HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT I BELONG TO GOD?
1 John 2:3 (TLB) – “And how can we be sure that we belong to him? By looking within ourselves: are we really trying to do what he wants us to?” Nnamdi: Pastor, I want to be certain that I truly belong to God. How can I know for sure? Pastor Ken: Let’s turn to 1 John 2:3 and read it together. Nnamdi reads today’s Bible text. Pastor Ken: You see, it’s quite straightforward. Nnamdi, who are you dedicating your life to serve and please? What drives your plans and decisions? For many people, it’s worldly pursuits and material gain. They don’t realize that God created us in His image for us to live for Him. When you prioritize living for God and serving Him above all else, you’ll find that He provides for your material needs effortlessly. Identifying who your life aims to please ultimately reveals who you truly belong to. Let’s not be misled; you can’t wholeheartedly serve both God and worldly pursuits. Your allegiance lies with the one you choose to serve. Go into today resolved to lead a life that consistently pleases God. Prayer: Ask the Lord to empower you to bring Him pleasure in every aspect of your life. Amen.—Abraham Damilola Arigi Join our group to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day:WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JnqvSRyY3I2Ce13V18ZrEo 🔊Get today’s Audio Here☞ https://streamglobe.org/aud3797 Bible In 1 Year: John 5-6 (In today’s audio) Kindly forward this devotional to your contacts and let’s bless lives together.Listen to our edifying online radio here: https://streamglobe.radio https://listen.streamglobe.org/DevotionalAudio3797.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
THE GOSPEL MESSAGE
1 John 1:5 (NET) Now this is the gospel message we have heard from him and announce to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. At just 19 years old, Damian was already caught in the grip of drug addiction, his life spiraling downwards. Arrested three times, he found himself serving a five-year prison sentence. With no skills, limited education, and hailing from a struggling family, his prospects seemed bleak. Even his own mother harbored doubts about his future, fearing he might end up committing even graver offenses upon his release. But then, something incredible happened. In prison, Damian accepted the Lord Jesus Christ. It was a turning point. Suddenly, he discovered a newfound ability to concentrate and be productive. Upon his release, he committed to education, working his way through school and advancing to college. Remarkably, he not only excelled but emerged as the top graduate in his class. What’s more, he took on leadership roles in his church community. By the time Damian completed college, many of his childhood friends had met tragic fates – some had passed away, others had disappeared, and a few had returned to prison. Damian, on the other hand, had encountered a Light that altered the course of his life. It banished the darkness that had shrouded his heart since childhood. God embodies light. When you allow Him into your life, transformation, and glory are inevitable. This is the essence of the gospel: Through Christ, God’s light illuminates your life. When you invite Jesus into every facet of your life, you’re ushering in light, and darkness has no choice but to recede. As you step into today, make a conscious decision to let Jesus reign over every aspect of your existence. Prepare for a magnificent transformation. Prayer: Thank God for lovingly allowing us to be partakers in His light.—Abraham Damilola Arigi Join our group to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day:WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JnqvSRyY3I2Ce13V18ZrEoTelegram: https://t.me/streamglobe1 🔊Get today’s Audio Here☞ https://streamglobe.org/aud3796 Bible In 1 Year: I Timothy 4-6 (In today’s audio) Kindly forward this devotional to your contacts and let’s bless lives together. Listen to our edifying online radio here: https://streamglobe.radio https://listen.streamglobe.org/DevotionalAudio3796.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
INSPIRATION OF THE ALMIGHTY 2
Job 32:8 (KJV) But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding Many of the world’s achievers have a strong spiritual side. Unfortunately, some have turned to practices like Yoga, seeking to connect with their inner selves. They recognize that the spirit is the channel through which inspiration flows. In my own life, I’ve found that my most significant inspirations come during times of prayer in the spirit. It’s intriguing to see in today’s verse that the spirit is mentioned before inspiration. This emphasizes that our spirit is where we receive inspiration. Yesterday, we learned how God blessed Jacob through a dream inspired by God. Many have received profound insights through dreams because they are more attuned to their spirits while asleep, with their bodies less active. As children of God, we should consistently tap into God’s inspiration. This is achieved by being spiritually minded, walking in the spirit, and engaging in regular spiritual communion. Go into today deciding to actively seek the inspiration God consistently offers your spirit. Recognize that this is the key to unlocking greatness in your life. Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am grateful for the inspiration that grants me understanding. I pray for the ability to walk in the spirit and receive these inspirations. Amen.—Abraham Damilola Arigi Join our group to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day:WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JnqvSRyY3I2Ce13V18ZrEoTelegram: https://t.me/streamglobe1 🔊Get today’s Audio Here☞ https://streamglobe.org/aud3795 Bible In 1 Year: John 5-6 (In today’s audio) Kindly forward this devotional to your contacts and let’s bless lives together.Listen to our edifying online radio here: https://streamglobe.radio https://listen.streamglobe.org/DevotionalAudio3795.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 0:09 — 240.0KB)Subscribe: RSS
INSPIRATION OF THE ALMIGHTY 1
Job 32:8 (KJV) But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Consider the story of Jacob. He carried the covenant blessing of Abraham, but for many years, he toiled for Laban and was unfairly treated. When it came time for his wages, Jacob proposed a fair arrangement: he would take any sheep or goats that weren’t completely white. This way, there would be no suspicion of theft in the future. Laban agreed, but then deceitfully had all the colored and speckled animals removed before Jacob could choose (see Genesis 30:31-35). In human terms, it seemed impossible for Jacob to prosper under such unfair treatment. However, everything changed when God inspired him through a dream. He moved from relying solely on hard work to embracing God’s grace. As a result, he became so blessed that Laban and his sons grew envious. Often, people expect their rightful rewards from the government or employers, only to be let down. Today, I want to suggest that all you truly need is inspiration from God. Just like Jacob, your blessings will chase after you. Go into today remembering that any kind of struggle – be it financial, academic, marital, or even spiritual – can come to an end when you walk in God’s inspiration. Prayer: Heavenly Father, I seek Your divine inspiration to lead me into my blessings. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.— Dr. Emmanuel James Join our group to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day:WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JnqvSRyY3I2Ce13V18ZrEoTelegram: https://t.me/streamglobe1 🔊Get today’s Audio Here☞ https://streamglobe.org/aud3794 Bible In 1 Year: Proverbs 17-18 (In today’s audio) Kindly forward this devotional to your contacts and let’s bless lives together.Listen to our edifying online radio here: https://streamglobe.radio https://listen.streamglobe.org/DevotionalAudio3794.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
PRACTICING LOVE 2
1 Corinthians 13:1,4 (ESV) If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Love is patient and kind… Love is the major distinguishing factor between believers of Christ and unbelievers. This was the commandment that Jesus laid down for us, to love one another just as He loves us. Apostle John explicitly stated that he who does not love does not know God because God is love. (See 1 John 4:8). This kind of love is not the one shown only to our immediate family members and friends, but the one shown to all, including strangers. Every born-again child of God has the love of God shed abroad in His heart by the Holy Ghost. (See Rom 5:5) One of the proofs of love is patience. Someone once said that the reason why we need patience is because the other person is not perfect. We expect people to forgive us and overlook our excesses, but we find it difficult to do the same when they hurt us. Patience is a good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence of another. Another proof of love is kindness. Kindness means having a tender, considerate, and helpful nature to others. One way to show that we love others is to be kind to them, irrespective of what they have done to us. Go into today, allowing the love of God to find expression in you by being patient and kind to others, even to those who seem not to deserve it. God loved us even while we were sinners, do the same to others. By so doing, they will see Christ in you. Prayer: Father, cause your love to find expression in me. Help me to be patient and kind to others, in Jesus’ name. Amen,—Bishopkaro Join our group to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day:WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JnqvSRyY3I2Ce13V18ZrEoTelegram: https://t.me/streamglobe1 🔊Get today’s Audio Here☞ https://streamglobe.org/aud3793 Bible In 1 Year: Proverbs 17-18 (In today’s audio) Kindly forward this devotional to your contacts and let’s bless lives together.Listen to our edifying online radio here: https://streamglobe.radio https://listen.streamglobe.org/DevotionalAudio3793.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
PRACTICING LOVE
Romans 12:9-11(NET) Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. All Tolani had left for the week was $15. She had decided that she would manage it till she got her pay at the end of the week. She ran into Bernice and observed that Bernice really needed help; she had not eaten for two days. Tolani did not even think about it when she immediately brought out all she had and gave half of it to Sister Bernice. When she thought about what she did later in the day, she realized that it was her faith in God that provoked her to act that way. And she saw God working in her life and supplying all her needs. The kind of Love that pleases God is the one generated by faith in God. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision carries any weight – the only thing that matters is faith working through love” –Gal 5:6[NET]. Anyone who does acts of love that is not inspired by faith in God will be doing so in hypocrisy. Note that the kind of Love God recognizes does not help others in expectation of anything in return. It helps others because it wants the best for them. Go into today asking the Lord to build up your faith so that you can truly love His brethren. Remember that God is the one who takes care of you. Everything you get in life comes from Him. Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust you for my sustenance in life. Help me to walk in this reality daily and manifest your love. Amen.—Bishopkaro Join our group to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day:WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JnqvSRyY3I2Ce13V18ZrEoTelegram: https://t.me/streamglobe1 🔊Get today’s Audio Here☞ https://streamglobe.org/aud3792 Bible In 1 Year: Numbers 1-4 (In today’s audio) Kindly forward this devotional to your contacts and let’s bless lives together.Listen to our edifying online radio here: https://streamglobe.radio https://listen.streamglobe.org/DevotionalAudio3792.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
OVERCOMING STRONGHOLDS 3
2 Corinthians 10:4 (NLT) We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. Mr. Eze’s children often thought of him as very strict, not fully comprehending the reasons behind his stern rules. In their village, Mr. Eze had numerous envious enemies who were willing to harm him by any means necessary. These adversaries had control over the village’s trade. Mr. Eze was well aware that they would attempt to harm his children, possibly even by poisoning them. So, he gave his children strict instructions never to consume anything from outside their home. On one occasion, his daughters went against his orders and purchased water on their way home from school. When Mr. Eze discovered this disobedience, he disciplined them severely. He did this to ensure all his children grasped the importance of his instructions. Then came a day when his eldest son missed the school bus and, hungry because he hadn’t eaten breakfast, decided to buy food from a nearby cafeteria. The cafeteria owner convinced him to buy the food at a discounted price. Disobeying his father and eating the food, he thought, “Daddy will understand.” Two hours after returning home, he tragically lost his life due to the poisoned meal he had consumed. “God understands” is a phrase often used by many Christians when they contemplate breaking His commandments. What they might not realize is that God’s commandments are given to safeguard our spirits from the corruption that exists in the world. This corruption is the result of the deadly effects of sin. As you move through today, remember that every commandment the Lord gives is for your own benefit. Challenge any strongholds in your heart that whisper, “God will understand.” Understand that it’s your spiritual well-being that’s at risk when you disobey God’s will. Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me in breaking down any strongholds in my life. Amen.— Abraham Damilola Arigi Join our group to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day:WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JnqvSRyY3I2Ce13V18ZrEoTelegram: https://t.me/streamglobe1 🔊Get today’s Audio Here☞ https://streamglobe.org/aud3791 Bible In 1 Year: Numbers 1-4 (In today’s audio) Kindly forward this devotional to your contacts and let’s bless lives together.Listen to our edifying online radio here: https://streamglobe.radio https://listen.streamglobe.org/DevotionalAudio3791.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS
OVERCOMING STRONGHOLDS 2
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (NLT) We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. If someone warns you about a certain food being harmful, but you’re not convinced, you’ll probably keep eating it. However, if you truly believe it’s bad for you, you might find yourself not wanting it anymore. The key factor is your belief in the information. We’ve discussed before how strongholds are like patterns of thinking that can block God’s grace from entering our lives. When you let God’s word sink into your spirit and genuinely believe and accept it, it stirs up faith. Through faith, you can tap into God’s grace. These strongholds, though, are like arguments in our hearts that hinder us from fully believing and accepting God’s word, which keeps our old sinful desires alive. Finding answers in God’s word breaks down these mental barriers. But to get answers, you need to ask questions. I’ve personally observed that growing Christians tend to ask questions. Trust me, there’s a solution in God’s word for every question life throws at you. The Lord encourages us to ask questions. That’s why He gave us the Holy Spirit as our teacher and guide; He’s here to respond to our inquiries. As you go about your day, make a decision to dive into God’s word for answers to life’s questions. Prayer: Seek the Lord’s help in breaking down every mental barrier and removing any lingering desire for sin in your heart.—Abraham Damilola Arigi Join our group to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day:WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JnqvSRyY3I2Ce13V18ZrEoTelegram: https://t.me/streamglobe1 🔊Get today’s Audio Here☞ https://streamglobe.org/aud3781 Bible In 1 Year: Numbers 1-4 (In today’s audio) Kindly forward this devotional to your contacts and let’s bless lives together.Listen to our edifying online radio here: https://streamglobe.radio https://listen.streamglobe.org/DevotionalAudio3781.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 15:09 — 5.4MB)Subscribe: RSS
GIVE TO GOD WHAT BELONGS TO GOD
Matthew 22:20-21(KJV) “And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” How can you distinguish between things that are Caesar’s and those that are God’s? This is a question that seems increasingly difficult to answer especially in a society like ours where people no longer believe in moral absolutes. So, what are the things that are Caesar’s, what are the things that are God’s? Or putting it in another way, to whom do you belong dear Christian? These words of Paul “whose I am and whom I serve…” brings to my mind a picture of a man who is totally sold out to God. Dear Christian, do you have a split personality? Are you “Caesar’s” in the office and “God’s” in the church? Remember that our God is a jealous God, He would not share His own with any other. And you may ask, “so how do I know that I belong to God?” The coin that had the image and superscription of Caesar was Caesar’s property. So whose image and superscription is on you? Your answer to this question can revolutionize your life. You have the image and superscription of God on you, you belong to Him. He bought you with a price, He has paid in full. He created you in His image, make Him proud. You can’t live like others, you’re not like them, they can be Caesar’s, but you are God’s. Therefore, dear Christian, your life belongs to God, give to God what belongs to God. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for putting your image and superscription on me, help me to live for you today in words, thoughts, and deeds, amen. —Otuokon, Ubokudom Join our group to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day:WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KcS0ueW9OdOFYYPfonXAhRTelegram: https://t.me/streamglobe1 🔊Get today’s Audio Here☞ https://streamglobe.org/aud3789 Bible In 1 Year: I Timothy 1-3 (In today’s audio) Kindly forward this devotional to your contacts and let’s bless lives together.Listen to our edifying online radio here: https://streamglobe.radio https://listen.streamglobe.org/DevotionalAudio3789.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 15:37 — 5.6MB)Subscribe: RSS
NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
Proverbs 14:34 (KJV) Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Most of the top desired destinations of the world today are nations that have experienced the transforming power of Christ at some point in their history. The Western world originally drew its homogenous identity from Christian values. They were not perfect nation-states, but at least their Christianity was strong enough to influence their culture and values. Unfortunately, there’s currently a concerted effort to erode these values. Many Africans who live in Africa grew up in a culture that magnifies the powers of darkness. So much so that it is very hard to truly convince them that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Christ. Many believe this in their head, but they don’t really believe it in their heart. That is why in many parts of Africa, we have found a version of Christianity that lacks real power to transform lives. Any form of Christianity that does not radically affect and transform the culture and tradition of people is less than the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints. Any Christianity that does not absolutely magnify Christ in the hearts of men is not true Christianity. It may be filled with apparent displays of power and lots of activity, but it lacks the real power of God that transforms sinners into saints. This is the reason so much religion has not brought real national transformation into certain African countries. Real Christianity brings positive desired national transformation. When this transformation happens to a nation, that nation will be exalted above other nations in the world. For righteousness exalts a nation. Go into today praying for your country. Ask that the transforming power of God’s kingdom will envelop your nation. Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask that you send your messengers to minister toward the salvation of my nation. Amen.—Abraham Damilola Arigi Join our group to start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day:WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KcS0ueW9OdOFYYPfonXAhRTelegram: https://t.me/streamglobe1 🔊Get today’s Audio Here☞ https://streamglobe.org/aud3788 Bible In 1 Year: John 3-4 (In today’s audio) Kindly forward this devotional to your contacts and let’s bless lives together.Listen to our edifying online radio here: https://streamglobe.radio https://listen.streamglobe.org/DevotionalAudio3788.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: RSS