RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL
WEDNESDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2018
DON’T OBSERVE “LYING VANITIES”
They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy (Jonah 2:8).
Did you ever read about Jonah? A great fish had swallowed him up after he disobeyed the Lord’s instruction to go preach in Nineveh. However, while in the belly of the fish, he thanked God for delivering him, even though he was still in trouble.
Jonah wasn’t saying, “O God, deliver me” or “O God, I know you’ll deliver me from this trouble,” no. Rather, he said, “Thank you Lord, because you’ve delivered me.” It takes faith to talk like that. Read the entire story in Jonah chapter 2; it’s very inspiring!
Jonah was conscious of the mercies of God, and that inspired faith in him. He said, “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy” (Jonah 2:8). This is what many haven’t learnt; they gripe over the pain in their bodies; they complain about their situation when what they should do is declare words of faith. They get overwhelmed by the symptoms of sickness and disease; they observe lying vanities.
A lying vanity is anything that isn’t consistent with the Word of God for you as a new creation in Christ Jesus. Refuse to observe lying vanities. Those who observe lying vanities forsake their mercies; they frustrate the grace of God, thereby short-circuiting the power of God from working in their behalf.
Perhaps you’re a lady, and you’ve been told the baby in your womb can’t come out alive, or maybe it’s a tumour or disease, and you can even feel it in your body; refuse to be moved. Rather, declare who you are in Christ; affirm the Word. Exodus 23:26 says, “There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil”; hold on to that Word; make it your daily confession. Declare that you’re in health, and Christ in you destroys every trace of sickness, disease and infirmity from your body.
Never let what you see, how you feel, or anything contrary to God’s Word run your life. Give thought, attention and focus only to the Word. You’re greater than any trouble in your body, or in the world. You’ve already overcome everything that tries to work against you. 1 John 4:4 says, “Ye are of God little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” Hallelujah!
CONFESSION
The Lord is my Rock! In Him I stand secure forever; He’s my all, and in Him I trust, because there’s no impossibility with Him. His dominion endures throughout all generations. My faith in His Word is unshakeable, for His Word is true, and never fails. Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 4:20-21
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,
21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
Ephesians 3:20-21 AMPC
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]–
21 To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Colossians 3:1-4:1 & Isaiah 50-51
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Hebrews 3:12-19 & Ezekiel 3