Bethel Digital Library

Wednesday 01

ASKING NO QUESTION FOR

CONSCIENCE'S SAKE

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

1 Corinthians 10:27 (NKJV)

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 10:27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THAT THEY MAY BE SAVED.”

1 Corinthians 10:33 (NKJV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

grace and salt (Colossians 4:6).

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

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

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

life (Philippians 2:3,4).

READ: Philippians 2:5–8

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

REFLECT:

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

believer to stumble?

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

THE BODY IS NOT ONE MEMBER BUT MANY

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NKJV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Each believer in the body of Christ has different functions:

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

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

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

Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John 15:1,2 (NKJV)

You will not be unfruitful in Jesus’ name.

JESUS: THE MERCIFUL AND FAITHFUL HIGH PRIEST

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

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

Hebrews 2:17,18 (NKJV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 11:28

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

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

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

Now, If I should ask:

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

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

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

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

GATHERING AGAINST JESUS

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

and the people of Israel, were gathered together.”

Acts 4:27 (NKJV)

READ: Acts 4:25–31

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 2:8 (NKJV)

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

Note:

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

Reflect:

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

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

Peace.

The Edification Daily Devotional for June is out.

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MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD

ALONE

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

Luke 4:4 (NKJV)

READ: Luke 4:1–13

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

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

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

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

to bread (John 1:14).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflect:

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

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

about that?

Peace.

The Edification Daily Devotional for June is out.

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APPRAISEMENT

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

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

Revelation 2:4,5 (NKJV)

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

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

A tepid church

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

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

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

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

Being tepid or lukewarm could be as a result of:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO DO HIS

COMMANDMENTS

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

Revelation 22:14 (NKJV)

READ: Revelation 22:12–17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5:16–18,25).

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

If I may ask you:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revelation 21:23–27 (NKJV)

Reflect:

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

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

Peace.

The Edification Daily Devotional for June is out.

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

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WITH THE MEASURE YOU USE

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

Matthew 7:2 (NKJV)

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

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

Luke 6:37,38 (NKJV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 7:12(NKJV)

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

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

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

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

Revelation 22:11,12 (NKJV)

ASK AND YOU WILL RECEIVE

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

John 16:24 (NKJV)

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

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

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

READ: Philippians 2:5–11.

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

THROUGH ME’ ” (John 14:6 NKJV).

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

Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

READ: Romans 10:11–13

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

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

Hebrews 10:19,20 (NKJV)

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

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

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

John 16:23,24 (NKJV)

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

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

Hebrews 4:15,16 (NKJV)

Reflect:

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

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

Peace.

The Edification Daily Devotional for June is out.

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

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

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

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

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

SET APART FROM THE WOMB

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

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

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

Galatians 1:15-17 (Amp.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ: Jeremiah 1:5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark 6:4 (NKJV)

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

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

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

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

If I may ask:

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

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

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

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

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

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

I DO NOT SAY TO YOU THAT I SHALL

PRAY THE FATHER FOR YOU

“In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you.”

John 16:26 (NKJV)

READ: John 16:25–33

In this passage, Jesus clarifies a major point which a number of false people usually use to deceive others. Jesus said believers or disciples will ask God the Father in His name, and not that He

shall pray for them as an intermediary.

You yourself as a believer in Christ have direct access to God the Father through Jesus’ name (John 14:6; Hebrews 10:19–22). Now, some people give money to those who are prayer contractors—who tell them that they will fast and pray on their behalf. Every believer has the right to approach God directly, and you as a believer have the right to access God without giving money to anyone to pray and fast on your behalf (Hebrews 4:16).

If you are ignorant of the Word of God, you can be deceived and bamboozled. Many people are objects of manipulation by false ministers who parade themselves as ministers of God (2 Corinthians 11:13–15). The intent of God and that of Christ Jesus is that every believer should build a fellowship, communion, or intimacy with God the Father.

Jesus’ statement in John 16:27 is that: “FOR THE FATHER HIMSELF LOVES YOU, BECAUSE YOU HAVE LOVED ME, AND BELIEVED THAT I CAME FORTH FROM GOD.” You see, Jesus was talking

about each believer’s direct communion and intimacy with God. A believer is meant to approach God directly through Jesus’ name (John 16:23,24). Not through any prayer contractor or any other

person.

Jesus said God the Father loves you as a believer. The fact that you believe in Christ Jesus and have accepted Him as your Saviour and Lord means you are loved by God the Father (John 16:27). You should simply approach God directly through Jesus Christ. Believers

should approach God with confidence and boldness through the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19–22)

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

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)

Reflect:

• Do you genuinely believe you have direct access to God, or are you still dependent on others to approach God on your behalf?

• Are you aware of anyone around you who is being manipulated financially through ‘prayer contractors’? If so, how would you counsel them?

Peace.

The Edification Daily Devotional for June is out.

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Nobody needs to fast or pray on your behalf for a fee. Jesus already settled that.

Today's devotion reminds us that every believer has direct access to God the Father through Jesus Christ — no money, no prayer contractors needed. Just come to Him yourself!

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A vision that lives only in your head can't grow a church or a team. People can't follow what they can't see.

God's instruction to Habakkuk still applies to every pioneering leader today: write the vision, make it plain, and write it in large, clear letters so that whoever reads it can run with it (Habakkuk 2:2).

When the vision is clear, the right people find it. And those who don't belong move on.

The full book is free in PDF.

Download your copy here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CeLYHZyWHH-oGKKbxPaODmgFKmcr8wdd/view?usp=drive_link

SERVING GOD WITH A PURE CONSCIENCE

12 AND I THANK CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD WHO HAS ENABLED ME, BECAUSE HE COUNTED ME FAITHFUL, PUTTING ME INTO THE MINISTRY,

13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”

1 Timothy 1:12-14 (NKJV)

God works mainly with our hearts. He Judges based on the motive behind what we do.

Paul was an injurious man, violently arrogant, who persecuted believers, yet his heart was right (Acts 8:1; 9:1,2).

Paul thought he was offering service to God, when he was persecuting the church: “THEY WILL PUT YOU OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUES; YES, THE TIME IS COMING THAT WHOEVER KILLS YOU WILL THINK THAT HE OFFERS GOD SERVICE” (John 16:2 NKJV).

God who knows all things, including thoughts in a man’s heart, knew Paul was doing what he was doing in ignorance (1 Timothy 1:13).

One may be right in his heart or spirit, but wrong in his head or mind. Paul’s heart was right, but he was wrong in his head.

Endeavour to relate with God in a good conscience. Let your heart be right (2 Timothy 1:3).

If your head is wrong, but your heart or spirit is right, God will have mercy on you. However, if your heart is wrong, you do evil deliberately, God will allow you to suffer for the whatever evil you did (Romans 2:2,3).

What is the rationale behind what you do? In other words, What is your motive in doing it? (Hebrews 13:18).

God will judge us according to the intent of our hearts:

6 WHO WILL RENDER TO EACH ONE ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. 11 FOR THERE IS NO PARTIALITY WITH GOD.

16 IN THE DAY WHEN GOD WILL JUDGE THE SECRETS OF MEN BY JESUS CHRIST, ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL” (Romans 2:6,11,16 NKJV).

“FOR OUR BOASTING IS THIS: the testimony of OUR CONSCIENCE that we conducted ourselves in the world in SIMPLICITY and GODLY SINCERITY, NOT WITH FLESHLY WISDOM but by the GRACE OF GOD, and more abundantly toward you.”

2 Corinthians 1:12 (NKJV)

Whatever you do, do it with simplicity and godly sincerity, let your conscience judge you right.

Relate with people in godly sincerity, unfeigned love, and not with fleshly wisdom: "NOW THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMANDMENT IS LOVE FROM A PURE HEART, FROM A GOOD CONSCIENCE, AND FROM SINCERE FAITH" (1 Timothy 1:5 NKJV).

If you live as mentioned here, God will defend you when any issue arises.

If you want to be wise or proved smart or you want to use your wisdom; you may not succeed in it: “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 NKJV).

• Let God defend you. However, He can only do that when your conscience is pure and right, and when you carry Him along in all you do.

• Be sincere in dealing with other people, in all your relationship with others.

• Let God know all you do, and why you do whatever you do (Proverbs 3:5,6).

24 AND THAT YOU PUT ON THE NEW MAN WHICH WAS CREATED ACCORDING TO GOD, IN TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HOLINESS.

25 THEREFORE, PUTTING AWAY LYING, “LET EACH ONE OF YOU SPEAK TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOR.” FOR WE ARE MEMBERS OF ONE ANOTHER.”

Ephesians 4:24, 25 (NKJV)

God will defend you, defend your integrity, if you carry Him along in all you do.

The reason why you need to carry God along is, you may be sincere but sincerely wrong (proverbs 16:25).

You may be sincere in your dealings with someone, even a believer in Christ, but the person may be a deceiver; thus you need God to reveal the deceitfulness of the person’s heart to you; that is the esssence of carrying God along in everything.

There are false brethren among believers, even in the church (Matthew 7:15). Apostle Paul has this to say: “IN JOURNEYS OFTEN, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, IN PERLIS AMONG FALSE BRETHREN" (2 Corinthians 11:26 NKJV).

For the reason best known to them, some believers chose to be deceitful, live in deceit. There are wolves in sheep clothing, false brethren in the church (Matthew 7:15).

However, there is no experience that can negate the Word of God. You cannot justify and approve your wrong doings, because some people are wrong—because some people are false or deceptive then you also decided to become deceptive (Matthew 7:15,16).

You should live in line with the Word of God, however, you should be sensitive to the leadings of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14).

If you have a good relationship with the Holy Spirit, He will not allow you to be a prey in the hand of the false brethren. Do not try to justify lying and deceptiveness of yours, claiming that you are doing that because others are doing it.

In addition, some believers think if you are honest, truthful, and sincere, other people will take advantage of you; they will think you are naïve or stupid. But it is not true: “TO THE PURE ALL THINGS ARE PURE, BUT TO THOSE WHO ARE DEFILED AND UNBELIEVING NOTHING IS PURE; BUT EVEN THEIR MIND AND CONSCIENCE ARE DEFILED” (Titus 1:15 NKJV).

Your perspective about life determines what you experience in life. If you believe nothing is pure, then nothing will be pure. However, in your dealings with people, if you believe everything is pure according to God’s Word, everything will be pure.

You are the one who needs to clean your mind If your mind is defiled; you cleanse it the Word of God: "BUT WE HAVE RENOUNCED THE HIDDEN THINGS OF SHAME, NOT WALKING in CRAFTINESS NOR HANDLING THE WORD OF GOD DECEITFULLY, BUT BY MANIFESTATION OF THE TRUTH COMMENDING OURSELVES TO EVERY MAN'S CONSCIENCE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD" (2 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV).

READ: Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23

Note:

• If you prove smart, God will leave you with your earthly and sensual and demonic wisdom (James 3:15).

• Allow God to lead you in everything, even in your relationships with other people.

• Serve God with a pure conscience!

WRONG ASSERTION ABOUT GOD

“How much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose

foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before a moth?”

Job 4:19 (NKJV)

READ: Job 4:12–21

This piece is the continuation of the line of thought we started sharing from verse 18. You cannot use lies and deception to corroborate or buttress a wrong view or assertion about God. To

Eliphaz and his other friends, they thought they were defending God by trying to say good things concerning Him. But the truth is, you cannot use lies or deception or what is not true to defend God; He would not accept that (Job 13:7–10).

If you were saying wrong things about God’s attributes and integrity, thinking you are defending Him, He would not be happy with you (Job 13:8,10). Now, if you are saying such a thing ignorantly—that is, you do not know better—God may overlook it. But if you are saying it deliberately in the name of defending or justifying God, He would not want it. He also would not take it lightly with you (Job 13:8,10; 42:7,8).

God’s reaction in chapter 42, verses 7 and 8, shows that He does not want anyone to use wrong assertion to defend Him—because He is a just God. A God of integrity!

If you see someone in a problem, especially a believer, grappling with

what cannot be explained, and you know the person is a believer; you should not just jump to the conclusion that the person must have committed a sin. The three friends of Job were not strangers to him; they knew what Job could do and what he could not. How would they all of a sudden conclude that Job and his children must have committed terrible sins, and that is why he was being dealt with by God (Job 4:7–11; 8:3)?

It is not every time that a believer is passing through suffering that he has committed a terrible sin. The person might simply not have received the direction which God is pointing him to. The man who was born blind—whom the disciples of Jesus were asking about, enquiring why he was born blind; was it his own sin or that of his parents? (John 9:1,2). Jesus said neither of them. In other words, it was neither his parents’ sin nor his own sin that made him to be born blind. Jesus said it happened that God’s glory might be made manifest (John 9:3).

Stop judging others who are in one predicament or another. If you do not know what to say to comfort whoever is in the predicament, keep silent; do not try to add to their sorrows or burdens by saying things that could make them more discouraged.

Reflect:

• Have you ever wrongly attributed someone’s suffering to personal sin when you had no way of knowing that? What does Job teach you about that?

• What does God’s rebuke of Job’s friends tell you?

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