Garden of Evil

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+ 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.

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SUBJECT: God Does the Growing

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM GROWING BY GOD

I AM NOT ALONE

I AM FREE

I AM LISTENING TO GOD

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READ TIME: 8 Minutes

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THOUGHTS:

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No matter where we go to church, we must always remember that God is the One who causes the growth. We can sit under many teachers, attend different services, and learn from many people, but true spiritual growth does not come from humans it comes from God. Teachers can plant and water the Word, but it is God who gives the increase and causes it to take root in our hearts.

When I first gave my life to Christ, I used to think my pastor was the main one teaching me and shaping me. And in a sense, he did teach me, but I later realized that it was God who was truly doing the work in me. Everything I learned in Bible studies, Sunday school, church services, and other gatherings was not just information it was God using those moments to grow me. As God grows us, we begin to change from the inside out. We start letting go of anger, foolish ways, and sinful habits because they no longer match the life He is calling us to live.

The truth is, we cannot change ourselves by our own strength. Real transformation only happens when God is at work in us. He allows us to go through trials, mistakes, and difficult seasons not to destroy us, but to develop us. These experiences are meant to shape us, strengthen us, and lead us closer to Him. God is not trying to break us He is pruning us so we can grow into who He created us to be. And as we continue walking with Him, we begin to desire His way more and more, realizing that His path is the best place for our lives.

1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.

God will always continue to grow us throughout our lives. We must be willing to change, be transformed, and allow Him to shape us. Sometimes transformation is not easy, and growth can feel uncomfortable, but the more we keep our hand in God, the easier it becomes to trust Him through the process. God desires to grow us every single day, but we must be willing to let Him lead the way instead of holding on to our own way.

Our own way does not have to stay the same. As we surrender more to God, we begin to desire change and spiritual growth. God does not want us to remain the same people we were years ago. Instead, He calls us to be transformed and renewed daily. Our lives belong to Him, and when we give ourselves fully to Him, we are submitting to a change that leads us closer to His will and His purpose.

The goal is to become more like Christ each day. We are given the opportunity every day to grow, improve, and reflect His character. This journey is not about staying the same, but about being shaped by God into something better. As we walk with Him, we begin to see that change is not something to fear, but something to embrace, because it is God making us more like Him.

1 Timothy 4:15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

It reminds us that spiritual progress does not happen by accident it requires focus, dedication, and a heart that is fully committed to God’s Word and His ways. We are called to think deeply about the things of God and let them shape how we live.

This verse also teaches us the importance of consistency and devotion. When it says to give thyself wholly to them, it means we should fully commit ourselves to living out God’s truth, not halfway or only when it is convenient. Our daily habits, choices, and mindset should reflect our desire to follow Christ. As we stay faithful in prayer, study the Word, and obedience, our growth becomes visible over time.

Finally, Paul reminds Timothy that spiritual growth will be seen by others that thy profiting may appear to all. This means that when God is truly working in us, it becomes evident in our actions, character, and lifestyle. People around us should be able to notice a difference in how we speak, behave, and respond to life. When we stay committed to God, He transforms us in a way that not only blesses us but also becomes a testimony to others of His power at work.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

God desires for us to grow deeper in our understanding, faith, and obedience. We are encouraged not to remain in the “starting place” of our walk with God, but to continue pressing forward into maturity in Him.

A strong foundation is necessary, but no one builds a house and stops at the foundation. In the same way, our Christian life is meant to grow stronger, deeper, and more stable as we walk with God and learn His Word more fully.

We must be willing to let God stretch us, correct us, and teach us new things so we can grow spiritually. This means moving away from spiritual stagnation and choosing daily growth in prayer, obedience, and understanding. As we do this, God shapes us into mature believers who reflect His character more clearly and stand firm in their faith.

*** Today we talked about growth and how our spiritual growth can go beyond what we expect when we fully lean on God. Many times, we do not grow because we are not willing to put in the effort. We are not consistent in reading our Bible or praying, but God desires for us to seek Him daily through His Word and through prayer. When we do these things, we open our hearts to be transformed, shaped, and strengthened in our understanding of Him.

God wants us to move beyond spiritual immaturity and grow into maturity in Christ. Many believers struggle with growth because they are still holding on to the things of the flesh. But when we walk with God, we are called to walk in the Spirit. We must be mindful of what we say, what we do, and how we live, because our lives are always before God. Spiritual growth requires letting go of old habits and allowing God to lead us into a new way of living.

Often, we do not even notice our own growth until someone else points it out. Change can be gradual and subtle, but it is still real when we stay consistent with God. If we allow Him to work in us daily, growth will happen step by step. Over time, what once felt small becomes strong transformation, and we begin to reflect more of Christ in our lives without even realizing how far God has brought us. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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Heavenly Father we thank you so much for everything . Lord give us strength to do what you want us to do. Help us to be more like you, we are so sorry for the things we have done . We thank you for covering us in your blood and for doing what you do in our lives . in Jesus Name Amen

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REFERENCES

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+ John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.”

+ 1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation.”

+ Psalm 92:12-13 The righteous thrive like a palm tree and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they thrive in the courts of our God.”

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FURTHER READINGS

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Proverbs 16

Exodus 27

Psalm 88

Job 23

Mark 12

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16th June, 2026

READ: Luke 14:28-32

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Luke 14:28

Some people who are called are not practical about life and ministry. The fact that we are spiritual people does not mean we should not know how to do practical things. An anointed person must be practical and down to earth. You must roll up your sleeves and do normal everyday activities if you want things to work. It is important to take practical steps to obey every commission given to you by God.

People who are not practical do not know how to build anything. Many impractical people sit in their offices and receive invoices that make no sense. Because these leaders are detached from realities, they have no idea that they are being seriously cheated. If you are not practical, you will not know the real cost of things. People who are not practical do not know how to prosper. When people are not practical and pragmatic, they do not know how to save money.

A man of God who said God had told him to put up a church building, set up a board to raise funds for the church building. The board organised a fund-raising breakfast meeting, but the cost of the food was far more than the money they raised. Because they were not practical men who have raised money and built things before, they were unable to raise much money. They rather incurred a debt. The board of this church hesitated and dithered and staggered and floundered and struggled and wallowed and faltered until nothing was accomplished. Indeed, this board spent more money on being a board than on accomplishing the mandate of their pastor.

RUNNING EVEN WHEN YOU HAVE NO MESSAGE

22 And Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, “BUT WHATEVER HAPPENS, PLEASE LET ME ALSO RUN AFTER THE CUSHITE.” So Joab said, “WHY WILL YOU RUN, MY SON, SINCE YOU HAVE NO NEWS READY?”

23 "BUT WHATEVER HAPPENS,” he said, “LET ME RUN.” So he said to him, “RUN.”

2 Samuel 18:22,23 (NKJV)

There are ministers who are running without a message. Ahimaaz the son of Zadok wanted to run even without a message.

21 "I HAVE NOT SENT THESE PROPHETS, YET THEY RAN. I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.

22 But if they had stood in My counsel, and had caused My people to hear My words, then they would have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings.”

Jeremiah 23:21,22 (NKJV)

You have to wait enough on God to receive a message before you started running.

If you do not have a message from God to deliver to the people you are assigned, your running would do more harm than good.

Many who claim to be ministers, who are causing confusions in the body of Christ, are the ones who did not wait on God enough before they started running.

The truth is that someone who does not have a message from the Lord would need to step aside for the one who has a genuine message from the Lord (2 Samuel 18:29,30).

29 "WHAT ABOUT YOUNG ABSALOM?” the king demanded. “Is he all right?” Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab told me to come, there was a lot of commotion. But I didn’t know what was happening.”

30 "WAIT HERE,” the king told him. So Ahimaaz STEPPED ASIDE.”

2 Samuel 18:29,30 (NLT)

• Whoever wants to receive a message from the Lord must build a strong communion with the Holy Spirit; having the consciousness of God being with him in the person of the Holy Spirit. In other words, he must acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s presence on the inside of him (1 Corinthians 2:10-12; Hebrews 11:6).

• Such should always call the attention of the Holy Spirit to whatever he wants to do: ask for His direction, guidance and His approval on whatever to do (John 14:26).

The consciousness would create a good relationship, fellowship, between him and the Holy Spirit.

• A believer who has a good fellowship with the Holy Spirit can easily receive a message from God (John 16:13-15).

His fellowship with the Holy Spirit would sharpen his ability to hear, he would be able to understand how the Holy Spirit communicates both verbally and non-verbally. Such a believer would be able to interprete the handwriting of God, explaining enigmas or interprete hard sentences (Daniel 5:11,12).

• Someone who has not been walking closely with the Holy Spirit may not be able to discern and interprete the language of the Holy Spirit:

“BUT THE NATURAL MAN DOES NOT RECEIVE THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD, FOR THEY ARE FOOLISHNESS TO HIM; NOR CAN HE KNOW THEM, BECAUSE THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED” (1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV).

Having a revelation, that is, receiving a message from the Lord, is a major proof that God approves your ministry. Those whom God approves would hear from Him (Numbers 12:6-8).

The person whom God approves would have his rod budded and blossomed.

Dry rod without budding is a sign that God has not chosen someone. A person whom God has chosen would have his rod blossoms as that of Aaron, and would have revelation like Paul did (Galatians 1:11,12; Ephesians 3:3).

The rod of chosen vessel will bud and blossom:

5 "And it shall be that the rod of the man whom I choose will blossom; thus rid Myself of the complaints of the children of Israel, which they make against you.”

8 Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses went into the Tabernacle of witness, and behold, the rod of Aaron, of the house of Levi, had sprouted and put forth buds, had produced blossoms and yielded ripe almonds.

10 And the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Aaron’s rod back before the Testimony, to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put their complaints away from Me, lest they die.” “

Numbers 17:5,8,10 (NKJV)

There is no contention about it, budded and blossomed rod is a sign that God has chosen you.

The blossomed rod, that is, revelation authenticate your ministry.

A minister without a blossomed rod, revelation, has no message to share, such should step aside for others (Galatians 1:11,12; Ephesians 3:3).

Staying in close fellowship with God will cause your rod to blossom, you will have visions and revelations (1 Corinthians 12:1,7).

Ministry work is not about running around, it is about having a message to deliver to the people.

The essence of a messenger is the message he bears.

A messenger who has no message is not an authentic messenger.

God’s messengers must have God’s message to deliver to His people.

11 BUT I MAKE KNOWN TO YOU, BRETHREN, THAT THE GOSPEL WHICH WAS PREACHED BY ME IS NOT ACCORDING TO MAN.

12 FOR I NEITHER RECEIVED IT FROM MAN, NOR WAS I TAUGHT IT, BUT IT CAME THROUGH THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST.”

Galatians 1:11,12 (NKJV)

ABIDE IN ME

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear

fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

John 15:4 (NKJV)

READ: John 15:1–8

A believer’s fruitfulness or success, in the spiritual as well as the physical, is largely dependent on abiding in Christ Jesus. To abide in Christ means to keep your relationship and communion with Him.

• It means steadfastness in your walk with God.

• It also means walking in the light of God’s Word or living in line with His Word (James 1:22–25).

• Abiding in Christ also means having a working communion with God. It is this abiding in Christ that leads to fruitfulness.

What is fruitfulness?

Fruitfulness in Christ is when your life is being used to bless others:

• When you are teaching others about the ways of God, you are being fruitful.

• When you are being used to pray and minister to others, it means you are fruitful.

• When through your life, glory is being given to God; it thus means you are fruitful.

• When testimonies are given as a result of your way of life and what you do in the kingdom, it means you are fruitful.

• When souls are won to Christ through your life, either through evangelism or your way of living; you are fruitful.

• When believers are edified through your life and what you do in the kingdom; you are fruitful.

However, doing any of the things mentioned as being fruitful would be as a result of your steadfastness in God, abiding in Christ through the doing or practising of His Word and principles.

Now, what is steadfastness?

• Steadfastness is when you are firm in your allegiance to God and His kingdom.

• Steadfastness is being constant, dedicated, devoted, faithful, loyal, steady, and true.

Thus, a steadfast believer is the one who is abiding in Christ. Whatever level you will attain in God is connected to your abiding in Christ. And abiding in Christ is mainly about living by His Word—that is, living by the principles found in the Bible. It is when you abide in Christ that you grow to become fruitful. A tree that has not yet grown cannot bear fruit. Now, if I may ask:

• Are you fruitful in the kingdom?

• Is your life a plus to the spiritual and physical life of others?

• Is there anything you are doing to affect other people positively

in the kingdom?

If you cannot give an affirmative Yes as an answer to all or any of the questions above, it means you are just taking up space for nothing in the kingdom (Luke 13:7). You should take a step now and find your place in the kingdom. Through the knowledge of your giftedness,

you get to know what you are purposed and assigned to do.

READ: Romans 12:5–8

Start where you are by using your gifts to affect others positively.

It is when you start doing that and are faithful in it that a bigger responsibility would be given to you. Start now; do not procrastinate.

Reflect:

• How would you honestly rate your current level of fruitfulness

in the kingdom?

• What gift or ability has God given you that you have not yet

fully deployed for His kingdom?

Peace.

The Edification Daily Devotional for June is out.

Get a copy here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BiqNY3jaNIPPgdmyHpwndrrtGVfe596j/view?usp=drive_link

Or get it on Telegram here: https://t.me/Bethel_Digital_Library/35

I don't think it's too bad, yet, but like my thoughts are definitely going off the rails.

My art is being affected, my thoughts are being affected, my appetite is too, and i cannot think of anything else that is being affected.

The only fair/good thing about these episodes is that they never affect my faith or my prayers. If anything i do certain things more, without scrupulosity too.

I have no idea what triggered this one.

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+ 2 Timothy 2:21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

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SUBJECT: Honorable Use

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM LISTENING TO GOD

I AM HEARING HIS VOICE

I AM TRANSFORMED

I AM LOVED

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READ TIME: 7 Minutes & 10 Seconds

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THOUGHTS:

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God does not call us because we are poor, or because we make ourselves worthy.The Bible is clear that we are saved and called by grace, not by works or status. God doesn’t choose us based on our perfection He chooses us because of His mercy and love. Our growth in Him is not about earning His calling, but responding to it with surrender.

As we grow in God, we start to realize that the things of the flesh don’t lead us closer to Him. Fleshly desires sinful habits, pride, and selfish living always pull us away from God’s presence. That’s why Scripture constantly calls us to set our minds on things above and not on earthly things. The more we feed the flesh, the more distant our hearts feel from God. But the more we feed our spirit through prayer, the Word, and obedience, the more sensitive we become to His voice.

One of the hardest lessons in walking with God is realizing that certain things we used to enjoy are actually distractions from Him. It’s not always easy to let them go, but spiritual maturity means recognizing what draws us closer to God and what pulls us away. When we sin, it doesn’t mean God stops loving us, but it does affect our fellowship with Him and can make us feel distant. That distance is not God leaving us it is us drifting.

The good news is that God is always calling us back into fellowship. Every day is an opportunity to surrender again, to renew our minds, and to walk in the Spirit instead of the flesh. As we grow, we begin to see more clearly that His grace is what keeps us, His presence is what sustains us, and His love is what transforms us. The goal is not perfection by our own strength, but daily dependence on Him.

2 Timothy 2:21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

This verse uses the image of a vessel like a cup or container to show that God desires a life that is clean and ready for His purposes. It’s not about being perfect in our own strength, but about allowing God to purify our hearts and remove the things that don’t align with His will.

Being a vessel of honor means living a life that is set apart for God. This involves daily surrender turning away from sin, renewing our minds, and choosing obedience even when it is hard. God is not just looking for ability; He is looking for willingness and purity of heart. When we let go of sinful habits and distractions, we make room for God to work through us in powerful ways. A clean vessel is one that is ready for God to fill and use without resistance.

This verse also reminds us that preparation is a process. God doesn’t just use us instantly in every way we imagine; He shapes us over time. As we walk with Him, He cleanses, corrects, and strengthens us so we can be useful for His purposes. The more we yield to Him, the more our lives reflect His character. When we choose holiness over compromise, we position ourselves to be used by God in ways that bring Him glory and bless others.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

This verse shows that our lives are not random or without purpose. God intentionally designed each one of us, shaping us with care and intention. We are His creation, and our identity is found in Him, not in what the world says about us.

God saves us and then calls us to live out good works that reflect His character. These good works are not what earn our salvation, but they are the fruit of a transformed life. When we walk with God, our actions begin to align with His will, and our lives become a testimony of His grace and power.

Ephesians 2:10 also reminds us that God has already prepared a path for us to walk in. This means we are not trying to figure life out alone God has already gone ahead of us. As we seek Him daily, He guides our steps and leads us into opportunities to serve, love, and glorify Him. Walking in those prepared works requires obedience, trust, and a willingness to follow His leading even when we don’t fully understand.

*** Today we talked about how we can be used by God, but in order to be used by Him, we must be willing vessels. A lot of times people think the Bible is just a list of rules, but the Bible is actually there to teach us, guide us, and help us live the right way in our daily lives with God. God does not just want us to live for Him sometimes or only when we are around church people, but He wants us to live for Him every day in every area of our lives.

God desires us to be people who are truly available to Him. Being usable by God means we are open and willing for Him to lead us, correct us, and use us wherever He places us. We must make ourselves available daily through prayer, obedience, and surrender. It is not about being perfect, but about being willing to let God shape our hearts and direct our steps according to His Word.

Sometimes life gets hard, and we may feel like we are not usable by God because of what we are going through or what we have done. But the truth is that God can still use us when we come to Him and walk in His light. When we choose to walk in His truth and stay close to Him, He continues to work in us and through us. God is not looking for perfect people He is looking for willing vessels who will follow Him faithfully. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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Heavenly Father we are thankful for everything you have done . We are gracious for every opportunity you have given us . Lord we ask you to be with us to cover us in your blood . We ask you to forgive us of the sins we have done please . Lord help us to understand this devotional and apply it to our lives in Jesus Name Amen

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REFERENCES

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+ Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

+ 2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

+ Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.

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FURTHER READINGS

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Proverbs 15

James 5

Genesis 44

Leviticus 27

Joshua 15

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15th June, 2026

READ: Genesis 27:1-35

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Luke 3:9

Isaac was seeking fruit from his son. Isaac was not expecting deception and wickedness from his son, Jacob. He was expecting honesty, goodness and love in exchange for the love that he had shown to his son. All Isaac wanted from his son was some savoury meat. He had looked after his son for many years. He had educated his son and protected him. On that fateful day, Isaac sought some good fruit from his son. When he ate the savoury meat, he released an even greater blessing on his son.

Jacob was afraid to deceive his father because he knew it would bring a curse. Jacob knew that bearing evil fruits would ignite a curse. Deceiving someone who has been good to you brings a curse. A tree is expected to bring forth good fruits and not evil fruits. Jacob’s mother diverted this curse to herself. She said, “Let the curse of deceiving your father come upon me.” Indeed, we never heard of her again after this statement.

And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the Lord before my death. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee. Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth: And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death. …And his mother said unto him, upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them.

ALIVE TO GOD IN CHRIST JESUS

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

Romans 6:11 (NKJV)

READ: Romans 6:11–22

In this passage of the Bible, believers are admonished to reckon or consider themselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:11). Another translation renders it thus:

“IN THE SAME WAY LOOK UPON YOURSELVES AS DEAD TO THE APPEAL AND POWER OF SIN BUT ALIVE AND

SENSITIVE TO THE CALL OF GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD” (Romans 6:11 PHILLIPS).

You should count yourself to be dead to sin, resisting the appeal and power of sin; but be alive and sensitive to the power of God through Christ Jesus. It is in the area of reckoning or considering

oneself dead to sin that many believers are missing it—they cannot grasp the message or find it difficult to put it into practice.

If the Bible says you are dead to sin, it is true, but it does not mean that your body would no longer be sensitive to sin. Your body would still be inclined to sin, but you would have to discipline your flesh or members not to yield to the inclination or desire of sin. The urge

or inclination or desire would still be there. It is you who must restrain yourself, discipline your body, and not continue in sinning. Whatever is arousing or stimulating the desires would have to be cut off or separated from.

However, the difference between you and the person who is not regenerated is: the enabling grace to reject or turn down the urge is given to you by the Holy Spirit on the inside of you. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, is there to help you overcome the urge of the flesh to live in sin. But you yourself have the responsibility to do away with anything that will arouse the urge or desire to sin. What you should do as a person would not be done for you by the Holy Spirit

(2 Corinthians 6:15–18).

• If there is a need to be separated from some relationships, you have to act (1 Corinthians 5:6,9; 2 Corinthians 6:14).

• If you need to take a decisive step about your friendship with someone or people, you would have to do it (1 Corinthians 15:33).

The next verse to our text, Romans 6:12, says: “THEREFORE DO NOT LET SIN REIGN IN YOUR MORTAL BODY, THAT YOU SHOULD OBEY IT IN ITS LUSTS.”

The responsibility is on you as a believer. You are the one who must not obey the urge of the flesh or body. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God (Romans 6:13).

Romans 6:14 says:

“FOR SIN SHALL NOT HAVE DOMINION OVER YOU. FOR YOU ARE NOT UNDER LAW BUT UNDER GRACE.”

The grace to control your body is given to you at new birth, thus sin should not have dominion over you. Grace empowers or enables you to subdue or silence the urges or demands of your flesh or body.

Note:

It is this responsibility of being able to discipline the self that many believers cannot fulfil that makes them come up with the ideology of ‘once saved is always saved, regardless of how you

live.’ However, this doctrine or teaching is erroneous; it is not consistent with the rest of the Bible. It cannot be substantiated with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).

Ponder on this:

5 DON’T BE CONTROLLED BY YOUR BODY. KILL EVERY DESIRE FOR THE WRONG KIND OF SEX. DON’T BE

IMMORAL OR INDECENT OR HAVE EVIL THOUGHTS. DON’T BE GREEDY, WHICH IS THE SAME AS WORSHIPPING

IDOLS.

6 GOD IS ANGRY WITH PEOPLE WHO DISOBEY HIM BY DOING THESE THINGS.”

Colossians 3:5–6 (CEV)

Reflect:

• In what area of your life are you yielding to the flesh rather than

reckoning yourself dead to sin?

Peace.

The Edification Daily Devotional for June is out.

Get a copy here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BiqNY3jaNIPPgdmyHpwndrrtGVfe596j/view?usp=drive_link

Or get it on Telegram here: https://t.me/Bethel_Digital_Library/35

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

1 Corinthians 13:9,11 (NKJV)

Every human being was born a baby and then grow into adulthood. No one grows from childhood to adulthood in a day.

As it is in the physical growth, so it is in the spiritual growth.

Thinking, understanding and speaking of a child cannot be compared with that of an adult.

When someone newly give his or her life to Christ, the understanding of such about spiritual things would be limited and shallow, thus a need for spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 2:6).

God wants every believer to outgrow childishness—childish attributes.

Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians said he could not speak to them as to spiritual people, but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1).

Being carnal is being childish—spiritual childishness.

God would take a believer, who allows Him, through the School of the Spirit, step by step, for proper growth (Isaiah 28:9,10).

Growth is a process and it needs the cooperation, yielding of an individual believer to the Holy Spirit.

Growth does not occur by impartation, laying on of hands, but rather by feeding on the Word of God—eating spiritual food that would nourish your soul for proper growth (1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:12-14).

• Spiritual growth occurs when a believer has passion and desire to know the truth, that is, the Word of God, and to practice it (John 8:32).

• Spiritual growth is not accidental, you have to work at it (Colossians 2:6,7)

• It takes discipline to subdue the flesh, because it would not want you to do the things of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16,17,24; Hebrews 12:4).

What it means to grow is to have understanding of spiritual things; you have understanding of God and become mature in your walk with Him.

Childishness permeates the life of a number of believers, because their understanding is shallow. One can readily see Childishness in their speaking, ways of thinking and understanding.

Without proper growth a believer cannot receive the best of the kingdom.

Benefits of spiritual growth

I. When you grow spiritually, you will no longer be a child that is tossed to and fro by strange doctrine: “THAT WE SHOULD NO LONGER BE CHILDREN, TOSSED TO AND FRO AND CARRIED ABOUT WITH EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE, BY THE TRICKERY OF MEN, IN THE CUNNING CRAFTINESS OF DECEITFUL PLOTTING” (Ephesians 4:14 NKJV).

Most of the Christians who are victims of false prophets or teachers are the ones who refused to grow in their walk with God; they learn but could not come to the knowledge of the truth. In other words, it is not that they do not have access to know the truth, but they refused the truth, wanting to gratify the flesh: “ALWAYS LEARNING AND NEVER ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH" (2 Timothy 3:7 NKJV).

II. Another benefit of spiritual growth is that your intimacy with God is enhanced, it becomes deeper– you become God’s confidant (John 15:15; James 2:23).

17 AND THE LORD SAID, “SHALL I HIDE FROM ABRAHAM WHAT I AM DOING,

18 "SINCE ABRAHAM SHALL SURELY BECOME A GREAT AND MIGHTY NATION, AND ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED IN HIM?”

Genesis 18:17,18 (NKJV)

III. In addition, when you grow spiritually, you bear fruit, you become an instrument in the hand of God to raise other believers to maturity (John 15:2; 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:3-5).

Pay attention to your spiritual growth:

• Give attention to reading, studying and meditation, that is, pondering on the Word (Joshua 1:8).

• Pray more in the language of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:2; Jude 20) and be prompt in obeying God through the leading of the Holy Spirit on the inside of you (Romans 8:14); these will sharpen your perception and ability to discern (Acts 27:10).

• Practice the Word of God that you know, that is, live your life in line with God’s Word (Psalm 1:1-3; James 1:22-25).

6 AS YOU THEREFORE HAVE RECEIVED CHRIST JESUS THE LORD, SO WALK IN HIM,

7 ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM AND ESTABLISHED IN THE FAITH, AS YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT, ABOUNDING IN IT WITH THANKSGIVING.”

Colossians 2:6,7 (NKJV)

• And do not lean on your own understanding, always acknowledge God in all you do (Proverbs 3:5,6).

As you walk in the light of what has been shared in this piece, your understanding of God would increase and your growth in Him would be enhanced.