RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WE MUST KEEP PRAYING .

Thursday, October 18th .
Pastor Chris

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1).

There’re many things happening in our world today that call for our importunity in prayer. If we must change things in the direction of God’s purpose and plan, then we must keep interceding for our nations and the environments in which we deal. We must also pray for the leaders of nations.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-3, we’re admonished to pray for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a peaceable and quiet life in all godliness and honesty. This isn’t something we do once and go to sleep. The Bible says, “…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]”*_ (James 5:16 AMPC). Notice the word, “continued”; we’re to continue in intercession for the nations, leaders, and peoples of the world. If we want peace in our nations and in our environments, then we must pray in line with God’s Word.

Out of ignorance, many blame God for the things that go wrong in their lives and in our world: the troubles, the wars, earthquakes, rainstorms, mudslides, floods, wildfires, and other disasters. What such people have failed to realise or are unaware of is that the responsibility, as well as the authority to establish the will of God on the earth and keep Satan and his demons in check, rests with us—the Church.

It’s our responsibility to ensure that whatever changes we seek in our lives as individuals, in the lives of others, and in the nations of the world, are effected through intercessory prayers. Never think that your prayer isn’t making any difference; you make great impact when you pray. Therefore, continue in prayer for your country, for God’s people, and ministers of the Gospel; for the leaders and those in positions of authority; for the sick, needy, and those in pain. Even when you don’t “feel” like praying, pray!

Always stir yourself and respond to the call and urgency of prayer from your spirit. When you do this consistently, intercession will become a part of you, resulting in great changes in your life, in the lives of others, in your nation, and in your immediate environment, to the glory of Christ.

PRAYER

*Dear Father, your righteousness prevails, and is established in the nations of the world, and in the hearts of men, as your children all around the world proclaim the truth of the Gospel. The hearts of the leaders of nations are mantled with wisdom to walk in your will, and fulfil your purpose, which is the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

FURTHER STUDY:
*Ezekiel 3:17* Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

1 Thessalonians 5:17* Pray without ceasing.

1 Timothy 2:1-3
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 & Jeremiah 3-4

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Hebrews 9:1-10 & Ezekiel 16

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SPEAK SPIRITUAL LANGUAGE.

Wednesday, October 17th , 2018

Pastor Chris

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1).

The Apostle Paul had an experience with the Christians at Corinth; he wasn’t able to communicate with them in spiritual language. Therefore, in our opening verse, he reprimanded them for being carnal.

On another occasion, he said to the Christians in Rome, “I’m having to communicate with you at your level, because you’re yet to come to a higher level of maturity.” He said, “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh…”(Romans 6:19).

It reminds of the experience Jesus also had with His disciples. John 11 tells us that Lazarus had fallen sick and died. When Jesus was informed, He said to His disciples, “…Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep” (John 11:11).

His disciples, not understanding His spiritual language, replied, “Lord, if he is asleep, he will get better.” Jesus had to tell them plainly, “…Lazarus is dead”*_ (John 11:14). He had to speak to them in a language they could understand.

Have you ever found yourself in situations where you had difficulty expressing God’s truth to carnal men? For example, you couldn’t say, “I have a headache,” even though you felt a headache. The carnal man, on the other hand, sees nothing wrong communicating at such a low level, failing to realise that as Christians, we don’t walk by our feelings, but by the Word.

You ought not to talk sickness, even when you feel the symptoms of sickness in your body. Use the Word against any pain or anomaly in your body; command it to cease, and it’ll pass out of your body. Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “…for he (God) hath said…that we may boldly say….”*_ You’re only supposed to say what you have, that God gave to you. Don’t affirm or accept anything that’s from the devil. Talk spiritual. Speak the Word only, and always.

CONFESSION

*I’m what God says I am. God’s Word is my life; therefore, I live out the Word. My life is the testimony of God’s grace and infinite blessings. The Word of God is in my heart and in my mouth, and as I speak it forth, circumstances align with God’s perfect will for my life, in Jesus’ Name.*

FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 12:36-37* But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Hebrews 13:5-6 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=> 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 & Jeremiah 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Hebrews 8:1-13 & Ezekiel 14-15

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RESPOND ONLY IN LOVE

Monday, October 15th , 2018

Pastor Chris

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matthew 5:44).

From the verse above, it’s clear that there’ll always be those who might dislike you, persecute you, and despise you; but you’re only permitted to respond to them in love. The actions or attitude of such people should never provoke you to act contrary to your true nature, which is love. God is love, and anyone who loves is of God, and knows God.

The summation of God’s character is love; we’re therefore to emulate Him by walking in love. Ephesians 5:2 (AMPC) admonishes us to _*“…walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.”*_ 1 John 4:7-8 says, _*“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”*_

In our journey of faith, there’ll always be those who’ll test us; everyone who relates with you is placed there by God for your benefit; whether they’re helping you or they’re against you doesn’t make any difference. It doesn’t stop God’s plan of promoting you. If they’re kind, loving, and helpful to you, appreciate them and praise God for them; if they’re otherwise, love them nonetheless.

If someone accuses you falsely, for example, or you’re lied against, don’t get upset and try to justify your innocence to the point of acting in a manner that’s not beffitng to righteouness. Rather, keep walking in love. Love is a force—the greatest power in the universe—and it’ll always win.

Our love-walk is the primary proof that we love the Lord, and it speaks of our oneness and like-mindedness with Him. Romans 5:5 says the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit; that means you have the capacity to love as He does. Jesus said, _*“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”*_ (John 13:35). What a way to distinguish ourselves from the rest of the world!

PRAYER

Dear Father, you’ve given me the ability to love like you, and I’m so grateful! You’ve granted me an understanding of the extraordinary dimensions of your love; that love radiates through me profusely to others! Thank you for making me the dispenser of your goodness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
*Luke 6:27-35* But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the [one] cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not [to take thy] coat also. 30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

Ephesians 4:1-3
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 & Isaiah 61-63

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Hebrews 7:1-10 & Ezekiel 10-11

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

RIGHTEOUSNESS MAKES US MASTERS .

Sunday, October 14th , 2018

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).*_

Righteousness is the nature of God, which was imparted to your spirit when you were born again; it’s a gift from God to the whole world, but not everyone has received it. However, those who receive the gift of righteousness, according to the scriptures, shall reign in life! The Amplified version says, they shall reign as kings in life.

The word “reign” in Romans 5:17 above is actually a verb, which in the original Greek construction means “to king”; that expresses authority, dominion, and mastery. Righteousness makes us masters in life; we reign, or “king” in life, through righteousness. Righteousness-consciousness eliminates any sense of guilt, condemnation, or inferiority from us; it places us ahead and above Satan and his accusations. It also gives us the boldness and confidence to pray to God and expect answers; we’re unafraid and unashamed before Him, because we have His righteousness.

Without an understanding of righteousness, a Christian can’t live victoriously over the enemy. He’ll be subject to the elements of the world, not understanding the extent and potency of his authority in Christ. This is why you must keep growing in the knowledge of God’s Word. Ephesians 4:14 says, _*“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.”*_

Be conscious that you’re the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. There’re some Christians who experience spiritual attacks; that’s because they aren’t righteousness-conscious; they aren’t living the Word. They haven’t come to the realisation that they’re kings in life. Isaiah 32:1 lets us know that kings reign in righteousness.

By virtue of your new life in Christ, and your position as a righteous king-priest, the whole world is subdued before you. You have the mastery over Satan and his cohorts of darkness; you’re a champion for life! Glory to God!

PRAYER*

Dear Father, I thank you for your righteousness in my spirit, which has made me a master over Satan and the powers of darkness, and has put me in a position of advantage. I reign and rule as a king, walking in mastery and victory over circumstances. The world is subdued before me, in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 5:21* For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
1 Thessalonians 4:1-18 & Isaiah 59-60

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Hebrews 6:11-20 & Ezekiel 8-9

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SATURDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2018

YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF TRUTH IS IMPORTANT

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).

In Mark 7:25-30, we read about the Syrophenician woman who came to Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. In their ensuing dialogue, Jesus said to her, go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter” (Mark 7:29).

When she got home, she found that her daughter had, indeed, been restored to health. When the Lord said to the woman, “Go home; the devil is gone out of your daughter,” He didn’t try to confirm whether what He said had happened, because what He uttered was Truth.

On a certain occasion, I was ministering to a dear lady at the Healing School, and the demon was trying to resist; screaming, “I’m not leaving!” While still throwing tantrums and manifesting in the lady, I said, “The demon is out; she’s free!” And I moved straightaway to minister to the next person on the healing line; at that very moment, she was restored to health. Glory to God!

Now, all that physical manifestation from the demon was a lie. When I said by the Spirit, “The demon is out,” that was Truth. This shows the importance of our understanding of Truth. The Word of God on your lips is God talking, and no demon or force can resist it. Someone may think the devil was still there, just because the devil said, “I’m not leaving”; no. We, through the Word and the Spirit, determine truth; not Satan or circumstances.

Truth, in the Kingdom of God, has nothing to do with physical manifestations or sensory perceptions. Moreover, truth is different from fact. Maybe the fact is that there’s no money in your bank account, but it’s not true that you’re broke. So, you’re not telling the truth when you say, “I’m broke,” or “I have a fever.” Your experiences, especially when they don’t measure up to new creation realities, aren’t “Truth”; they’re shadows.

For instance, someone may say, “I don’t want to say I’m sick, but I’m not feeling fine.” No! Faith doesn’t talk like that. What the Bible says is that those who dwell in Zion “…shall not say, I am sick…” (Isaiah 33:24). When you say, “I’m sick,” you’ve uttered a lie, because the truth is, the new creation can’t be the sick.

Discover the truth of God’s Word concerning your health, finances, family, job, business, and other areas of your life, and boldly declare the same truth in agreement with God.

*CONFESSION*

The Holy Spirit unveils the truth of God’s Word to my spirit, enlightening the eyes of my understanding to know the hope of His calling, and the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. I’m what God says I am, and I have what He says I have, because His Word is Truth. Blessed be God!

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*John 17:17*
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

*Jonah 2:8*
“Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy.

*Psalms 119:142*
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth.

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:1-13 & Isaiah 57-58

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Hebrews 6:1-10 & Ezekiel 7
John 17:17; Jonah 2:8; Psalm 119:142

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

YOUR VICTORIOUS LIFE IN CHRIST .

Friday, October 12th , 2018

Pastor Chris

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him (Hebrews 10:38).

When the Bible says that you’re more than a conqueror, it’s an assurance of victory; you’re a victor for life; you’re absolutely indomitable. Nothing can hurt or affect you. That’s what Jesus said: “If you drink any deadly thing, you’ll not be hurt” (Mark 16:18). You can’t be poisoned, because the life in you is divine. Nevertheless, the Christian who hasn’t imbibed the Word and learnt to exercise his faith can be easily buffeted by the crises of life.

Imagine that a Christian only ate some food, not something deadly, yet he’s so troubled by an “upset stomach”; in the light of what Jesus said, whatever you eat or drink should have no negative effect on you. Someone says, “I was bitten by an insect, that’s why I got all these allergies.” Those who suffer such things haven’t learnt to put their faith to work; they’re ignorant of their victorious life in Christ.

Recall the Apostle Paul’s experience in Acts 28; a venomous snake bit him, but he didn’t shriek in pain; rather, he simply shook it off into the fire without suffering any harm (Acts 28:5). The Bible says those watching were waiting for Paul to swell, fall down and die, as a result of the venom, but when that didn’t happen, they concluded that Paul must be a god.

Truly, isn’t that what the Word says we are? Psalm 82:6 says, _*“…Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”*_ As one who’s born again, you’re divine; your life is no longer based on your blood. That’s the reason you’re not supposed to suffer any blood disease. Now that you’re in Christ, the Word of God is the life of your flesh. The Holy Spirit energises your body, because your body is His living tabernacle.

Remember what He tells us in Romans 8:11: “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” This happened the day the Holy Spirit took up His abode in you; He vitalised your body and has made it impregnable to sickness, disease and infirmity. Strengthen your faith with these realities and keep living the victorious life in Christ.

CONFESSION*

*My faith is strong and prevailing! I dominate the circumstances of life, living triumphantly through my meditation and confession of the Word. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 4:19-20* And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Proverbs 24:10* [If] thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength [is] small.

Romans 8:10 AMPC* But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you].

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
1 Thessalonians 1-2:1-16 & Isaiah 54-56

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Hebrews 5:1-14 & Ezekiel 5-6

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2018;

HE’S PERFECT IN ALL HIS WAYS;

The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works (Psalm 145:17).

As Christians, oftentimes we’re faced with tough challenges; things happen to us and around us that aren’t consistent with our desires, expectations and the will of God for our lives. It may be the loss of a loved one, in spite of your prayers and intercessions, and the situation is causing you serious distraction in your Christian walk.

Now the enemy is throwing thoughts at you; you even think God just wasn’t fair to you or to the victim. In your mind, you hold Him responsible for what happened; you’re thinking, “He could have done something, but He didn’t, despite all my prayers.” But the question you need to answer is, “Who is Jesus to you?” Is it possible for Him to be charged with error? Could He ever make a mistake?

When you find yourself in the kind of situation we’ve described above, there’re two things to consider: first, don’t blame God. Believe that He’s perfect in all things; absolutely perfect. There’re no errors or mistakes with Him. Secondly, don’t ask unwise or foolish questions.

Recognise that at a certain point in our lives, we need more knowledge, because when trouble strikes at that time of ignorance, we pay dearly for our ignorance The situation could be directly connected to you, or a loved one, but maybe if either you or the victim knew better, the outcome would have been different. It all boils down to one thing: knowledge. So, don’t become overwhelmed to the point that your prayers are all about, “Oh God, why?”

Don’t ask such irrelevant questions, and never think He’s to blame; He often had nothing to do with it. Rather, recognise His perfection; thank Him for always doing all things right, and then determine to know the Word, pressing forward with the knowledge of His Word to change the situations that lie ahead.

Your ability to live a victorious, joyous and prosperous life is dependent on how much of God’s Word you know and live by. Consistently inundate your spirit, soul and mind with spiritual information from God’s Word.

*PRAYER*

Dear Lord, your faithfulness is ever sure; you’re without injustice; you’re perfect and true in all your ways! Thank you for your grace and wondrous works in my life. Your Word works effectually in me, causing me to be fruitful in every good work, to your praise and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Psalms 18:30*
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

*James 1:17*
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Colossians 4:2-18 & Isaiah 52-53

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Hebrews 4:1-16 & Ezekiel 4
Psalm 18:30; James 1:17; Hosea 4:6

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

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

YOU WERE BORN WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Tuesday, October 9th , 2018

Pastor Chris

For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).

Righteousness is the nature of God, and a gift from God, but in the actual, vital sense, it’s a gift to the ungodly. The Christian didn’t “receive” the gift of righteousness; the Christian was born righteous. Paul’s submission about righteousness in the Book of Romans, and as you’d find in chapter 5 verse 17, is a generic argument on the legality of righteousness as it was accounted to Abraham, and therefore to all of us who believe in Jesus Christ. We may believe it’s given to us as a gift, but that’s not all that God gave us as a gift.

For instance, Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Eternal life is given to sinners, not Christians; that’s what a sinner receives to become a Christian. A Christian is one who has eternal life; not one who’s “receiving” the gift of eternal life. The Bible says anyone who believes, has eternal life. Once a man believes, right away, eternal life starts up in his spirit. So, eternal life is no longer being “gifted” to him; he was born into it. He came alive with it, when he received Christ.

It’s like when you were born of your mother; you didn’t have to first receive the gift of life to become human; you came into existence with life—the human life! Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been said to be alive. Imagine someone saying, “Now that the baby is born, she needs to receive the gift of the human life”; that’ll be absurd.

Likewise, legally, the whole world has been given the gift of righteousness; it’s this gift, when received, that enables one stand in the presence of God without guilt, fear, inferiority, or condemnation. When the gift of eternal life is received, one is born of God with this life at work in him.

Abraham was given righteousness as a gift; he was credited with righteousness for his believing. But the man who’s born again was born righteous; he can’t, therefore, be “receiving” as a gift, something that he’s born with; he’s born with the life and nature of God. Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for inspiring in me the consciousness of my righteousness, which has placed me in a vantage position, far above the troubles, decadence and negativities in the earth realm. I manifest your righteousness in all I do, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
*Romans 5:17-19* For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

2 Corinthians 5:21* For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Colossians 2:6-23 & Isaiah 48-49

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Hebrews 3:1-11 & Ezekiel 1-