THE BELIEVER AND HIS TRADITION 1
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1836 1 Corinthians 11:2 (NET) I praise you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions just as I passed them on to you. Sandra had a lingering misunderstanding with her mother-in-law because she and her husband were believers and they decided not to follow certain traditions that were not spiritually edifying. For some reason, Sandra’s mother-in-law insisted that Sandra was to blame for this (because she was another ethnic group). With patience, great wisdom and show of love, Sandra succeeded in winning her mother in-law’s heart. There are hundreds of different traditions and cultures in the world today, and many of them stem from the religion of the people that practice them. It is often said that culture is the cloak of religion. For the believer, every traditional must be screened through the lenses of scripture. If a tradition or custom is contradictory to the truth of God’s Word, it must be discarded by the believer. But if a tradition is not in contradiction to the truth of God’s Word, it shouldn’t be discarded. As believers, we are a Holy nation (1 Pet 2:9), and we have our own traditions that are peculiar to us everywhere. Even though some outward interpretations of them can vary because of the cultural influences, the spirit of every Christian tradition must be understood and upheld by believers. Walking in these ensures that we walk in the blessing. Underlining principles and pillars of the Christian tradition are virtues such as love, honor, kindness, diligence, compassion, self-control, moral purity, justice & fairness, patience, humility, orderliness. Any human tradition that contradicts any of these principles should be discarded. Go into today remembering that you are first and foremost a citizen of heaven. Every custom and tradition you practice must be vetted by the truth of God’s Word and not found wanting. Some traditions must be rejected and done away with because they are mediums through which demons invade people’s lives. —SD Abraham BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 16-19 Partner with us here: www.streamglobe.org/partner Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio early every day, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/By9I6i6wviE5fE1sH3EvjZ Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
BACK TO FIRST PRINCIPLES
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1835 2 Peter 1:12 – 13 (NIV)So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body… In mathematics, many complex equations (that are calculus in nature) are solved by starting from the scratch to find in simple terms a general algebraic expression for the slope of a curve at a given value. This is called Derivative from First Principles. In nearing the end of his ministry here on earth, Apostle Peter thought it wise to encourage all believers to call to mind the basic tenets of Christianity. Sadly, these foundational truths are no longer considered important to some, who are now overly engrossed with complex theologies and spiritual mysteries leading to heresies (Col 2:18, 1Tim 6:20-21, 2Tim 2:23, Tit 3:9). Hebrews 6:1-2 elaborates on these principles and they include repentance from dead works, faith in God, baptisms [in water and in the Holy Ghost], laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. It will never be obsolete to tell others about Christ, the dangers of sin and the fiery fate of hell awaiting those who aren’t saved. Though the principles may be familiar to us, we must continuously examine and remind ourselves of their importance, lest we become victims of our own negligence (1Cor 10:12, Heb 2:1-3). Many ‘spiritual battles’ believers are engaged in today would never have degenerated to where they are if virtues from these first principles were firmly nurtured and developed to maturity. The simple gospel of Jesus Christ is the solution to all our problems (2Pet 1:5-10). Go into today reminded of all that Jesus has done for you, and with thanksgiving, go back to your purity, trust, and service to Him–like when you first believed. —Chibo E.C. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: II Peter Not born again? Go here: streamglobe.org/33 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/By9I6i6wviE5fE1sH3EvjZ Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
GREATER RICHES – CHOICES
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1834 Hebrews 11:24-26 (MSG)“By faith, Moses, when grown, refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house. He chose a hard life with God’s people rather than an opportunistic soft life with the oppressors. He valued suffering in the Messiah’s camp far greater than Egyptian wealth because he was looking ahead, anticipating the payoff” A complete consecration to God (and His divine cause) will spur the believer to do some things which a non-consecrated believer will not do. We will observe them in the life of Moses (and even other servants of God). Moses did three things: He refused: The bible says when Moses came of age, he refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house (Heb 11:24 MSG). When you are totally committed to God (and his cause), it will show in the things you refuse. The things you refuse might not necessarily be unlawful, but for the sake of Christ, you are willing to let go of them (1Cor 10:23; Phil 3: 7, 8) He chose: Moses chose a hard life as opposed to a soft life. Choosing between two good things is an easy choice compared to choosing between suffering and enjoyment. The world has pleasures to offer, even sin has its pleasures, but the consecrated believer has turned his back on all that. By choosing God, he has chosen whatever comes with his commitment to God. So be it pleasure, comfort, hardship, shame, or ridicule, it makes no difference to him. He has made his choice: God. He valued: Moses valued suffering FAR GREATER than Egyptian wealth, why? Christ. He didn’t just value suffering, no, he valued suffering in God’s camp FAR GREATER than the best the world had to offer. This is how to value in consecration; make up your mind to do God’s will, and that whatever comes as a result of obeying God and doing his will is FAR GREATER than whatever pleasure or good that can come from not obeying His will. Go into today remembering that there’s no middle ground, you cannot serve two masters at the same time. Serve the Lord. —Ikechukwu Mpama BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 15-16 Get audio sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/By9I6i6wviE5fE1sH3EvjZ Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
GREATER RICHES – THE CONSECRATION
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1833 Hebrews 11:26 (KJV) Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward The word esteem speaks to your value system. Our text speaks of the choices Moses made and the question you must ask is, what could have motivated Moses to make the choices he made? Think about it, what would you choose between slavery and royalty? Between suffering and great riches? The rational choices here are clear, but Moses chose the exact opposite, why? The kind of choices Moses made can only be made from a place of deep, total and complete commitment and consecration to a person or a cause. Commitment makes what would have seemed like an irrational choice very rational. Why will a soldier run off to battle knowing full well he could die there? He has consecrated (separated) himself to a cause. Secondly, an understanding and a looking forward to the reward made Moses make the choices he did. As a believer, you can never truly serve God the way he demands unless you are fully committed in consecration to him. This kind of consecration is seen in all who fulfilled God’s will over their lives, because only total consecration can make a man choose to take the difficult, hard and inconvenient steps it takes to serve the Lord fully; to bear the ridicule, shame, contempt and abuse that comes with standing for Christ in a perverse and ungodly world. These men recognized and acknowledged that living for God is the cause they must pour their life to. Hear Jesus before Pilate: “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world” (John 18:37c). Hear Paul in threat of bonds and affliction: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). What say you? Have you separated yourself to the cause of God? Decide. —Ikechukwu Mpama BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Zechariah 1-7 Get audio sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/By9I6i6wviE5fE1sH3EvjZ Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
FAMILY MATTERS – THE CULTURE
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1832 Amos 3:2 (KJV)“You only have I known form all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” Family, they say, is the smallest unit of society. The family is an important part of society; it is tasked with the responsibility of providing care, support, nourishment, and nurture for its members. Our text today reveals that of old, God chose to adopt the people of Israel as his family of choice. As such, they became special people separate from all others. Because of them being God’s family, they enjoyed God’s divine providence in ways no other nation around them did. They were preserved and kept and later on enjoyed the great privilege of having God become flesh through their lineage. However, also because of this connection to God, they were not permitted to live their lives like other nations around them. They were not to imitate or imbibe the customs of their neighbors but were to imbibe and follow the custom of God’s family. Time and time again, they underwent discipline when they went against God’s instructions. Today, all who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ are now members of God’s family (Eph 2:19). Therefore, you must understand that your culture and custom differs from that of the world, which is why Romans 12 verse 2 (NLT) reads “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect”. As members of God’s family, you must learn to allow the word of God shape your thoughts, desires, and worldview; you must learn to resist the allure and enticement of the world’s way, and tenaciously hold on to the righteous way of God. If you belong to God’s family, then let your light shine. —Ikechukwu Mpama BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 7-8 Not saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/By9I6i6wviE5fE1sH3EvjZ Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
STAYING FREE INDEED
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1831 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NET) No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. Each time Ikenna read this Bible verse, it seemed untrue to him because of his experience. He had found temptations that he could not overcome but kept falling against his will. It appeared that these temptations were beyond what he could bear. After Apostle Paul admonished the Corinthians with the example of the people of Israel who were judged in the wilderness because of their unbelief, rebellion, and disobedience, he went ahead to remind them that there is no temptation they face that they are not able to overcome. That with every temptation, God would provide an escape route. This is an admonition to normal Christians who are not slaves to sin but are now free. When a Christian finds that he is having temptations that are so compulsive that it always ends up as if he has no way out, and he keeps falling against his will, it may be an indication that he needs to be delivered and set free from the bondage of that sin. Lasting deliverance from any kind of bondage is received through the knowledge of The Truth (see John 8:33-34). This knowledge is facilitated by devotion to the ministry of the word and prayer. There is the place for the deliverance ministry; indeed, the Lord has commanded us to cast out demons(Matt 10:8). But in order for the believer to be free and stay free, through devotion to the word and prayer, he must be filled with the Spirit of Truth–and thereby have no more room for the demon of bondage which would seek to come back to its old home(see Matt 12:43-45). Go into today remembering that you have been given the authority to cast out demons. Any recurring temptation that seems overpowering is most likely facilitated by a demon that must be cast out if there must be freedom. —SD Abraham BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 131-133 Not saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/33 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CGsfbbUFyvIE3G6vGGNrcf Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
ARE YOUR STEPS TRULY ORDERED?
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1830 Psalm 37:23 (KJV)The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Watching a military march-past or parade is a thing of beauty that draws applause from all. Their tidy regalia, focus, command execution, and uniformity are outstanding; unlike those of laymen or paramilitary outfits where missteps abound. Very crucial to their standard is their discipline, consistency, and adherence to their parade commandant. From today’s Bible verse, the word “ordered” is synonymous with soldiering. Because as believers, we are soldiers for Christ, it becomes very pertinent that most of our life’s decisions [whether minor or major] aren’t just casual or based on our own understanding, but based on God’s leading (Pro 3:5-6, 2Tim 2:3-4). Soldiers attain a high level of brilliance in their march-past, only after they have gone through discipline and repeated practice. As with the things of God, taking the right step, prevailing and eliciting victory applause, involves active discipleship and getting oneself attuned to the leading of God’s Spirit (1Cor 2:10-16; 2Tim 2:15). Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) says – Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” That is the voice of the Holy Spirit and He is the parade commandant whose voice we are to always heed. He reveals to us the mind of Jesus (our Commander-in-Chief) and directs us on how to do His will. He lovingly corrects us and helps maintain our right status if we veer towards sin. He is our navigational guide through all of life’s obstacles. Knowing Him personally is true success in life (Jh 14, 15, 16). Go into today knowing that the Holy Spirit is a friendly commandant. As you obey Him by word study and prayers, your life will never lack direction. —Chibo E.C. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ezra 1-5 Not saved? Click here: streamglobe.org/34 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CGsfbbUFyvIE3G6vGGNrcf Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) www.streamglobedevotional.com Join Telegram Group: streamglobede.org/join Source: Devotional
KEEPING THE SPIRIT STRONG 2
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1829 2 Timothy 2:3-5 (KJV)Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Because Bayo knew he needed help against the terrible backsliding that had bedeviled him, he opened up to his friend and told him about his weaknesses and failures. His friend who lived in another city started praying for him, and with him via phone calls. Bayo and his friend agreed that he was going to get a house close to his office. This was because he was spending too much time on transit to his office and back. Bayo had started saving money which he intended to use to buy a house in a cheaper neighborhood. But he took a part of this money and used it to rent a house in the expensive Ireland his office was located. He did this because he needed to spend less time on the road and use the saved time to pray and have quiet time with the Lord. This plan worked perfectly, and Bayo started recovering spiritually. Great joy [that money could not buy] now filled his heart. One of the lessons Bayo learned from his friend was that he was to endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ. A good example of this hardness is waking up to pray even when you don’t feel like praying because of sleep. The best way to do this is to leave the location of sleep and go to a place where sleep would be less likely. Go into today remembering that your faith is the greatest treasure you have. It is far more precious than gold (worldly riches)– it has eternal everlasting value(1 Pet 1:7). No sacrifice is too great to make in order to keep yourself from a shipwreck of the faith. Many saints of old gave their lives because they would not lose this faith (see Heb 12:4, Heb 10:32-34). —SD Abraham BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 13-15 Get sermons here: streamglobe.org/34 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CGsfbbUFyvIE3G6vGGNrcf Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) Telegram: streamglobede.org/join www.streamglobe.org Source: Devotional
BE TRULY PLANTED
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1828 Psalm 92:13 (KJV)Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. An elder in a church had spent many years in various positions. Though feared by some, he was generally not liked by anyone because of his character. Without gaining any new converts, ministries he was asked to head soon started diminishing in numbers. Individually and collectively with Christ, we are the house of God, and not our worship venues or denomination to which we belong. This means our quality [of character] as parts of God’s building matters a lot (1Cor 3:6-17, Eph 2:19-22, 1Pet 2:5). Though many view today’s scripture mainly in the light of commitment and participation in church activities (which is still an aspect of it), being planted in its true sense refers to one’s personal growth in Christ, one’s benefit to His kingdom, and one’s godly influence on others. Colossians 2:7 says we are to be “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith…” Being established in the faith is the fertilizer that encourages growth and rootedness. It is a result of obedience to the Word of God. In expressing our faith, we must be motivated by love; helping others also to become planted in God’s house (Rom 3:31, Rom 13:8-10, Gal 5:6). The way to flourish is for one to walk in love and hate sin (Heb 1:9). By this, people will see that we are truly planted in God’s house and desire to be a part of it (Isa 61:3, John 13:35, Col 1:10, Tit 2:7-8). Go into today knowing that being planted in God’s house means having a deeper bond, trust, and love for Christ. By abiding in this attitude, you’ll undoubtedly flourish (Ps 1:1-3, Ps 92:14, Jer 17:7-8).—Chibo E.C. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: I Peter 4-5 To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CGsfbbUFyvIE3G6vGGNrcf Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) www.streamglobede.org Source: Devotional
STAYING SPIRITUALLY STRONG
Get Audio Version Here: bit.ly/aud1827 Ephesians 6:18 (KJV) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints Bayo experienced great revival during his days as a youth corps member for his country. During this period, he became trained in the way of prayer and the ministry of the word. After he finished his youth service, he continued to grow and enjoy God’s presence through the ministry of the Word and prayer. He got a very high paying high demand job. Because of the nature of this new job, he had to leave the house very early in the morning and get back home at night. This started telling greatly on his prayer and word life. He could no longer pray as before and had no time for Bible studies during the week. Apart from the fact that he now had less time to pray, the zeal and desire he used to have for prayer and fellowship with the Lord seemed to have vanished. This continued for weeks and months. He knew he was waning in spiritual strength when the temptations he had overcome long ago started overpowering him. He now knew he needed help. No matter what heights you have attained spiritually, if you take away prayer and the ministry of the word from your daily disciplines for long, you will eventually fall. The devil understands this too well, that’s why he would do anything he can to distract God’s people from consistency in the word and prayer. The Lord knows you cannot survive without a prayer life, that’s why there are numerous instructions to us in the New Testament concerning praying always (see 1 Thess 5:17, Col 4:2, Phil 4:6, Jude 1:20, Luke 18:1,21:36, Mark 14:38, 1 Pet 4:7, Rom 12:12, Eph 6:18). Go into today remembering that praying always for the believer is not an option, it is the only way to excel in spiritual life. —SD Abraham BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 13-14 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this Devotional with your contacts and let’s touch lives together. To start getting Streamglobe Devotional Text & Audio daily, join our WhatsApp Group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BtMMcIRB4miGTKKZW6rPpp Contact us: +2348079816967 (Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram) www.streamglobedevotional.com Source: Devotional