THE FATHER’S LOVE IS IN YOU;

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5).

The highest revelation of Christianity is Christ in you, living out His love in you. That’s because love is the highest and topmost quality of God’s character, so much so, that the Bible says, “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16). As a Christian, your life ought to be an outshining of God’s great love—His unconditional and self-giving love! You’re a testimony of the Father’s great love.

“But God’s love is too high; how can one ever attain to such high level of love?” you might ask! Well, Jesus already prayed in John 17:26: “And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” Sometimes I read this verse and cry because it’s just too much. Jesus asked that our heavenly Father’s love may be in us. We know God heard His prayer because in Romans 5:5, Paul tells us that the same love Jesus prayed about has now been shed in abundance in our hearts by the Holy Ghost!

So, you don’t need to try to attain to God’s level of love, for His love is already in you, and it ought to drive you into action for the Kingdom. God’s love for the world drove Him to give His very best for the salvation of others (John 3:16).

This also should be your testimony; the Father’s love in you should compel you to give your all to the Lord and dedicate yourself to the expansion of His Kingdom. It should motivate you to preach and give big-time for the propagation of the Gospel! “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Further Study:
1 John 4:12-16

HAVE THE RIGHT PERCEPTION OF GOD;

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent”(John 17:3).

Your perception or revelation of God will determine the way you relate with Him and the kind of life you’ll live. Many have their perception of God tainted by religion, rather than the truth the scriptures reveal to us about Him. I once visited a certain church and noticed a board on which some kids had attempted to answer the question “Who is God?” The question had been posed by their Sunday school teacher; and one of the kids, in his answer, wrote, “God is a terminator; He can destroy anything and anyone He wants to.”

How unfortunate! That young mind already had the wrong opinion of God, from the impression given him by the older generation. Through the years, men have misrepresented God, and this has affected their relationship with Him, and denied them the experience of wholesome fellowship with Him.

Some even think God took time to select certain people for wealth and some for poverty; some for sickness and others for good health. They believe whatever happens in their lives, good or bad is the will of God. They’ve misunderstood the nature of God, and perceived Him wrongly.

God is good and only does good things: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). Let this be your perception of Him. The Bible lets us know that He is love. His ultimate display of love was to save you while you were still a sinner (Romans 5:8). It was His deliberate choice to save you and He did it because of His love nature. He chose to give you all of Himself and everything that belonged to Him because He loves you. This is the perception of Him that you ought to have.

Further Study:
2 Peter 1:2-3;
Philippians 3:10

MANIFEST GOD’S LOVE;

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16).

God is love, and as His children, we’re to love as Christ loves us: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Hatred for anyone, irrespective of what they may have done against you is unacceptable to God. Jesus showed us a good example by loving everyone He met. He loved even His accusers—those who put Him on the cross. We ought to imitate the Master by loving everyone, no matter the circumstances.

Hatred is of the devil, and the Bible describes it as one of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-20). But love is a fruit of the recreated human spirit (Galatians 5:22). The Christian life is a life of love, freely given us of God. Manifest that same love to your world. It’s Christmas time, and what an excellent opportunity to manifest the love of Christ to everyone around you!

Love makes you give of yourself to others without thinking of what you’ll get in return. It makes you think of others and accept them just as they are. They don’t have to act to deserve your love, for love is unselfish and doesn’t seek its own. It breaks the barriers of race, ethnicity and social status. It makes it possible for you to see the beauty in others and appreciate them for who they are.

Take some time to appreciate those around you and do something definite to show someone the love of Jesus this Christmas season. Let someone experience the love, care and touch of Jesus through you today! Let God’s love in you come alive; it will lift you to a new level of life and you’d be glad this happened.

Further Study:
Galatians 5:19-21;
Ephesians 5:1-2

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY, 16TH SEPTEMBER 2018

A LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER.

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for GOD IS LOVE (1 John 4:8)

The underlined portion of our opening scripture says God is love. This statement is most clearly understood and depicted by the life and ministry of Jesus. He was love come down from heaven. He was the embodiment and fullest revelation of the Father’s love. He expressed and epitomised the nature of the Father.

The Law of Moses didn’t reveal God as love or a loving Father, but when Jesus came, He called GodFather, and the people were amazed because they never knew God as their Father. They knew Him as the Great God; they knew Him as the God between the cherubim and burning candles in the inner sanctuary, but not as a loving Father; they were more acquainted with His judgments. They didn’t know that God could be seen and touched beyond the sanctuary.

Jesus was God’s divine presence in the streets, in the busy crossroads of life, where the bruised, the oppressed, and the downtrodden were. The people went to Him in their multitudes, bearing their sick and oppressed, and He healed them all, demonstrating the love of the Father. Once, while He was teaching in a synagogue, a woman came in; she was bowed over and couldn’t straighten herself. She had been in that condition for eighteen long years.

As she walked in, Jesus called her, touched her, and said, ..Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity” (Luke 13:12). Love reached out and touched her; and instantly, she was made whole. Consequently, the ruler of the synagogue expressed indignation that Jesus would heal someone on the Sabbath day. But read the Lord’s response: …Thou hypocrite…ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?” (Luke 13:15-16).

This shows us the heart of the Father. Our heavenly Father rules and reigns in love. There’re no barriers, laws, hindrances or obstacles against love. He doesn’t just love; He’s all love; He’s forever gracious and kind! Hallelujah!

CONFESSION

Loving and gracious Father, thank you for the rich deposit of your love in my heart by the Holy Spirit! Through your love in my heart, many are rescued from the deepest depths of sickness, depression, sorrow, pain and misery, and are translated into their place of health in Christ. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Nahum 1:7
The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17*
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Galatians 2:1-21 & Songs of Solomon 1-2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Jeremiah 34

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

A HIGHER LEVEL

Saturday, September 15th , 2018

Pastor Chris

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them (Mark 11:24).

When you study the context of Jesus’ statement above, you’d notice He was teaching about faith, not prayer. The word translated “pray” in the verse is the general word used for communication with God, whether you’re making requests, entreaties, or supplications. He didn’t mean that you should ask while you pray. He’s dealing with your mouth and your heart. The King James Version puts it most correctly. It says, “…What things soever ye desire…” ; not “What things soever ye ask.”

You can have a desire in your heart without asking for it; you haven’t made a request or said anything about it to the Lord, yet it materialises. Jesus is showing us a higher level of walking with God. He said, “… What things soever ye desire, when ye pray…” ; and this includes all kinds of prayer: prayer of worship, prayer of praise, etc. Its stretched form is “to make prayers”; ”what things soever ye desire when ye ‘make prayers.’”

For example, imagine that you had a desire in your heart, but you’re not praying about it, but as you’re “making prayers,” in your worship and praise to God, you remember that thing you desire; what the opening scripture means is, “Believe you’ve got it.” This is a higher form of walking with God.

When you understand this, you’ll realize that there’s no need to struggle with your faith about the things you desire. As you worship the Lord in your prayers, if that desire comes to your mind, believe you’ve received it, and continue your worship or praise of Him; that thing, whatever it is, will materialise, without you having to ask. Glory to God!

PRAYER

Lord, your work is perfect; all your ways are just; your steadfast love never ceases; your faithfulness endures to all generations. You’re gracious and kind, and you satisfy my soul with good things, and grant the desires of my heart always. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
Isaiah 65:24* And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Philippians 4:6-7* Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Galatians 1:1-24 & Ecclesiastes 9-12

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
1 Timothy 2:1-15 & Jeremiah 33

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

BE STRONG AND VERY COURAGEOUS .

Friday, September 14th , 2018

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law… (Joshua 1:7).*_

Sometimes, in your journey of faith, things could get so hard and tough, and during those tough times, it could seem like God is far away. But the Lord is saying to you even now, “Know that at such times, I’m right there with you, because I’m in you! Therefore, be strong, and very courageous.” That means, don’t stagger.

Be like Abraham; the Bible says he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God (Romans 4:20). Don’t say, “I don’t know the way things are now; I’m tired of all these troubles”; no! Troubles arise, and gravitate towards their solution. The challenges you’re facing today are tailor-made for you; they’re bread for you; chew them up. Refuse to faint in the day of adversity.

1 John 4:4 says you’re of God; that means you hail from God; therefore, you’ve already overcome your troubles, challenges, pressures, adversaries, and adversities, because Christ, the greater One, lives in you. Hold on to the Word.

The doctors may have said your fallopian tube is damaged, or that your lungs have become dysfunctional, or that you’ve got just few days to live; refuse to give up! Stand your ground in faith. Against hope, believe in hope, the hope provided in the Word, and it’ll prevail in your situation!

Maybe it’s a problem in your family, or with your children; maybe you’re feeling sick in your body, or it’s your loved one that’s suffering so badly. I have good news for you: everything will turn into a testimony for you. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, _*“…our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

There’s glory for you at the end; it’s for sure! Just remain confident in the power of God’s Word to put you over, irrespective of the circumstances.

CONFESSION

The Lord is my light and my salvation; He’s the strength, and the stronghold of my life! I stand firm in faith, courageous and strong in the power of His might. I’m confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in me will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. The Word of God is my anchor in the storm. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 4:8-9[We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Psalm 34:19-20 Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. 20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

1 Corinthians 16:13* Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
2 Corinthians 13:1-14 & Ecclesiastes 6-8

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
1 Timothy 1:15-20 & Jeremiah 32

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SEE YOURSELF IN THE WORD AND AFFIRM ACCORDINGLY

Thursday, September 13th , 2018

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome;

Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89).

Just as natural or earthly mirrors reflect the image of the object that’s before them, when you look into the mirror of God—His Word—you see yourself. Whilst natural mirrors could reflect a distorted image of an object, God’s mirror shows your perfect and exact image—precise—exactly the way God sees you. God’s Word reveals your perfection, beauty, excellence, and ability in Christ.

Therefore, your response to God’s perception, and the image the Word (His mirror) projects of you should be, “Yes, and amen!” For example, the Word says, “All things are possible to a believing one”; respond by saying, “Yes, Lord, because of your ability that’s at work in me, there’s nothing I can’t do! My potentials are limitless, with an ever-increasing capacity to do more.”

The Word of God will work for you only when you give it the right response. Once you discover in the Word what you have, what you can do, and who you are in Christ, affirm it; your affirmation seals it. Read our opening verse again; the Word of God is settled in heaven, but you have to settle it in your life by speaking the same thing in consent.

Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “…he hath said…that we may boldly say….” The Word says Christ is your wisdom; affirm the same thing; declare that you’re sound and could never talk or walk foolishly; the wisdom of God is seen in your actions and heard in your words. The Word says Christ is your strength; affirm it. The more you say it, the more you programme yourself to function with the divine abilities He’s already deposited in your spirit.

Refuse to acknowledge or affirm that there’s something you can’t do. You’re up to any task, because the Word says so. The Bible says you’re sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency (2 Corinthians 3:5); that means you can excel in any task. There’re people who say, “I can’t do this thing. I know myself”; their words are full of “I can’t.” Never talk like that! You’re different. You can do what the Word says you can do: all things, through Christ who strengthens you. Glory to God!

CONFESSION

*Christ is my ability and competence. Through Him, all things are possible to me. I can do all things, because greater is He that’s in me than he that’s in the world. I know who I am, what I have, and all that I can do in Christ. My potentials are limitless; I’m innovative, excellent and sound! Hallelujah!*

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 3:5 AMPC* Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God.

1 John 4:4* 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.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
2 Corinthians 12:1-21 & Ecclesiastes 3-5

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
1 Timothy 1:8-14 & Jeremiah 31