SEEKING FIRST THE FIRST AND NOT THINGS
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1840 Matthew 6:33-34 (YLT) but seek ye first the reign of God and His righteousness, and all these shall be added to you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow, for the morrow shall be anxious for its own things; sufficient for the day [is] the evil of it. We live in a world and generation where the pursuit of material gain and fame is considered the key to living in happiness and fulfillment. This are the things our Lord said…”For the heathens are striving for all these things: for indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness is a call for participation and collaboration with the Father. It is a call to participate as kingdom principals who would rule the universe with the Lord for all eternity ( Rev 21:7). When we truly seek the kingdom of God, the things that the world seeks will begin to run after us. But those who seek the kingdom of God because they see it as the way to get ‘all these other things’ are not truly seeking the kingdom of God. They are seeking the things of this world through the kingdom of God. Such are double-minded(torn between the world and the kingdom) and should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Go into the world knowing that things are regulated and ordered by kingdoms and not the other way round. Those sold out to God’s kingdom will see the power of the kingdom at work in their lives. -Titus Ojima A. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Zechariah 8-14 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IaWsioIN6A18wvl7CoJ0e6 Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
THE BELIEVER AND HIS TRADITION 3
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1839 1 Corinthians 11:3-4 (KJV) But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. Remember that from the second verse of 1 Cor 11, Apostle Paul begins by talking about the tradition he passed down to the believers at Corinth. It is believed that in the eastern Mediterranean, it was common practice for chaste women who are under authority to cover their heads as a sign of honor to their fathers (when they are unmarried), or to their husbands (when married). Women who did not cover their heads in public did so to the dishonor of their head (either their fathers or husbands). Only prostitutes, unchaste women, and rebellious women appeared in public formal gatherings without their heads covered as a sign of honor for their head. Now, this was a good tradition that was practiced in Israel and among the people in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Corinthian Church was one that had a tendency to be very liberal and ‘free’. It would not be a far stretch to imagine that certain women among them would uncover their heads in public gatherings because they are now ‘free’ from ‘tradition’. That spirit of rebellion and disorderliness was what apostle Paul was fighting in the Corinthian Church when he wrote the text in today’s Bible verse. go into today remembering that every good tradition upheld by the leadership of your local church assembly is good for you. It is the spirit of rebellion that seeks to operate contrary to acceptable good tradition. Ask the Lord to help you walk above all rebellion. —SD Abraham BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 9-10 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IaWsioIN6A18wvl7CoJ0e6 Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
THE BELIEVER AND HIS TRADITION 2
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1838 1 Corinthians 11:2 (NET)I praise you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions just as I passed them on to you. I have heard of believers who got themselves into big trouble because they exposed themselves to some pagan practices of their culture of birth after becoming believers. When you became a believer in Christ Jesus, you became reconciled with God through faith in Christ Jesus. Because of this, you became a friend of God. But this meant you also became an enemy of the world-the prince of this world (the devil) and his company. Traditions that were born out of pagan worship were designed to connect people with demons and keep them under the domain of certain principalities. If through a cultural practice, a believer (who is now an enemy of the devil and his kingdom) brings himself under their authority, he would be greatly attacked. some have fallen asleep before their time because of this. Before the coming of the gospel, every ethnic group on earth had a culture, and these cultures were shaped by their religion and gods. The only group of people who were relatively free from cultures and traditions inspired by demons was the people of Israel because they worshiped the one true God. Being an apostle to the Gentiles, there were many things Apostle Paul had to teach and explain to the Gentile believers because they grew up in cultures that were antithetical to the divine life. . in disciling people, it is expedient that you are diligent in identifying unwholesome culural practices and traditions that the enemy may use to trap them. When you take away a bad tradition, it should be replaced with a good one. Go into today remembering that because you are of a kingdom that is higher and better than any other, you are not to submit yourself to any cultural practice that does not glorify God and uphold His righteousness. Prayer: Ask the Lord to deliver you from falling into the trap of practicing demonically inspired traditions. —SD Abraham BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 134-136 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IaWsioIN6A18wvl7CoJ0e6 Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
GREATER RICHES – THE REWARD
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1837 Hebrews 11:26 AMP “He considered the contempt and abuse and shame (borne for) the Christ (the Messiah Who was to come) to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt, for he looked forward and away to the reward (recompence)” The consecrated believer must have the reward in his consciousness always. Now, understand that your consecration must be to the Lord and for the Lord, but it is good to keep the reward (God’s reward) in our remembrance. That reward is so great that it puts this world’s pleasure in its place. So when we juxtapose God’s reward and what this world has to offer, the allure of this world’s enticement will lose its power. The reward comes with a glory that the world cannot boast of nor can it fathom, in fact, we cannot fully grasp the fullness of the glory or the entire details of Christ’s reward, but we know from scriptures that it is glorious. Keeping the reward in mind fills us with joy, even in the midst of suffering for Christ in our consecration to him. It keeps us from being like pitiable unfortunate keepers of a law, but the rather, it ignites real joy in us. Think of Stephen when being stoned, he saw heaven opened, and the last thing that comes to mind when thinking of Stephen at his death is pity. Keep the reward in mind. Bible speaking about Jesus said “He, for the joy (of obtaining the prize) that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:2b AMP). Paul speaking in 2nd Cor 4:17, 18 about our reward tells us that we have an eternal weight of glory which is far greater than any present affliction suffered for Christ, and that that is what we look at. Boldly stand for Christ, keep your gaze on him, and also keep the reward in mind. It is great, it is eternal, let it fill you with joy (1st Peter 4:13), it is worth it. —Ikechukwu Mpama BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:Ezra 6-10 Partner with us here: www.streamglobe.org/partner Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/By9I6i6wviE5fE1sH3EvjZ Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
THE BELIEVER AND HIS TRADITION 1
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1836 1 Corinthians 11:2 (NET) I praise you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions just as I passed them on to you. Sandra had a lingering misunderstanding with her mother-in-law because she and her husband were believers and they decided not to follow certain traditions that were not spiritually edifying. For some reason, Sandra’s mother-in-law insisted that Sandra was to blame for this (because she was another ethnic group). With patience, great wisdom and show of love, Sandra succeeded in winning her mother in-law’s heart. There are hundreds of different traditions and cultures in the world today, and many of them stem from the religion of the people that practice them. It is often said that culture is the cloak of religion. For the believer, every traditional must be screened through the lenses of scripture. If a tradition or custom is contradictory to the truth of God’s Word, it must be discarded by the believer. But if a tradition is not in contradiction to the truth of God’s Word, it shouldn’t be discarded. As believers, we are a Holy nation (1 Pet 2:9), and we have our own traditions that are peculiar to us everywhere. Even though some outward interpretations of them can vary because of the cultural influences, the spirit of every Christian tradition must be understood and upheld by believers. Walking in these ensures that we walk in the blessing. Underlining principles and pillars of the Christian tradition are virtues such as love, honor, kindness, diligence, compassion, self-control, moral purity, justice & fairness, patience, humility, orderliness. Any human tradition that contradicts any of these principles should be discarded. Go into today remembering that you are first and foremost a citizen of heaven. Every custom and tradition you practice must be vetted by the truth of God’s Word and not found wanting. Some traditions must be rejected and done away with because they are mediums through which demons invade people’s lives. —SD Abraham BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 16-19 Partner with us here: www.streamglobe.org/partner Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/By9I6i6wviE5fE1sH3EvjZ Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
BACK TO FIRST PRINCIPLES
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1835 2 Peter 1:12 – 13 (NIV)So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body… In mathematics, many complex equations (that are calculus in nature) are solved by starting from the scratch to find in simple terms a general algebraic expression for the slope of a curve at a given value. This is called Derivative from First Principles. In nearing the end of his ministry here on earth, Apostle Peter thought it wise to encourage all believers to call to mind the basic tenets of Christianity. Sadly, these foundational truths are no longer considered important to some, who are now overly engrossed with complex theologies and spiritual mysteries leading to heresies (Col 2:18, 1Tim 6:20-21, 2Tim 2:23, Tit 3:9). Hebrews 6:1-2 elaborates on these principles and they include repentance from dead works, faith in God, baptisms [in water and in the Holy Ghost], laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. It will never be obsolete to tell others about Christ, the dangers of sin and the fiery fate of hell awaiting those who aren’t saved. Though the principles may be familiar to us, we must continuously examine and remind ourselves of their importance, lest we become victims of our own negligence (1Cor 10:12, Heb 2:1-3). Many ‘spiritual battles’ believers are engaged in today would never have degenerated to where they are if virtues from these first principles were firmly nurtured and developed to maturity. The simple gospel of Jesus Christ is the solution to all our problems (2Pet 1:5-10). Go into today reminded of all that Jesus has done for you, and with thanksgiving, go back to your purity, trust, and service to Him–like when you first believed. —Chibo E.C. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: II Peter Not born again? Go here: streamglobe.org/33 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/By9I6i6wviE5fE1sH3EvjZ Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
GREATER RICHES – CHOICES
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1834 Hebrews 11:24-26 (MSG)“By faith, Moses, when grown, refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house. He chose a hard life with God’s people rather than an opportunistic soft life with the oppressors. He valued suffering in the Messiah’s camp far greater than Egyptian wealth because he was looking ahead, anticipating the payoff” A complete consecration to God (and His divine cause) will spur the believer to do some things which a non-consecrated believer will not do. We will observe them in the life of Moses (and even other servants of God). Moses did three things: He refused: The bible says when Moses came of age, he refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house (Heb 11:24 MSG). When you are totally committed to God (and his cause), it will show in the things you refuse. The things you refuse might not necessarily be unlawful, but for the sake of Christ, you are willing to let go of them (1Cor 10:23; Phil 3: 7, 8) He chose: Moses chose a hard life as opposed to a soft life. Choosing between two good things is an easy choice compared to choosing between suffering and enjoyment. The world has pleasures to offer, even sin has its pleasures, but the consecrated believer has turned his back on all that. By choosing God, he has chosen whatever comes with his commitment to God. So be it pleasure, comfort, hardship, shame, or ridicule, it makes no difference to him. He has made his choice: God. He valued: Moses valued suffering FAR GREATER than Egyptian wealth, why? Christ. He didn’t just value suffering, no, he valued suffering in God’s camp FAR GREATER than the best the world had to offer. This is how to value in consecration; make up your mind to do God’s will, and that whatever comes as a result of obeying God and doing his will is FAR GREATER than whatever pleasure or good that can come from not obeying His will. Go into today remembering that there’s no middle ground, you cannot serve two masters at the same time. Serve the Lord. —Ikechukwu Mpama BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 15-16 Get audio sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/By9I6i6wviE5fE1sH3EvjZ Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
GREATER RICHES – THE CONSECRATION
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1833 Hebrews 11:26 (KJV) Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward The word esteem speaks to your value system. Our text speaks of the choices Moses made and the question you must ask is, what could have motivated Moses to make the choices he made? Think about it, what would you choose between slavery and royalty? Between suffering and great riches? The rational choices here are clear, but Moses chose the exact opposite, why? The kind of choices Moses made can only be made from a place of deep, total and complete commitment and consecration to a person or a cause. Commitment makes what would have seemed like an irrational choice very rational. Why will a soldier run off to battle knowing full well he could die there? He has consecrated (separated) himself to a cause. Secondly, an understanding and a looking forward to the reward made Moses make the choices he did. As a believer, you can never truly serve God the way he demands unless you are fully committed in consecration to him. This kind of consecration is seen in all who fulfilled God’s will over their lives, because only total consecration can make a man choose to take the difficult, hard and inconvenient steps it takes to serve the Lord fully; to bear the ridicule, shame, contempt and abuse that comes with standing for Christ in a perverse and ungodly world. These men recognized and acknowledged that living for God is the cause they must pour their life to. Hear Jesus before Pilate: “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world” (John 18:37c). Hear Paul in threat of bonds and affliction: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). What say you? Have you separated yourself to the cause of God? Decide. —Ikechukwu Mpama BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Zechariah 1-7 Get audio sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/By9I6i6wviE5fE1sH3EvjZ Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
FAMILY MATTERS – THE CULTURE
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1832 Amos 3:2 (KJV)“You only have I known form all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” Family, they say, is the smallest unit of society. The family is an important part of society; it is tasked with the responsibility of providing care, support, nourishment, and nurture for its members. Our text today reveals that of old, God chose to adopt the people of Israel as his family of choice. As such, they became special people separate from all others. Because of them being God’s family, they enjoyed God’s divine providence in ways no other nation around them did. They were preserved and kept and later on enjoyed the great privilege of having God become flesh through their lineage. However, also because of this connection to God, they were not permitted to live their lives like other nations around them. They were not to imitate or imbibe the customs of their neighbors but were to imbibe and follow the custom of God’s family. Time and time again, they underwent discipline when they went against God’s instructions. Today, all who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ are now members of God’s family (Eph 2:19). Therefore, you must understand that your culture and custom differs from that of the world, which is why Romans 12 verse 2 (NLT) reads “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect”. As members of God’s family, you must learn to allow the word of God shape your thoughts, desires, and worldview; you must learn to resist the allure and enticement of the world’s way, and tenaciously hold on to the righteous way of God. If you belong to God’s family, then let your light shine. —Ikechukwu Mpama BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 7-8 Not saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/By9I6i6wviE5fE1sH3EvjZ Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
STAYING FREE INDEED
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1831 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NET) No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. Each time Ikenna read this Bible verse, it seemed untrue to him because of his experience. He had found temptations that he could not overcome but kept falling against his will. It appeared that these temptations were beyond what he could bear. After Apostle Paul admonished the Corinthians with the example of the people of Israel who were judged in the wilderness because of their unbelief, rebellion, and disobedience, he went ahead to remind them that there is no temptation they face that they are not able to overcome. That with every temptation, God would provide an escape route. This is an admonition to normal Christians who are not slaves to sin but are now free. When a Christian finds that he is having temptations that are so compulsive that it always ends up as if he has no way out, and he keeps falling against his will, it may be an indication that he needs to be delivered and set free from the bondage of that sin. Lasting deliverance from any kind of bondage is received through the knowledge of The Truth (see John 8:33-34). This knowledge is facilitated by devotion to the ministry of the word and prayer. There is the place for the deliverance ministry; indeed, the Lord has commanded us to cast out demons(Matt 10:8). But in order for the believer to be free and stay free, through devotion to the word and prayer, he must be filled with the Spirit of Truth–and thereby have no more room for the demon of bondage which would seek to come back to its old home(see Matt 12:43-45). Go into today remembering that you have been given the authority to cast out demons. Any recurring temptation that seems overpowering is most likely facilitated by a demon that must be cast out if there must be freedom. —SD Abraham BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 131-133 Not saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CGsfbbUFyvIE3G6vGGNrcf Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional