.”

Romans 6:11,12 (NKJV)

Note:

• God expects you to grow and start walking in the light of His Word that you know (Psalm 119:105).

• He also expects you to put off your former conduct and mortify your flesh (Ephesians 4:21,25; Colossians 3:5-9)

• God wants you to grow and be fruitful as a Christian: in terms of working to expand the kingdom of God on earth (John 15:1,2).

• He also wants you to bear the fruit of the Spirit:

22 BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness (meekness), self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 AND THOSE WHO ARE CHRIST'S HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH ITS PASSIONS AND DESIRES" (Galatians 5:22-24 NKJV).

You will not fail in Jesus’ name. Peace!

[steveaezekiel]

Thursday 02

GOD IS FAITHFUL

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

READ: 1 Corinthians 10:1–13

In this passage of the Bible, Apostle Paul was saying that whatever comes or happens in a believer’s life as a test or temptation is not a new thing–such is common to man. In other words, what

you are passing through is not peculiar to you.

He was talking about God’s faithfulness: that He will not allow you

to be tempted beyond what you can bear–you will not be exposed

to challenges which you cannot handle.

The Holy Spirit was simply saying through Apostle Paul that you

should trust God as a caring Father who will not allow you to be

exposed to danger or challenges that you cannot handle.

It shows that even in a distress or predicament, God is there with you and He cares (Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 5:7). Although you are struggling to overcome the challenge, making every effort to prevail, you are not alone in it. God is standing by you, to help you (Matthew 28:20). And you will not be exposed to what you cannot overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13).

In your struggle to find a way out of the predicament, God will make a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). The reason why a number of believers cannot come out of their predicaments easily is because

they cannot see the way out (Genesis 21:17–19).

Your inability to see the way out keeps you in the struggle! The way

out is always created and made available so that you might not be

overwhelmed with the problem (Genesis 21:17–19; 1 Corinthians

10:13).

Thus, whatever you are passing through now that is not palatable is permitted by God and is common to man. The temptation could either be for your learning and growth, or to toughen and strengthen you for your assignment–either for a future assignment or the one you are currently doing.

Note:

• The most important thing is that you should learn lessons from what you are being allowed to pass through.

• Do not just be passive in the problem or temptation; learn from it.

• Do not give up on your vision because of challenges.

You will not fail in Jesus’ name.

REFLECT:

• Whatever trial you're facing right now are you trusting God through it?

• What challenge in your life do you need to hand over to God's faithfulness?

Peace.

July 2026 Edification Daily Devotional is here.

Kindly grab your copy right here: https://t.me/Bethel_Digital_Library/42

[steveaezekiel]

The July 2026 Edification Daily Devotional is here!

Thirty-one days with the Word. Some of it will encourage you, some of it will stretch you.

Take your time with the reflection questions at the end of each one — that's really where it starts to change something.

Download your free copy:

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Kindly share with someone who needs it.

[steveaezekiel]

Wednesday 01

ASKING NO QUESTION FOR

CONSCIENCE'S SAKE

“If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’s sake.”

1 Corinthians 10:27 (NKJV)

READ: 1 Corinthians 9:19–22; 10:23–33; Romans 14:14–23

The illustration given in this portion of the Bible is about eating food that is offered to idols. But in application, the passage is not about food offered to idols alone. Now it says:

"IF ANY OF THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE INVITES YOU TO DINNER, AND YOU DESIRE OR CHOOSE TO GO, EAT

WHATEVER IS SET BEFORE YOU, ASKING NO QUESTION FOR CONSCIENCE’S SAKE."

1 Corinthians 10:27

Now, the next verse, which is verse 28 says that in the process of eating the food presented to you at the dinner, someone who also happens to be a believer alerts you that the food was offered to idols.

Now, if what is shared here is well understood, do not eat the food for the sake of the person who told you, and for conscience’s sake–particularly the conscience of the person who told you that the food was offered to idols (Romans 14:21; 1 Corinthians 10:28).

The reason why the person told you that the food was offered to idols is that he was not convinced that such food should be eaten by a believer. Although, in your own knowledge and understanding, you know that an idol is nothing and what they sacrifice to idols is nothing (1 Corinthians 10:19).

Through your own level of knowledge and understanding and conviction, you know the nothingness of the devil and his cohorts and his human agents; thus, you do not have any fear in you.

You do not have any fear. You know and believe that eating such food cannot do you any harm, either physically or spiritually (Romans 14:14). You know that whatever food you give thanks for

and bless, such can be eaten (1 Corinthians 10:30; 1 Timothy 4:3–5).

Since the person has alerted you that the food was offered to idols, you should not eat it. If you eat the food after you were told, the conscience of the person would be emboldened to do the same–whereas he does not have your level of knowledge, understanding and faith (Romans 14:19–21).

The person would eat the food because he saw you eating it but does not have the faith that even if the food was sacrificed to idols, it would do him no harm or evil. As a result, he would have doubts, fear and condemnation in his heart (Romans 14:23).

His level of faith does not accommodate such a thing, but he ate the food anyway. And the Scripture says whatever is not done in faith is sin (Romans 14:23). Moreover, he did not do it to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). All the while he was eating the food, he was having condemnation in his heart. So, to help such a person, you should not eat the food (1 Corinthians 10:29).

The question you may want to ask is: why should your liberty be judged by another person’s conscience? (1 Corinthians 10:29) Apostle Paul, in answer to that question, says:

“JUST AS I ALSO PLEASE ALL MEN IN ALL THINGS, NOT SEEKING MY OWN PROFIT, BUT THE PROFIT OF MANY,

THAT THEY MAY BE SAVED.”

1 Corinthians 10:33 (NKJV)

Apostle Paul was saying in essence that a believer should endeavour to please all men in all things, and not to seek his own profit, but the profit of others, that they may be saved or edified (Romans 14:14–16; 1 Corinthians 9:19–22). The teaching is about living a sacrificial life:

• A life in which you choose to deny yourself some legitimate things in order to help the faith or conscience of others (1 Corinthians 9:19–22; 10:33).

• A life in which you forgo some things in order to help other people and believers stand in the faith (1 Corinthians 9:22).

• A life in which you want to eat to edify others, you want to dress or wear clothes to help and edify others which is applicable mostly to women.

• You want to dress decently and not suggestively–in a way that the sexual passion of other men, whether believers or unbelievers, is not aroused through your dressing (Romans 14:14–21).

• You want to speak and make speeches that will edify or encourage others, that your words would be seasoned with

grace and salt (Colossians 4:6).

In short, you want to live your life to help others in their Christian faith and in their walk with God (Romans 14:14–21; 15:1–3). That is what Apostle Paul was saying in that 1 Corinthians 10:33.

A Christian life is not lived in isolation. You live a Christian life by considering or having the consciousness of others (Romans 15:1-3). That is, the effect or implication which what you are doing could have on other believers and the potential souls who are watching you, who are thinking and contemplating and considering giving their lives to Christ–accepting Christ as their Saviour and Lord (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).

If you are not living sacrificially–not minding or thinking about other people who are not mature–it means you are still shallow in your understanding (Romans 14:14,15,19-21; 1 Corinthians 9:19-22). Believers are called to sacrificial living, and not a self-centred

life (Philippians 2:3,4).

READ: Philippians 2:5–8

If you have not been doing that, take a step today and start living for the help and edification of others.

REFLECT:

• Are there areas in your life where your liberty is causing a weaker

believer to stumble?

• What do you understand by Paul’s example of sacrificial living?

Peace.

[steveaezekiel]

THE BODY IS NOT ONE MEMBER BUT MANY

12 FOR AS THE BODY IS ONE AND HAS MANY MEMBERS, but all members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.

13 For by One Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

14 FOR IN FACT THE BODY IS NOT ONE MEMBER BUT MANY.”

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NKJV)

The body of Christ is one, but with many members. Every member of Christ’s body is baptised into the body through one Spirit. All the members were made to drink into one Spirit (Galatians 3:26-28; Colossians 3:11).

In addition, every part of the body has its function. In other words, members of the body depend on each other for the growth of the body—individually functioning for the growth of the body (1 Corinthians 12:15-21).

Each member of the body must do its part, function well, for the body to work effectively and grow: “FROM WHOM THE WHOLE BODY, JOINED AND KNIT TOGETHER BY WHAT EVERY JOINT SUPPLIES ACCORDING TO THE EFFECTIVE WORKING BY WHICH EACH PART DOES ITS SHARE, CAUSE GROWTH OF THE BODY FOR THE EDIFYING OF ITSELF IN LOVE" (Ephesians 4:16 NKJV).

If a part of the body failed to contribute its own part, the growth of the body would be hampered—affected negatively.

Also, if a part is suffering pain, it will affect the whole body (1 Corinthians 12:26).

Believers are members of Christ’s body, and individually members of one another (Romans 12:5). In other words, the body works in unison; whatever affects one member of the body affects the whole body:

26 AND IF ONE MEMBER SUFFERS, ALL THE MEMBERS SUFFER WITH IT; OR IF ONE MEMBER IS HONOURED, ALL THE MEMBERS REJOICE WITH IT. 27 NOW YOU ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, AND MEMBERS INDIVIDUALLY” (1 Corinthians 12:26,27 NKJV).

Each believer in the body of Christ has different functions:

6 IN HIS GRACE, GOD HAS GIVEN US DIFFERENT GIFTS FOR DOING CERTAIN THINGS WELL. SO IF GOD HAS GIVEN YOU THE ABILITY TO PROPHESY, SPEAK OUT WITH AS MUCH FAITH AS GOD HAS GIVEN YOU.

7 IF YOUR GIFT IS SERVING OTHERS, SERVE THEM WELL. IF YOU ARE A TEACHER, TEACH WELL.

8 IF YOUR GIFT IS TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS, BE ENCOURAGING. IF IT IS GIVING, GIVE GENEROUSLY. IF GOD HAS GIVEN YOU LEADERSHIP ABILITY, TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY SERIOUSLY. AND IF YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF SHOWING KINDNESS TO OTHERS, DO IT GLADLY.”

Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)

Every believer has one or more of the seven motivational gifts mentioned in the above passage of the Bible—Romans 12:6-8.

These motivational gifts are inbuilt, that is, they are built in us at creation by God the Father.

These gifts characterise how we are motivated. They describe, show individual’s qualities in a particular way.

What moves you; what thrills you; what enthuses you, and what eulogises you.

They show how individual reacts and responds to things in general. In other words, how you are motivated about things generally.

You need to discover the gifts that are inherent in you and put them to work.

The gifts are to be used in building God’s kingdom on earth. That is, they are meant for the growth of the body of Christ.

Another important thing to know is, No gift is less important!

Every gift is important to the building of the church of Christ.

Some people believe their gifts are not prominent gifts, thus they are not important. The fact that a gift is prominent does not mean it is important than other gifts.

Whatever your gift is, either prominent or not; It is important.

You should also know that God rewards faithfulness. Thus, it is what you do with your gifts that matters, not how prominent the gifts are.

Remember, you will give an account of your stewardship, how you use the gifts given to you by God (Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

Therefore, you need to discover your gifts and put them to work. Remember, putting your gifts to work, using them to affect others positively for God, is what it means to be fruitful in God's kingdom or vineyard: "YOU DID NOT CHOOSE ME, BUT I CHOSE YOU AND APPOINTED YOU THAT YOU SHOULD GO AND BEAR FRUIT, AND THAT YOUR FRUIT SHOULD REMAIN, THAT WHATEVER YOU ASK THE FATHER IN MY NAME HE MAY GIVE YOU" (John 15:16 NKJV).

1 I AM THE TRUE VINE, AND MY FATHER IS THE VINEDRESSER.

2 EVERY BRANCH IN ME THAT DOES NOT BEAR FRUIT HE [the Father] TAKES AWAY; AND EVERY BRANCH THAT BEARS FRUIT HE PRUNES, THAT IT MAY BEAR MORE FRUIT.”

John 15:1,2 (NKJV)

You will not be unfruitful in Jesus’ name.

Peace!

[steveaezekiel]

JESUS: THE MERCIFUL AND FAITHFUL HIGH PRIEST

17 Therefore in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that He himself had suffered, being tempted [tested], He is able to aid those who are tempted.”

Hebrews 2:17,18 (NKJV)

Jesus was made like us that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17).

He was made the propitiation or appeasement or atonement for the sins of mankind (1 John 2:1,2).

Whatever anyone may be passing through; Jesus knows how the person feels (Hebrews 4:15).

Jesus Himself suffered and tempted that He may be able to aid those who are tempted: "FOR IN THAT HE HIMSELF HAS SUFFERED, BEING TEMPTED, HE IS ABLE TO AID THOSE WHO ARE TEMPTED" (Hebrews 2:18 NKJV).

Thus, Jesus is able to aid, help, those who are being tempted, and those who are in one predicament or the other; however, the person would have to give the burden to Him, before He could be of help: “CASTING ALL YOUR CARE UPON HIM, FOR HE CARES FOR YOU" (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV).

“COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO LABOUR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.”

Matthew 11:28

Remember, if you do not come to Him, you may not experience and enjoy the rest He had made available for you (Hebrews 4:9-11).

Your coming to God through Christ Jesus gives Him access to work in your life—fix whatever is bothering your heart:

15 FOR WE DO NOT HAVE A HIGH PRIEST WHO CANNOT SYMPATHIZE WITH OUR WEAKNESSES, BUT WAS IN ALL POINTS TEMPTED AS WE ARE YET WITHOUT SIN. 16 LET US THEREFORE COME BOLDLY TO THE THRONE OF GRACE, THAT WE MAY OBTAIN MERCY, AND FIND GRACE TO HELP IN TIME OF NEED" (Hebrews 4:15,16 NKJV).

Now, If I should ask:

• Have you rolled your burden to Him? (1 Peter 5:7)

• Have you entered His rest that is made available for you in Christ Jesus? (Hebrews 4:9-11)

Remember, there is mercy and grace to help in the time of needs at the throne of grace; you would do well to visit the throne and receive the grace needed for whatever you are going through (Hebrews 4:16).

And also, God is the very present help in the time of need: "GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE" (Psalm 46:1 NKJV).

Peace!

[steveaezekiel]

GATHERING AGAINST JESUS

“For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles

and the people of Israel, were gathered together.”

Acts 4:27 (NKJV)

READ: Acts 4:25–31

In our text, the writer was saying that what Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, gathered together to do to Jesus was in God’s hand and was part of His purpose—it was already determined beforehand, and was not coincidental (Acts 4:27,28). In other words, those people who did that were unknowingly fulfilling the purpose of God which had been ordained (Isaiah 53:1–12).

At times when a believer faces challenges, some people always think the believer must have done something wrong or contrary to God. In actual fact, there are some things that you may have to pass through in a bid to fulfil your assignment. Such things are necessary. They are sort of meant to be part of the package for the fulfilment of your assignment. Some of such things are unavoidable; they are things God allows in your journey, in your bid to fulfil your purpose or assignment.

When those people—Herod and Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel—were planning and plotting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, they did not know they were fulfilling God’s purpose, His predetermined counsel.

“WHICH NONE OF THE RULERS OF THIS AGE KNEW; FOR HAD THEY KNOWN, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CRUCIFIED THE LORD OF GLORY.”

1 Corinthians 2:8 (NKJV)

If certain things started happening in your life in a bid to fulfil purpose, even after you have prayed and fasted and done all you needed to do; you should know that such things are permitted by God. They are part of the things allowed or permitted to bring about the fulfilment of His purpose in your life.

Note:

There are things that would be planned or plotted by the devil and would be allowed by God, which would be used to aid the fulfilment of His plan for your life. When you try to fight such a thing, you may not be able to effect any meaningful change, because God knows about it and He permitted it. Learn to get God’s mind on such things and how to work with them alongside your God-given purpose.

Reflect:

• Are there challenges in your life right now that may actually be part of God’s sovereign plan for your assignment?

• Are you currently fighting something that God has allowed in your life?

Peace.

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[steveaezekiel]

MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD

ALONE

“But Jesus answered him, saying, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ”

Luke 4:4 (NKJV)

READ: Luke 4:1–13

The Word of God is of utmost importance to man, more than bread (Romans 14:17). It means there should be no desperation about getting any material thing (Matthew 6:25–34). If perchance the material things needed are not available, a believer should not

be driven to desperation (Philippians 4:6,7).

Jesus was feeling hungry, quite all right, because He had just completed forty days of fasting; however, He would not allow hunger to push Him into desperation and turn stones to bread (Luke 4:2–4). Of course, Jesus could have gone without the bread for a while. He

would not allow hunger to make Him do what was not supposed to be done. It was already established that Jesus is the begotten Son of God, and He would not need to prove it by turning stones

to bread (John 1:14).

What the devil demanded Him to do was absurd and demeaning. Who you are, you would not need to prove it before you could be the reality of it. It was like a believer who lives holy and is being challenged by someone saying: if you are a man, and manly enough, slap that person who insulted you. A genuine believer who lives holy and walks in line with God’s Word will not do it. You would not need to slap someone who insulted you in order to prove that

you are a man and manly. Likewise, Jesus would not need to turn stones to bread to prove that He is the Son of God—He is already, and it is known and established.

If Jesus had turned stones to bread, it would have been an abuse of power—an abuse of the authority given to Him by God.

Since He had ended His fasting and was going home, He could send someone to get bread for Him. Thus, Jesus would not need to turn stones to bread. Doing that would amount to testing God! You do

not test God to do what you could get done yourself. God would only do what is beyond your ability; that is why such acts are called miracles.

If you are asking God to do something for you that would only boost your ego, such a request will not be granted by God. One of the reasons why many requests of some believers are not always granted is that most of the things requested are not priorities—they are not things that deserve merited attention before other, more pressing needs. If such requests are brought before God, He would not answer.

Reflect:

• Are you currently asking God to do things that you could and

should be doing yourself? What does today's message teach you

about that?

Peace.

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[steveaezekiel]

APPRAISEMENT

4 "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent."

Revelation 2:4,5 (NKJV)

Some started well on their Christian journey and their assignment, but they started derailing when they lost focus.

Jesus in His letter to the seven churches in Asia minor, told the church of Ephesus that they have forsaken their first love and they should repent (Revelation 2:4,5).

A tepid church

Another church among the seven churches which Jesus talks about was the Laodicean church, He called them a tepid or lukewarm church (Revelation 3:15).

About the Laodicean church, in a letter to them, Jesus said: “BECAUSE YOU SAY, I AM RICH, HAVE BECOME WEALTHY, AND HAVE NEED OF NOTHING’—AND DO NOT KNOW YOU ARE WRETCHED, MISERABLE, POOR, BLIND AND NAKED" (Revelation 3:17 NKJV).

• Laodicea was a wealthy city and the church was also wealthy; but in Jesus’ sight, they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.

• They were neither cold nor hot: “I KNOW YOUR WORKS, THAT YOU ARE NEITHER HOT NOR COLD. I WISH THAT YOU WERE COLD OR HOT" (Revelation 3:15 NKJV). A number of believers today are neither cold nor hot; they are tepid, lukewarm, not enthusiastic again about God and the things of the kingdom (Revelation 3:15,16).

Being tepid or lukewarm could be as a result of:

• Comfort. Wealth, luxury, and ease can make one feel confident, satisfied and complacent.

• When you think you have attained, you become tepid. Apostle Paul said:

12 NOT THAT I HAVE ALREADY ATTAINED, OR AM ALREADY PERFECTED; BUT I PRESS ON, THAT I MAY LAY HOLD OF THAT FOR WHICH CHRIST HAS ALSO LAY HOLD OF ME.

13 BRETHREN, I DO NOT COUNT MYSELF TO HAVE APPREHENDED (laid hold of it); BUT ONE THING I DO, FORGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND AND REACHING FORWARD TO THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE AHEAD. 14 I PRESS TOWARDS THE GOAL FOR THE PRIZE OF THE UPWARD CALL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS" (Philippians 3:12-14 NKJV).

• When you have wrong assumption of the self, when you think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, you become tepid (Romans 12:3).

• Misplaced priority. When you centre your life primarily on the comfort and luxury instead of finding true riches in your relationship with God through Christ (Luke 12:21). READ: Luke 12:16-21

God does not see things the way we see things (1 Samuel 16:7; Isaiah 55:8,9). You might be rated high by man, or you have rated yourself high, while in God’s sight or rating, you are low and nothing.

The church in Laodicea had wrong assumption of themselves—they were rich, they have become wealthy, they have need of nothing—thus they were confident, satisfied and complacent (Revelation 3:17).

Howbeit, Jesus rated them as wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked (Revelation 3:17).

If Jesus were to rate or assess you today, how would you fare? How would your score card look?

Men may rate you high, consider you as number one in your services to God, whereas, in the sight of God, or in His rating, you are low, you are the least or the last.

Remember, what God says about you is important than what humans say. Thus, you should not be carried away with human eulogies and praises:

3 BUT WITH ME IT IS A SMALL THING THAT I SHOULD BE JUDGED BY YOU OR BY A HUMAN COURT. IN FACT, I DO NOT EVEN JUDGE MYSELF. 4 FOR I KNOW OF NOTHING AGAINST MYSELF, YET I AM NOT JUSTIFIED BY THIS; BUT HE WHO JUDGES ME IS LORD. 5 THEREFORE JUDGE NOTHING BEFORE THE TIME, UNTIL THE LORD COMES, WHO WILL BOTH BRING TO LIGHT THE HIDDEN THINGS OF DARKNESS AND REVEAL THE COUNSELS [motives] OF THE HEARTS. THEN EACH ONE'S PRAISE WILL COME FROM GOD" (1 Corinthians 4:3-5 NKJV).

If you have forsaken your first love, or you have wrong assumption of the self, you should endeavour to amend your ways: “REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHERE YOU HAVE FALLEN; REPENT AND DO THE FIRST WORKS, OR ELSE I WILL COME to YOU QUICKLY AND REMOVE YOUR LAMPSTAND FROM ITS PLACE UNLESS YOU REPENT” (Revelation 2:5 NKJV).

Repent that you may not lose your place (Revelation 2:5).

Jesus’ counsel: “I COUNSEL YOU TO BUY FROM ME GOLD REFINED IN THE FIRE, THAT YOU MAY BE RICH; AND WHITE GARMENTS, THAT YOU MAY BE CLOTHED, THAT THE SHAME OF YOUR NAKEDNESS MAY NOT BE REVEALED; AND ANOINT YOUR EYES WITH EYE SALVE, THAT YOU MAY SEE” (Revelation 3:18 NKJV)

You will do well to heed the counsel of the Lord Jesus Christ!

You will not fail in Jesus’ name. Peace!

[steveaezekiel]

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO DO HIS

COMMANDMENTS

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.”

Revelation 22:14 (NKJV)

READ: Revelation 22:12–17

In the above passage, the Scripture says: “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO DO HIS COMMANDMENTS, THAT THEY MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE, AND MAY ENTER THROUGH

THE GATES INTO THE CITY” (Revelation 22:14).

Christianity is not about rigidly obeying certain rules or laws or commandments, so to speak. However:

• It is about a relationship with God, building a communion or fellowship with Him.

• It is not about the old testament work of the law per se, but about knowing what God wants and practising those things. In other words, it is about living according to His principles. Not about the ritualistic patterns of the Old Testament (Colossians 2:16–23;

Hebrews 9:9,10; 10:1,11).

• It is about a process of getting to know God’s ways of life and keying into them (Psalm 103:7).

• It is about growing up spiritually to be like Jesus Christ, who is the express image of God (Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3).

• It is about being like Christ in all things (Ephesians 5:1,2; Philippians 2:5,6; 1 Peter 2:11,12).

Doing God’s or Jesus’ commandments is all about living by His principles and being guided by the leadings of the Holy Spirit on the inside of you through your recreated human spirit (Galatians

5:16–18,25).

Those who live like Him are the ones who would have the right to the tree of life at the end of their journey on earth (Revelation 2:7; 22:14). They are the ones who will also have access to the city, the new Jerusalem (Revelation 3:12).

If I may ask you:

• Are you doing His commandments? (John 14:15)

• Are you looking up to be with Christ Jesus in that holy city, the new Jerusalem? (John 14:1–3)

Remember, it is only those who have their names written in the Book of Life that would be allowed to access the city:

23 THE CITY HAD NO NEED OF THE SUN OR OF THE MOON TO SHINE IN IT, FOR THE GLORY OF GOD ILLUMINATED IT. THE LAMB IS ITS LIGHT.

24 AND THE NATIONS OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED SHALL WALK IN ITS LIGHT, AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH BRING THEIR GLORY AND HONOUR INTO IT.

25 ITS GATES SHALL NOT BE SHUT AT ALL BY DAY (THERE SHALL BE NO NIGHT THERE).

27 BUT THERE SHALL BY NO MEANS ENTER IT ANYTHING THAT DEFILES, OR CAUSES AN ABOMINATION OR A LIE, BUT ONLY THOSE WHO ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE.”

Revelation 21:23–27 (NKJV)

Reflect:

• Is your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Have you genuinely given your life to Christ?

• Do you live your daily life with the awareness of eternity?

Peace.

The Edification Daily Devotional for June is out.

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# EdificationDailyDevotional

[steveaezekiel]

WITH THE MEASURE YOU USE

"For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; AND WITH THE MEASURE YOU USE, IT WILL BE MEASURED BACK TO YOU."

Matthew 7:2 (NKJV)

37 JUDGE NOT, AND YOU SHALL NOT BE JUDGED. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. FOR WITH THE SAME MEASURE THAT YOU USE, IT WILL BE MEASURED BACK TO YOU.”

Luke 6:37,38 (NKJV)

The Bible passage above is usually used in connection with money, but the passage is not talking about money alone.

Although, it talks about giving in verse 38, but the subject of discussion started in verse 37 where the paragraph commenced. You know, the Scriptures were not written in chapters and verses, they were later added for easy reference.

Jesus was saying, if you judge others, you also will be judged; if you condemn others, you will be condemned; if you forgive, you also will be forgiven. If you give, it will be given to you (Luke 6:37,38).

He said further: “THE SAME MEASURE THAT YOU USE, IT WILL BE MEASURED BACK TO YOU" (Matthew 7:2).

The measure will be pressed down, shaken together and running over, and it would be put into your Bossom.

In other words, what you get in return will be much more than what you give.

Now, if you judge others, you get stricter judgement; if you condemn, you get greater condemnation in return; and of course, if you forgive others, forgiveness will be showered on you; and also in every other area of life.

Whatever you do, you harvest back bountifully. If you also give money, you harvest the same bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6).

“THEREFORE, WHATEVER YOU WANT MEN TO DO TO YOU, DO ALSO TO THEM, FOR THIS IS THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS.”

Matthew 7:12(NKJV)

• Whatever you want others to do to you, do also to them. If you want them to do good to you, then go ahead and do good to them; and however, if it is evil you want others to do to you, you go ahead and do it to others.

• There is a reward for everything you do, it is a seed: "KNOWING THAT WHATEVER GOOD ANYONE DOES, HE WILL RECEIVE the SAME FROM THE LORD, WHETHER HE IS A SLAVE OR FREE" (Ephesians 6:8 NKJV).

And ultimately, there is a reward awaiting every individual when his or her journey on earth ended:

11 HE WHO IS UNJUST, LET HIM BE UNJUST STILL; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still. 12 "AND BEHOLD, I AM COMING QUICKLY, AND MY REWARD IS WITH ME, TO GIVE EVERYONE ACCORDING TO HIS WORK.”

Revelation 22:11,12 (NKJV)

Peace.

[steveaezekiel]

ASK AND YOU WILL RECEIVE

“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

John 16:24 (NKJV)

READ: Romans 10:11–13; Philippians 2:5–11; Hebrews 10:19,20

Until the time Jesus was sharing the words recorded in this passage, no one had ever asked anything in His name from God the Father. In other words, as at the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, no one could ask and receive anything in His name because He was yet to be made the sacrifice for the sin of mankind (John 7:39; 1 John 2:1,2). The redemption of mankind was not yet consummated through His death. But after His death and resurrection, His name—Jesus’ name—became valid and authentic to be used, through which God can be approached with a request and be granted (John 16:23,24).

This present dispensation is the right time to approach God through Jesus’ name. You ask in Jesus’ name and you receive and your joy is made full. What authenticates Jesus’ name is the crucifixion and resurrection. He paid the price for mankind’s sin (1 John 2:1,2).

READ: Philippians 2:5–11.

• Whoever wants to approach or come to God would have to do it through Jesus Christ: “JESUS SAID TO HIM, ‘I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT

THROUGH ME’ ” (John 14:6 NKJV).

“NOR IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER, FOR THERE IS NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN BY WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED.”

Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

READ: Romans 10:11–13

• The throne of grace can be approached through Jesus’ blood:

19  THEREFORE, BRETHREN, HAVING BOLDNESS TO ENTER THE HOLIEST BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS, 20 BY A NEW AND LIVING WAY WHICH HE CONSECRATED FOR US, THROUGH THE VEIL, THAT IS, HIS FLESH.”

Hebrews 10:19,20 (NKJV)

• Believers in Christ are to approach God through Jesus’ name and ask for whatever their request is:

23 “AND IN THAT DAY YOU WILL ASK ME NOTHING. MOST ASSUREDLY, I SAY TO YOU, WHATEVER YOU ASK

THE FATHER IN MY NAME HE WILL GIVE YOU. 24 UNTIL NOW YOU HAVE ASKED NOTHING IN MY NAME. ASK, AND YOU WILL RECEIVE, THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL.”

John 16:23,24 (NKJV)

15 FOR WE DO NOT HAVE A HIGH PRIEST WHO CANNOT SYMPATHIZE WITH OUR WEAKNESSES, BUT WAS IN ALL POINTS TEMPTED AS WE ARE, YET WITHOUT SIN.

16 LET US THEREFORE COME BOLDLY TO THE THRONE OF GRACE, THAT WE MAY OBTAIN MERCY AND FIND GRACE TO HELP IN TIME OF NEED.”

Hebrews 4:15,16 (NKJV)

Reflect:

• Are you making full use of the privilege of praying in Jesus’ name, or is your prayer life inconsistent and half-hearted?

• What specific request do you need to bring to God the Father in Jesus’ name right now? Do it now.

Peace.

The Edification Daily Devotional for June is out.

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# EdificationDailyDevotional

[steveaezekiel]

DAY 27 – Ask And You Will Receive!

Today's devotion reminds us that this is the right time to approach God through Jesus' name. Ask in His name, and your joy will be made full.

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Do share this with others as well!

[steveaezekiel]

NEW BOOK ALERT!

Fundamentals of Financial Success by Steve A. Ezekiel is out now.

Why are so many believers financially struggling when God has already promised abundance? The answer is not working harder or waiting longer. It is understanding the covenant and walking in it.

This book lays out the biblical principles that govern wealth: its purpose, how to generate and sustain it, and how to use it in a way that honours God.

Download your FREE copy here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17X9z2b3Cm4c0yQZPNufOw5QF7xxTYuyb/view?usp=drive_link

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[steveaezekiel]

SET APART FROM THE WOMB

15 But when God, who had chosen me and SET ME APART BEFORE I WAS BORN, and called me through His grace, was pleased [Isaiah 49:1; Jeremiah 1:5]

16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles [as the good news—the way of salvation], I did not immediately consult with anyone [for guidance regarding God’s call and His revelation to me].

17 Nor did I [even] go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia and stayed awhile, and afterwards returned once more to Damascus.”

Galatians 1:15-17 (Amp.)

Whoever God has called into ministry work or given any specific assignment does not need to be going about, and be sampling people’s opinion about it.

Paul said he did not consult with anyone for guidance regarding God’s call on his life and God’s revelation to Him.

Correct response to God’s call, revelation, instruction, or whatever is prompt obedience.

Some have been called by God but they refused to answer the call, because they went for counsel, and those who counselled them, did wrongly; they were not counselled in line with God’s Word.

You do not need a counsel that would not encourage you to do God’s will.

Counsel is good, because the Scripture says: " . . . IN THE MULTITUDE OF COUNSELORS THERE IS SAFETY” (Proverbs 11:14).

Counsel could be received from those you honour and revere. However, any counsel you are receiving should subscribe to God’s will and plan for your life.

Whatever counsel that will not encourage you to do God’s will should not be taken or considered.

The call of God on your life is given by God, and the call would have been on your life even before you were born: “LISTEN, O coastlands, to Me, And take heed, you peoples from afar! THE LORD HAS CALLED ME FROM THE WOMB; FROM THE MATRIX OF MY MOTHER HE HAS MADE MENTION OF MY NAME" (Isaiah 49:1 NKJV).

READ: Jeremiah 1:5

Laying on of hands and prayer by men could be considered a mere attestation to what God has ordained or predetermined. An example to this is found in the Book of Acts:

2 AS THEY MINISTERED TO THE LORD AND FASTED, THE HOLY SPIRIT SAID, “NOW SEPARATE TO ME BARNABAS AND SAUL FOR THE WORK TO WHICH I HAVE CALLED THEM.” 3 THEN, HAVING FASTED AND PRAYED, AND LAID HANDS ON THEM, THEY SENT THEM AWAY" (Acts 13:2,3 NKJV).

Having received a call into ministry, some want their relatives, friends and acquaintances, to attest to their calling.

If you want everybody you know to agree and attest to the call of God on your life, you may not answer the call.

A number of people you know may not attest to the call of God on your life, except few of them, even the people of your household may not:

3 HIS [Jesus'] BROTHERS THEREFORE SAID TO HIM, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. 4 "For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 FOR EVEN HIS BROTHERS DID NOT BELIEVE IN HIM" (John 7:3-5 NKJV).

“BUT JESUS SAID TO THEM, “A PROPHET IS NOT WITHOUT HONOUR EXCEPT IN HIS OWN COUNTRY, AMONG HIS OWN RELATIVES, AND IN HIS OWN HOUSE ️.”

Mark 6:4 (NKJV)

Paul said when he received the call he did not confer with flesh and blood, that is, he did not consult with any human being.

When you receive God’s call on your life, the first approach is to go before God and tell Him you have accepted the call. Then you stay with Him in prayer to know how He wants you to go by it—how He wants you to do it.

Prompt obedience is needed, because delayed obedience is tantamount to disobedience.

God is a military, He rules by decree; hence every instruction is a command and should not be subjected to deliberation. You would have to answer and obey promptly.

If I may ask:

• What are you doing about what God has told you to do?

Many claim they received a vision from the Lord, yet after several months and years, the vision is still in the pipeline.

• Now, another question is; When will the vision be out of the pipeline?

I would like to enjoin you If you are truly called and you are sure of it; take a step now, stop procrastinating, and make something out of it.

Your inability to take a step on your vision, God’s call on your life, is a sign of being crippled or disabled.

Arise now and take a step, your set time has come (Psalm 102:13).

You will not fail but fulfil in Jesus’ name. Peace!