Christian Daily Devotional

"The Pleasure of the Lord Shall Prosper in His Hand." Isaiah 53:10.

CONTROL THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF YOUR LIFE

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TO THE BIBLE: 1 John 5:4

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

LET’S TALK

When you study Jesus and the way He responded to different circumstances, you’ll discover He was always in charge. His language was that of faith and absolute mastery. He was always in control, unperturbed by anything. His words were faith-filled, and He displayed an attitude of rest in the midst of turmoil. This is the life He’s given us; a life of absolute mastery, where you cease from all worries and express your faith unperturbed.

Even when He was told His friend Lazarus had been dead and buried four days, Jesus remained unruffled. Instead, with all calmness and assurance, He told Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters: “…I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). Nothing could shake Him; He was the picture of supreme confidence! He stood at the entrance of the sepulchre, uttered a simple prayer of thanks to the Father, and called out: “Lazarus, come out!” The man that had been dead for four days came hopping out of the grave alive! (John 11:41-44).

That was faith functioning from a place of rest and absolute mastery. Faith recognises no fear, because it trusts in the ability of God. When you’re faced with challenges, don’t cower or become frightful or fretful. Be in charge, irrespective of what happens around you. If you receive negative news from afar, maintain your composure and declare God’s Word. Take charge. Refuse to worry; just give the Word and effect a change. Hallelujah!

Go Deeper

Hebrews 11:1

Pray

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the power of your Word which causes me to function from a place of rest and mastery over all situations. I live victoriously over all distracting elements of this world in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

John 15:18-16:1-16, 1 Chronicles 5-6

TWO YEAR

Mark 14:22-31, Numbers 34

Act

What are those negative circumstances facing you today? Speak God’s Word to them, and watch them conform to what you say.

“PREVAIL” WITH GOD

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TO THE BIBLE: Genesis 32:24

“And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.”

LET’S TALK

Jacob had cheated his brother Esau and fled to another land. Esau, who had become a very strong man, had vowed to take revenge against him. So, when Jacob wanted to return to his homeland, he knew he was in trouble and could lose everything, including his life, if he did nothing about the situation. So, he decided to “settle” the matter with God.

He knew he’d have to prevail with God first, to prevail with his brother. The Bible tells us that the Angel of the Lord appeared to Jacob, and he wrestled with the Angel all night long (Genesis 32:24-30). When you study this account carefully, you’ll see that Jacob wrestled and prevailed with God in prayer! As a result, his name was changed to “Israel,” leading to a complete turnaround in his life. Hosea 12:3-4 gives even more insight to this: “…in his strength he struggled with God. Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; He wept, and sought favor from Him….”

You see, before your victory shows on the outside, you’d need to win first in the spirit. You prevail first with God, before you prevail with men. This doesn’t mean forcing Him to do something for you; no. What it simply means is that you continue in heartfelt intercession, until you see and apprehend your victory in the spirit. When you win first in the spirit, nothing in this world will be able to successfully stand against you.

Go Deeper

Galatians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 15:57

Pray

Dear Father, you’ve shown forth the splendour of your right hand on my behalf! Your right hand upholds me and I’m lifted valiantly above circumstances, triumphing always, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

John 5:1-30, 1 Kings 4-6

TWO YEAR

Mark 9:14-29, Numbers 13

Act

What’s that challenge before you today? You can make a change today, by your prayers of intercession; it’s time to prevail and win in the spirit.

DON’T GIVE UP ON PRAYER!

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You Can Effect The Changes You Desire

TO THE BIBLE: Luke 18:1, 7 MSG

“Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit…. ‘What makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them?’”

LET’S TALK

Andrew looked at his watch over and over. “Only ten minutes!” he thought, “I thought I had prayed for an hour. But really, do I need to pray long hours before God hears or answers me? I know He knows everything, but I wonder why I have to keep praying for long hours.” Prayer, in reality, isn’t about the length or duration, but applying right and effective principles while talking to the Lord and addressing various issues. It’s communication and fellowship to be enjoyed than endured, because you have a loving relationship with Jesus Christ, and He’s the One who admonishes us to pray without giving up, because He loves to fellowship with you

Besides, you can change anything through prayer, so why not engage in it more? The divine power necessary to cause that change facing you is in you; it was deposited in you the moment you received the Holy Spirit into your life (Acts 1:8). James 5:16 says, “…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]” (AMP). So keep praying! There’s nothing too difficult for God to do (Jeremiah 32:27). He’s the God of possibilities, and He’s given you the power of attorney to use the Name of Jesus and effect the changes you desire.

The God to whom you pray, reigns and rules in the affairs of men: “…in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men” (Daniel 4:17). He’s given you the authority to decree a thing and have it established (Job 22:28). Therefore, in praying for the things that you want, let these thoughts always be in your mind.

Go Deeper

Psalm 122:6, 1 Timothy 2:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray

Dear Father, I thank you for teaching me to pray without ceasing. I thank you for your divine power that’s made manifest in the areas that concern me today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Act

Outline certain areas of your life that you want changed, and begin praying in tongues and in your understanding about these areas.

 

 

COMMIT THE YEAR TO THE LORD

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Christian Devotional - Rhapsody of Realities

TO THE BIBLE: Proverbs 16:3 AMP

“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.”

LET’S TALK

Happy New Year! Have you outlined your plans for the New Year? You should, if you haven’t already. Some people don’t like writing their New Year plans because they don’t want to feel disappointed if the year ends without them accomplishing those plans. But as a child of God, it’s important for you to have progressive, God-inspired plans for the year, and to commit those plans to the Lord in prayer.

Psalm 65:11 says, “You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths drip with abundance.” This means the Lord has already filled your 2015 with His goodness. So, declare that Word all through the year and get ready to enjoy His abundance in your life in an awesome way.

Be determined to make God’s Word work for you in 2015. You can do this because Jesus has appointed, commissioned, and chosen you to be fruitful and productive. You’ve been custom-built, specially made, and anointed to produce results in all you do. Not only that, He’s also ordained you to be fruitful, victorious, successful and prosperous. And because you ask in His Name, you receive answers to your every prayer. He said, “…I have chosen you, and ordained you…that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you” (John 15:16 KJV). Do you now understand why you can never be disadvantaged in life? You’ve been ordained for productivity, and to receive answers to every prayer. Hallelujah!

Go Deeper

Genesis 35:11, Colossians 1:10, Philippians 2:15

Speak

Thank you Lord Jesus for choosing, and making me fruitful and productive. Your divine life in me makes me a success, and I produce long lasting results in all I do!

Act

What are those things the Lord has told you to do this year? Write them out and don’t forget to tell the Lord to help you achieve them.

ACHIEVE MORE FOR HIM

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Christ Embassy

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SATURDAY, 17TH JUNE. 2017

ACHIEVE MORE FOR HIM

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14).
In these last days, the Lord has specially graced His Church for significant attainments and ever-increasing glory. If there was ever a time to commit yourself to the Lord and do more for Him, it’s now. However, don’t expect everything to go smoothly just because you’ve decided to do more for the Lord. You’re likely to face adversities for daring to go the extra mile and do bigger things for the Master, but refuse to be moved. Our glory and victory in Christ is an eternal one. Read our opening verse again. In the midst of trouble, you’ll be triumphant as you set your focus on the Lord and what He’s called you to do.

Yes, there’s an adversary; there’s a dark realm over this world and in this world, which we’re set against; but the Word gives us clear instructions on what to do. It says, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).
Don’t weaken or cower under the pressure; put on the whole armour of God! Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Trust Him, for you’re sufficient in His sufficiency, and as a result, you can achieve whatever you set your heart to achieve.

CONFESSION
I’m from above. Though I live in this world that’s influenced by the devil, I don’t belong here; I hail from God. I refuse to bow to pressure; rather, I stand tall always, knowing the Lord is the strength of my life.

FURTHER STUDY:
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].
Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Acts 7:1-53, 2 Chronicles 29-30
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 2:1-7, Deuteronomy 15

DEVELOP THE INTERCESSOR IN YOU — PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME PH.D

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DEVELOP THE INTERCESSOR IN YOU — REV. CHRIS OYAKHILOME PH.D

You can train yourself to become an effective intercessor, and to do that, you’re going to train yourself to spend time in prayer.

As a student in high school, I couldn’t run very fast. Since sprinting was out of the question for me, I began to think of something else I could participate in during our annual sports day. Then I figured that since there were people who could run very fast but not for long, there’d also be those who might not be
able to run very fast but could run for a long period.

I concluded that I fell in that second category and started training for long-distance running with a friend.

We chose to try the 800m race, and very early every morning, we did several laps around the school field.

Though I eventually didn’t run in any competitive race, I practised. It was tough going at first, and I felt like quitting after the first lap, but I discovered it got easier each morning we trained. After some weeks of consistent practice, not only was I able to complete the laps, I was also able to maintain my speed and even go faster.

I learnt a powerful principle from this: anything you practise consistently long enough will get into your system and become a part of you.

I also discovered I could break myself spiritually and discipline myself to pray using this principle. I would set the alarm on my clock to wake me up at a certain time during the night, and then I’d spend some time praying for different people and events. The more I did this, the easier it became, until I didn’t need
an alarm clock to wake me up anymore. It just became natural for me to get up at that time to pray. At the beginning it was hard, but I knew I didn’t need anybody to do it for me; it was my responsibility to train myself to pray. This is what you must do also.

Remember, the rule in intercession is that you’re persistent and continue in prayer for as long as is necessary. You don’t stop praying until you have a note of victory in your spirit. When you do, you’ll find yourself singing or laughing in the spirit. This laughter comes from your spirit. As David said, your heart begins to “indite” a good matter (Psalm 45:1). You bubble over with joy and laughter from your spirit. That’s when you know your ministry of intercession has been fulfilled for that matter.

PRAYER FINE-TUNES YOUR SPIRIT

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PRAYER FINE-TUNES YOUR SPIRIT
“The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly” (Proverbs 20:27)

God leads and guides you through your spirit, not through your mind, and that’s why the Bible calls your spirit ‘the candle of the Lord.’ Your spirit functions like an antenna, scanning the spirit realm to pick the signals of the Spirit of God.
The Holy Spirit is always speaking, but sometimes you may not be alert spiritually as you should to hear what He is saying. This is why praying in tongues is so important: it makes your spirit more sensitive to God.

Praying in tongues fine-tunes your spirit, much the same way you fine tune your television or radio set to get perfect signals. Spiritual signals are always being released from the realm of the Spirit, but your spiritual antenna has to be raised and tuned to receive those divine words of blessing, instruction, direction and counsel coming forth from the throne of heaven.

When you’re in tune with the Spirit you won’t live a life of trial-and-error, or make costly mistakes, for you’ll be guided by the spirit.

THE LANGUAGE OF VICTORS

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Christian Devotional - Rhapsody of Realities

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY, 10TH MAY. 2017

THE LANGUAGE OF VICTORS.

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak (2 Corinthians 4:13).
1 John 5:4 says, For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”As Christians, we’re victorious in Christ Jesus, and we maintain our victory by speaking faith-filled words. We speak the language of victors. We speak righteousness, success, and excellence only. The Apostle Paul calls our language “the wisdom of God”: “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world….But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery. (1 Corinthians 2:6-7).

Never be among those whining and griping over the dwindling state of the world’s economy or the darkness in the world; rather, speak the wisdom of God! Affirm what Jesus said about you: “Ye are the light of the world… (Matthew 5:14). Declare that ideas, solutions, joy, fulfilment, and direction are flowing through you; you’re making things happen; you’re teaching the world how to live.

When someone says, “Business is really down these days,” you say, “No, business is booming; it’s better now than ever!” Job 22:29 says, “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up. That’s how victors talk; they respond to circumstances and situations with the Word; they say what God has said. Hebrews 13:5-6 says, he hath said…So that we may boldly say…

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of an ailment, for example, don’t voice the symptoms; declare healing and health. If you were feeling weak, declare that you’re strengthened and invigorated with might by the Holy Ghost in your inner man. Affirm that the life of God in you is superior, and therefore, destroys and dispels every sickness, disease, and pain from your body.

Keep affirming your righteousness and triumphant life in Christ! Reign and rule over circumstances with the Word of faith in your mouth.
CONFESSION.
I declare that I’m triumphant, victorious, prosperous, and successful in all things. My life is for the glory of God, and His righteousness is expressed in, and through me. I’m like a tree planted by the streams, fruitful, productive, and luscious. Thank you precious Father, for making my life so beautiful!

Further Study.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Mark 11:22-23 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
John 5:1-30, 1 Kings 4-6
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Mark 9:14-29, Numbers 13

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GROWING AND MULTIPLYING BY THE WORD.

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Christian Devotional - Rhapsody of Realities

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY, 8TH MAY. 2017

GROWING AND MULTIPLYING BY THE WORD.

And the word of God increased… (Acts 6:7)..

If you study the portion of Scripture referenced above in context, you’ll realize that the Word didn’t increase without the disciples. At this time, all they had was the spoken Word; they didn’t have the epistles or the written Word about Jesus. They went everywhere preaching what they heard and saw. So, the Word increased because they increased. The Word went forth in them, and anyone who tried to persecute them, persecuted the Word. That’s what Jesus said from heaven when Saul of Tarsus was persecuting the Church (Acts 9:4,5).

In Acts 12:24, it gets better, “But the word of God grew and multiplied.”We previously read that the Word of God increased, but it’s not enough to increase; there’s got to be growth and also multiplication. Imagine that as a Pastor, your church is increasing, and then the Lord says to you, “You’ve got to move to the next level; you’ve got to grow.” How’s that going to happen? It’ll be by the Word: As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby”(1 Peter 2:2). 2 Peter 3:18 also says, But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

There’re people who will come to church because they love the music in Church; that’s nice. But until and unless the Word of God is what everyone in church wants and looks forward to—there will be no growth. The Lord Jesus said the one who feeds on His Word is like a house that’s built on a rock; the floods and the winds came and beat against it, but the house remained standing.

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Build your life on the Word and you’ll be unshakeable. You’ll grow, make progress and multiply. When you multiply, you add more growth. The Bible says, “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed” (Acts 19:20). At this level, you’re not just multiplying; you’re prevailing. You no longer pray against challenges; they crumble before you. You’ll have no fear of persecution or crises; the Word of God has made you more than a conqueror.

CONFESSION.
The Word of God is alive in me. I’m making progress and profiting in all areas of my life through the Word. I’m flourishing like the palm tree, luxuriant and luscious like a well-watered garden. I’m fruitful and productive, bearing fruits of righteousness, and pleasing the Father in all things. Blessed be God!

Further Study:
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Psalm 92:12-13 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
John 4:1-26, 1 Kings 1
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Mark 8:34-9:1, Numbers 11

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GET THE POWER WORKING.

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY, 7TH MAY. 2017

GET THE POWER WORKING.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Ephesians 3:20).
God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we could ask for or imagine; but He does it, not according to His power in heaven, but according to His power that works in us. This means you have to get that power active and working all the time. In Acts 1, just before the ascension of the Master, He said to His disciples, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you..(Acts 1:8). To receive the power is the first thing; the next is to get it working.
Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:6, …stir up the gift of God, which is in thee…. He was referring to the power of the Holy Spirit, which can be dormant in your spirit, unless activated. One way to activate that power is praying in tongues. Another way is through meditation on the Scriptures. When you pray in tongues often, and take out time consciously to meditate on the Word, your spirit will always be aglow.
Understand that a Christian isn’t meant to be begging, “God, please do this or do that for me”; no! He’s one endued with the dynamic ability to effect changes; He’s to reign in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
Even though God has got all the power and ability, He doesn’t move in on your behalf or move into your situation to do things according to His discretion. “But isn’t God sovereign?” you might ask. Yes, He is, and in His sovereignty, He’s chosen to work His power through you. You have a role in the operations of the miraculous and supernatural in your life. Get the power in you working, and bring it to bear on anything, or any area of your life.
PRAYER.
Dear Father, thank you for the power of the Spirit that’s fully operational in me for the supernatural. I can do all things through the ability of Christ in me; I’m sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency, full of grace and the wisdom of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Micah 3:8 But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
John 3:22-36, 2 Samuel 23-24
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Mark 8:22-33, Numbers 10

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FINANCE AND PROSPERITY

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