Lords and Tools?
1 Timothy 6:5 (NET) And constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a way of making profit Jesus was once teaching and then someone made a request to Jesus mid-teaching asking him to persuade his brother to divide their father’s inheritance with him. At face value, his request sounds okay and understandable. But Jesus clearly didn’t share that view as He asked him “Who appointed me a judge or arbitrator between you two?” and then he went on to speak to his audience, “watch out and guard yourself from all types of greed” (See Luke 12:1-15). It was on the occasion of this interaction and the strength of the warning he issued that Jesus went on to give the parable of the rich fool. A question goes begging for a response… what was wrong with the man’s request? Firstly, what is covetousness and how serious a sin is it anyway? Covetousness is greed, and it is a manifestation of idolatry (in this case, the worship of money) (See Colossians 3:5), it is powered by Mammon, a force/spirit behind the love of money. Jesus, and indeed the apostles, gave grave warnings concerning this. Jesus taught that one spirit seeking to dominate man and exercise a counterfeit lordship over man as opposed to the His Lordship is Mammon. He declared, “You cannot serve God and Mammon” (See Matthew 6:24). But how is it so? It is because money (possessions, pedigree, wealth, qualifications) is supposed to serve as a tool for a man who is submitted to the Lordship of Jesus. However, so pervasive and corrupting is the power of Mammon that when it has a grip over a heart, it exercises lordship and then God becomes a convenient tool in the hand of the Mammon-possessed man to further his ends. You will see this play out in the life of Balaam (2 Peter 2:15), Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:18-21), and such men as were described by today’s text. You see, Jesus was a man of great wisdom and insight and he could perceive that this man making the request simply wanted to make Jesus an arbitrator to his benefit. He had prepared the job description of this role independent of Jesus and simply gave him a letter of appointment at the spot for his benefit. He is not alone in this attempt. Many have crowned Jesus protector but not Lord, provider but not Lord, matchmaker but not Lord, avenger but not Lord, even healer but not Lord. By this, it means that they see Jesus as a service provider, a trustworthy and good one, but He doesn’t call the shots in their life beyond the job description they have assigned him in their own minds. Jesus is no for-hire service provider, He must be Lord or nothing. Men who live to satisfy their own desires and further their lot in life have crowned Mammon Lord and will seek every opportunity to add God as one of the most potent tools in their arsenal and this is a highway to destruction. Take the warnings of Jesus to heart today. What is Jesus to you, tool or Lord? Go into today performing a careful heart-check and ensure that: Jesus is Lord! —Ikechukwu Mpama Bible In One Year: Romans 7-8 (In Devotional Audio) Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. If you wish to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, Send us a message or Click here to join a Streamglobe WhatsApp Group☞ https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdPNz4wRtMdHc6vii1ERn2 Send message to (WhatsApp): +1 (515) 519-5600, +2348138224547 Tune In to Our 24/7 Online Radio Here (open with Chrome of Safari): https://streamglobe.radio Streamglobe Online Radio is optimized to minimize data consumption http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%202770.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
Repentance From Dead Works
Hebrews 6:1 (KJV) Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God Patrick was a believer in Christ Jesus but he still depended on his ability to please God as the basis for his righteousness. Whenever he missed the mark, he felt condemned and rejected. He felt he had lost his right standing with God and God didn’t want to have anything to do with him. Even though Patrick had repented of sinful works of the flesh, he had not fully repented of dead works because he still trusted in his performance as the basis for his right standing with God. When through a sermon, he discovered that his right standing with God was based solely on the person and sacrifice of Christ, he was free from the spirit of condemnation and could now have a smooth walk with the Lord. There are two categories of [spiritual] works that men do. There are good works(Ephesians 2:10) and there are dead works(Hebrews 6:1). Good works are a product of the life of God within you. Only God is good(Luke 18:19) and good works can only be done by God and those who are born of God. Dead works are works that do not count before God. After the sacrifice of Jesus, the works of the law became dead works. The works of the flesh are also dead works because they are the product of the satanic nature that we acquired through the fall, and this nature produces death(Romans 8:13). Many believers understand that the works of the flesh are dead works, but do not understand that the works of the law are also dead works. The works of the law were things that people did in order to obtain righteousness with God. The ten commandments and the precepts of God cannot be categorized as the works of the law because they were not a means of gaining righteousness with God, they were a code of living for those who have gained righteousness with God through the works(sacrifices) of the law. That principle still applies today for those who have obtained righteousness with God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We are not without law but under the law of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 9:21). Go into today remembering that now, apart from faith in Christ Jesus, anything a person does in order to earn the righteousness of God is nothing but dead works. Your right standing with God is primarily because of what Christ did for you and your faith in Him as the Lord. —Abraham Damilola Arigi Bible In One Year: Matthew 5-7 (In Devotional Audio) Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. If you wish to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, Send us a message or Click here to join a Streamglobe WhatsApp Group☞ https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdPNz4wRtMdHc6vii1ERn2 Send message to (WhatsApp): +1 (515) 519-5600, +2348138224547 Tune In to Our 24/7 Online Radio Here (open with Chrome of Safari): https://streamglobe.radio Streamglobe Online Radio is optimized to minimize data consumption http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%202452.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
Foundational Truths 1
Hebrews 6:1-2 (KJV) Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Patrick had a very unstable spiritual life. One day he would be hot another day cold. He could not find a year in which his spiritual life was stable for up to six months. Because he was interested in serving the Lord and fulfilling purpose and divine destiny, he became really disturbed because despite all his efforts; fastings and tears, his spiritual life continued to be like a pendulum. Hot today, cold tomorrow. Many believers are like Patrick and it isn’t their fault. The problem is a faulty foundation. Just like with any building, the Foundation of your Christian doctrine will determine how stable your spiritual life will be. Our Lord Jesus likened those who built their lives according to His Word as a wise man who built his house on a sure foundation — the rock(see Matthew 7:24-27). Apostle Paul referred to the believers in Corinth as God’s building(1 Corinthians 3:9). He also referred to himself as a wise master builder who laid the foundation(1 Corinthians 3:10). Apostle Paul understood that his specialty was to lay the foundation of Christian doctrine. In today’s scripture, we see the six components that form the foundation of Christian doctrine. If a believer is deficient in understanding these, he has a faulty foundation and might find cracks and instability in his building. Repentance from dead works is a very important element of the Christian foundation. I have heard certain modern preachers teach that repentance doesn’t have to do with one’s conduct but just with a change of mind towards God. That’s only half true. There is repentance towards God and, as we see in today’s scripture, there’s “repentance from dead works”. If a person begins to believe in God but does not forsake his sinful ways, he has not truly believed. Go into today remembering that if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? Many believers(who have been declared righteous because of faith in Christ) are struggling spiritually because of a faulty foundation. Prayer: Lord, in this season, please do remedial work in the foundation of many. Amen. —Abraham Damilola Arigi Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. If you wish to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, Send us a message or Click here to join a Streamglobe WhatsApp Group☞ https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdPNz4wRtMdHc6vii1ERn2 Send message to (WhatsApp): +1 (515) 519-5600, +2348138224547 Tune In to Our 24/7 Online Radio Here (open with Chrome of Safari): https://streamglobe.radio Streamglobe Online Radio is optimized to minimize data consumption http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%202451.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
Testing Prophecies
1 Corinthians 14:3-4 (NET) But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation. Sandra started having a check in her spirit concerning a certain prophet when each time she listened to him, she felt weakened and discouraged in her spirit. She became very sure that the prophet was a false prophet when she found out that her friend’s sister was one of his secret lovers. She started growing spiritually again when she stopped attending his meetings. In today’s Bible verse we see three of the attributes of true prophecy (and even preaching). It brings strengthening, encouragement, and consolation to God’s people. After listening to real prophecies, you don’t leave there afraid, depressed, and discouraged unless you are an unrepentant sinner. Even when prophecies predict the coming of hard times and great persecution, etc., you would notice that those prophecies were given to strengthen and prepare God’s people for the impending, not to discourage and put fear in their hearts (see Acts 11:27-28). The reason Jesus would tell His disciples that they would have tribulation in the world was because He wanted to encourage them and equip them for it. He wanted them to know that in spite of it all, He has overcome the world, so they should cheer up — be of good cheer (see John 16:33). That’s what prophecy does to believers, it ultimately encourages, strengthens, and/or consoles. Go into today remembering that we have been told to test all spirits (1John 4:1). Whenever prophecies do not encourage believers but put fear and discouragement in their hearts, those prophecies should be quarantined. —Abraham Damilola Arigi Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. If you wish to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, Send us a message or Click here to join a Streamglobe WhatsApp Group☞ https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdPNz4wRtMdHc6vii1ERn2 Send message to (WhatsApp): +1 (515) 519-5600, +2348138224547 You are invited to join the Livestream of Streamglobe Word Encounter today by 11:30am(WAT): audio streaming: https://streamglobe.radio Video streaming: https://youtube.com/streamglobe Streamglobe Online Radio is optimized to minimize data consumption http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%201902.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
Little Foxes And Tender Grapes
Songs of Solomon 2:15 (KJV) Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. How can love so sweet ever taste so sour? This was Casper’s thoughts as he pondered on the wreck his relationship with his wife had become. Nostalgia pierced his heart as with a thousand sharp needles as his mind went back to happier times. Times when the mere thought of Shandra was like the light and warmth of the sun to a dark room, times when the sight of her alone would lift his spirits, times when just a smile from her felt like therapy, soothing his aches and lessening the burden of the day. He’d text her constantly from work, telling her sweet little nothings, looking forward to clocking out so he could be with her again. But all of these has changed, and he wondered why. If only he could take his mind back to his mother’s counsel and lingering concern before her passing. “Casper, you need to learn to make allowances for people’s faults and to stop counting and keep a long record of them. You hurt people who love you when you don’t let go of faults”. You see, Casper had stifled the life out of his loving relationship with his wife because that little habit of his had made his wife feel more and more inadequate and unloved. It is most interesting that when the Bible spoke extensively about love in 1 Corinthians 13, it never talked about love notes and fun outings in exotic places with fancy dishes. Not that these are wrong, but that true love has roots, it is when these roots shoot downwards that its expressions thereof spring upwards. That is, a love that will stand the test of time and fire will possess and exhibit the characteristics of love as enumerated in 1 Corinthians 13. How do you handle little character flaws especially when those with whom you share a relationship of love, honor or mutual respect bring it to your attention? Do you simply wave those concerns aside or you take actions? Little foxes can and do ruin to tender grapes. Watch out for their little signs and take steps to put them out. Go into today with a commitment to grow in all things into loving maturity. —Ikechukwu Mpama Bible In 1 Year: Genesis 8-11 (In Devotional Audio) Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. If you wish to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, Send us a message or Click here to join a Streamglobe WhatsApp Group☞ https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdPNz4wRtMdHc6vii1ERn2 Send message to (WhatsApp): +1 (515) 519-5600, +2348138224547 Tune In to Our 24/7 Online Radio Here (open with Chrome of Safari): https://streamglobe.radio Streamglobe Online Radio is optimized to minimize data consumption http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%202769.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
Pillars In God’s Temple
Rev 3:12-13 (NET) The one who conquers I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never depart from it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from my God), and my new name as well. 13 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Unlike walls or furniture, pillars are very important and more permanent structural elements in any building. David said by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that “…and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever ” (see Psa 23:6). When the Lord says He will make those who conquer pillars in the temple of God, He is saying overcomers will never be removed from the presence of God for all eternity. Saints are not just called to be people who will dwell closely with God for part of eternity, but we will dwell in the house of the Lord for all eternity. In heaven, dwelling in the presence of God is a very, very great honor, and it means power. Angels brag about this (see Luke 1:19). We who overcome are going to be pillars in the temple of God. This means we are not just going to be part of God’s presence, but we are going to be important parts of God’s temple. I am talking about the God who is the creator and Sustainer of the universe; the God whose power and glory cannot be comprehended by the human mind. I don’t know what we ever did or could ever do to deserve this great honor and glory that God has destined for us. It is unmerited favor. Go into today thanking the Father for the great love He has lavished upon you; that you should become a son of God (see 1 John 3:1). Confession: I am an overcomer in Jesus Name. I will inherit everything God has prepared for me in Jesus name. Amen. —Abraham Damilola Arigi Bible In 1 Year: Romans 5-6 (In Devotional Audio) Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. If you wish to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, Send us a message or Click here to join a Streamglobe WhatsApp Group☞ https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdPNz4wRtMdHc6vii1ERn2 Send message to (WhatsApp): +1 (515) 519-5600, +2348138224547 Tune In to Our 24/7 Online Radio Here (open with Chrome of Safari): https://streamglobe.radio Streamglobe Online Radio is optimized to minimize data consumption http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%202768.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
The Path to Promotion
2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Funsho did not want to backside like the brethren he had heard about who were once on fire for Jesus on campus, but who were now adulterers and shameless sugar daddies. As Funsho prayed and fasted to examine his life thoroughly in the presence of the Lord, the Lord revealed to him that he was not really a man of his word. He made promises that he wouldn’t keep, and would sometimes say things that passed the wrong impression even though they were not outright lies. He repented of his dishonesty before the Lord and became very careful in that particular area. As a result of his repentance, he experienced promotion in his walk with the Lord. He no longer struggled to pray for as long as he knew he needed to. There were now several demonstrations of the manifest power of God in his life. It is possible to be living like an unbeliever and still assume you are in the faith because you attend church services and speak “Christianise”. But examining yourself regularly would help you know exactly the state of your heart; whether it is abiding in the Lord or it has strayed from Him. While we can be emotional and sentimental in our judgment of things, God is not a respecter of persons. He evaluates us by our fruits, and determines our promotion according to our level of faithfulness. Go into today remembering to examine yourself in the Lord’s presence from time to time. As soon as you observe any deviation or character floor, address it immediately and thoroughly. Remember that a stitch in time saves nine. Prayer: Lord Jesus, please help me regularly examines myself as I walk through this slippery worldly path. Please keep my feet from slipping and my heart from wandering. —Abraham Damilola Arigi Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. Bible In One Year: Matthew 3-4 Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. If you wish to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, Send us a message or Click here to join a Streamglobe WhatsApp Group☞ https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdPNz4wRtMdHc6vii1ERn2 Send message to (WhatsApp): +1 (515) 519-5600, +2348138224547 Tune In to Our 24/7 Online Radio Here (open with Chrome of Safari): https://streamglobe.radio Streamglobe Online Radio is optimized to minimize data consumption 🔊Audio Version Here ☞ https://bit.ly/aud2767 http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%202767.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
Because You Have Kept My Admonition
Revelation 3:10 (NET) Because you have kept my admonition to endure steadfastly, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth. As Femi started to seek the Lord in prayer and fasting for the year, one of the first things he did was to ask the Lord what improvements he needed to make in his life to walk better in pleasing the Lord. He sensed the Lord leading him to be more committed to prayers this year. When he got to church in the evening, he received confirmation to that admonition. It was now clear to Femi that he needed to set aside some time every night to pray and spend time with the Lord henceforth. In today’s Bible text, Jesus talked about an hour of testing. IN 1 Cor 7:26, Apostle Paul also made reference [by the spirit of prophecy] to an Impending crisis. History has it that around that period, Christians everywhere were persecuted by the very powerful Roman Empire which ruled the world. The Empire made it a duty to persecute and kill Christians everywhere, and they used their very vast resources to do this. But the Church in Philadelphia was going to be spared from this testing because they always kept the Lord’s admonition to them. The Lord has the power to preserve His own from global or national occurrences that appear inescapable. When a person honors the Lord, the Lord honors him and would dedicate special resources for His peace and prosperity(see 1 Sam 2:30). The church at Philadelphia honored the Lord and Kept His admonition. Because of this, they were spared. I do not know what admonition you have recently received from the Lord, but as you go into today, determine to keep the Lord’s admonition, and see His preserving grace and power multiply in every area of your life. —Abraham Damilola Arigi Bible In One Year: Job 3-4 (In Devotional Audio) Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. If you wish to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, Send us a message or Click here to join a Streamglobe WhatsApp Group☞ https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdPNz4wRtMdHc6vii1ERn2 Send message to (WhatsApp): +1 (515) 519-5600, +2348138224547 Tune In to Our 24/7 Online Radio Here (open with Chrome of Safari): https://streamglobe.radio Streamglobe Online Radio is optimized to minimize data consumption Download the Audio Version Here☞ http://bit.ly/aud2443 http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%202443.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
The Principle of Leaven
1 Corinthians 5:6 (KJV)Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? In the Corinthian church, there was a man who was living in such immorality that was not even permitted among unbelievers. His was cohabiting with his father’s wif e and was still a member of the church. For some reason, it appeared that the church didn’t see anything wrong with his sinful conduct or they just chose to look the other way. After all, ‘we are all under grace’, some may have thought. But Apostle Paul saw through all that and saw the ultimate scheme of Satan. He understood the principle of leaven, and how the iniquity a people condone will eventually erode their righteous convictions, and destroy them. He, therefore, instructed them to put the immoral man out of the church until he repents (see 1 Cor 5:1-7). Believers live in great danger when they think they can condone erroneous doctrine and lifestyle, and still remain unscathed. They do not understand that evil communication corrupts (1 Cor 15:33), and Friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4). Many have walked out of the will of God for their lives because they failed to understand this principle. Even the Apostles had to be categorically warned by the Lord to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and that of Herod (Mark 8:15). Their leaven (doctrine and lifestyle) had infiltrated and dominated society, and Jesus didn’t want that in His church. God has set you apart (from the world) to make you a light in your generation. You are the salt of the earth. Believers lose their saltness when there is no more difference between them and the world. Go into today remembering that evil communication will corrupt. Many children have been corrupted because of the kind of communication their parents allow through the movies they watch. Prayer: Ask the Lord to help you not to lose your saltiness but fulfill your divine purpose on the earth.(read Matt 5:13) —Abraham Damilola Arigi Yearly Bible Reading: Psalms 3-5 (In Devotional Audio) Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. If you wish to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, Send us a message or Click here to join a Streamglobe WhatsApp Group☞ https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdPNz4wRtMdHc6vii1ERn2 Send message to (WhatsApp): +1 (515) 519-5600, +2348138224547 Tune In to Our 24/7 Online Radio Here (open with Chrome of Safari): https://streamglobe.radio Streamglobe Online Radio is optimized to minimize data consumption 🔊Get the Audio Version Here☞ http://bit.ly/aud2765 http://listen.streamglobe.org/Devotional%20Audio%202765.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
Look! An Open Door
Revelation 3:7-9 (NET) 7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write the following: “This is the solemn pronouncement of the Holy One, the True One, who holds the key of David, who opens doors no one can shut, and shuts doors no one can open: 8 ‘I know your deeds. (Look! I have put in front of you an open door that no one can shut.) I know that you have little strength, but you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name. Folakemi wanted an open door so much because she understood that an open door meant opportunities for greater blessings and promotions. She did not know that an open door was already set before her. Her problem was that she couldn’t see it. She was working in a place where she literally had to deal with thousands of campus students every week, and they all held her in very high esteem. When her eyes were opened, she now saw that her influence over the students was an opportunity for her to do what the Lord had been impressing on her heart for years. It is worthy of note that Jesus told the saints in Philadelphia to ‘LOOK! I have put in front of you an open door’. One of the biggest problems hindering people from walking into open doors is that they have not seen the doors set before them by the Lord. An open door represents every new great opportunity provided for you to make spiritual and physical increase. One very important thing about this is that you have to see it. Secondly, you have to understand that if a particular door has been opened for you by the Lord, no person or devil can close it. This is the confidence you need to walk into your open doors. Go into today asking the Lord to help you see every open door set before you in this season of your life. Ask for wisdom to make the best use of every opportunity set before you. —Abraham Damilola Arigi Bible In One Year: Joshua 6-10 (In Devotional Audio) Streamglobe is nondenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. If you wish to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, Send us a message or Click here to join a Streamglobe WhatsApp Group☞ https://chat.whatsapp.com/JdPNz4wRtMdHc6vii1ERn2 Send message to (WhatsApp): +1 (515) 519-5600, +2348138224547 Tune In to Our 24/7 Online Radio Here (open with Chrome of Safari): https://streamglobe.radio Streamglobe Online Radio is optimized to minimize data consumption