Don’t Neglect Your Gift
1 Timothy 4:14 (NET) Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, given to you and confirmed by prophetic words when the elders laid hands on you. When Shola was a student at the university, he walked in certain spiritual gifts. He could see visions and prophesy. But after he graduated and got a job in the busy city, he neglected his spiritual gifts and was more concerned with other things. He found that even though he was making some money, he was not fulfilled but felt hollow and empty inside. There are so many lessons from today’s Bible verse that we would have to revisit it another day. The first point is that it is possible for a person to neglect his spiritual gift. Every gift has the attendant disciplines that activate it(fan it to flame) and keeps it active. For example, if a person has prophetic gifts(word of knowledge, word of wisdom, prophecy, discerning of spirits– seeing visions), it is important for such a person to be given to prayer and the ministry of the word. Such a person must be committed to praying in the spirit on a very regular basis. Not being intentional about prayer (long prayers in the spirit) is functionally the way to neglect the prophetic spiritual gifts. Some other gifts require that you be a minister of God’s presence and dwell constantly in communion with the Holy Spirit. Songs and worship are key to this. It is important for the believer to understand his spiritual gift and be given to its attendant spiritual disciplines. Even though Shola was now making some money, he lived a miserable defeated life because he ignored his spiritual gifts and disciplines and started running after money. Go into today remembering that spiritual gifts were given to help enhance your fruitfulness. It is unwise to ignore them. If you have ever walked in a spiritual gift even once, it is because that gift has been given to you. It is incumbent upon you to learn the disciplines that activate it. Prayer: Lord, please activate every gift that you have given me and help me never to neglect them. Amen. Want to be saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 —Abraham Damilola Arigi Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. Yearly Bible Plan: Isaiah 12-17 (In the Devotional Audio) Download Sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GUL89ihsxUrJFttCw04E5s http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%202189.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
When We Give (This Matter of Giving)
Philippians 4:18 (NET) For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent – a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God. It is important to stress that the believer’s motive in giving is very important. A believer must never treat giving as a money-doubling exercise for any reason. Rather meditate on the following that happens when we give and let love, faith, a sense of responsibility, a need to communicate honor and compassion motivate your giving. When we give to God, we are performing an act of worship and service to God, we are communicating thanksgiving and appreciation while also honoring Him. When we give in God’s house and to God’s work, we are contributing to the prosperity of God’s work and playing a part in having needs meet (Exo 25:1-9; Acts 2:44-45). When we give to parents, spiritual leaders, etcetera, we are communicating honor and regard. This is pleasing to God. (Matt 15:4-6; 1 Tim 5:17-18) When we give to the poor and the needy, we are communicating love, compassion, and mercy (1 John 3:17). We must always be willing to give to those who cannot repay our kindness, God himself delights in such. We also exercise faith when we give sacrificially. We don’t just do so by giving to receive, but rather by giving despite mitigating circumstances because we believe that God who supplied that resources will yet supply again (1 King 17:7-16). We cause thanksgiving to abound unto God when we give. In today’s text, we see how that the giving of the church in Philippi to Paul was recorded as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God”. Here’s how 2 Corinthians 9:11-12 puts it, “You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God, 12 because the service of this ministry is not only providing for the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God.” Now note, God rewards our giving, it is part of our labor of love and God is not unfaithful to forget them. However, let love, faith, honor, mercy and a sense of responsibility lead your giving and not profiteering. That’s the godly way to go. Say this: I am a giver, God is my source, he multiplies grace unto me and I always abound unto every good work. Want to be saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 —Ikechukwu Mpama Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. Yearly Bible Plan: Job 5-6 (In the Devotional Audio) Download Sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GUL89ihsxUrJFttCw04E5s
How to Give (This Matter of Giving)
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NET) Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. Nicholas was around when the youth pastor was counseling Tessy on the matter of giving, at a point he couldn’t help but butt in. “I’m sorry sir”, he said, “But I can’t help but wonder, is this not too much? I mean, if I give to all the people you have mentioned, what will I have left? My income is limited, and I still have bills to pay?” The pastor responded: Well, if you will just allow me to finish, you see, the Bible not only tells us whom and to what we can give to, it also lays out for us how we can give and I will attempt to lay them out for you as briefly as I can. Plan Your Giving: Don’t be an impulsive giver, that rarely comes from a place of thoughtfulness and deep convictions, it mostly comes from emotions and whipped up sentiments. Remember our text says ‘…just as he has decided in his heart’. So, learn to sit down and plan what you will be giving, to what and to whom. Give According to Ability: ‘… to finish what you started, so that just as you wanted to do it eagerly, you can also complete it according to your means. 12 For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have’ (2 Corinthians 8:11-12 NET). Enough said. Give Bountifully and with Simplicity: The Bible teaches us in 2 Cor 9:6 to give generously. Be as generous as you can in your giving, remembering that it is God who supplies the eater with bread and the sower with seed. Also, giving the Bible way is giving with simplicity. Don’t be flamboyant in your giving; don’t make a scene, it just glorifies you and not God. Give Willingly & cheerfully: God wants our giving to come from our heart. Exo 25:2 “Tell the Israelites to take an offering for me; from every person motivated by a willing heart you are to receive my offering” (NET). Your heart is very important in whatever we do to and for God. It’s better not to give at all than to give grudgingly, however, it is best to give from a willing and cheerful heart (2 Cor 9:7) Give Sacrificially: In all of this, never forget that there is a place for giving sacrificially, God notices our sacrifice when we give sacrificially. Jesus made special mention of the widow who gave all she had, her giving didn’t look like much on face value, but before God it was great (Mark 12:41-44). Also, Bro Paul commended the Macedonians of whom he said, “For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily” (2 Cor 8:3 NET). Go into today determined to give bountifully as the Lord gives you the ability. Prayer: Lord, help me to give acceptably and walk in the attendant blessings. Want to be saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 —Ikechukwu Mpama Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. Yearly Bible Plan: Psalms 6-8 (In the Devotional Audio) Download Sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GUL89ihsxUrJFttCw04E5s
This Matter of Giving: Why Them?
Mat 22:37-39 (KJV) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself Tessy has a dilemma. She is a young believer who came to Christ not so long ago. She is a regular income earner and prior to her new life in Christ, she spent her money however she chooses. However, now that she is a believer, based on the teachings she has heard and the conviction of the Holy Ghost in her heart, she has come to know that there is a way God wants her to spend her money. So, one day after the service, she approached her youth pastor asking how God would have her give. So, he answered her: Firstly, you must understand that all our good works are to be done as unto the Lord. Meaning that, whatever we do, we must do it seeing it as a service to God. And again, when it comes to knowing God’s mind concerning any matter, the word of God is our surest guide. Parents: It is God’s precept that children should honor their parents (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1,2). The Bible also teaches us that giving is part of the display of honor (Matthew 15:4-6; Prov 3:9), therefore, in honoring our parents, we must learn to give to them as well. To the Work of the Ministry: Right from the building of the tabernacle (in Moses’ time) right down to the building of the temple in Solomon’s time, the people of God were required to give to it (Exodus 25:1-9; 1 Chron 29:1-9). Some of Jesus’ followers also gave to his ministry (Mark 15:41). It is a mark of irresponsibility not to support the gospel in your local assembly, if your heart is there, your treasure should also. To Ministers of The Gospel: God has ordained it that ministers of the gospel are entitled to be taken care of by those they minister to. Just like Levites were apportioned a part of the temple sacrifice for their sustenance, likewise even the new testament ministry gifts (1 Cor 9:6-11; 21 Tim 5:17-18; Luke 10:3-7). This might rattle a few cages, but it regardless remains the truth. To the Poor: The Lord is particularly interested in the welfare of the poor, hence he has ordained that we give to the needy as much as lies within our abilities (Prov 28:27; 19:17) Mark 14:7 and John 13:26-30 suggests that Jesus had such a practice of giving to the poor. Fellow Believers and Others: It is God’s will that we do good to and give to fellow believers as often as we have the opportunity to do so (Matt 25:34-40), He also wants us to do good to all men as much as it lies within our power (Gal 6:10) Go into today with the assurance that God gives bread to the eater and seed to the sower and he will multiply all grace towards you, so that you having all sufficiency in all things, will always abound unto every good work. Say these words: God is my source, I am a giver, grace is multiplied towards me and I abound unto every good work. Want to be saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 —Ikechukwu Mpama Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. Yearly Bible Plan: Joshua 11-15 (In the Devotional Audio) Download Sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KgIZnIxYrRtCmaHbhQq98I
This Matter of Giving: Why Me?
1 John 3:16-18 (KJV) Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. There are not many touchy subjects like that of giving (in the church) today. This matter has supplied plenty of ammunition with which many skeptics, cynics and all sorts have used to attack the church. Part of this is due to its abuse of application and the paucity of (balanced) teaching on the subject matter. However, a proper examination of the scriptures will supply light and impart understanding on the matter. Much like everything else, giving for the Christian is based on what he has received of God. In our today’s text, we see the Bible referencing the sacrifice of Jesus for us, and in the very next breath speaking of how the believer must likewise lay his life for his brethren and gave the example of meeting the need of a brother by giving. By virtue of salvation, we have received a new spirit which stems from God. Therefore, love is now our character definition, and love is best displayed through sacrifice. Remember the Bible charges husbands to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25)? You can ask any woman how she knows that her husband loves her. I assure you, it won’t just be “When he says ‘I love you’ while looking at my with puppy eyes”. A husband can say ‘I love you’ until he gets blue in the face, but if he doesn’t back that with corresponding actions, his ‘I love you’ will begin to sound like noise. Ephesians 5:25 that we referenced reads, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it;”. Go into today armed with the knowledge that we give in the light of what we have received (Salvation in Christ) and what we have become (New Creations). Say to yourself: I am in Christ, I am a giver because He is my source. I have and I give, I give abundantly. I lend to the nations and not borrow. Thank you Jesus. Amen. —Ikechukwu Mpama Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. Yearly Bible Plan: Genesis 8-11 (In the Devotional Audio) Download Sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KgIZnIxYrRtCmaHbhQq98I
Wanted; Faith
Luke 8:24-25a (NET) They came to him saying, “Master, Master, we are about to die!” So he got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they died down and it was calm. Then he said to them, “Where is your faith?” (Read also Luke 8:22-25) Moses wondered what to do. They were hedged in by the sea in front and the army of their enemies behind. What’s more, he could hear the sound of his people behind him, the sound of about 2 million disgruntled people. Their murmurs rose till it became a din. He spoke to them “Do not be afraid … the Lord shall fight for you”, almost immediately, the Lord spoke as though in response, He said: “Why do you cry to me? Tell the Israelites to move forward. And as for you, lift up your staff and extend your hand toward the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites may go through the middle of the sea on dry ground” (Exodus 14:10-16 paraphrased) Did you notice the similarity between this account and our text today? It was as though while Moses was saying ‘do something Lord’, the Lord was saying ‘do something son’. That was the same thing with the disciples. Understand this; you have a responsibility cum a role to play in bringing to bear the intervention of God to a situation. Part of your responsibility is to exercise your faith. Exercise it in prayer; exercise it in speaking. Through the exercise of our faith, we put the power of God to work for us. Don’t just lie there crying ‘why me Lord’, rather fall to your knees and pray ‘hear me Lord’ and then rise to your feet and say ‘hear me wind’. Go into today with a resolve to exercise your faith often. Start with the little things and then when the storms come, quench it. —Ikechukwu Mpama Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. Yearly Bible Plan: Romans 5-6 (In the Devotional Audio) Download Sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KgIZnIxYrRtCmaHbhQq98I
Right Focus Great Faith
🔊Audio Version Here ☞ bit.ly/audio1891 Luke 7:4-5 (NET) And when they came to Jesus, they urged him earnestly, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, because he loves our nation and even built our synagogue.” (Read Luke 7:1-10) What is your attitude when you come to the Lord with a request? Some come with an entitlement mentality, believing that they deserve every good that can ever come to them as a result of their good works. In our text today, the centurion was seeking healing for his servant. The elders of the Jews came asking Jesus to intervene sighting the good works of this man. However, when the centurion sent words to Jesus through his friends, they had a completely different emphasis, they said, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not presume to come to you. Instead, say the word and my servant must be healed…” (Luke 7:6, 7) He focused not on his goodness but on the power and authority of Jesus. Good works are good and have their place. Bible says every believer must be careful to maintain good works (Titus 3:8). We are created unto good works (Ephesians 2:10). Our good works give glory to our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). However, when you come before the Lord, lay your good works aside and stand only on the good work of Jesus Christ. Focus on his goodness, power, and might. Come boldly because of Him, not because of you. Go into today with a full assurance of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is able, He is willing, He will do it. —Ikechukwu Mpama Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 3-4 Download Sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KgIZnIxYrRtCmaHbhQq98I Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s bless lives together.
Godly Parenting 2
Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. God institutionalized marriage for a purpose. Didn’t the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth (Mal. 2:15 NLT). If you are not raising godly offspring, you are not fulfilling the purpose of God for marriage. Your children were given to you by God and your duty is to train them in the way of the Lord remembering that you will give account for them. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 KJV). In order to be a good teacher, you must have gained mastery in the area you are to teach. As a godly parent, you are to teach God to your children. This requires that you know God and know His ways. You also must be able to know the way of God that is peculiar to that child and teach him to walk in it. All parents, therefore, must learn the art of asking and receiving from God so they may receive specific instruction concerning each child. Read Genesis 25:22-23. Hebrews 11:23 (KJV) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. Go into today making up your mind to raise godly seeds. Remember to consider your children’s spiritual welfare when decided where they would have their academic studies. Too many children from Godly homes have been subverted because their parents sent them to study in godless environments. Say the confession: I am blessed. My family is Blessed. Everything about me is blessed, in Jesus’ name. Amen. Not saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 —Dr. Emmanuel James Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. Yearly Bible Plan: Isaiah 7-11 (In Devotional Audio) Download Sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KgIZnIxYrRtCmaHbhQq98I Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s bless lives together. @streamglobe
Godly Parenting 1
Genesis 18:19 (KJV) For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Many of the men of reckon in the Bible were either dedicated in separation to or chosen by God as babies. All of these babies who eventually grew to become great leaders, deliverers, prophets and great men of God were strategically placed in homes. For example, Abraham received Isaac from the Lord; Isaac and Rebekah interceded for Jacob; Hannah gave Samuel to the Lord; Zacharias and Elizabeth were faithful servants of God, they gave birth to John the Baptist; A Levite who married another Levite gave birth to Moses, just to mention a few. It is obvious that God is interested in homes (families), their seeds and how such seeds are nurtured. God seeks continuity of His plans and agenda, he hence seeks family such as Abraham’s who will do due diligence in committing whatever God has handed over to them to their children and children’s children. Just like it was with Abraham, there are blessings that will be released only to homes that God knows will command their children and households after Him. Will you donate your home to God so He can birth his purpose through it? God is searching for sons through whom He will manifest His manifold wisdom to principalities and power (Eph. 3:10). Go into today remembering that God is particularly interested in homes that are committed to raising children who fear the Lord. Lord, help me build a home that is a nurturing place for children that would fear and serve You. Amen. Not saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 —Dr. Emmanuel James Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. Yearly Bible Plan:: Job 3-4 Download Sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LSqmBE9rOE5JiHBnUG7AsJ Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s bless lives together. @streamglobe http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%202183.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
Dealing with Temptation
Matthew 4:1-2 (KJV) Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. When Seyi got into the university, he didn’t resume on time because he found out about his admission late. Because of this, he didn’t make the best arrangements for his accommodation and had to end up in the same hostel with some really bad boys. Before Seyi accepted the Lord Jesus, he used to be addicted to drugs and alcohol. Because he understood the temptation he would have to face every day with these new roommates who were drug and alcohol addicts, he determined that the way he would survive spiritually was to rev up his prayer [and fasting] life. He started praying and fasting four times more than he normally did before he moved to that hostel. During this period, he so grew spiritually that he started walking very easily in the prophetic. He never fell for the temptations he so feared because through devotional to prayer and the ministry of the word, he was spiritually strong to withstand the temptations. Two of those his roommates became his converts during that period. We see in today’s Bible verses that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. It doesn’t sound right. How would the Holy Spirit lead Jesus to be tempted? Why and for what purpose? It was necessary for Jesus to be tempted and be without sin so that He can be a qualified high priest who understands what it means for us to be tempted(see Heb 4:15). But the tempter wouldn’t have been able to tempt Jesus if the Holy Spirit did not permit it. I believe it is on the strength of today’s verse that we can pray God to ‘lead us not into temptation’. Jesus our master has already been led into temptation. When Jesus was entering a season of temptation, he responded by entering a season of fasting [and prayer]. I believe he did this because he wanted to gather sufficient spiritual might to withstand the temptations. It was after this episode that his ministry began. Go into today remembering that if there appears to be temptations coming so great that you fear you might fall, the best response is to fire up your prayer life. —Pst. Abraham Damilola Arigi Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 3-5 Not saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 Download Sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LSqmBE9rOE5JiHBnUG7AsJ Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s bless lives together. @streamglobe http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%201888.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS