Christian Daily Devotional

The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts..Haggai 2:9

PREVAIL FIRST IN PRAYER.

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You Church - Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PREVAIL FIRST IN PRAYER.

Sunday, October 7th , 2018

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome;

When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them (Acts 5:33).

In our opening scripture, Peter had ministered the Gospel to a group of people, and rather than give their hearts to Christ, the people wanted to kill him. That’s why it’s important that before you go out to preach, you intercede for the people you’re going to be ministering to; pray that your message will be accepted and won’t just be a witness against them.

It brings to mind the experience of Stephen in the Book of Acts. He ministered a powerful sermon, full of excellent theology and history. Yet when he was done, the Bible says the people _*“…were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth”*_ (Acts 7:54). They shut their ears to his message and ran upon him to kill him, and eventually stoned him to death.

Just because the message is great doesn’t mean people will be moved enough to give their hearts to Christ; they didn’t in Stephen’s case. So, before you embark on any evangelical mission or outreach programme, prevail first in prayer, because it’s about the souls of men and the impact the message will have on them, resulting in their salvation.

When you intercede like that, the love of God in you wells up, striving against sin, Satan, and the forces of darkness, and the souls of men are rescued from evil. At that moment, you’re God’s champion; the deliverer.

When you’ve succeeded in bringing them out of that darkness in the spirit, you’ll know it. Then you’re ready to go. Your message may just be for five or twenty minutes, it doesn’t matter; while you’re at it, they’ll be getting convicted and crying out for salvation. This is important. Learn to prevail first in prayer.

CONFESSION

I’m an effective minister of the New Testament, ministering life to everyone I come in contact with. Even now, I pray for lost souls around the world, that the message of salvation profits them today. Their hearts are ready to receive, as they reach out in faith to embrace the righteousness of Christ in the Gospel, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

FURTHER STUDY:
Obadiah 1:21 And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.

Luke 22:31-32* And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

James 5:16 AMP* Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Colossians 1:1-23 & Isaiah 44-45

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Hebrews 2:1-9 & Lamentation 3

DIVINE INSURANCE

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Rhapsody of Realities Teevo

DIVINE INSURANCE;

“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts”
(Malachi 3:11).

Paying your tithe has a promise from God, that’s why I like to call tithing “God’s financial insurance policy for His children.” The tithe represents ten percent of whatever God has blessed you with, and it’s a commitment which every child of God should faithfully observe. A Christian who doesn’t pay his tithe regularly will not be open to receive important signals from the Spirit of God; he’ll also be susceptible to a depreciation of his physical possessions.

For most people, tithing is a monthly practice when their paycheck is due. However, there’re several other ways in which God blesses you, and it’s smart for you to tithe on those increases as well. Perhaps you live far from your workplace and there’s a colleague who drops you off at work every morning, saving you a lot of money you could have spent on transportation. That’s a blessing from God! That’s actually money given back to you. You ought to tithe on that.

The same thing goes with every other blessing you receive from time to time. You should liberate your mind from the thought that your salary is the only source of God’s provision for you. Whether it’s a new official car you got, or some unexpected funds, recognize the blessing of God and give Him what is due Him. When you live this way, your life will be an unending stream of blessings and miracles.

Remember, your tithe is your insurance program with God. It’s a guarantee that you’ll never lack in your life!

Further Study:
Malachi 3:8;
Genesis 14:18-20

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CORPORATE UNCTION

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CORPORATE UNCTION

“Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities…” (Isaiah 33:20).

The Bible refers to Zion as the city of our solemnities, meaning our place of gathering, or our meeting place as believers. A good example of this is the local church or specially organized meetings where believers gather in God’s presence to worship and fellowship the Word, the Spirit and one another. When we come together as God’s children, a corporate anointing comes into operation by the Spirit, bringing about the miraculous, establishing the joy and peace of God in our hearts. And it’s important that you avail yourself of these precious moments so you don’t miss out on the blessings of God for you. At such gatherings, you’re able to receive God’s answers to questions in your heart, and you can take advantage of the corporate anointing to lay hold on whatever kind of miracle you so desire.

For instance, in the twenty-fourth verse of Isaiah 33, the Bible says, “And the inhabitant (of Zion) shall not say, I am sick…” In other words, sickness would cease to be a part of your life as you fellowship constantly with other believers. Maybe there was a tumor growing on your body: as you worship with fellow Christians in the church, the tumor simply dissolves. Sometimes, you don’t even notice immediately what the Spirit of God has already accomplished in you; but you discover in due course that the symptoms you used to have are no longer present.

As a Christian, if you’re going to walk in God’s unusual blessings continually, you must learn to take advantage of the corporate anointing through fellowship with other Christians (Hebrews 10:25). So, I encourage you today to get committed in the local church by being present at the church services and other meetings duly scheduled by the church. This makes you more effective in your Christian walk, and helps you live victoriously.

Further Study:
1 Corinthians 14:26

COMMAND THE LIGHT TO SHINE OUT OF THAT DARKNESS

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome - Christian Devotional

COMMAND THE LIGHT TO SHINE OUT OF THAT DARKNESS;

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts…But we have this treasure in earthen vessels…”(2 Corinthians 4:6-7).

There are two vital things I want to highlight from the opening scripture. Firstly, it says that the light of God is in our hearts. Secondly, the scripture didn’t say “God commanded the darkness to become light” neither did it say “God brought light into the darkness.” You see, either of these two statements is good but what this scripture really says is even better. “For God…commanded the light to shine out of darkness…” (2 Corinthians 4:6). Can light come out of darkness? Light and darkness don’t mix. Yet the Bible says that God commanded the light to shine out of darkness.

Remember, the earth was a chaotic mass that was enveloped in complete darkness (Genesis 1:2). But at His command, God brought order to the maddening chaos and light leapt out of the looming darkness. As a child of God, you have received the same ability; you can call the light out of darkness. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels…” There’s a treasure in you; it’s a treasure of love, light and divine perfection. God has shined in our hearts and given us the ability to bring light out of darkness. Therefore, make a change in your situation today. There’s no problem too hard that you can’t solve, no situation is too hopeless that you can’t change.

If you feel pain in your body for example, turn to where the pain is and say, “I command the healing to come out of this pain in Jesus’ Name.” The reason some Christians are full of regrets, suffer all kinds of problems and even die is that they are ignorant of their inherent ability. Joel 2:28 says, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” These are the last days and the Spirit has already been poured out. If you find yourself in any predicament, prophesy your way out of it for God has given you the power to command light out of darkness.

Further Study:
Romans 5:5;
Romans 8:37

CHOSEN TO KNOW THE MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

CHOSEN TO KNOW THE MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM;

“And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel”(Isaiah 45:3).

The mysteries of the Kingdom of God are unknown to many: mysteries that transcend the imagination of man. According to the scriptures, these mysteries are not hidden to everyone; they’re revealed to a select few. Luke 8:10 says, “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God:..” If you’re born again, you’re one of the select few specially chosen of God to know the mysteries of the Kingdom.

The Bible says “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:12). The Holy Spirit has come to teach you all things and unveil the mysteries of life to you. He came to bring you into an esoteric knowledge.

This exclusive knowledge isn’t just for your own benefit. God’s divine purpose is to make you a wonder to the world, so that as the people of the world see God’s glory manifested in you, they’ll come to you to teach them how to live. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). Pastor Chris teaches that the word “nations” here is from the Greek word, “ethnos”, which means a group of people with common interests, characteristics or vision.

Having therefore been chosen to know the mysteries of the Kingdom, you’re to teach those in your world the mysteries of God’s Kingdom. Teach them how to live for Christ and live the victorious life He’s made available to all men.

The hidden mysteries and secrets of life are unveiled to you as you spend time in fellowship with the Holy Spirit, for He is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, who guides you into all the mysteries and secrets of success, abundance and victory. Now, unveil them to your world.

Further Study:
1 Corinthians 4:1;
1 Corinthians 2:9-10

INVEST IN SPIRITUAL THINGS

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INVEST IN SPIRITUAL THINGS;

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth”(3 John 1:2).

Even though much emphasis is sometimes placed on God’s concern for our health, wealth, and general well being, God is more concerned about your spiritual growth and wellbeing than anything else. He’s more interested in the growth and development of your human spirit, for He knows that when your soul and spirit prosper, you’ll also prosper in your health, finances and other areas of your life.

It’s essential that your spirit grows unto maturity, for that’s the only way you’re guaranteed to live a successful life. Success is beyond buying a car, owning a house or an estate, giving birth to a child, passing your exams, or landing a good job. True success is when you’re living in God’s perfect will for your life. And only those who have grown spiritually through the Word are able to discern the perfect will of God.

The quickest way to grow spiritually is by investing your time and resources in spiritual things. Like a wise farmer who plants his precious seeds in the ground in anticipation of a big harvest, you also must invest in the things of the Spirit in order to reap a mighty harvest. Many haven’t learnt to do this, that’s why they’ve remained at the same level for a long time.

Learn to invest your time in the study of the Word, prayer, soul-wining and other spiritual activities like attending church services and other scheduled meetings regularly. Spend quality time in fellowship with the Holy Spirit every day. Invest your resources by constantly sowing seeds into the furtherance of the gospel. Before long, there’ll be a bountiful harvest, and you’ll experience tremendous growth in every area of your life.

Further Study:
Genesis 8:22

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed”(Acts 19:20)

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Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

PRAY THAT THE WORD MAY HAVE FREE COURSE;

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed”(Acts 19:20).

In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, the Apostle Paul asked for the saints to pray for him and other ministers with him that they may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men who were against the faith and the preaching of the Gospel: “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.”

When decrees or laws are enacted that are anti-Christian or against the preaching of the Gospel, we must be aware that such things are done by unreasonable and wicked men who have found their way into power for their own selfish ends. But we can stop them in their tracks. As a matter of fact, God expects us to, because in the 3rd Verse of 2 Thessalonians 3, we’re given the assurance that we have His attention when we pray against such: “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.”

There’s so much power in the Church, but we can’t discover the extent and potency of the power we possess with our mouths shut. For that power to be effective, we’re going to have to pray and declare what we want to see in our country. We have the divine authority to cause a change. All that’s necessary is for one righteous man or woman to be stirred enough to pray that their wicked acts, schemes, policies, and stratagems of satan to frustrate God’s people and the preaching of the Gospel in the country be brought to naught.

I challenge you today to be that righteous man or woman who will take a stand in prayer and not stop praying until the Word of God grows mightily and prevails in our nation.

Further Study:
Proverbs 16:12;
Psalm 2:1-9

DON’T MISS CHURCH SERVICES

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DIVINE HEALTH; ENTER THE HEALING SCHOOL WITH PASTOR CHRIS

DON’T MISS CHURCH SERVICES

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching”(Hebrews 10:25).

God wants His children to know the truth from His Word, because the truth makes you free from bondage and sets you at liberty. This is one of the primary benefits of attending church meetings, and being committed in a local Church, for the Church is the ground and pillar of truth. It’s the place where you’re taught the truth—God’s Word that puts you over in life.

You can’t expect to grow spiritually as a Christian except you’re taught God’s Word. This is why the Lord anointed ministers and set them over His flock in the Church—to teach you His Word and impart faith, strength and courage to you, and the Church is the place ordained of God for this to take place. In the Church, the truth of God’s Word are taught and explained; and this is crucial for the spiritual growth and edification of the believer.

You can never have a good enough reason to consistently skip church services. I’ve heard of folks who stopped attending church services because somebody in the church offended them. That’s wrong; you can’t afford to stop going to church. What such folks need to realize is that the church is not a place for perfect people; it’s a place for perfecting people (Ephesians. 4:11-12).

Personal Bible study is very healthy and must be embraced by all Christians but it can’t take the place of corporate worship—the assembly of ourselves together. You have to be in the house of God so you can hear the Word, grow spiritually, and be effective in the work of the Kingdom.

So, part of your goal this year must be to be more vitally involved and committed in the house of God. Don’t miss the services in your local Church, and be sure to be available for your cell-group meetings and other spiritual activities organized for you in your local assembly.

Further Study:
Psalm 133:1-3;
Acts 19:8

PRAY THAT THE WORD MAY HAVE FREE COURSE

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Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

PRAY THAT THE WORD MAY HAVE FREE COURSE;

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed”(Acts 19:20).

In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, the Apostle Paul asked for the saints to pray for him and other ministers with him that they may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men who were against the faith and the preaching of the Gospel: “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.”

When decrees or laws are enacted that are anti-Christian or against the preaching of the Gospel, we must be aware that such things are done by unreasonable and wicked men who have found their way into power for their own selfish ends. But we can stop them in their tracks. As a matter of fact, God expects us to, because in the 3rd Verse of 2 Thessalonians 3, we’re given the assurance that we have His attention when we pray against such: “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.”

There’s so much power in the Church, but we can’t discover the extent and potency of the power we possess with our mouths shut. For that power to be effective, we’re going to have to pray and declare what we want to see in our country. We have the divine authority to cause a change. All that’s necessary is for one righteous man or woman to be stirred enough to pray that their wicked acts, schemes, policies, and stratagems of satan to frustrate God’s people and the preaching of the Gospel in the country be brought to naught.

I challenge you today to be that righteous man or woman who will take a stand in prayer and not stop praying until the Word of God grows mightily and prevails in our nation.

Further Study:
Proverbs 16:12;
Psalm 2:1-9

YOU CAN DISCERN THE WILL OF GOD THROUGH PRAYER!

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Rhapsody of Realities Teevo

YOU CAN DISCERN THE WILL OF GOD THROUGH PRAYER!

“Paul and his friends went through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit would not let them preach in Asia. After they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit…would not let them”(Acts 16:6-7 CEV).

It could have sounded illogical to Paul and his companions initially when the Holy Spirit said to them “Don’t preach to the people in Asia and Bithynia….” Didn’t God want the people saved anymore? Of course He did, but at the time, that land wasn’t ready to receive the gospel. However, since the Apostle Paul was a man of prayer (1 Corinthians 14:18), his spirit was in sync with the Lord and He knew what the Lord wanted at that hour. He was able to discern the Lord’s will and he complied.

If you want to be in a continuous state of harmony with the Holy Spirit, you should give quality time to praying—especially praying in the Spirit. If you don’t pray in tongues regularly, you wouldn’t be in synchrony with God’s perfect will for you at every point in time. The apostles, from the moment they received the Holy Spirit didn’t take praying in tongues lightly at all, and that’s why they lived such inspiring and extraordinary lives.

The Bible says, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). There’re three phases of God’s will: the good, the acceptable, and the perfect will of God. Your goal in life should always be to live in God’s perfect will, which is the highest level, and praying the Word regularly will keep you in sync with God’s perfect will for your life.

As you pray with the spirit in other tongues, your spirit will be in communion with the Holy Spirit, thus there’ll never be chance occurrences or accidents in your life. You would always walk in the path of divine destiny for you’re in sync with the Lord.

Further Study:
Romans 8:26-27

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