Christian Daily Devotional

“MAKARIOS” (In Christ Jesus, You’re Supremely Blessed)

ELECTED BY GRACE

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Elected By Grace;

“But ye are a elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9 ASV).

In Genesis 6, the Bible tells us of certain angels who married the daughters of men and produced giants in the earth. Thus their seed spread upon the earth till they had cousins and relatives everywhere. These were not godly seeds; satan’s ploy was to pollute the human race. But God put a stop to this pollution by destroying the whole world.
Satan knew God had promised that the seed of the woman would bruise his head (Genesis 3:15), so by polluting the human race with the corruptive seed of the giants, he hoped to nullify God’s plan. But he failed. God had reserved eight people who were unmixed with the pollution—Noah and his family! They were undefiled. The Bible says Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and He was a righteous man, perfect in his generations (Genesis 6:8-9). Thus through him and his family, God started a whole new generation.

Now, the Bible also lets us know that the whole world was under condemnation for Adam’s transgression. But just as God reserved a remnant for Himself in the days of Noah, “Even so at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace” (Romans 11:5). God, by sending His Son, Jesus, as sacrifice for sin, reserved a remnant for Himself. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Consequently, those of us who have accepted and confessed Him as Lord of our lives are the remnant God has chosen out of this condemned world. We’re God’s elect today, specially called out by grace! Now, we’re a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people, set to manifest His excellent wisdom and perfection to all creation. What a glorious honour to be elected by God’s grace!

Further Study:

Isaiah 65:9;
1 Peter 1:1-2;
1 Peter 2:6

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).

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Rhapsody of Realities Teevo

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).

SOLDIERS IN HIS END-TIME ARMY.

No Christian should lazy through life, for we’re soldiers in God’s army. As a soldier you’re expected to be strong and tough to accomplish the task set before you. There’s absolutely no place for the timid and weak-hearted in the army.

Years ago, I enrolled as a young lad in the army cadet. While there, they made it clear that we had no options; we were only to do whatever we were instructed to do. They didn’t want sissies. We had to look strong and tough, and we weren’t expected to complain or exhibit any sign of weakness.

The same goes for God’s army. A good soldier of Jesus Christ must be trained and fully equipped for the fight of faith; he must be strong and equipped to endure hard times. For example, when you’re told, “let’s pray,” you can’t complain that you’re feeling tired, or that your hands are hurting when told “lift your hands to the Lord in worship.” You can’t say you’re too tired to go on evangelism; you’re a soldier; soldiers don’t make excuses.

The Lord Jesus Christ remains our perfect example of what a true soldier should be like. Consider what the Prophet Isaiah said about Him, “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand” (Isaiah 53:10).

We’re the result of that travail of soul that He went through. When He saw the glory ahead of Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2); we’re that glory. He saw what we would be, and went on to give His life to save us. We’re His seed, prolonging His days through the preaching of the Gospel. We must herald it on the housetops, mountaintops, in the valleys—everywhere: North, South, East, and West, and by so doing, establish His Kingdom on earth and in the hearts of men. That’s our job as soldiers in His end-time army.

Further Study:
2 Timothy 4:5;
2 Timothy 2:4-5

A REPROGRAMMING THROUGH THE WORD

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Christian Daily Devotional

A REPROGRAMMING THROUGH THE WORD

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ( Hebrews 4:12)

The Word of God gives you everything you need: health, joy, wealth, prosperity, grace, wisdom and all that the vicarious death of Christ and His triumphant resurrection delivered to us as Christians. That’s what salvation encapsulates. With the knowledge of God’s Word in your spirit, you have what it takes to create anything you want.

At the well of Samaria, Jesus encountered a woman and asked her for a drink of water. But noticing that He was a Jew, the woman told Him they had nothing in common, and for ethnic reasons declined. Then, Jesus replied, “…Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13- 14). The Master knew He could give her something to quench her thirst for ever—the Word. With the Word, she would be able to create anything she desired.

Often times, when people are facing difficult situations, what they need is a Word-therapy or what I may call a “Word-diet.” They’d have to listen to God’s Word and study the Scriptures over a period of time, until the Word gets rid of the wrong mind-set, and reprograms them aright for success. If that doesn’t happen, no matter what else you do for them, their situation wouldn’t change.

Sometimes, when people are sick in their bodies, the real problem is beyond the symptoms that are apparent in their physical bodies. Such pains might stem from their mind. There’s a difference between the sickness of the mind, and that of the body. So even when they’re healed in their bodies, the sickness continues, because it was really a problem of the mind. The solution is to reprogram their minds through the Word for total restoration.

Further Study:
Acts 20:32;
Romans 12:2

MAKE GODLY DECISIONS

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MAKE GODLY DECISIONS

(Let God’s Word Guide Your Choices)

Where you are today is a result of the decisions you made yesterday.

To The Bible Joel 3:14

“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.”

LET’S TALK

You make decisions everyday…what clothes to wear, the kind of food to eat, where to go, who you want to see, which college to attend, what programme to enroll in, etc. Some of these choices are trivial, others crucial.

Now, when it comes to making crucial decisions, it’s important that you have what it takes to do so. In today’s world, there are patterns people adopt when they want to make decisions. These patterns generally don’t line up with God’s way, so He doesn’t want you following them. The Bible says, “Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him” (Romans 12:2 CEV). No matter how attractive the world’s system looks, refuse to let it influence your decisions. It may exert pressure and try to compel you to follow its ways, but you mustn’t give in to it, for you’re not of the world (John 15:19).

Understand that you don’t have to make mistakes or learn from someone’s mistake before you get things right. When you’re led by the Spirit of God, He’ll guide you in the right path and help you make the right decisions every time. You’ll learn to get things right the first time. As you yield to His leading, your Father’s nature will be revealed in your decisions and you’ll always be in sync with His perfect will for your life.

Go Deeper: Psalm 25:12, Proverbs 16:33 CEV, Jeremiah 29:11

RELATE: Prayer

Dear Father, I thank you for being Lord over my life. I yield daily to your leading, trusting in your Word that assures me your thoughts for me are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give me an expected end. Thank you for your Word that shapes my thoughts and makes my decisions sync with your will for my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Act

Be attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit today.

MAKE GOD’S VISION YOURS .

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MAKE GOD’S VISION YOURS

(Get Enthusiastic About The Things Of God)

 

TO THE BIBLE: Acts 20:24 CEV

“But I don’t care what happens to me, as long as I finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do. And that work is to tell the good news about God’s great kindness.”

LET’S TALK

With the news media in the world today, it’s easy to think Satan has many people he uses to wreak havoc and destroy human lives. But you need to realize that God has many more people evangelizing the world with His Word. These are people who have given their money, time, talents, and resources to see that the gospel reaches the ends of the earth. They are so sold out to this vision that they count nothing too much to put into the gospel.

The question is: ‘’Are you one of such people? Do you see yourself in God’s evangelical plan for the world?” it’s important that you do, because soul winning is God’s number one priority; He wants everyone around the world to know how much He loves them and how they can receive Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives.

This should matter to you. Become passionate about winning souls to Christ, and you can start with those closest to you-your family, friends, neighbours, and schoolmates.

Go Deeper: 2 Timothy 4:2, Matthew 6:33

Pray

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for counting me faithful and worthy to bring others to Christ. I commit myself to sharing the Good news of your love with everyone I meet. Thank you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Act

Make a list of ten people you will reach out to with the Gospel this month. Have their names with you during your times of prayer. Speak God’s Word over them, and reach out to them by faith.

 

GREATNESS IS IN YOUR SPIRIT

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GREATNESS IS IN YOUR SPIRIT

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing (Genesis 12:2).

From the scripture above, we notice that it was God who spoke to Abraham and said, “I will make you great”; it wasn’t Abraham who cried out, “O Lord, make me great!” It was God’s choice to make him great, and from that point on, the man did great things. He defeated five kings and their armies with three hundred servants trained in his house (Genesis 14). His wealth and influence outweighed those of the nations where he dwelt. He was a force to be reckoned with by kings of nations around him because of how great he was.

The Bible says, “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). If you’re born again, you’re the seed of Abraham; the seed of greatness is in your spirit. Therefore, you ought to do great things. Great people do great things. When the seed of greatness is in a man, he’ll undoubtedly do great things that will be spoken of for generations after Him. Never think small or see yourself as small. You’re the offspring of the great God of glory; His seed of greatness is in you. It’s your set time to do great things.
Every day, tell yourself, “I’m doing great things, for the Spirit of God lives in me! I refuse to think small or do small things. I’m born for greatness!”

Remember, you were born into greatness! Your family history is replete with stories and feats of greatness. I’m not talking about your earthly family, but the family of God to which you belong. This is your time to do great things in the Kingdom of God. It’s your set time to do exploits in your job, business, academics and other areas of your life.

Be careful to guard yourselves from every kind of greed. Life is not about having a lot of material possessions.

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SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

(There’s More To Life Than Physical Things)

TO THE BIBLE: Luke 12:15 GW

“He told the people, “Be careful to guard yourselves from every kind of greed. Life is not about having a lot of material possessions.””

LET’S TALK

Would it surprise you to know that there are people in prison today who are joyful and more at peace than many who are free and have all the nice things the heart can desire? That’s because joy isn’t dependent on your surroundings and circumstances; it’s in your spirit. This is what the apostles had, such that even when they didn’t have life’s material comforts, they remained enthusiastic about the gospel. When they were oppressed, persecuted, and imprisoned for preaching Jesus, they were full of joy. So, joy and satisfaction aren’t in material things, but from your spirit.

There’s more to life than the world’s symbols of prosperity. True prosperity is about the triumph of God’s Word in your life. It’s having God’s grace upon your life, which causes everything you’re involved with to succeed. It’s having the totality of God’s blessings and grace, and the enablement to impart the same to others also. And this brings with it happiness, peace, and fulfillment.

How prosperous do you want to be? How glorious do you want your life to be? If you’d meditate on the Word, you’ll have all-round prosperity and true satisfaction! You’ll be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit all-year round! Your leaves will not wither; and whatsoever you do shall prosper. Make the Word your delight and meditation, and your life will be full of glory.

Go Deeper

Philippians 4:11-12; Hebrews 13:5

Pray

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for showing me what true satisfaction is. Your Word has taken centre stage and continually triumphs in my life. I completely depend on your promotion, prosperity, and supply always. Thank you for these, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

1 Corinthians 15:35-58, Proverbs 8-9

TWO YEAR

Luke 20:9-18, 1 Samuel 20

Act

Study and meditate on these scriptures that teach about contentment: Matthew 6:25-34, Hebrews 13:5-6, and 1 Timothy 6:3-11.

HE’S GRACIOUS AND KIND

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TO THE BIBLE: Psalm 102:13

“You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for the time to favor her, yes, the set time, has come.”

LET’S TALK

Favour means to show friendly regard toward another. It means gracious kindness; a special privilege or right granted you especially that which you didn’t deserve. It also means an advantage bestowed on you to your benefit. It’s similar to the word “mercy” as used in the beginning part of the opening scripture, which in the original Hebrew text refers to “a deep expression of love.”

I want you to know that God has chosen to show you a deep expression of love. He wants you to experience His extraordinary favour and manifold blessings in every area of your life. Doors and opportunities that can’t be humanly explained have been opened to you by the Spirit of God. People will regard, celebrate and help you because you’ve found favour with God, and in the sight of men. This was what Apostle Paul saw when he wrote in Colossians 1:12: “Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”

The Bible says “For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12). That means you’re dressed with God’s favour everywhere you go. Come to terms with the fact that God has favoured you. You’ve been marvelously helped. You’re the favoured child of a loving God; therefore you cannot be disadvantaged.

Go Deeper

Exodus 12:36; Daniel 1:9; Luke 2:52

Pray

Dear Father, thank you for your favour surrounds me as a shield. I’m grateful for the life of favour and abundant blessings with which I have been blessed. Thank you because things always turn out for my good. Doors of opportunities open to me, and people take it upon themselves to do me good, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

ONE YEAR

Titus 3:1-15, Habakkuk 1-3

TWO YEAR

John 8:33-43, 2 Kings 23

 

Act

If before now you never thought that you deserved God’s help or favour, change that mentality. Accept His help today, and enjoy all that His favour brings.

Don’t stop at merely believing that Jesus died and was raised back to life.

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TO THE BIBLE: James 2:18-19

‘…Someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!’

LET’S TALK

Someone once asked, “Who’s an unbeliever: is it the one who doesn’t believe in Jesus at all or the other who believes He’s God’s Son but hasn’t confessed His Lordship? The simple answer is “Both!” It’s not enough to believe that Jesus is the Son of God; you must also confess Him as Lord of your life. In the latter part of James 2:19, we read that even demons believe there is one God and tremble, but that doesn’t make them “believers!”

An unbeliever is anyone who hasn’t obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ by believing in his heart that Jesus Christ is alive and confessing Him as Lord (Romans 10:9-10). The word “believe” is a verb formed from two Anglo-Saxon words. The first means “to accept that something is or exists,” and the second means “to act like it is.” To believe, therefore, means to accept that something exists and then act accordingly. It’s an action word that brings about possession. You can’t claim to believe without acting.

A believer accepts what God says, and then speaks and acts accordingly. So, if you truly believe God is who He says He is and has done what He says He’s done, then you must talk, act, and live accordingly. Don’t stop at merely believing that Jesus died and was raised back to life. You’ve got to also accept His finished works by confessing His Lordship over your life; that’s the action that catapults you into salvation.

Go Deeper: Romans 4:19-20, 2 Corinthians 4:13

Pray

Dear Father, I receive your Word concerning my success, health, victory and prosperity with meekness, gladness, and faith in my heart; and I act in agreement with that Word today; in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Act

Talk the Word from these scriptures:

  1. 1 Corinthians 15:57
  2. John 5:24

 

 

YOU LIVE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD’S SON .

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

YOU LIVE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD’S SON .

Sunday, December 3rd , 2017

Pastor Chris

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Colossians 1:13).

You’ve been “delivered” from the power of darkness, and translated into the Kingdom of God’s love-son. You’re in that Kingdom now, not when you get to heaven. This is the reason it’s such an incongruity to accept or even think that the Christian needs deliverance from Satan.

Satan and the Christian aren’t in the same class. The Christian is in the Kingdom of God’s dear Son, too far and too high from Satan’s domain. Ephesians 2:6 says we’ve been raised up together, and made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. We’re seated together with Christ, far above principalities and powers. This is the reality.

As long as a Christian believes he or she is troubled by demons and therefore requires deliverance, that Christian has left his or her estate. The question to ask would be where did the demons meet him? Certainly not in Christ, where he’s supposed to be seated far above them! That’s the reason as a Christian, it’s important that you know the Word of God for yourself. You need to know who you are, what you have, where you are, and your abilities in Christ; you don’t need to be afraid of the devil! You’re superior to him.

If you’ve experienced spiritual attacks, perhaps it was because you didn’t know what to do. All you have to do is say, “In the Name of Jesus Christ, Satan, stop it! From this day, you’ll come back no more.” Surely, he’ll flee and return no more.

Being born again, you live in the presence of God, and function with the dominion of Christ. Live the victorious life that you’ve received in Him.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for transferring me from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of your dear Son, Jesus Christ. I thank you for bringing me into Christ. Christ is my place—my place of health, wealth, security, prosperity, and greatness. The prince of this world, Satan, has nothing in me. Glory to your name forever. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:
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: 1 John 4,
Daniel 1-2
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 17:11-21,
2 Chronicles 7-8

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