Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional; WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2019;
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Dsc DD;

AVOID WRONG ASSOCIATIONS
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them (Romans 16:17).

The scripture above admonishes us to mark and avoid those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine of Christ. You’ve been taught the love of Christ; you’ve been indoctrinated with the Word of God in a certain direction; continue in the Word. Mark and avoid those who live contrary to the truth of the Gospel; the truth that you’ve been taught. This is God’s instruction. It’s the same warning He gave through the Apostle Paul to the Philippian church; he said, “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision” (Philippians 3:2).

Now, this admonition is primarily for us to stay away from those in the church who don’t follow the truth, who cause dissension and strife. When you see a sign in a building that says, “Beware of dogs,” the sign isn’t telling you about the dogs outside that building, but the ones inside that particular house. So, when the Apostle Paul said, “Beware of dogs; beware of evil workers; beware of the concision,” he was referring to mischief makers in the Church.

These could be people in the same local church, same cell group, same estate, neighbourhood, office, etc., and they’re Christians. He wouldn’t warn you about them if He didn’t think your association with them would be inimical to your Christian walk. Many have found themselves in serious trouble for fraternizing with the wrong people. The Lord’s admonition is clear: you’re to “mark” and “avoid” mischief makers, not try to change them. Don’t keep company with people who deliberately don’t walk in love, people who engender disunity in the Church; divisive elements who mislead others.

People get messed up when they get involved with a messed up person. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” If you’ve had, or have friends with whom you’re not experiencing any meaningful spiritual
progress, or whose friendship hinders your effectiveness in the Gospel, it’s high time you gave up such friendships. Don’t negotiate; just end it, so your participation in the faith—your Christian life—would be effectual as it should be. Glory to God!

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you, for your Word is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Through the Word, I’m trained and cultured in the godly life and ways of doing things. I’m filled with thoughts of righteousness, and walk in the path of righteousness,*which you prearranged for me, in Jesus’ Name.
Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 16:17-18
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

2 Timothy 3:2-5 AMPC
2 For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.

3 [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate andloose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good.

4 [They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God.

5 For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them].

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 3:1-38 & Deuteronomy 16-17

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 24:23-33 & Exodus 29

Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional; Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Dsc DD ;

DON’T ALLOWDISTRACTIONS
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).

Christ Jesus already provided everything you need to be triumphant, successful, and prosperous in life. Therefore, you have no reason to be distracted or to take your focus off fulfilling His call on your life.

Distractions can come in different ways to impede your passion, and stop you from being all that the Lord has destined for you to be. They can come in the form of needs; the things you want or things you want to do, whether or not they’re working out. Distractions can also come from people such as relatives, parents, friends, who try to shift your focus to something different from God’s calling on your life.

Nonetheless, in whatever way or shade distractions come, refuse to allow them. Understand that as a Christian, especially when you’re making an impact with the Gospel, you’ll face persecutions; there’ll be those who’ll be against you, or even hate you, but that shouldn’t be a surprise to you at all. Jesus said, “…If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you…” (John 15:20). But guess what? It makes no difference who’s against you; you’re forever a victor; you’re more than a conqueror.

Distractions can come from the devil too. He can bring such thoughts to you as, “Do you think you’re supposed to be a Christian? What has this Christianity even done for you?” Never entertain such thoughts;
when they come, refute them and say, “Get thee hence, Satan, for thou savoureth not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.”

Keep fueling your love for the Master, and refuse to allow anything dissipate your zeal; anything that’ll prevent you from putting your best in the Gospel. Once you’re able to eliminate distractions in your life, you’ll notice remarkable improvements in your personality, output and influence. Maintain your focus; be the best of you for the Lord and His eternal Kingdom.

CONFESSION
My life is for the glory of God; my attention is fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of my faith! I refuse to be distracted by anyone or anything in this world, for I’m set on the course that I must follow. I’m fulfilling God’s call and purpose for my life, and always, my strength is renewed in Him. Praise God!

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 7:35 NLT
I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

Hebrews 12:1-4
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 2:21-52 & Deuteronomy 13-15

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 24:12-22 & Exodus 28

Rhapsody of Realities TeeVo; Tuesday, March 19, 2019 ;
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc, D.D ;

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
(Two Keys To Greatness)

TO THE BIBLE Proverbs 24:3 AMPC

“Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation]”

LET’S TALK➡
One critical success factor you must know is this: The kind of company you keep will determine how your life turns out. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, ‘Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”’ Your environment will certainly influence you. As a boy, I regularly attended the Sunday school and other Bible study classes meant for young kids. We were taught the scriptures and brought up with a mindset based on the Word. Even though I didn’t feel like attending those meetings sometimes, I was compelled to do so, and that helped me build a solid character.

Only a good parental background could have done that for me. It’s important to respect and take your parents seriously, because they help you learn things you may have never learnt otherwise.

Secondly, you must learn to study the right materials. Expose yourself to information that’ll improve you mentally in the area of your dream. When you get on the internet, don’t waste your time on worthless websites. Go for useful knowledge. If your dream is to become an architect, then study materials that are relevant to that field. Let the picture of your desired future prompt you to think and act accordingly. This is how to create the kind of life you want, and continually make progress.

Go Deeper🔥
Proverbs 19:27
27 Cease listening to instruction, my son,
And you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 23:23
23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it,
Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

Pray🗣
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you enlightening me through your Word to understand vital keys to building a successful life. I receive your Word today, and my life is transformed from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading📚
ONE YEAR
Luke 2:21-52, Deuteronomy 13-15

TWO YEAR
Romans 1:1-12, Psalm 85-86

Act▶
On a scale of 1 to 5, assess yourself along the lines of these “success factors.”

Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional ; Monday, March 18, 2019
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Dsc DD;

YOU REPRESENT HIM
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians 3:17).

The verse above is quite instructive; it says, “Whatsoever”; that is, anything you do, whether in word or deed, it should be in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Why? Because you’re in Him; you’re born of Him. He said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches…” (John 15:5). 1 Corinthians 6:17 says, “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” We’re in an inseparable union with Him. Your conduct, manner of life, and character should always reflect Him, because you’re His icon; you represent Him.

Christ should, and must, be seen and heard in you. Jesus said he that has seen me has seen the Father, because He epitomized the Father; He was the Father’s reflection; His glory; the express image of His person (Hebrews 1:3). Today, you live in the earth, and do whatever you do as the representative of Jesus; you function in His Name.

Therefore, live and talk as a God-man. This consciousness brings a different perspective to your character. Read our theme verse again: it says live, talk, conduct your life in the Name of the Lord Jesus! Think about it: how many hurtful or abusive remarks can we make in His Name? None! How much untoward conduct can you display in His Name? None! When you talk and act in the Name of Jesus, the result is excellence; He’ll be heard in your speech, and seen in your actions.

Live every day as a conscious representative of Jesus Christ. Never forget who you are; don’t take a holiday from your identity with Him. Let your Christ-character be consistent wherever you go. When you’re in church, at home, office, marketplace, wherever you are, your communication and actions should be the same—gracious, kind, excellent—in the Name of the Lord.

CONFESSION
I’m an ambassador, a conscious representative of Jesus Christ, living in His Name! My communication and actions aptly depict my union and oneness with the Lord. And as God’s Word gets into my spirit, I’m transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, by the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 5:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT)
Living in the Light
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us[a] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Matthew 5:48
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Colossians 1:27-28
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 2:1-20 & Deuteronomy 11-12

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 24:1-11 & Exodus 27

Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional; Sunday, March 17, 2019;
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Dsc DD;

LIVING BY HIS FAITH
… and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

When Jesus died on the Cross, He knew that if we got to hear about His love, we’d believe and become one with Him. He had faith in what He did, in His vicarious sacrifice for us. He trusted that we’d become everything He died, was buried, and rose back to life for. That’s the faith of the Son of God by which we’re to live.

Think about it this way: imagine that you have a son who’s about to sit for his final exam. The exam costs quite some money, but you’re ready to stake everything. You say to him, “Son, all the money we have at the moment is what we’re paying for you to sit for this exam, but that’s nothing, because we trust you’d be successful, and as a result, things will change for the family.”

Now, your son understands that the hope of the entire family is on him; he knows he’s got to be successful at this exam; he can’t afford to disappoint the family. So, he’ll act on your faith in him—which will become his driving force. His friends may be partying, but he’ll act differently, because he knows you’ve invested everything in him, and wants to justify the confidence reposed in him.

That’s akin to Galatians 2:20: the life we now live, we live by the faith of the Son of God who loved us and gave up everything for us. We can’t fail or disappoint Him. This is the reason you must live your life differently, setting your affection on Him, on things above, and not on things on earth or the flesh. Be determined that you’d walk in, and manifest, the full blessings of the Gospel which are yours in Christ. Live to His dream; His expectation; live by the faith of the Son of God!

CONFESSION
I was crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me. My life is ever for His glory. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Colossians 3:1-3
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1 John 2:15-17
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Luke 1:57-80 & Deuteronomy 8-10

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Matthew 23:23-39 & Exodus 26

Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional; Saturday, March 16, 2019
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Dsc DD;

ABSOLUTE REST IN CHRIST;
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (Hebrews 4:9-11).

The life that Christ has given you is one of absolute rest and peace. It makes no difference how dire things get or the challenges you face; your victory is guaranteed. You and Christ are one, and because you’re in union with Him, you can never be disadvantaged; you’re
triumphant always and in every place; you’re unshakable.

An old songwriter said, “He never said you’ll only see sunshine; He never said there’d be no rain, but He surely promised us a heart full of singing.” In other words, come what may, you’re a victor. Some people aren’t sure what life has in store for them; they live with
uncertainty. But in Christ, there’s assurance.

Romans 8:35-37 says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Refuse to be stressed over anything, because you’re in God’s rest, and have ceased from life’s struggles. The Bible says “…he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his”(Hebrews 4:10).

Don’t allow anyone or circumstance cheat you out of the life of absolute rest in Christ that you’re called to live; a life of peace with prosperity. And remember, the way to sustain yourself in this glorious life is living by faith in the Word; applying the Word in all that you
do. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for your immeasurable love for me; you finished the works from the foundation of the world, and called me into your rest. I’m in your rest now, living in the peace of prosperity. I refuse to struggle or fret over anything, as I enjoy my triumphant life in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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FURTHER STUDY:
Hebrews 4:3
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Colossians 1:26-27
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 1:26-56 & Deuteronomy 5-7

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 23:13-22 & Exodus 25

Rhapsody of Realities TeeVo; Saturday, March 16, 2019
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc, D.D ;

Theme : Joined

(You And The Lord Are One Spirit)

TO THE BIBLE 1 Corinthians 6:17, 19-20📖
“…He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him…. Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

LET’S TALK➡
As one who’s a new creation in Christ, you’ve become one spirit with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17). You’re totally different from the old “you” who wasn’t born again: you’re a new unique being, and you are one spirit that’s completely inseparable from the Lord’s.

Also, your body belongs to Jesus because of the immense price He paid for it on the Cross. The Bible tells us, “…your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). In another place, it says, you as part of the Church, are “…members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.” (Ephesians 5:30). Every part of your being carries God’s DNA in it. You carry His life and divinity in you—spirit, soul, and body!

Ephesians 1:22-23 says, “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” He’s the one who fills everything (Ephesians 4:10), yet His fullness is the Church, which is His body. Without Him, there’s no you and without you, He’s incomplete: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:9-10)! These scriptures should help you understand your importance and relevance to Christ. You’re “in Him,” and He’s “in you.”

The Lord Jesus needs you as much as you need Him. Without you, He can’t reach the hurting and the lost in the world. Through you, He’s able to express His love to others on a daily basis, and establish His Kingdom in the hearts of men. You’re His extension here on earth because you hail from Him (1 John 4:4). He’s your glory as you are His, hallelujah!

Go Deeper🔥
Colossians 2:10
and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all [a]principality and power.

1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

Speak🗣
The nature and glory of Christ is in me; therefore, I have what He says I have and I can do what He says I can do. No circumstance or situation is insurmountable to me, because I’m in Christ and my victory is assured in Him. I’m His glory just as He’s my glory. Hallelujah!

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Daily Bible Reading📚
ONE YEAR
Luke 1:26-56, Deuteronomy 5-7

TWO YEAR
Acts 28:1-10, Psalm 79-80

Act▶
Thank the Lord for making you an inseparable part of Him; worship and give Him praise.