BELIEVERS DIGEST SERIES 9

BELIEVERS DIGEST (SERIES 9)
A PUBLICATION OF CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL
“FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS AND THE BUILDING UP OF THE BODY OF CHRIST.”
Believers’ Digest contains series of messages that can be copied
and use freely for edification of the body of Christ.
Email:christianpubint@yahoo.com,cpi2009@live.com
Tel: (+234)-080-36121781; (+234)-080-51109976)

9:1 ACCORDING TO THE DUE ORDER
"For because ye did it not at the first, the Lord our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order"- I Chr. 15:13.
God gave instructions to the Israelites as to how the Ark of God should be carried and kept: "… they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die" - Numb. 4:15.
To the sons of Kohath:"… the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders" - Numb. 7:9.
The Ark of God was to be carried with poles that go through the rings attached to the ark (Ex. 25:14-15). Never to be touched or carried by any other means. That was the due order.
The philistines took away from Israel the Ark during the battle that ended the reign of Eli. The Ark was in the camp of the philistines for seven months destroying the people who knew not how to handle it according to the given order. Thousands of them died. Their lords concluded to send back the Ark to Israel on a new Cart tied to animals (Cows) – I Sam. 6:1-14. With this method, the cows went straight bearing the Ark to Israel camp. This was however a new method: Ark of God yoked with cows instead of being carried with poles on shoulders of men. The entire Israelites together with their priests and Levites saw this as an easy way to carry the Ark. They began to use that cart formed by the uncircumcised philistines instead of carrying the Ark on their shoulder. A new and imported method.
It may be that, that was how the gods of the philistines were carried. It was easier for them to think about carrying the ark of God that same way. It was not wrong with them because they knew not God’s order of carrying the Ark.
But the Israelites that had the due order, abandoned the proper way and opted for easier or new Imported (improved) method of carrying the Ark. Churches have borrowed methods, ideas, languages, and celebrations for use instead of following the due order of old. The Church has imported ideas from the sinful world system. No matter what cart (be it of gold or whatever) they used in carrying the Ark, they have changed God’s order. The celebration and dances that king David prepared could not appease God.
Uzza and Ahio, that were supposed to carry the Ark with poles on their shoulders then walked side by side by the Ark. Their time of refreshing and deliverance from God’s burden of carrying the Ark on shoulders? There is no more regard for God as soon as man sought for easier way of serving Him outside His command. "Thus says the LORD; ‘stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, then you will find rest for your souls’" - Jer. 6:16.
Let us go back to the scriptures and consider the way we preach, approach God and do services unto Him. Are we doing all according to the due order? There is always a testing ground. Uzza and Ahio got to "the threshing floor of Chidon, and Uzza put forth his hand to hold the Ark; for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and He smote him, because he put his hand to the Ark; and there he died before God" - I Chr. 13:9-10. As the animals bearing the ark stumbled, Uzza put forth his hand to assist so that the Ark would not fall. A good intension performed outside God’s order will fail to attract God’s mercy. Uzza died as he touched the ark.
So many might have died in the house of God and we keep wandering what has happened? A lady occupying the positions of church Interpreter and Treasurer was so much trusted that the Church did not bother to investigate the purse. In a terrible motor accident she died while on her way to a retreat programme. After mourning and every other thing, the Church had to visit the bank for a change of signatory. Behold, an empty bank account when the church was expecting a balance saving towards a hundred thousands of naira. To where has the Church money gone?
Your engagement in God’s work does not give you room to misbehave. There will be no need for the Ark to stumble if they had carried it on their shoulders. Is God’s work stumbling in your hand? I pray you don’t die suddenly with it. If you do it according to the due order, you will not have to sweat doing God’s work. God will support his work without your squeezing money out of people’s purse. The work of God will still continue without your fretting to raise fund through the modern methods of fund raising.
The new cart is the order of the day: messages on VCD, satellite, and audiocassette e.t.c. that men use as guidelines instead of their searching the scripture. Jesus told us: "You search and investigate and pore over the Scripture diligently, because you supposed and trust that you have external life through them. And these (very Scriptures) testify about Me! - John 5:39
It was after the death of Uzza that the Israelites did what was right. The king called the chief fathers of the Levites unto sanctification so that they may be able to bring up the Ark. They concluded that: "because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order"- I Chronicles 15:13.
They consecrated themselves and were able to carry the Ark. King David saw the need for God’s Ark to be restored. Do you see the need for God’s righteousness to be restored in the Church? Does the unrighteous-ness in the Church bother you? Do you have a reputation of being alive in the service of God? God is still saying unto us: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things, which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God." - Rev. 3:1-2.
Let God open our eyes to see the need for our generation to live for God. The new methods looks easy and scientifically all right; But we must seek and serve God according to the due order.
···
9:2 GOD OF ALL SITUATION
T
he God we serve is not a God of partiality; "neither is there respect of persons with him"- Eph.6:9. He appears in every kind of Situation we found ourselves. We pass through different circumstances as children of God. Individual situation differs from one person to the other, yet the same God in all.
" And it Came to pass, when lsaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see …" - Gene 27:1. That was the last day’s situation of the so-called "Child of promise" through whom all the promises of Abraham were to be fulfilled. The covenant blessing of God were loaded in him, yet at his old age, he could not see again! God was still in his situation. God never left him. He was in God’s programme still.
Why must God delay Abraham and Sarah for 25 years before the promised child came? The same God allowed dubious Jacob to have many wives and male children as he pleased. Why not the promise of Abraham becoming a nation be fulfilled in him or Isaac? Why must it be Jacob whose name must have to be changed as to match God’s order? God was in all those situations.
"Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished"- Dent. 34:7.
Moses was another instrument in the hand of God, called and chosen for a specific task. His eyes were not dim: for him to see the way through the wilderness and lead the Israelites aright? That is God. Not that Moses knew God more than Isaac; it is the same God that appears in all situations as He wills.
"Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness where of he died"- II Kings 13:14.KJV
"Now Elisha (previously) had become ill of the illness of which he died"- Amplified.
"And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that behold… they cast the man into the sepulcher of Elisha; and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet"- II Kings 13:21.
Why must Elisha be allowed by God to be sick for a time before his death? Can not he, a man with the double portion of Elijah’s anointing, just sleep and wake no more if he can not be taken away by a chariot of fire like his master? His should be chariot of wind because of the double portion of anointing on him. But he died as a result of his sickness. Or, has he committed a sin? But even in the grave, his bone still performed the miracle of raising the dead: the anointing continued even after his death. Yet he died through a sickness. God was in that situation, I suppose.
A minister of God’s word traveled along with others one day and their vehicle had an accident. The minister died while the unbelieving muslim that sat next to him in front of the bus was spared. Why did not God exchange the life of the unbeliever with that of the man of God according to Isaiah 43:4 – "Since you were precious in My sight… I will give men for you, and people for your life? God was in that situation I believe; even though the preacher died.
Do you watch men’s lives to condemn when the negative happens? You are like the friends of Job. All of them condemned job in favour of God. But God rejected them at last. The man they condemned was the one appointed by God to solicit for them. God was in the situation of Job as bad as it was. Our God is a God of all situations. The Bible says:"He is beautiful for all situation…"-Psalm 48:2
Try to see God in all situations of life. Have not the eyes that see men, but God. When you see men, you will always condemn; but when you see God in any man’s circumstances, you will together with that person pray, praise and worship God no matter how bad the situation may be. You will always be found giving thanks in all things which is the will of God concerning us in Christ Jesus (I Then. 5:18).
···
9:3 REMOVE YOUR HIGH PLACES
O
f many kings in the Old Testament, we have this record: "However the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on
the high places"- 2 Kings 15:35.
What are these High places? They stood as a generational sinful habit that no one cares to destroy or remove. Why? As you get into the body of Christ through conversion, have you removed the high places: things that you refused to let go as you follow Christ? Are those sinful habits of old still in your dwellings, in your heart and life? Is it not written: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new"? - 2 Cor 5:17. What are the high places of your life (anger, love / lust for the things of the world, etc) that people can hardly see a difference between your actions and those of the unregenerated? How do you use your tongue: for abusive language and other unprofitable expression? "However the high places were not removed".
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2.Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3.For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4.When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5.Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6.Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7.You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8.But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9.Do not lie to each other…"- Col 3:1-9.
What of unforgiveness? Have you forgiven every person that wronged you? Those high places are contacts of idolatry: that thing that rules your heart, that which you worship.
King Hezekiah "removed the high places and broke the sacred pillars, cut down the wooden image and broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for until those days the children of Israel burned incense to it…"-2 Kings 18:4.
King Hezekiah "did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father David had done". He had a good report that "He trusted in the LORD God of Israel so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him"-2 Kings 18:3,5.
Remember, all other Kings that were before him did not remove the high places and people did sacrifice and burnt incense on them. The "high places" are instruments in the hand of the devil to pervert your way of worshiping God, yea of affecting your record before God. They must be removed!
···
9:4 TWO MEN VS A HARLOT
“N
ow Joshua the son of Noah sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying "Go view the land, especially Jericho. So they went and came to the house of a Harlot named Rahab, and Lodged there "- Joshua 2:1" NKJV.
Two men from the camp of Israel were sent as spies to Jericho. Joshua sent out two men who got to Jericho and lodged in the house of a harlot – Rahab. Rahab of all people? A harlot ‘s house? She must have put on those artificial make-ups of hair do, perfume etc to make her attractive to customers. She thought that her charming attires must have brought in visitors, two at a time! That must be a big catch for the night.
What is the nature of men we are sending out of our churches to represent us on the field? Are they truly men worthy of such an errand? Men of integrity? Things get muddle up today in the church because men that are not qualified are being sent. Men that are not
heavenly approved. Joshua sent out tested and correct men: men that were qualified. These two men were not converted by Rahab. They focused on God’s errand. Rahab’s beauty did not change their focus. They did not fall in to Rahab’s hand throughout the night. They did not take chances - men of integrity.
If you happen to sleep in a house with a prostitute, what would be the story? Can God trust you with a beautiful lady for counseling purpose? Many leaders have fallen victims in such processes. Those ladies converted them. Many leaders lives indirectly proportional to what they preach or teach. That is a deception. Peter stood firmly against eating unlawful meat, because such rejection was part of his habit in his daily life. So it was easy for him to resist such in his dream.
Those two able men were able to convert Rahab to worship their God. If sinners know that you are not after their possessions, they will listen and be converted. Naaman got converted to God of Elisha because the prophet was not after his gifts. Naaman left with the soil of that place with a convenant to erect a worship place for the God of Elisha (11Kings 5: 17). Elisha who resisted taking gifts from him at such a time of supernatural miracle explosion converted him. The same gifts got Gehazi converted to leprosy of Naaman .
···
9:5 PHILIPANS 4:19
“B
ut my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus".
The children of God, to express gratitude for a kind gesture or a promise to be claimed commonly quote the above scripture. The attitude of fraudulent enrichment of the wicked ones on the unsuspecting people is commonly termed "419" as lf it was God’s supplying them with his riches in glory. Philippians 4:19 is a verse every one would like to admire and claim but there are conditions attached. Apostle Paul prayed the quotation for the Philippian Christians after they had supplied his needs even while nobody communicated to him. Not when they saw Paul, but even when he was not with them. The Philippian Christians had a record of supplying toward meeting the need of the man of God at a time when such supplies met and settles urgent ministerial and personal needs of the saint. The supplies became "a sacrifice acceptable well pleasing to God". Then they also got into the position of receiving shower of blessing according to God’s riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 can only be confirmed for those who have accumulations in their heavenly bank account through the use of their earthly resources for the Gospel, for the Saints and for the Needy.
···
9:6 JEHOVAH - JIREH
“A
nd Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place, Jehovah – Jireh: as it said to this day, on the mount of the Lord it shall be seen" – Gen. 22:13-14.
Jehovah – Jireh implies God’s abundant provision in the midst of wants. Immediate provision to meet the needs of His Children. The ram for Abraham that suddenly appeared was a miraculous provision by God to meet that need at that particular time.
The abundant supply of oil to the widow of one of the sons of the prophet as directed by Elisha was a provision to meet her urgent need at that particular time (2 king 4:1-17).
"The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord send the rain upon the earth" as occurred to the widow of Zarephath in contact with Elijah was another instance of God’s unlimited provision at that critical time of her accommodating the prophet of God with nothing in the house (1 king 17).
The miraculous provision to meet the urgent need of our Lord Jesus Christ with "five barley leaves and two small fishes" is another proof of God’s providence at a point when man’s logics could not cope. The fish that was caught with Silver (money) in his month as directed by Jesus to peter to meet the need of paying tribute at that particular time was a token of that which God can do at such a situation when man is in need. "Who provides food for the raven, when its young ones cry to God, and wander about for lack of food?"- Job 38:41
For forty years in the mildness, the Israelites lacked nothing (Dent. 2:7). It shall always be provided unto us by God that which we need and at the time of need, Amen.
···
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Your comments for possible publication will inspire us to do more. Let us hear from you what the Lord is doing through our efforts.
···
9:7 MADE RICH BY WHO?
“B
ut Abraham said to the king of Sodom, ‘I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, I have make Abram rich" Gen. 14 : 22 – 25.
Abraham was blessed by God and not by unlawful of lawful accumulation of another man’s property. Even after he fought a war to rescue Lot and the king of Sodom along with their possession. That king said to him: "Give we the persons and take the goods for yourself" vs 21. Abraham had the right to take the persons and the goods because he fought a battle to rescue them all because of Lot. But he replied the king to take his people and the goods, for he is contented with what he had. God has blessed him and He is the only one that can make him rich. Abraham was not interested in the goods of the king; "I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abraham rich’- v 23. Abraham was saying, my riches cannot come from man but can only be by God. From whose hand does your own riches come? From your earthly father, mother, brother or sister? From your friends, colleagues or Government? Would they say of you, ‘he / she got the riches while in that office for that short period of time enriching him / herself with the booties of the place?’ Or, God has really blessed him / her?
···
9:8 PRAYING AGAINST THE ENEMIES?
T
hen Abisha said to David, God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day. Now therefore, please, let me strike him at once … But David said to Abisha, ‘Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’S anointed, and be guiltless?’ "- 1 Sam. 26:8-9.
Enmity came up between King Saul of Israel and David, the King of Israel to be. Saul drove David out of the land of Israel to live in caves in the wilderness. Yet he and his men kept pursuing David. On two occasions, David had the opportunity to put King Saul and his followers to death but he refused to put forth his hand against God’s anointed. He preferred such a one to be killed by God’s appointment in battle rather than through his own hand (Vs 10). At last when King Saul died in battle, a man came to tell David that he was the one who killed his enemy. That man paid for the news with his own life. How do you pray against your enemies: that they die by the Holy Ghost fire or by falling down suddenly? Why not pray for them to repent and be converted? They have done much havoc you said? But you are still alive. As you are looking at some people as your enemies, so also some others may take you as their enemy as well. If they also pray that you die by fire and God answers every man’s prayer; who will remain to serve God? At times a man stands as his own personal enemy if the law of God is broken and the repercussion comes. You make your way prosperous or unprosperous depending on whether you obey God’s law or not. Who is to be stricken dead by fire? Jesus taught us to "love your enemies, bless those who curse you…"-Matt 5: 44 –45.
···
MINISTRY IS A TEAM WORK; IT IS NOT A ONE - MAN SHOW. AND WITHOUT VISION, MINISTRY PERISHES.
Effectiveness in Ministry requires working along of Co-laborers (Genuine partners). As Aaron was prepared by God to work along with Moses, let us know if, and in what area God is warming your heart to work along with us.
···
9:9 WHERE ARE YOU STAYING?
“T
hen Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are You staying?" 39He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day"- John 1:35-39.
To be a genuine soul winner at this end time, we must consider where we dwell. The two disciples following John came to Jesus to enquirer about where he stays before they abode with him and became his disciples. Your home speaks more of you than your official or outside meetings with people. What face do you put on at home with your wife, husband, children and neighbors and what face do you put on outside in your office or place of work or with your friends? Know that out of door function do not show much of a person’s character. When people get to where you live, do they loose respect for the church you attend? What do they see in your home - quarrelling, anger, backbiting, unholy behaviours to your neighbors especially those of the opposite sex? You may cover up to visitors but what actually is the state of your home: your private life?
"And yea shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" – Acts1: 8.
Your closet or home is your Jerusalem from where you are to start witnessing. It is your place of familiar environment: where you are familiar with people and you are well known. Your acceptability start from there. This is your place where your genuine encounter with Jesus will be noticed and satisfied by people, even by God.
Your Jerusalem… it is here that you will have elders to check your excesses. Do you at all submit to elderly ones at home, in your Jerusalem? Your Jerusalem (home) or vicinity is your laboratory where you are to be "cooked" tested and made ready for onward ministration of future process. It is a place to try and toughen you and sets you forward or gives you a recommendation for future acceptability. Can you witness at your Jerusalem and be accepted to people living there? Why could you not? Except your record of Christians life is genuine. What of your behavior to your parents? Do they accept you and your care for them (I Tim.5: 4,8)? Are your parents approving your behavior towards them? Your success in your Jerusalem determines your progress to Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost part of the world.
Your Jerusalem can be your "today" while your Judea can be your tomorrow and your uttermost part of the world to be your entire life on earth. The way you spend your today affect your tomorrow and your entire life. If your today is not well spent (not making it in your Jerusalem) tomorrow and all other days will ask about it. Incase you come across problems in Judea; you will have to turn back to your Jerusalem. Skipping your Jerusalem and going to Judea and co can lead to problems.
Every Christian needs to start "to do the work of an evangelist" from his or her Jerusalem, for this will bring about world evangelization.
Where are you staying? Can we come and see it?
···
9:10 QUALITY AND NOT QUANTITY OF SERVICE

“S
aul, reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, … he offered the burnt offering…’And Samuel said…’ You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for himself a man after His own heart…. to be commander over His people because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you"- 1Sam. 13:1-14.
Saul reigned over Israel for forty years, but for only the first two years on the throne did he have good record. He offered burnt offerings, which was the duty of Priests. Samuel delayed his coming to him as a test at the end of the first two years that would complete his probation period for he said, "For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever". Saul failed that test and had his kingdom terminated at that point after his two years of reign. But he still remained the king. For thirty – eight (38) years that Saul remained on the throne, he did nothing good that could justify the number of years he spent. From that point of his rejection, he could not think right to seek God’s face in repentance but rather went ahead kicking against God’s order.
Once a person misses it with God, there is no good thing (Spiritual or Physical) that such a one will be able to achieve except he / she get things right with God again. Men would reject even such a one.
The longer Saul stayed on the throne, the more he committed abominations. All that he was doing were out of order. It was him who made an oath that none of the people should taste food in battle, even though the people were fainting. Jonathan that knew not about the oat ate and was refreshed. If not for the intervention of the people, the king proposed to kill his son for eating honey in battle (1 Sam. 14). The people killed animals they got in the battle and ate with blood when they were dying. This was an abomination caused by the king.
"But the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him" – 11 Sam 16:14.
He was under the influence of "distressing spirit" NKJV.
"Evil spirit from the Lord tormented and troubled him" – Amp.
It was a sad situation for Saul. He was looking at an occasion to kill even Samuel (1 Sam.16: 12). As he could not lay hand on the man of God, he went warring after David from the very day the small boy killed Goliath in battle. "So Saul eyed David from that day forward" – 11 Sam. 18:9.
The spirit of error ruled Saul. What he confessed and repented of now, would be what he would fall into the next time. He confessed not to seek David for hurt, but he pursued him again and again. He was no more led by the Spirit of God but by the spirit of error.
Saul was full of jealousy (a fruit of the evil spirit that was upon him) against David, and he sought for an occasion to kill him. Saul left warring after the philistines but took up incessant search after David. In the process of his pursuing David, he killed 85 priest of the LORD in one day. He left off pursuing the enemies of Israel but instead went about after David. He went ahead to kill his son, Jonathan, when he knew about the friendship between the two young people. At last, Saul sought for a woman who was a medium between the living and the dead to enquire about his battle with the philistines. It was in that battle he and his sons died by the hand of their enemies.
It does not matter the number of years you have spent in the church occupying one position or the other or spent as a minister of the gospel, as a choir director, a prayer warrior, etc. God is not interested in longevity of service, but rather a quality service.
Enoch lived for only 365 years (the least in that generation) and walked with God. He had a record that has eternal value. After him came Noah, then Abraham. Before Enoch was Abel. Cain lived longer than Abel but he lived an accused life. Abel lived a quality lifestyle that speaks to us today: "he offered an acceptance sacrifice"- Heb.11: 4
It is not how lengthy your service before God, but how effective, how durable, of what quality to stand the test of divine judgment: "Each one’s work will become clear, for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is "- 1 Cor.3: 13.
The quality of each one’s work shall be tested not the quantity. It is the quality that can withstand divine judgment while the quantity disappears.
Saul had no good record. That of his thirty-eight years superceded his first two years of reigning. Assuming he was cut off from the throne after his first two years, would he not have gotten an excellent record – a quality period of ruling?
"When a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and…die in his sin, his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered" – Ezek. 3: 20
···
9:11 SEED TO THE SOWER

“F
or as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it to bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth"- Isaiah 55:10-11.
The word of God is liking to the rain and snow that waters the earth to produce seed and bread. Bread comes from seeds harvested and processed while seeds are the original (raw) product of the plants. The seed bears the life of the plant for future generations but the bread has no life for the future. The bread only takes care of the present while the seed satisfies the present and the future needs of the eater and the sower.
It is common in the Christian gathering to refer to offerings as seed. But for whom do we give that seed of our offerings: to the sower or the eater? A seed given to the sower produces more for the kingdom of God. It is an investment that God delights in. But seeds (offerings) given to the eater ends there; it has no production. Who are the Sowers and the Eater? Into what kind of ground do you plant your seeds (offering and tithes)?
Productivity of land comes as a result of God making a choice and approval of such a land. There are grounds (ministers and preachers) that eat up seeds sown. Givers would not be able to notice appreciable progress in their lives. All along is to seek for more prayers from those men of God. The land devours their seeds. Their seeds were given to the eaters. You wonder why the regressions while you pay your Tithe and Offerings as requested by your church or ministers? You need to sit and consider: It may be whether the man of God in question is a Eater and not a Sower. If a sower, there must be progress upon your life. A sower will look forward unto God for increase upon the seeds sown for the work of God, and upon the land (that produces and delivered the seed). But a eater will not care for all that. Let the people give and give so that there will be meat enough in the ministry, would be the desire of the eater. But the sower will pray each seed to bear fruit. To whom do you give your seed? Let your seed be given to the sower and not to the eater.
···
9:12 DAVID’S MEN
“A
nd everyone who was in distress everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them
and there were about four hundred men with him" - (I Sam. 2: 2).
The number of those unpopular and downcast men rose to six hundred (I Sam. 23: 13); "every man with his household" (wives and children) -I Sam. 27:3. They followed David to hide in caves and in the wilderness away from the threat of King Saul. How was David feeding these men? The bible affirmed that God was with David. He and his men were under divine direction and so they did not lack.
How do you lead those who take you for their leader? Do you lead them by God’s divine direction or by your own motivation? What have those men become? Do their number increase or diminish? Are they pleased or displeased to dwell in your care? Among men that followed David were "wicked men and men of Belial"- 1 Sam. 30:22. David did not reject them but taught them to do good, not to touch or kill an anointed man of God (Saul) and to share spoils from battles equally (1 Sam. 30:22-25). How do you handle the "goodies" that comes your way in the midst of the brethren following you? As you are in need, so also are they.
David took those men and their households through his wilderness wandering and got them settled at last in thee cities of Hebron. Those men became valiant men in battle and David’s sons were their chief rulers.
···
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Your comments for possible publication will inspire us to do more. Let us hear from you what the Lord is doing through our efforts.
···
9:13 THEY MISSED IT AT LAST
J
UDAS was one of the disciples of Christ. We do not read about how and when he became a disciple. That of Peter, Andrew, Matthew and some others we knew; but of Judas Iscariot, there was no account. All we know is that he was one of the twelve that were very close to Jesus: a member of Jesus executive committee. One can say that he belonged to the inner caucus. He was the treasurer in charge of the money of the house. Judas followed Jesus all along and heard his teachings just as others heard him. He sat many times at His feet like Mary whom the Bible says: "has chosen that good part which will not be taken away from her" – Luke 10:42. But for Judas, the teachings were either not actually received and become part of him or were not acted upon. He was a hearer only. The word of Christ had no place in his heart, yet he followed Him and served along with other disciples. It was easy for the scripture "woe unto that man by whom the son of man is betrayed" to be fulfilled in Judas because he was with Christ but not at all in Him. If scriptures must be fulfilled, which aspect is being fulfilled in you or through you? It was through Judas that the prophesy spoken by Zechariah (11:12-13) came to fulfillment: "…so they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver …cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was priced at of them". Since Judas chose to be a cast away at the end of Jesus’ ministry on earth, he hanged himself and died before Jesus shed his blood for the remission of sin of all mankind. Peradventure he repented, the blood of Jesus must have atoned for his sin. He missed that opportunity and could not witness the resurrection of Christ!
Peter fell into the same situation as Judas: he denied Jesus three times in the same night. He railed curses and denied that he knew Jesus. He sold him out to be dealt with anyhow. But because the word of Christ had a hold on the life of Peter, he repented with tears. He was forgiven and he witnessed Christ’s resurrection. Yea, he became chief among the disciples.
LOT’S WIFE could not be associated with either in the scripture. Her case was to be remembered by as many as are preparing for the second coming of Christ. Christ gave the injunction that we should "consider Lot’s wife" – LK 17:32. She lived with righteous Lot and could not live after his way of righteousness. Lot’s wife lived exclusively on her own heart’s desires. She saw nothing to be learnt from Sarah, the wife of Abraham with whom she came along with as in-law. Sarah’s lifestyle of complete submission to her husband, calling him lord was not to be recon with. The character of the women of Sodom had gotten into her heart and which became difficult for her to part with. Despite angelic escort of her out of Sodom, she could not obey heavenly instruction of "Escape for your life; look not behind you;" – Gen. 19:17. She disobeyed that instruction and became a pillar of salt.
Neglecting godly counsel makes you lose God’s glory upon your life. That was what happened to Adam and Eve at the very beginning. It makes you become worthless not to be recon with. The people will abhor you and God will neglect you. Always remember Lot’s wife who could not make good use of available spiritual resources and opportunity she had. She missed her complete deliverance from Sodom and was not written well about in the scriptures.
Your not holding unto the teachings of Christ can make you miss all at last. Knowing and not holding unto that which you know in line of holiness and righteousness, of godliness and of showing mercy will one day bring you to judgment of the word.
···
9:14 DENYING CHRIST?
“P
eter said to Him "Lord why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for your sake" Jesus answered him, "will you lay down your life for my sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied me three times" -John 13:37-38.
Jesus made it clear unto Peter and other disciples that "where I am going you cannot follow me now but you shall follow me afterward" - John 13:36. Peter was confident that he could follow Jesus to anywhere He goes. He was assured within himself that nothing could make him not to follow Jesus. Jesus therefore told him plainly: "I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied me three times." This discussion took place in the evening time I suppose. Jesus was saying within the next few hours, Peter, you will deny me. Peter said, I can never do that; since all these days I have been following you; I will be loyal to you unto death. Yea I will lay down my life for you.
Brethren, beware not to deny Christ any moment of your life. It can happen to anyone at anytime if care is not taken. It is not until you speak out with your mouth; you cannot even do that. But when at times you are supposed to speak for Christ and you take attitude in mute indifference. For such a brief moment of time, you denied Him. But you find out that you will come to that realization almost immediately like Peter. Be vigilant to make use of any opportunity to speak out for Christ or to identify yourself with Him. Let not such a time pass you bye, else you fall into the error of Peter – denying Christ.
···
9:15 THE WORK OF GOD
“N
ext to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord" -Neh. 3:5NKJV.
The hands of Nehemiah & co rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem at last. Each family clan built the gates and wall of the city next to one another to compete the work. With the clan of Tekoa, the record was that "their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord" KJV. Their nobles: those that are financially better of; those that occupies significant positions; those with names in the society, the chiefs, etc. They saw no reason to be involved in the work of God yet that same work was completed without the putting in of their necks or hands or shoulders.
Your refusal or dragging of feet towards God’s work cannot stop the work. Your refusal to be used for God’s work would lead to your being put aside by God to raise a better alternative. The work of God will never lack fund and people that are ready to put in their heads, necks, hands and their shoulders.
···
9:16 PROVING YOUR GOD
“T
hen I proclaimed a fast… that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our
substance"- Ezra 8:21.
God’s hand was on Ezra to lead the children of Israel out of Babylon to Jerusalem after many years of captivity. An unbeliever King (Artaxerxes) was used of God to send them forth by the hand of Ezra. This man, Ezra, at one time spoke to the King of his God whose hand "is upon all them for good that seek him, but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him (vs. 22). At the time they were to depart, Ezra was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to help against the enemy in the way. Ezra had earlier spoken of God to the king. His asking for bands of soldiers would mean, "Can God not secure His people again?" The king would reason, and will doubt that God. So Ezra proclaimed a fast to seek the face of God. They afflicted themselves in fasting for God to lead them by the right way.
How do you prove your God to the unbelievers around you that you had at one time testified to or evangelized? Are they the same people you call into your home or church to assist you in one way or the other as to settle your financial needs, a quarrel, e.t.c? Would they not ask, "Where is your God?" You professed God’s faithfulness and sovereignty to them at one time or the other. Now at difficult time, can you not wait on that God again and see result of your confession of his faithfulness? Ezra proclaimed a fast to afflict their souls in agonizing to God for their defense. God answered for we had this record: "and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way" – Vs 31. Can you not agonize before God to prove himself in your life as you have been proclaiming He is? Do not turn to the unsaved for help: they will ask, "Where is your God?"
···
9:17 EVEN THOUGH GOD HAS NOT SPOKEN
T
he children of Israel in captivity under Ezra took strange wives and gave birth to strange children. This made Ezra to weep and cry unto God for mercy so that the end would not be worse for them than what they had passed through. Shechaniah said unto Ezra, "…Let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them…" – Ezra 10:3. Even though God did not speak to Ezra as He always did to others at such a time as this, a man filled with the Spirit of God spoke in line with the counsel of God. Ezra and the people took to that counsel and they acted. God was pleased with them. God may not directly speak, but He may inspire a son or daughter of His to tell of His counsel at such a time when any of His children is looking unto Him for direction. God may not always speak directly, but He may speak his counsel through His chosen vessel(s)
···
9:18 UP TO BETHEL
“T
hen God said to Jacob, ‘Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother’". 2And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. 3Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone."- Gen. 35:1-3 NKJV
God reminded Jacob of the vow he made when he left Canaan for Padam-aram away from his parents and Esau: "Jacob vowed saying, if God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God"- Genesis 28: 20-21.
As if Jacob was relieved of his distress and soon forgot his vow to come back to the God of bethel. He settled in Succoth with all he had from Laban. The question is, when last did Jacob worship by pouring oil and wine upon an altar in sacrifice to God since he left Bethel? The truth is that, its been long he worshipped; though God is still communicating with him. When he was with Laban, he was cumbered with business activities and family matters that his zeal for true worship was put aside from his conscious mind. Even though Laban whom he dwelt with was an idol worshipper, Jacob was not seen worshipping idol, but he did not introduce worship of his own true God. For all the time he was with Laban, his act of worship of God was not so much reflected.
What is it that has influenced you and dropped the thermometer of your spiritual state to Luke- warmness or to zero? That also has changed your spiritual thirst and your focus of true worship. Examine yourself and quit that place or business or whatever. God is telling you to "Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there".
Bethel is a place of spiritual renewal; where relationship with God can be renewed. A place to get rid of spiritual filths; a place of genuine revival. God is calling us to Bethel to dwell there. Jacob went with all he had and his true worship of God was rekindled.
Has not unnecessary activities taken away true worship and right focus from our congregation? When last has ministers retreated for a season to dwell in bethel of prayer to commune with God as to receive instruction from Him? Arise let us go up to Bethel. Going to bethel is a way up. The strength of Ministry is not the amount of adverts you made, but the strength you have conserved from God while up in Bethel. A place of personal encounter and divine revelation and interaction.
Why must Jacob allow his wives to keep other gods? The fact is that he probably allowed the worship even though he himself never worship them. This is portraying the degree of decadence in the church today. Ministers approve some sort of unspiritualities in the church that they don’t preach against since they themselves are far from Bethel. May God cause a flame of revival where Christians will have no option than to submit their gods: those things that occupy the heart instead of true worship for God. Except we have come to this stage, true revival may not be achieved. We must give up our gods of doctrinal differences, disunity, self-centeredness, worldliness, struggles to gather wealth from the pulpit etc. Go up to Bethel to receive for the people, messages of hope and purity. Today God is still saying: "Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean and change your garments"- Gen. 35:2.To be stripped off those gods of ours is for us to "go up to Bethel."
···
9:19 REBELIOUS GENERATION

“T
hat this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD; which say to the seers, see not; and to the prophets, prophesy not unto us right things, speak not unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits” – Isaiah 30:9-10.
Generation that Love to hear smooth words and good prophesies; words not of rebuke but of blessing and praying against human enemies, prophesies of good future and not of Judgment at a time when sin pervades every strata of the world. Time when ears no longer want to hear rebukes but blessed wishes. I heard of a man God telling a congregation: “There is a millionaire here; God is turning somebody into a millionaire.” Every body applauded in expectation that the rod of that prophecy will fall on them. False dreams and false prophecies pervade the church of Christ at this end time when we all should be folding up our mats in expectation of him that said unto us: the Son of man will come like a thief in the night. “Therefore be yea also ready; for such an hour as yea think not the Son of man cometh” – Matt. 24:44
But if we love to hear smooth words of prophecy and blessedness in preaching, how do we expect the coming of the master? For we would want those false deceitful illusions to come to pass.
Rebellions people love those kinds of ministers that prophesy deceit but they would not follow preachers of righteousness. They prefer to listen to preachers that do not have any message but pretend they have. The people also love vanities. Preacher and people are alike, all leading to vanity.
“He who says to the wicked, ‘You are righteous,’ Him the people will curse;
Nations will abhor him.” -Prov.24: 24
A preacher of God’s word that preaches to and pray for the wicked (the unconverted, those that gather riches by dubious means, those that are enriched without righteousness) to be blessed and recons with them as righteous people, shall be curse by the people, yea nations shall hate him at last.
“But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, And a good blessing will
come upon them” - Prov.24: 25.
A minister of the gospel that rebukes unrighteousness in this perverse generation and does not involve in unrighteousness, shall be the delight of God and of the people, and a good blessing from the Lord shall come upon him.
···
9:20 OFFERING FOR THE LORD
“T
ake from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the LORD…” – Exodus 35:5
“And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one
whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’s offering to the work
… and for all his service …” – Exodus 35:21.
“And they speak unto Moses, saying, the people bring much more than enough for
the service of the work … and they cause it to be proclaimed … saying, let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing” – Exodus 36:5-6
If for every offering for God’s work, according to how stirred up our heart were, is what we give, we can also say it is enough. Except for greediness and wanting to be like those other people.
Do you give accordingly and timely as God stirred up your mind to give for God’s work? “For it is God who works in you both TO WILL and TO DO for His good pleasure” – Philippians 2:13.
Not your own thought, but God working it out by stirring your heart towards doing it. Do you act timely and consistently?
···
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Your comments for possible publication will inspire us to do more. Let us hear from you what the Lord is doing through our efforts.
···
BE A PART

Be a part of this publication effort in Prayers for God to use these words in the hearts of readers, and in assisting print editions of these messages financially for free distribution. Send us your comments for possible Publication. Inspire us to do more in reaching nations for Christ. Send to us or make a call: Our email: christianpubint@yahoo.com; Phone line: +2348036121781. Mail: P.O.Box 387, JEBBA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA.
···
These series of messages are published by the CHRISTIAN PULISHING INTENATIONAL,
JEBBA, NIGERIA. Christianpubint@yahoo.com; Tel: +2348036121781.
Believers’ Digest contains series of messages that can be copied
and used freely for edification of the body of Christ.

··· ··· ···