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
Pillars of Godliness 5
1 Timothy 4:12 (NET) Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity. We previously saw that Godliness manifests in the five attributes mentioned in today’s Bible verse. Godliness would always manifest in a person’s speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity. We have examined the first four attributes, today we shall examine purity. There are various areas in which a person can be said to be pure. There is sexual purity, purity in matters pertaining to money, and purity in spiritual matters(matters pertaining to idol worship and food). Any form of sexual pleasure derived outside the ambit of marriage (between a male man and a female woman) is impure. A Godly person abstains from all forms of impurity in this area. There is something the king James Version Bible refers to as ‘filthy lucre’ (see 1 Timothy 3:3). This is money made from questionable ventures or methods. A person who diverts money meant for the public into his personal treasury is guilty of filthy lucre. A person who makes money through gambling, Ponzi schemes or any other get-rich-quick scheme is guilty of filthy lucre. A Godly person abstains from the impurity of filthy lucre. The third kind of impurity we shall examine today is that which comes from participation with unclean spirits through idolatry and idolatrous communion through foods. Persons who consult mediums, collect charms and good luck bracelets or jewelry from sorceresses and sorcerers are participating in impurity. This is called “defilement of flesh” (1 Corinthians 7:1). In the New Covenant, the only thing the believer is not allowed to eat is blood (see Acts 15:20)– animals with their blood still in them like strangled or raw animals, etc. When you see people eating raw meat with fresh blood still in it, it is uncleanness, and such traditions stem from idol worship. A believer who wants to live a Godly life would be careful to avoid anything that makes him impure. Go into today remembering that godliness is the key that unlocks the treasures and power of your new life in Christ. Prayer: Ask the Lord for the grace to put away all forms of impurity and live a pure life before Him. Want to be saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 —Abraham Damilola Arigi Yearly Bible Plan: Joshua 6-10 (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/LSqmBE9rOE5JiHBnUG7AsJ Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s bless lives together. @streamglobe http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%202182.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
One Father, Many Instructors
1 Corinthians 4:15 (KJV) For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Richard and Ford were childhood friends but were separated for some years because they attended different universities. They were reunited after graduating from the university but the two friends could no longer blend because they now attended different Church denominations. After their reunion, Ford excitedly invited Richard to a special program in his Church. Richard, however, turned down the invitation. “We have been friends from childhood, do this for the sake of our friendship,” Ford said. “We are not permitted to visit other churches, we cannot even listen to messages preached by other preachers, if we do, we will be punished” Richard replied. “But we are all born again Christians serving Jesus, I can’t understand you”. Ford answered and walked away. Admonishing the church, Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (KJV) stated that, ‘‘now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. We are not called to disciple a denomination, we are called to disciple the Nations. If you are a leader to whom God has given spiritual sons, you should be secure enough to allow your sons access to other godly instructors, knowing that there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which walketh all in all. If your sons are going to have balanced growth, they must eat a balanced diet. This will happen when you play your part and allow others to play their part in their lives. One of the most painful things to deal with is disciples that are not balanced or spiritually mature. It would be hard for believers to be mature if all their spiritual diet is from only one minister and none other. Christ didn’t design his body that way. Go into today knowing that the body is not one member, but many and God has placed each of the members in the body just as He decided. (1 Corinthians 12:14,18). Prayer: Ask the Lord to help you grow to the fulness of your stature in Christ and be fruitful in every good work. Want to be saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 —Dr. Emmanuel James Yearly Bible Plan: Genesis 4-7 (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/LSqmBE9rOE5JiHBnUG7AsJ Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s bless lives together. @streamglobe http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%202181.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
Walk As Children of Light
Ephesians 5:8-9 (KJV) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth Before Shonda believed in the Lord Jesus, she was a gang member who later became a call girl. Even though Shonda was now a believer translated from the kingdom of darkness and made the light of the world, she still remembered how to walk as a child of darkness. She had to now learn how to walk as a child of light so that her light would shine. She understood that if she did not let her light shine, she could go back to becoming darkness all over again. This was why she did not play with Bible study and Christian fellowship. Jesus says we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He also says we should let our light shine. If we do not let our light shine, it can become darkness all over again, and how great the darkness will be. If the salt refuses salt, it can lose its savor and become entirely useless (see Matt 5:13, Matt 6:23). Go into today remembering that living as light is not an option, it is the only way to continue to be light and salt. Prayer: Lord, help me to shine the light today and every day of my life. Lord, please deliver me from every influence that seeks to hinder my light from shinning. Want to be saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 —Pst. Abraham Damilola Arigi If you wish to give to this ministry, click here ☞ streamglobe.org/partner Yearly Bible Plan: Romans 3-4 (In Devotional Audio) 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. http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%201885.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
The Way To Kingdom Greatness 3
Luke 12:30-31 (KJV) For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. I was recently in a church camp in Nigeria where I saw a number of people coming to pray in the day and at night. As I rejoiced before the Lord for such a place and the people who came seeking the Lord in prayer and fasting, the Lord pointed to me that many of them really didn’t come to seek Him but to seek things through Him. The summary of most prayers was ‘more money Lord’ while it should have been ‘more of you Lord’. If half of the people praying and fasting in Nigeria are actually seeking the Lord and His kingdom, the nation would have been much better and the people much more prosperous. Those who seek the kingdom of God seek to please Him in all things; they bring their weaknesses before the Lord until they receive strength to be overcomers. They seek to always be filled with the Holy Spirit who administers the realities of God’s kingdom within us. I have come to realize that God wants us to love Him. The first commandment is that we love the Lord our God with all our hearts (see Mat 23:37). Paul had very strong words for believers who do not love the Lord (see 1 Cor 16:22). He understood that believers who do not love the Lord can be Satan’s biggest tools against the church. God is our father and every father wants His children to love him. How would you feel if your children only made time to talk to you when they needed you to do something for them? Those who walk in the Lord’s great power and glory are those who seek the Lord and make time to commune with Him. They are those who are great in the kingdom of God. Go into today remembering that those who truly seek the kingdom of God cannot lack any good thing (see Psalm 84:11). All the things they need will be added unto them (Luke 12:32). Prayer: Lord, please help me seek your kingdom above all else. —Pst. Abraham Damilola Arigi If you wish to partner with us to reach more people, click here ☞ streamglobe.org/partner Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 1-2 Get free sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BlKv8gQHBSx484yKG7yzoQ http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%201884.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS