steveezekiel

[steveezekiel]

HAVING A BROKEN SPIRIT AND A CONTRITE HEART

"THE LORD IS NEAR TO THOSE WHO HAVE A BROKEN HEART,

And saves such as have A CONTRITE SPIRIT."

Psalm 34:18 (NKJV)

16 FOR YOU DO NOT DESIRE SACRIFICE, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.

17 THE SACRIFICES OF GOD ARE A BROKEN SPIRIT, A BROKEN AND A CONTRITE HEART—THESE, O GOD, YOU WILL NOT DESPISE."

Psalm 51:16,17 (NKJV)

• Contrition, brokenness, trembling, a state of constantly fearing God is the state of spiritual maturity.

- Exhibiting the attributes mentioned above is a sign of a believer who walks in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).

- A believer who is presumptuous, assertive or haughty has no sign of brokenness.

- Trembling, a state of constantly fearing God, is not a weakness. It is a sign of brokenness, spiritual maturity and walking in the spirit.

- A believer who has been walking with God for a period of time, who has been dealt with thoroughly and totally broken would undoubtedly exhibit the attributes mentioned in this piece.

- It is God's Will or goal that every believer gets to this point. A point where you tremble before you do whatever you wanted to do, because you are yet to know God's mind on It.

- The trembling is not about seeing God as a tyrant or wicked God, but a sign of reverence; wanting not to do contrary to His Will or plan or Word. Wanting to be sure or ascertained that what you are doing or about to do is in line with His Will or Word—that He is in favour with It.

• At times when I see some people who claimed to be of God, committing sin without any remorse, I wonder where the boldness to do what they are doing came from.

- If you are like that, It is a sign of carnality, or being unbroken. Such believers habitually live in sin without being remorseful.

- It is foolhardiness or thoughtlessness to be living in sin without being remorseful and still be bold in the wrong things that you are doing. It means you are having or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of your actions—you lack the fear of God.

- Someone who lacks the fear of God can do anything, though such might claim to be born-again, but he or she lacks the fear of God.

- One of the signs that a believer is thoroughly broken is trembling at the Word of God. God looks at the tenderness of a believer's heart and his or her brokenness: "BUT THIS IS THE MAN TO WHOM I WILL LOOK AND HAVE REGARD: HE WHO IS HUMBLE AND OF A BROKEN OR WOUNDED SPIRIT, AND WHO TREMBLES AT MY WORD AND REVERES MY COMMANDS" (Isaiah 66:2 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).

- The fear of God makes you tremble at His Word! You would not want to offend Him.

• If you are not there yet, that is, you yet broken, you are still sensual and carnal, I would enjoin you to work on it. Being broken starts with a daily intake of God's Word consistently and the practice of it.

- Whatever a believer would be in God, It all started with daily practice of the Word of God, applying the principles found in the Bible to your life—using It as a standard for all you do. Either in relating with other people, transacting, and everything you do in general.

- When you diligently daily practice the Word of God, it creates the reverential fear of God in your heart—It makes your heart tender and yieldable and compliable to the gentle stirring or prompting of the Holy Spirit on the inside of you and the reprove of the Holy Spirit when you did wrong.

- Being tenderhearted is the brokenness and the contrition being talked about here. Thus, work towards it, that is the sacrifice God is demanding from you.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Whatever is not planted in your body by God that is working against your health and wellness is cursed and completely uprooted in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

- The hold that is being broken now will never be formed again 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 1 in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

IMPORTANCE OF PRAYING ALWAYS AND ON ALL THINGS

"PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION IN THE SPIRIT, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."

Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV)

"PRAY WITHOUT CEASING."

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)

• A number of believers who find themselves in one predicament or another are sometimes those who do not pray at all or are not praying enough on things they wanted to do (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

- A believer who does not pray now would pay later. It is better to pray now, that you might not pray later or pay dearly for your laxity in prayer.

- Prayer should be an integral part of a believer's life. It should be what you do spontaneously. Prayer should not be what you do when you get to a particular place or location, It should be part of your daily life and activities.

• Learn to pray and commit whatever you wanted to do to God in prayer. Nothing should be too small or minute to pray or talk to God about, in the affairs of your life.

- Every step you are taking in the journey of your life should be systematically prayed on—be told to God.

- If you cultivated or developed the habit of praying or talking to God on all things, you would experience peace, Joy and rest in different areas of your life.

- If you proved to know on how to handle things, about the affairs or matters of your life, and you prefer to pray less but use your human wisdom, God may not be much involved in the matters of your life.

- The room you give to God in your life He would occupy. In other words, how open you are to God and allow His involvement in the matters of your life, by talking to Him in prayer; that exactly He would do—God would not go beyond the chance you give to Him in your life.

• What could be considered a pride in God's sight.

- When you failed to carry God along in all your doings, It grieves Him. Because, God does not want those who professed to be His to live independently of Him.

- When God was not told in prayers about whatever you are doing or wanted to do, It simply means you would not want His wisdom; His counsel and knowledge about the matter—you do not need His input or contribution.

- The secret of living a victorious and restful life as a believer in Christ Jesus is about committing everything to God in prayer—telling God about whatever to be done in a Father-son relationship.

- What you failed to pray on today would become a prayer project in the future. Thus, pray on everything you wanted to do and every step you wanted to take.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Whatever is not planted in your body by God that is working against your health and wellness is cursed and completely uprooted in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

- The hold that is being broken now will never be formed again 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 1 in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

PARTED COMPANY

38 BUT PAUL INSISTED THAT THEY SHOULD NOT TAKE WITH THEM THE ONE WHO HAD DEPARTED FROM THEM IN PAMPHYLIA, and had not gone with them to the work.

39 THEN THE CONTENTION BECAME SO SHARP THAT THEY PARTED FROM ONE ANOTHER. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;

40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, BEING COMMENDED BY THE BRETHREN TO THE GRACE OF GOD."

Acts 15:38–40 (NKJV)

At times separation had to happen through a disagreement. If you had to be separated from someone, If you felt that your persuasions are different and some cogent issues are togetherly not agreed upon; you can go ahead and do that—two cannot walk together except they are agreed: "CAN TWO WALK TOGETHER, UNLESS THEY ARE AGREED?" (Amos 3:3 NKJV).

That said, we can disagree to agree. If you are parting with someone, let it not be with acrimony, anger and bitternes. If you allowed bitterness or malice you might let the enemy in in your life and ministry or whatever you wanted to do.

If you needed to leave someone or a ministry because of differences in ideologies or persuasions, you can go ahead and do that but leave without polluting the water you had once drank from. You can either leave in Moses' way or Jacob's way.

When Moses had an encounter with God and was to leave his father-in-law, Jethro, he did let him know and left with his approval—without bitterness (Exodus 4:18-20).

But in the case of Jacob, when he was to leave his father-in-law's place, Laban, he surreptitiously or secretly left without briefing Laban properly (Genesis 31:20,21). In fact, Laban chased Jacob with the intention to harm him but God preempted his plan, prevented him from carrying out his plan—God appeared to him in a dream a night before he catches up with Jacob (Genesis 31:22-29).

Thus, If there is a need to leave the person you serve, either in the ministry work or secular work, make sure your move or the step you are taking, as a believer, is commanded or instructed by God (Genesis 31:3,13; Exodus 3:10; 4:21).

Although, there are callous masters who would not want you to leave after you have faithfully served them for several years, like Laban (Genesis 30:25-30), but It does not mean you should leave without the process being properly done—two wrongs do not make a right. The fact that the person treated you badly does not mean you should also act unwisely whilst leaving: "IF SOMEONE DOES YOU WRONG, DON'T TRY TO PAY THEM BACK BY HURTING THEM. TRY TO DO WHAT EVERYONE THINKS IS RIGHT" (Romans 12:17 Easy-to-Read Version).

"NEVER PAY BACK EVIL FOR EVIL. DO THINGS IN SUCH A WAY THAT EVERYONE CAN SEE YOU ARE HONEST CLEAR THROUGH."

Romans 12:17 (the Living Bible)

Peace.

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b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

BECOMING GREAT

25 BUT Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.

26 Yet it shall not be so among you; BUT WHOEVER DESIRES TO BECOME GREAT AMONG YOU, LET HIM BE YOUR SERVANT.

27 AND WHOEVER DESIRES TO BE FIRST AMONG YOU, LET HIM BE YOUR SLAVE—

28 JUST AS THE SON OF MAN DID NOT COME TO BE SERVED, BUT TO SERVE, AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY"

Matthew 20:25-28 (NKJV)

The above passage is the second place in the Book of Matthew that Jesus was talking about being great in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1-4; 20:26-28).

The issue of comparableness is an important issue to many people. They always want to prove that they are greater or higher than another person. Even among the believers, you would see a believer in a local church who wants to class himself or herself, prove that they are not equal with others. Some even want to form a clique in the church, that they are the wealthy or most comfortable among the believers in that local church. Some want to prove they are the highest donors; highest tithe payers, highest this or that: "DO NOTHING FROM SELFISHNESS OR EMPTY CONCEIT [through factional motives, or strife], BUT WITH [an attitude of] HUMILITY [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], REGARD OTHERS AS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOURSELVES" (Philippians 2:3 amps).

READ: James 2:1-5

But the Scripture says those who do such a thing are not wise: "FOR WE DARE NOT CLASS OURSELVES OR COMPARE OURSELVES WITH THOSE WHO COMMEND THEMSELVES. BUT THEY, MEASURING THEMSELVES BY THEMSELVES, AND COMPARING THEMSELVES AMONG THEMSELVES, ARE NOT WISE" (2 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV).

There should be no reason for a believer to be bragging about what he or she has, for whatever you have, It was given to you by God, and If you did receive It from God, Why bragging or being boastful about it then?: "FOR WHO MAKES YOU DIFFER FROM ANOTHER? AND WHAT DO YOU HAVE THAT YOU DID NOT RECEIVE? NOW IF YOU DID INDEED RECEIVE IT, WHY DO YOU BOAST AS IF YOU HAD NOT RECEIVED IT?" (1 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV).

The attitude of wanting to prove that you are higher or greater than someone stems from pride. When you want to prove that you are the head and you are better than every other person.

Some want to believe their opinions or viewpoints are the best, no one else can think better than them. They want to believe If they are not there or be involved in a thing, It would not work out well or succeed. Since you are not God, how would you think like that? There are many who can do whatever you are doing better than you are doing It! There is no one that is indispensable! It is only God we cannot do without. People can do without you. If you are no more today, there are many people who can do whatever you are doing, even in a better way than the way you are doing it. Thus, do not think of yourself more than you ought to (Romans 12:3).

When I was still small, as a little boy, known that children are competitive in character, whenever there is a reason to share something or whatever, whenever someone tells me, I will come first because I am older than you. I will run to my father and ask him, Is it true that so and so person is older than me? The answer he usually gives to me is, It is God Who makes one the head, the first. That I should not bother about it. He never once told me that I am older than any of my peers whenever I run to him for such a question. But I did not like his stand about it then.

It is when I grow older that I could see wisdom in what he was saying or telling me then. In other words, he was indirectly telling me I should not be bothered about my age or disputing with others that I am older or greater than them. If God makes you great in whatever you are doing, even those who are older than you in age would come and serve under your leadership. Greatness or promotion comes from God. It does not come from the east or west or south:

6 FOR EXALTATION COMES NEITHER FROM THE EAST: NOR FROM THE WEST NOR FROM THE SOUTH. 7 BUT GOD IS THE JUDGE: HE PUTS DOWN ONE, AND EXALTS ANOTHER" (Psalm 75:6,7 NKJV).

6-7 FOR PROMOTION AND POWER COME FROM NOWHERE ON EARTH, BUT ONLY FROM GOD. HE PROMOTES ONE AND DEPOSES ANOTHER."

Psalm 75:6,7 (the Living Bible)

A believer who understands and believes the above Bible passage would not be striving with others about being older or higher or greater than someone. When you are promoted or exalted by God, you automatically become the head of others. You do not become great by striving for It. It is God's making. Striving or arguing or fighting that you are greater or higher or older than someone is a lack of wisdom. If you are exalted or promoted by God, with evidence, proofs and results, who will argue with it. Only a fool argues with results!

Thus, Jesus' admonition is, whoever wants to be great should become a servant. That, It is through servathood or servantship that you become great in God's kingdom or vineyard. Jesus cited Himself as an example that He did not come to be served but to serve: "JUST AS THE SON OF MAN DID NOT COME TO BE SERVED, BUT TO SERVE, AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY" (Matthew 20:28 (NKJV).

Serving others is sacrificial, but It is rewarding. Jesus gave His life a ransom for many, mankind in general (Matthew 20:28). Albeit, that gave Him the exalted position He is occupying today, both in heaven, on earth, and underneath the earth (Philippians 2:5-11). If Jesus did not serve and give His life a ransom as He did, He would not be exalted the way He is today. There is no name greater than Jesus' name today! Either in heaven, on the earth, or under the earth (Philippians 2:9-11).

In conclusion, you become great through humility and servanthood or servantship. Peace.

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a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

WHAT IT MEANS TO RECEIVE CHRIST IN YOUR HOME

16 “BEHOLD, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

40 “HE WHO RECEIVES YOU RECEIVES ME, AND HE WHO RECEIVES ME RECEIVES HIM WHO SENT ME [Jesus].

41 HE who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

42 AND WHOEVER GIVES ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES ONLY A CUP OF COLD WATER IN THE NAME OF A DISCIPLE, ASSUREDLY, I SAY TO YOU, HE SHALL BY NO MEANS LOSE HIS REWARD.”

Matthew 10:16,40-42 (NKJV)

When Jesus appointed His twelve disciples, He sent them out on a mission, to reach out to those who are lost (Matthew 10:5,16).

It was afterwards He started saying a number of things that may look strange to hear. He talks about bringing a disciple into disagreement with his or her parents and the family and others around them (Matthew 10:34-37). He talks about leaving all to follow Him, Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:38,39).

It was at the concluding part of the chapter He started talking about whoever receives the disciples sent out receives Him, Jesus, and whoever receives Him receives God Who sent Him, Jesus, and talks about the rewards attached to such gestures (Matthew 10:40-42).

Being sent out on evangelism or a mission work has a number of challenges and confrontations, but the price is not more than the grace (Matthew 10:9,17,18). The grace is always sufficient for whoever is genuinely and purposely sent out by God (Matthew 10:19,20).

The first thing is, the person being sent out should understand the purpose of being sent out and be convinced about it. No one should go out on a mission work on the basis of assumption. When you are faced with the realities of the mission work, you might want to run back If you went there on assumption. So, being convinced of what you are signing for or subscribing to is of paramount importance.

Jesus Christ in His discourse talks about the rewards that awaited those who received or blessed the disciples who are sent on missions. Whoever receives them has received Him, Jesus Christ Himself, and there is a reward for that. Even someone who gives a cup of water in the name of receiving a disciple, such a person will not lose the reward.

In one of my mission work to Wa, the upperwest region of Ghana. A muslim man, who happened to be an hotelier received me warmly, hearing that I am a missionary, that I was in Wa for a mission work. He assisted on a number of things, he gave discount on the accommodation bill and did a number of other things. Remember, this was a Muslim man! I surely believe he will not lose the rewards of what he did. It was on that same mission work I had some people who claimed to be Christians, probably nominal Christians, who had no consideration at all and even wanted to take advantage of me. Jesus said:

11 “NOW WHATEVER CITY OR TOWN YOU ENTER, INQUIRE WHO IN IT IS WORTHY, AND STAY THERE TILL YOU GO OUT. 12 AND WHEN YOU GO INTO A HOUSEHOLD, GREET IT. 13 IF THE HOUSEHOLD IS WORTHY, LET YOUR PEACE COME UPON IT. BUT IF IT IS NOT WORTHY, LET YOUR PEACE RETURN TO YOU" (Matthew 10:11-13 NKJV).

If you rejected someone sent on a mission by God or mistreated him or her, the peace brought by such a disciple or minister would not come on you and your home—the peace they brought would depart with them as they leave your place (Matthew 10:13). Thus, do not be part of those who maliciously maltreated the servants of God sent on missions or assignments:

10 WHEN I [John] COME I WILL TELL YOU SOME OF THE THINGS HE [Diotrephes] IS DOING AND WHAT WICKED THINGS HE IS SAYING ABOUT ME AND WHAT INSULTING LANGUAGE HE IS USING. HE NOT ONLY REFUSES TO WELCOME THE MISSIONARY TRAVELERS HIMSELF BUT TELLS OTHERS NOT TO, AND WHEN THEY DO HE TRIES TO PUT THEM OUT OF THE CHURCH. 11 DEAR FRIEND, DON'T LET THIS BAD EXAMPLE INFLUENCE YOU. FOLLOW ONLY WHAT IS GOOD. REMEMBER THAT THOSE WHO DO WHAT IS RIGHT PROVE THAT THEY ARE GOD'S CHILDREN; AND THOSE WHO CONTINUE IN EVIL PROVE THAT THEY ARE FAR FROM GOD" (3 John 10,11 the Living Bible).

Note:

If you received or supported those who are sent out on a mission work, you would be considered a partner with them in the doing of the work:5 DEAR FRIEND, YOU ARE DOING A GOOD WORK FOR GOD IN TAKING CARE OF THE TRAVELING TEACHERS AND MISSIONARIES WHO ARE PASSING THROUGH. 6 THEY HAVE TOLD THE CHURCH HERE OF YOUR FRIENDSHIP AND YOUR LOVING DEEDS. I AM GLAD WHEN YOU SEND THEM ON THEIR WAY WITH A GENEROUS GIFT. 7 FOR THEY ARE TRAVELING FOR THE LORD AND TAKE NEITHER FOOD, CLOTHING, SHELTER, NOR MONEY FROM THOSE WHO ARE NOT CHRISTIANS, EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE PREACHED TO THEM. 8 SO WE OURSELVES SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THEM IN ORDER THAT WE MAY BECOME PARTNERS WITH THEM IN THE LORD'S WORK" (3 John 5-8 the Living Bible).

Peace.

Note:

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b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE 2

1 BRETHREN, MY HEART'S DESIRE AND PRAYER to GOD FOR ISRAEL IS THAT THEY MAY BE SAVED.

2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

3 FOR THEY BEING IGNORANT OF God’s RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND SEEKING TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, HAVE NOT SUBMITTED TO THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.

4 FOR CHRIST IS THE END OF THE LAW FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES."

Romans 10:1-4 (NKJV)

Any number of Christians who claim to be Jesus' disciples or followers but are adherent of old testament law are ignorantly rendering the sacrificial work of Christ Jesus on the cross useless, they are rubbishing the work of mankind's salvation obtained through Jesus' death and resurrection:

16 KNOWING THAT A MAN IS NOT JUSTIFIED BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW BUT BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, EVEN WE HAVE BELIEVED IN CHRIST JESUS, THAT WE MIGHT BE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH IN CHRIST AND NOT BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW; FOR BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW NO FLESH SHALL BE JUSTIFIED: 17 "BUT IF, WHILE WE SEEK TO BE JUSTIFIED BY CHRIST, WE OURSELVES ALSO ARE FOUND SINNERS, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? CERTAINLY NOT! 18 FOR IF I BUILD AGAIN THOSE THINGS WHICH I DESTROYED, I MAKE MYSELF A TRANSGRESSOR. 21 I DO NOT SET ASIDE THE GRACE OF GOD; FOR IF RIGHTEOUSNESS COMES THROUGH THE LAW, THEN CHRIST DIED IN VAIN.” (Galatians 2:16-18,21 NKJV).

Whoever claims to be a believer or a disciple or a Christian who is living by the old testament principles has set aside the grace of God. Such is rendering the sacrificial work of Christ Jesus on the cross useless. And there is a grievous consequence for doing such a thing: "OF HOW MUCH WORSE PUNISHMENT, DO YOU SUPPOSE, WILL HE BE THOUGHT WORTHY WHO HAS TRAMPLED THE SON OF GOD UNDERFOOT, COUNTED THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT BY WHICH HE WAS SANCTIFIED A COMMON THING, AND INSULTED THE SPIRIT OF GRACE?" (Hebrews 10:20 NKJV).

The so-called believers who are still practicing the old testament principles are insulting the spirit of Grace and rendering the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ common.

There are some so-called spiritual churches which their prophets and prophetesses still tell them to go and bath in the rivers, pray with the lightning of candles, burning of incense, and killing of animals for sacrifices. They usually deceive or bamboozle their followers with the scriptures found in the old testament of the Bible. The fact that those things are kept in the old testament of the Bible that we are using does not mean that believers in Christ should observe or practice them. Things written in the old testament are for our learnings, admonitions, that we would not repeat the mistakes made by many of those who walked with God then (1 Corinthians 10:11).

Also, It is said: "ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS" (2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV).

The meaning and application:

a. Some parts of the Bible, Scripture, is profitable for doctrine, that is, profitable for teaching.

b. Some for reproof; that is, for rebuke, reprimand, scolding, or talking-to.

c. Some for correction; in other words, they are written or recorded in the Bible to correct the contemporary believers that such things should not be done as seen done by those in the old testament days (1 Corinthians 10:11).

There are things found in the Bible, though they are found there, they are actually not meant for practice; they are for corrections and admonitions or warnings. They are not at all meant to be done and repeated by the new testament believers.

d. Some for instructions in righteousness. In other words, some part of the Bible are written for instructions; that is, for admonishments or warnings. They are meant to give guidance and directions to the believers in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, If you are ignorantly practicing the old testament principles that are meant for corrections as the things to be practiced, you are abusing the Bible. To abuse means to misuse; the incorrect or improper use. It means you are desecrating and profaning the Bible.

If you are guilty of this, repent today.

Peace.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

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

Hold of sickness is completely broken and never to raised or built again 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 1 in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE 1

1 BRETHREN, MY HEART'S DESIRE AND PRAYER to GOD FOR ISRAEL IS THAT THEY MAY BE SAVED.

2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

3 FOR THEY BEING IGNORANT OF God’s RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND SEEKING TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, HAVE NOT SUBMITTED TO THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.

4 FOR CHRIST IS THE END OF THE LAW FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES."

Romans 10:1-4 (NKJV)

What we see happened to the Israelites in the above Bible passage is found or happening to millions of people who professed to be Christians.

Many who professed to be Christians, though nominal, do the same thing that the Jews are doing—they are seeking to establish their own righteousness (Romans 10:3).

Many still believe that being religious is the way to access or reach or get to God. But they are on a wrong path!

The way the Israelites are zealous about religion is also the way many who professed to be Christians do. These people want to establish their own righteousness through religion, by being lost in the church activities. However, being zealously engaged in church activities does not equate to salvation through Christ Jesus that gives access to God the Father (Romans 10:9,10).

One might be zealous in the activities of his or her local church or parachurch group, It does not equate to salvation—being born-again or saved through Jesus' substitutionary death and resurrection.

The Jews were zealous for God through the practice of the old testament ritualistic pattern of worship, but God has moved beyond that because It was a shadow of the things to come, that is, the faith in Christ Jesus. Since Christ has come, the ritualistic pattern of worship is no longer needed by God:

16 SO LET NO ONE JUDGE YOU IN FOOD IN DRINK, OR REGARDING A FESTIVAL OR A NEW MOON OR SABBATHS, 17 WHICH ARE A SHADOW OF THINGS TO COME, BUT THE SUBSTANCE IS OF CHRIST" (Colossians 2:16,17 NKJV).

1 FOR THE LAW, HAVING A SHADOW OF THE GOOD THINGS TO COME, AND NOT THE VERY IMAGE OF THE THINGS, CAN NEVER WITH THESE SAME SACRIFICES, WHICH THEY OFFER CONTINUALLY YEAR BY YEAR, MAKE THOSE WHO APPROACH PERFECT.

2 FOR THEN WOULD THEY NOT HAVE CEASED TO BE OFFERED? FOR THE WORSHIPERS, ONCE PURIFIED, WOULD HAVE HAD NO MORE CONSCIOUSNESS OF SINS.

3 BUT IN THOSE SACRIFICES THERE IS A REMINDER OF SINS EVERY YEAR.

4 FOR IT IS NOT POSSIBLE THAT THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND GOATS COULD TAKE AWAY SINS."

Hebrews 10:1-4 (NKJV)

READ: Colossians 2:20-23

The old testament ritualistic sacrifices were meant to keep the people in check and pacify God's anger that may be arose because of their sins or evil deeds. Those sacrifices could not cleanse sins, they were meant to pacify God and keep the people in check or caution them from being entrenched in sin.

A shadow can never be considered to be the real thing. What the Israelites were doing was a shadow of the true worship but they considered it as the real. Jesus Christ is the real or substance: "THESE THINGS ARE ONLY A SHADOW OF WHAT WAS TO COME. BUT CHRIST IS REAL!" (Colossians 2:17 Contemporary English Version).

"RULES LIKE THAT ARE ONLY LIKE SHADOWS OF REAL THINGS THAT WOULD HAPPEN LATER. BUT NOW WE HAVE WHAT IS REAL, CHRIST HIMSELF!"

Colossians 2:17 (EasyEnglish Bible)

Now, the Israelites are still into these ritualistic sacrifices till today. They recently are talking about red heifer and the building of the third temple, but God has left that level long time ago since the time Jesus came. But they are still into it till today, this present moment. They are ignorant of God's knowledge and they are seeking to establish their own righteousness, and have not submitted to God's righteousness (Romans 10:3).

One can only become righteous or justified through faith in Christ Jesus, and not through ritualistic sacrifices or religion:

"FOR CHRIST IS THE END OF THE LAW FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES [who have faith in Christ Jesus]" (Romans 10:4 NKJV).

21 BUT NOW GOD HAS SHOWN US A WAY TO BE MADE RIGHT WITH HIM WITHOUT KEEPING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAW, AS WAS PROMISED IN THE WRITINGS OF MOSES AND THE PROPHETS LONG AGO.

22 WE ARE MADE RIGHT [justified] WITH GOD BY PLACING OUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. AND THIS IS TRUE FOR EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES, NO MATTER WHO WE ARE [either Jew or Gentile or Whoever].

23 FOR EVERYONE HAS SINNED; WE ALL FALL SHORT OF GOD'S GLORIOUS STANDARD.

24 YET GOD, IN HIS GRACE, FREELY MAKES US RIGHT IN HIS SIGHT. HE DID THIS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS WHEN HE FREED US FROM THE PENALTY FOR OUR SINS."

Romans 3:21–24 (NLT)

The way to be made right with God is not through the ritualistic sacrifices of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus.

Thus, those who are still observing the old testament ritualistic pattern of worship and sacrifices are actually doing that to the devil, and not to the God of heaven: "HARDLY! WHAT I AM SAYING IS THAT THESE SACRIFICES WHICH PEOPLE MAKE ARE MADE TO DEMONS AND NOT TO GOD. I DON'T WANT YOU TO BE PARTNERS WITH DEMONS" (1 Corinthians 10:20 (GOD’S WORD Translation).

In all the religions of the world where sacrifices are being made to appease God, their sacrifices are to demons and not the God of heaven.

As long as God is concerned, no sacrifice of bull or of any animal made by anyone is acceptable to Him. The only authentic sacrifice had been made by Christ Jesus with His own body on the cross.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

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

Hold of sickness is completely broken and never to raised or built again in Jesus' name.

Peace.

TP 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 1 in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

THE PERSON WHO DESPISED GOD

1 NOW THE LORD SPOKE TO MOSES, SAYING:

2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea.

3 FOR PHARAOH WILL SAY OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’

4 THEN I WILL HARDEN PHARAOH'S HEART, so that he will pursue them; AND I WILL GAIN HONOUR OVER PHARAOH AND OVER ALL HIS ARMY, THAT THE EGYPTIANS MAY KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD.”

Exodus 14:1-4 (NKJV)

• Reading through the text of this teaching, someone who does not understand God and how He operates may want to blame God or see Him as unjust. The person might want to argue that since God was the One who hardened Pharaoh's heart, should he be blamed? After all, he was just doing what God made him to do.

But the truth is, God was not the One who made pharaoh hardened his heart. Pharaoh chose to do that and God helped his resolve, since he, Pharaoh, would not want to acknowledge or recognize God's interest and His involvement in the matter of the Israelites.

• If someone had been told about God, His interest in a particular thing, but the said person does not want to acknowledge God or reverence Him, God will allow or permit a circumstance to humble him or her.

So, If anyone is proven stubborn, God will allow the person to be dealt with according to the hardness of his or her heart. God simply wanted to prove to Pharaoh that He is God, the Lord or the Owner of all things.

• God would always want to tease a person into the doing of whatever he or she had resolved to do that God may allow him or her to see the nothingness of their power or bragging, that without Him, God, no one could do anything: "WHO IS HE WHO SPEAKS AND IT COMES TO PASS, WHEN THE LORD HAS NOT COMMANDED IT?" (Lamentations 3:37 NKJV).

God wanted Pharaoh to know that he was nobody, a nonentity, and not to match with God the Creator of the whole universe.

When Moses and Aaron initially told Pharaoh about God, he said, Who is the LORD that he should listen to or obey Him: "AND PHARAOH SAID, “WHO IS THE LORD, THAT I SHOULD OBEY HIS VOICE TO LET ISRAEL GO? I DO NOT KNOW THE LORD, NOR WILL I LET ISRAEL GO" (Exodus 5:2 NKJV).

Pharaoh despised God, see God as someone he could not listen to or obey. In other words, Who is God to ask or command me, Pharaoh, to release the Israelites.

You know If you honoured God, He will equally honour you, but If you despised Him, you also would be lightly esteemed—be put to shame (1 Samuel 2:30).

Your response to God would determine His response to you, and how you treated Him, His word sent to you, determines how He will handle your matter or case. God would want to humble who does not acknowledge His existence, greatness, power, wisdom, might, and sovereignty—He actually did show or prove that through the life of Pharaoh. He showed to the whole world Who He is, through what He did to Pharaoh and his Egyptian armies (Exodus 15:4,5).

Pharaoh was teased in order to be lured out, or provoked to do his worst, or show the best of his power and might, that God may prove to him that he, Pharaoh, is nobody and show the nothingness of his power, military might or whatever he was boastful of.

No one can battle with God. He is a Man of war: "JEHOVAH IS A MAN OF WAR; JEHOVAH, HIS NAME" (Exodus 15:3 DARBY).

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Is there any ailment in your body, receive your healing now in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

- Whatever in your system working against your wellness is cursed and completely uprooted in Jesus' mighty 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 1 in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN'S LOVE AND GOD'S LOVE

21 FROM THAT TIME JESUS BEGAN TO SHOW HIS DISCIPLES THAT HE MUST GO TO JERUSALEM, AND SUFFER MANY THINGS FROM THE ELDERS AND CHIEF PRIESTS AND SCRIBES, AND BE KILLED, AND BE RAISED THE THIRD DAY.

22 THEN PETER TOOK HIM ASIDE AND BEGAN TO REBUKE HIM, SAYING, "FAR BE IT FROM YOU, LORD; THIS SHALL NOT HAPPEN TO YOU!”

23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! YOU ARE AN OFFENSE TO ME, FOR YOU ARE NOT MINDFUL OF THE THINGS OF GOD, BUT THE THINGS OF MEN.”

Matthew 16:21-23 (NKJV)

When Jesus began to talk about His sufferings, demise or death and resurrection; the disciples were appalled—shocked and dismayed. Peter, being a vocal person among them, took Jesus' aside and began to reprove Him (Matthew 16:22).

Now, Peter's action could be considered to be out of the love he had for Jesus, but such love is soulish or carnal, It was not from God. It was a love from human nature, not the love given by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). This was the reason why Jesus reprimanded Peter, telling him that he was an offense to Him, Jesus (Matthew 16:23). Peter was not mindful of the things of God but of men. In other words, Peter was being carnal, If he was being spiritual he would have understood that what He, Jesus, said about His suffering, death and resurrection was of God—It was sacrosanct or inviolable and should not be disputed.

Whoever loves you to the point that the person would not want you to do God's Will or obey God's instruction; such a love is not from God. Whoever loves you with the love of God would want you to do God's Will—obey whatever instruction given to you by Him, regardless of whatever It would take.

Jesus had to be harsh in His words or statement to Peter because the matter had to do with obedience to God's Word, doing God's Will, and fulfilling the purpose why He came to the earth.

Whoever wants you to compromise the fulfillment of God's purpose or plan concerning your life should not be embraced. Show the person a way out of your home or life. Such should not be entertained or be a friend to hang out with.

You might be asking, Is it that hard? It is surely that hard! The reason is, If you failed in whatever you are asked or purposed to do, the person or people who caused you to derail or fail would not be held responsible by God; but you who the assignment or command or instruction was given.

Your parents, spouse, friends, or whoever may love you with human's love, which is absolutely selfish, and would not want you to do God's Will or obey the command or instruction or carry out the mandate given to you by God. You would have to keep away from them in order not to miss it—not to be disobedient to God. This is the reason why Jesus said whoever would follow Him or be His disciple would have to hate or love less his or her parents, spouse, children, and his or her own personal life. Whoever cannot do that is not worthy of being His disciple (Luke 14:26).

Your parents might not want you to answer the call of God on your life because they know it would entail sufferings and they would not want you to suffer. Their response could be considered an expression of love or care for you, but such a love is human's love that is selfish, carnal or fleshly and sensual. God would not want you to acknowledge or embrace such love.

If you heeded not the call, and you abandoned God's assignment or work or ministry given to you; the outcome might not be palatable. If you, because of your parents' selfish love, heeded not the call of God on your life or abandoned the work given to you by God; they or whoever did such would eventually be used as a cane to flog or chastise you. In some cases, they might be taken away or caused to die abruptly—If God knew they would not allow you to do His Will.

Note: you jeopardized the life of whoever you obeyed to disobey God. Thus, whatever is known to you as the Will of God concerning your life, do not listen to whoever that would not want you to do it or talk you out of doing it. Obey God in all things. Peace.

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

THE MIND

"FOR AS HE THINKS IN HIS HEART, SO IS HE. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you."

Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)

"ABOVE ALL, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."

Ephesians 6:16 (NKJV)

• Your mind is the seat of thought and your thoughts determine your success. In other words, your winning in life is determined by the state of your mind.

- Your achievement is proportional to the state of your mind. Every person is a product of his or her thoughts. Battles of life are fought in the mind. It takes a mental discipline to win in life.

• Challenges of life

- To win you must renew and equip your mind with the Word of God. An empty mind produces empty results. A man who equips not his mind is bound to fail in life, when challenges of life come.

- If a man's faith fails in adversity, it shows that such does not have enough of God's Word to counter negative thoughts that are being sent by adversary—the devil.

- It is the amount of God's Word which you have filled your mind with that would make you stand against the wiles of devil (Ephesians 6:11). Wiles of the devil are evil thoughts sent by the devil to deceive you.

- Apostle Paul talks about the fiery darts of the enemy; he was referring to thoughts sent by the devil (Ephesians 6:16).

• Faith in the Word of God will shield you from the fiery darts of the devil (Ephesians 6:16).

- Ephesians 6:16 says we should take the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the devil. The Word of God produces faith. Faith comes by the hearing of the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

- You have to equip your mind with the Word of God to fortify your faith, and not what you hear being said or spoken by the people around.

- Your faith cannot be strong if all you are hearing is the word of human. Word of human is full of doubt, fear and unbelief, because it is a product of human senses.

- Senses are contrary to faith; If you live in the sense realm as a believer, it would be difficult to prevail over the challenges of life. If you are controlled by senses, as a believer, the devil would be given a chance to have a field day in your life.

- Faith is the answer to every problem and it comes through the Word of God. Thus, If you give no place to the Word in your heart, failure is inevitable.

- Feed your mind daily with the Word of life. The Scripture says man shall not live my bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

• Renew Your Mind (Romans 12:2).

- You have to renew your mind that you may know the perfect will of God for your life.

- You should align yourself with the possibility of God's Word. A single thought which you dwell on can change your destiny—positively or negatively. It depends on thoughts

- Physical advancement, progress and success in the physical stems from the maturity of your soul—mind (3 John 2).

- Defeat is never from outside, it is from within. When you allowed defeat in your thinking, that is, if you are defeated in your mind; It will show or manifest in your output—whatever you do.

• Upgrade your mind

- You have to renew your mind, preoccupies it with the Word of God, that the base things of life might not find any refuge there.

WHEN your mind is sound or high, your thoughts will be sound and high, and your judgement, your perspectives about issues of life would equally be sound and high (Philippines 2:5).

- When someone's thoughts are perverted, their expectations would be dashed. Strive that your expectations would not be cut off or be unfulfilled (Proverbs 24:14).

• Jesus had super mind. The excellent mind that produces godly thoughts that are in line with God's Will or Word:

“LET THIS MIND [mentality or thought] BE IN YOU WHICH WAS ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS” (Philippians 2:5 NKJV).

- Jesus had the mind to serve, the mind to sacrifice Himself for others, the mankind in general. That was the mind that made Him excel.

- Apostle Paul in that passage of the Bible, Philippians 2:5, says: we should endeavour to have such a mind or mindset or mentality which Jesus had that gave Him a name above every other name. This made Jesus excel in His earthly ministry.

- Jesus' secret was, He did allow His mind and thoughts to align with the thoughts of God the Father (Isaiah 55:8,9).

- To go higher in life, you would have to avoid the people whose minds and thoughts are not in line with the Word of God. Such people would want to bring you down to their level of mediocrity (Proverbs 13:20).

- When your thoughts are in line with God's Word, Will and Plan; you become fulfilled in life.

- Carefully choose the people you relate with, relationship is by choice, and not by force.

IF you relate with the people who have a debased mind, who's thinking are awkward, not in line with God's Word and plan; you may find it difficult to rise and fulfil purpose in life:

"HE WHO WALKS WITH WISE MEN WILL BE WISE, But the companion of fools will be destroyed" (Proverbs 13:20 NKJV).

• Receive a sound mind in the mighty name of Jesus. Every negative congestion in your mind is flushed out by the blood of Jesus' Christ.

- Should there be any ailment in your body, be healed now in Jesus' name.

- You will not fail in the mighty name of Jesus.

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 1 in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

GOD OF JUSTICE

7 Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur.

8 And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.”

9 THE ANGEL OF THE LORD SAID TO HER, “RETURN TO YOUR MISTRESS, AND SUBMIT YOURSELF UNDER HER HAND.”

Genesis 16:7-9 (NKJV)

Sarah, Abraham's wife, gave her place to Hagar her maid in order to have a child through her. But when she became pregnant her mistress became despised in her sight (Genesis 16:4). When Hagar did that, Sarah made her miserable: "AND WHEN SARAI DEALT HARSHLY WITH HER, SHE FLED FROM HER PRESENCE" (Genesis 16:6 NKJV).

One of the reasons why some people would not want to help or assist the people under them is the betrayal of trust. A woman who gave her place to you, to be with her husband, because of a need her in life, now became a despise in your sight.

Some would not want to share what they have or know with other people because they are being careful that after they might have done it, the person would want to take their place and dispossess them.

If someone reposes trust in you, do not betray or let the person down; either by swindling the person of what belongs to him or her; by dispossessing the person or usurping the authority of the person.

There is an African adage: "Someone you invited to come and eat now decided to hold your hands not to eat, while he or she continues eating." Do not repay the good done to you with evil. A Bible passage says: "WHOEVER REWARDS EVIL FOR GOOD, EVIL WILL NOT DEPART FROM HIS HOUSE" (Proverbs 17:13 NKJV). God knew that what Hagar did was wrong that was why the Angel of God told her to return to her mistress and submit to her (Genesis 16:9). The God we serve is a God justice!

That being said, what Hagar did was God's way of disciplining or chastising Sarah for taking the step without informing Him, God. What Sarah did usually occur when a believer allows the flesh for agitation and desperation. Sarah was anxious to have the promise of God fulfilled; even when the method she wanted to use is not of God (Genesis 16:1-4).

Some believers are so desperate that they can do anything to get their needs met, even If it entails to use an ungodly means. If a desperation has set in, in your bid to get a particular thing, your need or want met; be sure that the hand of God would not be in it and you would not get the thing.

Instead of allowing desperation, any delayed or yet to be met need should be handled with prayer and by being patient and not being anxious or fretful: "BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION, WITH THANKSGIVING, LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN TO GOD" (Philippians 4:6).

Peace.

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

GOD'S FOOLISHNESS IS WISER THAN THE WISEST OF HUMAN PLANS 2

18 FOR THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS IS FOOLISHNESS TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING, BUT TO US WHO ARE BEING SAVED IT IS THE POWER OF GOD.

19 FOR IT IS WRITTEN: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”

20 WHERE IS THE WISE? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? HAS NOT GOD MADE FOOLISH THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD?

21 FOR SINCE, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, IT PLEASED GOD THROUGH THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE MESSAGE PREACHED TO SAVE THOSE WHO BELIEVE."

1 Corinthians 1:18–21 (NKJV)

• God saves through the foolishness of preaching and not through any profound theory of human wisdom or evolution: "FOR SINCE THE WORLD THROUGH ALL ITS [earthly] WISDOM FAILED TO RECOGNIZE GOD, GOD IN HIS WISDOM WAS WELL-PLEASED THROUGH THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE MESSAGE PREACHED [regarding salvation] TO SAVE THOSE WHO BELIEVE [in Christ and welcome Him as Savior]" (1 Corinthians 1:21 Amps).

"GOD HIMSELF IS WISE. HE HAS DECIDED THAT PEOPLE CANNOT KNOW HIM JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE WISE IN THEIR OWN WAY. INSTEAD, GOD USES THE MESSAGE ABOUT JESUS TO SAVE PEOPLE. THAT MESSAGE MAY SEEM TO BE SILLY TO SOME PEOPLE. BUT WHEN WE TELL IT TO PEOPLE, GOD SAVES THEM IF THEY BELIEVE IT."

1 Corinthians 1:21 (EasyEnglish Bible)

• Some people do believe If the gospel being presented was genuine, It had to be difficult to fathom or understand; It should be something that is very deep—having intellectual depth and insight.

- But God does not work that way. In Jesus' earthly Ministry, He always uses simple and basic things of life to illustrate His messages or teachings.

- He used to teach in parables, using things which the people can understand or relate with; parable of the sower, prodigal son, unprofitable servant, and the likes.

- Jews in the time of Jesus Christ were looking for signs; "FOR JEWS REQUEST A SIGN . . . " (1 Corinthians 1:22); whatever Jesus did they wanted Him to give them signs (Luke 11:29; John 2:18; 6:30).

- And in the early church, the Greeks wanted or sought wisdom: " . . . AND GREEKS SEEK AFTER WISDOM" (1 Corinthians 1:22 NKJV).

- Paul's speech in the Mars' Hill, among the Areopagus, the people at the top echelon in the society (Acts 17:18-33), was not fully accepted because It did not synchronize with their philosophical beliefs—that is marked by deep thinking especially about fundamental questions of the world. Their response to Paul message was: "NOW WHEN THEY HEARD [the term] RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD, SOME MOCKED AND SNEERED; BUT OTHERS SAID, “WE WILL HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN ABOUT THIS MATTER" " (Acts 17:32 Amps).

- Resurrection from the dead was amusing to them because they did believe it cannot happen. All they wanted to believe or agree with is what makes sense to them. Philosophy is mainly based on logical reasonings.

- So, If what is being preached as the gospel does not make sense to a philosopher, he or she would not believe it. Thus, whatever is not profound, having intellectual depth and insight, would not be accepted. Consequently, the gospel is foolishness to such a person: "BUT WE PREACH CHRIST CRUCIFIED, TO THE JEWS A STUMBLING BLOCK AND TO THE GREEKS FOOLISHNESS" (1 Corinthians 1:23).

- However, Christ is both the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). Christ Jesus is everything to everyone! Whoever you are, whatever the question in your heart, and whatever the challenge, Christ Jesus is All you need—He is the answer to every need.

- If signs and wonders are all you need, they are found in Christ Jesus; and If wisdom is what you are in need of, It is equally found in Christ Jesus. Whoever answers the call to salvation, being born-again, Jesus is All in all to him or her: "BUT TO THOSE WHO ARE CALLED, BOTH JEWS AND GREEKS, CHRIST THE POWER OF GOD AND THE WISDOM OF GOD" (1 Corinthians 1:24 (NKJV).

• As said earlier in this teaching, you have to drop your own human wisdom or cleverness, you become a fool, to embrace the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 3:18).

- Whoever does not do that cannot embrace God's wisdom. His ways and thoughts are far different from that of Man or humans:

8 “FOR MY THOUGHTS ARE NOT YOUR THOUGHTS, NOT ARE YOUR WAYS MY WAYS,” SAYS THE LORD. 9 “FOR AS THE HEAVENS ARE HIGHER THAN THE EARTH, SO ARE MY WAYS HIGHER THAN YOUR WAYS, AND MY THOUGHTS THAN YOUR THOUGHTS" (Isaiah 55:8,9 NKJV).

- The simplicity of preaching the gospel to save the world, which many considered foolishness, is wiser than men or humans plan: "THIS FOOLISH PLAN OF GOD IS WISER THAN THE WISEST OF HUMAN PLANS, AND GOD'S WEAKNESS IS STRONGER THAN THE GREATEST OF HUMAN STRENGTH" (1 Corinthians 1:25 NLT).

• The act of God that seems foolish to Man, humans, is wiser than the wisest human wisdom.

- Human wisdom is limited and fathomable, whilst God's wisdom is unlimited, infinite, and unfathomable. Thus, God's wisdom cannot be compared with that of Man, humans.

- Whoever would walk with God had to drop his or her earthly and sensual human wisdom.

- Whoever is wise in human standard, and acknowledges not God, would not be able to walk with God. You would have to drop what you know to embrace His Word, wisdom, to have the success you may be anticipating in the ministry work.

- What the Areopagus, the Epicureans and Stoic philosophers, know, hindered them to embrace the message of the cross brought to them by Apostle Paul (Acts 17:32).

- Whatever you know, which you had learned, had to be dropped and unlearned to embrace God's wisdom: If you would want to walk with Him.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Whatever is not of God in your body that is working against your wellness and good health is cursed and uprooted totally in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

- And you are completely made whole 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 1 in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

GOD'S FOOLISHNESS IS WISER THAN THE WISEST OF HUMAN PLANS 2

18 FOR THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS IS FOOLISHNESS TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING, BUT TO US WHO ARE BEING SAVED IT IS THE POWER OF GOD.

19 FOR IT IS WRITTEN: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”

20 WHERE IS THE WISE? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? HAS NOT GOD MADE FOOLISH THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD?

21 FOR SINCE, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, IT PLEASED GOD THROUGH THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE MESSAGE PREACHED TO SAVE THOSE WHO BELIEVE."

1 Corinthians 1:18–21 (NKJV)

• God saves through the foolishness of preaching and not through any profound theory of human wisdom or evolution: "FOR SINCE THE WORLD THROUGH ALL ITS [earthly] WISDOM FAILED TO RECOGNIZE GOD, GOD IN HIS WISDOM WAS WELL-PLEASED THROUGH THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE MESSAGE PREACHED [regarding salvation] TO SAVE THOSE WHO BELIEVE [in Christ and welcome Him as Savior]" (1 Corinthians 1:21 Amps).

"GOD HIMSELF IS WISE. HE HAS DECIDED THAT PEOPLE CANNOT KNOW HIM JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE WISE IN THEIR OWN WAY. INSTEAD, GOD USES THE MESSAGE ABOUT JESUS TO SAVE PEOPLE. THAT MESSAGE MAY SEEM TO BE SILLY TO SOME PEOPLE. BUT WHEN WE TELL IT TO PEOPLE, GOD SAVES THEM IF THEY BELIEVE IT."

1 Corinthians 1:21 (EasyEnglish Bible)

• Some people do believe If the gospel being presented was genuine, It had to be difficult to fathom or understand; It should be something that is very deep—having intellectual depth and insight.

- But God does not work that way. In Jesus' earthly Ministry, He always uses simple and basic things of life to illustrate His messages or teachings.

- He used to teach in parables, using things which the people can understand or relate with; parable of the sower, prodigal son, unprofitable servant, and the likes.

- Jews in the time of Jesus Christ were looking for signs; "FOR JEWS REQUEST A SIGN . . . " (1 Corinthians 1:22); whatever Jesus did they wanted Him to give them signs (Luke 11:29; John 2:18; 6:30).

- And in the early church, the Greeks wanted or sought wisdom: " . . . AND GREEKS SEEK AFTER WISDOM" (1 Corinthians 1:22 NKJV).

- Paul's speech in the Mars' Hill, among the Areopagus, the people at the top echelon in the society (Acts 17:18-33), was not fully accepted because It did not synchronize with their philosophical beliefs—that is marked by deep thinking especially about fundamental questions of the world. Their response to Paul message was: "NOW WHEN THEY HEARD [the term] RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD, SOME MOCKED AND SNEERED; BUT OTHERS SAID, “WE WILL HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN ABOUT THIS MATTER" " (Acts 17:32 Amps).

- Resurrection from the dead was amusing to them because they did believe it cannot happen. All they wanted to believe or agree with is what makes sense to them. Philosophy is mainly based on logical reasonings.

- So, If what is being preached as the gospel does not make sense to a philosopher, he or she would not believe it. Thus, whatever is not profound, having intellectual depth and insight, would not be accepted. Consequently, the gospel is foolishness to such a person: "BUT WE PREACH CHRIST CRUCIFIED, TO THE JEWS A STUMBLING BLOCK AND TO THE GREEKS FOOLISHNESS" (1 Corinthians 1:23).

- However, Christ is both the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). Christ Jesus is everything to everyone! Whoever you are, whatever the question in your heart, and whatever the challenge, Christ Jesus is All you need—He is the answer to every need.

- If signs and wonders are all you need, they are found in Christ Jesus; and If wisdom is what you are in need of, It is equally found in Christ Jesus. Whoever answers the call to salvation, being born-again, Jesus is All in all to him or her: "BUT TO THOSE WHO ARE CALLED, BOTH JEWS AND GREEKS, CHRIST THE POWER OF GOD AND THE WISDOM OF GOD" (1 Corinthians 1:24 (NKJV).

• As said earlier in this teaching, you have to drop your own human wisdom or cleverness, you become a fool, to embrace the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 3:18).

- Whoever does not do that cannot embrace God's wisdom. His ways and thoughts are far different from that of Man or humans:

8 “FOR MY THOUGHTS ARE NOT YOUR THOUGHTS, NOT ARE YOUR WAYS MY WAYS,” SAYS THE LORD. 9 “FOR AS THE HEAVENS ARE HIGHER THAN THE EARTH, SO ARE MY WAYS HIGHER THAN YOUR WAYS, AND MY THOUGHTS THAN YOUR THOUGHTS" (Isaiah 55:8,9 NKJV).

- The simplicity of preaching the gospel to save the world, which many considered foolishness, is wiser than men or humans plan: "THIS FOOLISH PLAN OF GOD IS WISER THAN THE WISEST OF HUMAN PLANS, AND GOD'S WEAKNESS IS STRONGER THAN THE GREATEST OF HUMAN STRENGTH" (1 Corinthians 1:25 NLT).

• The act of God that seems foolish to Man, humans, is wiser than the wisest human wisdom.

- Human wisdom is limited and fathomable, whilst God's wisdom is unlimited, infinite, and unfathomable. Thus, God's wisdom cannot be compared with that of Man, humans.

- Whoever would walk with God had to drop his or her earthly and sensual human wisdom.

- Whoever is wise in human standard, and acknowledges not God, would not be able to walk with God. You would have to drop what you know to embrace His Word, wisdom, to have the success you may be anticipating in the ministry work.

- What the Areopagus, the Epicureans and Stoic philosophers, know, hindered them to embrace the message of the cross brought to them by Apostle Paul (Acts 17:32).

- Whatever you know, which you had learned, had to be dropped and unlearned to embrace God's wisdom: If you would want to walk with Him.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Whatever is not of God in your body that is working against your wellness and good health is cursed and uprooted totally in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

- And you are completely made whole 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 1 in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

HIDDEN THINGS FROM THE WISE AND PRUDENT

"AT THAT TIME JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, THAT YOU HAVE HIDDEN THINGS FROM THE WISE AND PRUDENT AND REVEALED THEM TO THE BABES."

Matthew 11:25 (NKJV)

The mysteries of the kingdom are always revealed to the babes, those who are tenderhearted, who are baby-like in their mind. Those who want to simply believe whatever is said by God through His Word—believe and trust God and His Word as being said or described in he Bible.

Many strive to acquire knowledge, which may be all right to some extent, but the knowledge that is not well managed can be counterproductive, have negative effect on the person.

Whatever you are learning or whatever knowledge you are trying to acquire, make sure you are doing that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Any knowledge that would play down the work of the Holy Spirit or the manifestation or demonstration of the power of God would not be helpful in your journey on earth—the heavenly race.

Some have learned so much that they begin to question or query the authenticity of the power of God, the move of the Holy Spirit, and the reality of the manifestations of God. This happened because of their learning, too much of the knowledge acquired that are not relevant to what God has given them to do, and neither relevant or helpful to their walk with God. Any knowledge that would not help your walking with God should be shunned. Any knowledge that would make you query or question the move of God should not be embraced. When you started reading or studying a material and you began to dwindle or go down in your faith, wisdom demands that you do away with such a material.

Knowledge could only be beneficial and edifying If It helps you in your quest to know God the more. Any knowledge that would not help you in knowing God the more and help you in fulfilling your assignment is not a good knowledge. The main purpose of whatever knowledge you are acquiring should be to help you in your walk with God and be more fulfilled in whatever you are assigned to do.

God had used some people in the past but put them aside, though He would have continued using them to break new frontiers, but they have gone to acquire the knowledge that has made God placed or put a limit on how He uses them in His work.

The pharisees and the scribes, and the religious leaders could have been the best people to use for God's new move in Jesus' days, in His earthly ministry, but the knowledge they acquired and their bigotry would not allow them to embrace the new move of God—the ministry of Jesus, the Messiah spoken about by the prophets of old.

Their knowledge was counterproductive or fruitless, they could not see or comprehend the new move of God, the ministry of Jesus Christ. They had allowed tradition to colour or taint their heart, notions or opinions or ideas. They were seeing with a perverted sight. This is Jesus' words to them:

38 BUT YOU [the religious leaders] DO NOT HAVE HIS [God's] WORD ABIDING IN YOU, BECAUSE WHOM HE SENT, HIM YOU DO NOT BELIEVE. 39 YOU SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES, FOR IN THEM YOU THINK YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE; AND THESE ARE THEY WHICH TESTIFY OF ME [Jesus]. 40 BUT YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO COME TO ME THAT YOU MAY HAVE LIFE. 41 “I DO NOT RECEIVE HONOUR FROM MEN. 42 BUT I KNOW YOU, THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE THE LOVE OF GOD IN YOU" (John 5:38-42 NKJV)

God had to leave them and move on. Jesus had to work with the people called the unlearned and untrained men (Acts 4:13). Jesus appointed His disciples from the class of people who could be called the novices or ignoramuses. That was why Jesus said the things He was doing were hidden from the wise and prudent and revealed them to the babes. The babes He was talking about in the passage were the disciples who were novices, the untrained and unlearned people. Fishermen and a bunch of people who could be considered to be at the lower class of the society (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

This same thing is still happening today. There are people who believe they know more, when It comes to theology, but God has not revealed Himself to them. In all the moves of God, there had never been people who claimed to know or have the knowledge of God who had ever spearheaded a great move of God. The reason being that, the knowledge which they have acquired would not allow them to embrace the new move of God.

If anyone has started talking about knowledge that plays down the move of God; the power of God, and he is trying to put more emphasis on regimentation and orderliness than the predisposition or sensitivity or responsiveness to the Holy Spirit; you should be wary or watchful of him or her. You might need to give a gap to such a person or their teachings.

Peace.

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

GOD'S FOOLISHNESS IS WISER THAN THE WISEST OF HUMAN PLANS 1

18 FOR THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS IS FOOLISHNESS TO THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING, BUT TO US WHO ARE BEING SAVED IT IS THE POWER OF GOD.

19 FOR IT IS WRITTEN: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”

20 WHERE IS THE WISE? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? HAS NOT GOD MADE FOOLISH THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD?

21 FOR SINCE, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, IT PLEASED GOD THROUGH THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE MESSAGE PREACHED TO SAVE THOSE WHO BELIEVE."

1 Corinthians 1:18–21 (NKJV)

• The message of the cross is the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Corinthians 1 18).

- The simplicity of the gospel could make those who rely on their human knowledge and wisdom miss God (1 Corinthians 1:19).

- The message of the cross looks like a child play to those who heavily trust in their brains. To them, It lacks common sense or wisdom, looks too simple to be true, thus, It is foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18).

- To them the message lacks depth and not profound enough. The wise and the prudent; the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters, could not see any wisdom in it (1 Corinthians 1:20).

- What is the message, the good news, all about? It is about acknowledging yourself as a sinner, separated from God, but needed to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:19). But the righteousness of the self or good deeds would not be accepted, because they are like filthy rags in the sight of God (Isaiah 64:6).

- A propitiation or appeasement is needed, which Christ Jesus came to do; offer Himself as a sacrifice or an appeasement (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 2:2), died for the sin of the whole world, that whoever believes in Him would not perish or be condemned because of his or her sin, but have everlasting life (John 3:15,16).

- The simplicity of it is, whoever believes in their heart that Jesus Christ died for their sin, resurrected for their justification or being made right with God, and confess it with their mouths, such are saved—born again (Romans 4:25; 10:9,10).

- It is this simplicity of it that makes those who refused the good news, or those who are perishing, call it foolishness. However, It is the power of God for those who are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18).

• God's way of doing things is always simple. Those who are proud and do not know Him would easily not agree with whatever He is doing or wanted to do.

- God always does this to humble the wise and the prudent of the world: "FOR IT IS WRITTEN: “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND BRING TO NOTHING THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRUDENT" " (1 Corinthians 1:19).

READ: 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

- The wisdom of the world is nothing to be compared with the wisdom of God. In fact, whoever wants to be wise should become a fool in the sight of the world, in order to embrace God's wisdom: "LET NO ONE DECEIVE HIMSELF. IF ANYONE AMONG YOU SEEMS TO BE WISE IN THIS AGE [this world’s standards], LET HIM BECOME A FOOL THAT HE MAY BECOME WISE" (1 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV).

- God would see to it that whoever is relying on worldly wisdom; cleverness or expertise, without acknowledging Him, is humbled: "WHERE IS THE WISE? WHERE IS THE SCRIBE? WHERE IS THE DISPUTER OF THIS AGE? HAS NOT GOD MADE FOOLISH THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD?" (1 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV).

READ: Proverbs 3:5,6

- God would not want anyone to vaunt or brag, ascribe the glory of his or her success to the self.

- God usually would want to lift or promote the foolish ones, that there would be no doubt that It was not the person's ability that made him or her succeed (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Whatever is not of God in your body that is working against your wellness and good health is cursed and uprooted totally in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

- And you are completely made whole 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 1 in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

HE WOULD NOT WANT TO BE MADE KNOWN

15 BUT WHEN JESUS KNEW IT, HE WITHDREW FROM THERE. AND GREAT MULTITUDES FOLLOWED HIM, AND HE HEALED THEM ALL.

16 YET HE WARNED THEM NOT TO MAKE HIM KNOWN,

17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:

18 “BEHOLD! MY SERVANT WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN, MY BELOVED IN WHOM MY SOUL IS WELL PLEASED! I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT UPON HIM, AND HE WILL DECLARE JUSTICE TO THE GENTILES.

19 HE WILL NOT QUARREL NOR CRY OUT, NOR WILL ANYONE HEAR HIS VOICE IN THE STREETS.

20 A BRUISED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK, AND SMOKING FLAX HE WILL NOT QUENCH, TILL HE SENDS FORTH JUSTICE TO VICTORY;

21 AND IN HIS NAME GENTILES WILL TRUST." "

Matthew 12:15-21 (NKJV)

One of the signs through which you would get to know that a believer or a minister is not yet truly or thoroughly broken—be made flexible or tempered or dealt with by God—is being vainglorious, showy and boastful. When such is trying to ascribe the glory of whatever is being done in his or her life and ministry to the self (Isaiah 42:8).

When Jesus withdrew from the pharisees and the scribes who were plotting to kill Him, multitudes followed Him and He healed them all (Matthew 12:15). But he did something amazing which some who professed to be following Him today are not doing. What did He do? "YET HE WARNED THEM NOT TO MAKE HIM KNOWN" (Matthew 12:16 NKJV).

Jesus would not want to be made known. He would not want to boast or brag about His work. But contrarily, we have seen so-called believers or ministers with a little result, which such would want to boast and would not want to identify with the lowly again.

Some so-called ministers are nearly being turned to God. And, most especially the people around some of them are not helping the matter. The people around them want to do more than what they are asked or instructed to do, all because of doing eye service. Unlike Jesus Who would not want to be announced or made known, there are ministers who are showy and wanted to be made known because of the little result they are having in their ministries (Matthew 15:16).

If you did allow too much noise on whatever you are being used to do by God, the noise might be the thing that would quench God's fire in your life and ministry. Some ministers and ministries are already made silenced because of their noises, plus the fact that the glory of their works are not given to God, but the self (Isaiah 42:8; Acts 12:21-23). What a minister should strenuously avoid is the sharing of the glory of whatever is being done in his or her ministry with God (Isaiah 42:8). Avoid vaingloriousness completely.

The Scripture in Matthew 12:18-21, quoted from Isaiah, which was being fulfilled by Christ Jesus, stresses that:

a. The Spirit of God would be on the Servant, the Anointed One or Messiah, and He will declare justice to the gentiles (Matthew 12:18).

b. He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets (Matthew 12:19). In other words, He will not be excessively boastful, showy or flamboyant.

c. It was said of Him that He will not break a bruised reed and will not quench or extinguish smouldering wick or flax. In other words, those who are weak or not strong would not be killed, and would not desist until He sends justice to victory—until He establishes victory. That is He will do this until there is justice everywhere (Matthew 12:20).

d. The gentiles will trust in His name, because through Him they will be reconciled to God—All the nations will trust him to save them (Isaiah 12:21; Acts 4:12; 2 Corinthians 5:19,21).

Contrarily, there are many believers and ministers who are not like the Christ Who was described above in the Book of Isaiah and Matthew. There are ministers who are boastful, who wanted to be honoured and worshipped like God. Although, any number of such showy ministers would have not been genuinely of God, because a genuine minister of God would not ascribe the glory of his or her work to the self—they know that If they did, they will wither in no time (Acts 12:21-23).

Imitate Christ Jesus in humility and meekness:

5 LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU WHICH WAS ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS, 6 WHO, BEING IN THE FORM OF GOD, DID NOT CONSIDER IT ROBBERY TO BE EQUAL WITH GOD, 7 BUT MADE HIMSELF OF NO REPUTATION, TAKING THE FORM OF A BONDSERVANT, AND COMING IN THE LIKENESS OF MEN. 8 And BEING FOUND IN APPEARANCE AS A MAN, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF AND BECAME OBEDIENT TO THE POINT OF DEATH, EVEN THE DEATH OF THE CROSS. 9 THEREFORE GOD ALSO HAS HIGHLY EXALTED HIM AND GIVEN HIM THE NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY NAME, 10 THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, OF THOSE IN HEAVEN, AND OF THOSE ON EARTH, AND OF THOSE UNDER THE EARTH, 11 AND THAT EVERY TONGUE SHOULD CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER" (Philippians 2:5-11 NKJV).

A believer or minister can only be lifted to higher honour through humility and that is found in the life of Christ Jesus—the reason why His name is highly exalted above every other name (Philippians 2:9-11). Therefore, emulate Him: "HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, AND HE WILL LIFT YOU UP (James 4:10 NKJV)

Peace.

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.

[steveezekiel]

WHAT COULD BE LEARNT FROM MOSES' LEADERSHIP PATTERN

15 AND THE LORD SAID TO MOSES, “WHY DO YOU CRY TO ME? TELL THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL TO GO FORWARD.

16 BUT LIFT UP YOUR ROD, AND STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND OVER THE SEA AND DIVIDE IT. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea."

Exodus 14:15,16 (NKJV)

When the Israelites saw pharaoh and his armies pursuing them and would not know what to do, they started complaining and murmuring, telling Moses that they had told him not to take them out of Egypt (Exodus 14:11,12).

Moses by faith told them that the Egyptians they saw that day, they would never see them again, and the LORD will fight for them and they will hold their peace (Exodus 14:13,14).

Meanwhile, Moses had to cry to God for help: "AND THE LORD SAID TO MOSES, “WHY DO YOU CRY TO ME? TELL THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL TO GO FORWARD" (Exodus 14:15 NKJV).

A ministry leader should always take the problems of the people to God. Ministry work is not done by human ideas or logics, but through the words that proceed from the mouth of God—the instructions given by God (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4).

While Moses was telling them to stand still and see the salvation of God (Exodus 14:13), God told him to tell them, the Israelites, to move forward. And God also gave an instruction to Moses on what to do, to lift up his rod and stretch his hands over the sea and divide it (Exodus 14:16).

The instructions on what to do came when Moses cried out to God. When you sincerely called on God as a leader of His people, He will hear you, except If He has not called you. If you are truly called by God and you are doing what He instructed you to do, He will listen to you when you cry to Him on behalf of His people who He put under your leadership.

Since you cannot use your brain to proffer solutions to the problems of the people, you have no choice than taking the matter to God for His direction on what to do. This is the reason why there should be a special tie between God, the Sender, and the sent, whoever is assigned or sent on an assignment (John 5:19,30; 10:30).

Your intimacy or closeness with God is the foundation of success in the ministry work. Ministry work is not done with human efforts but with God's enablement and ability.

If a minister failed in his or her private time with God, such a minister cannot but fail in their public ministry. Thus, be serious with your communion and fellowship with God. Whatever is not settled or resolved in your private time with God might not be a success in the physical.

Note: even if you are not a minister yet, build a strong fellowship or communion with God where issues bothering your heart could be settled or resolved with Him. Meet with God at the early hours of the day to commune and fellowship with Him through His Word.

You will not fail in Jesus' name.

Peace.

Note:

a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.

b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.