Christian Daily Devotional

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

GOD LIKES YOU!

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

GOD LIKES YOU!

“Jesus looked closely at the man. He liked him and said, “There’s one thing you still need to do. Go sell everything you own. Give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come with me”(Mark 10:21 CEV).

Can you think of yourself as one who God likes? From the way some people live their lives you can tell they’re not sure whether or not God likes them. God loves you, and he also likes you. “Like” in this context, means to be favourably disposed to someone you find agreeable and enjoyable. God actually does like you. He likes you so much that He always boasts with you and rejoices over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

To know He likes you is one thing; to do something about it is another thing entirely. Imagine for a second that you knew the president of your country liked you personally, what would that make out of you? One thing’s for sure; your attitude will change. You’ll start seeing new possibilities; because you can get favours from the “state house”; why? You’re the President’s man. You’ll tell your friends about your special relationship with the president and even introduce them to him.

Now, think about the fact that the Monarch of the universe likes you more than any human person can! Paul, writing to Timothy, said: “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy2:1). That’s what you ought to do; because God likes you and lovingly cares for you.

Take advantage of His gracious and loving disposition towards you and rebuke that cancer from your body. See, because God likes you specially He gave you the Name of Jesus to use to make your life enjoyable: “And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:23-24).

Further Study:
1 Chronicles 28:4

YOUR NAME IS “THE GLORY OF GOD!”

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

YOUR NAME IS “THE GLORY OF GOD!”

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:” (Ephesians 1:17).

The Bible calls our heavenly Father the father of glory. Now, if He is the Father of glory, and He’s your Father, then who are you? You may say “That means I’m the son of glory,” no, …a thousand times no! If your name is John, and someone called your father ‘The father of John,’ it’s because your name is John. Consequently, if God is the Father of glory, then you are glory; not the son of glory. This is wonderful; just the thought of it!

You were born to be the glory of God. As Jesus is —the glory of the Father—so are you now the glory of the Father; for He has made you like Himself: “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:” (John 17:22). 2 Corinthians 3:18 explains that as we look at the glory of God in a mirror, we are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. What does a mirror do? It reflects whatever is set before it. If you were standing in front of a mirror you’d see your own reflection. The Word of God is that mirror.

God is saying to you today, “You’re my glory; that reflection; that glory that you see when you look into the mirror—the Word—is who you really are!” Your name is “the glory of God!” Go ahead right now and call yourself by name! Say “I am the glory of God, and every step I take today is the step of glory. The glory of God will always be manifested in my life.” Think and talk like this every day; and your life will be that of ever increasing glory.

Further Study:
Romans 8:30;
Isaiah 55:5

YOU’RE CHRIST’S EXTENSION

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

YOU’RE CHRIST’S EXTENSION

“A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this” (Psalm 22:30-31).

If you’ve ever read the genealogy of Jesus, you’ll discover when you count from the exile of the children of Israel to Christ, that it numbers thirteen instead of fourteen generations. Yet, the Bible says “…from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations” (Matthew 1:17). Why is this so? The reason is simple: Christ was counted twice—Christ the man and Christ the Church—and that makes fourteen. I’ll explain further.

In 2 Corinthians 6:14-15, the Church is called righteousness and the world, unrighteousness. We’re also called “light” and the world is called “darkness,” while in Verse 15 the Church is called Christ: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? “And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?”

In Isaiah 53:10, the Prophet Isaiah described a vision he had about the vicarious sacrifice of Christ: “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.” Jesus died for us, was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day. He ascended into heaven and left us here on earth as His extension to prolong His days.

David said in Psalm 22:30, “A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.” We’re His seed; the seed that shall serve Him and be “accounted for” or taken as a generation; a generation of “…people that shall be born…” (Psalm 22:31). We’re that generation; those of us who are born again and who live on the earth to prolong His days.

Further Study:
Romans 12:4-5;
Ephesians 5:30

Christ In You, The Hope Of Glory!

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Christ In You, The Hope Of Glory!

“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

The Christian is not a religious fellow, but one in whom all the fullness of Deity resides. If you’re born again, God dwells in you. This should give you a new mindset and confidence in life. There’s a big difference between us today—the new creation—and the Old Testament folks. God’s plan was to be in them, but they couldn’t enter into His rest because of unbelief.

When Jesus came, He came as “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us”, and thus was with them until His crucifixion. After His resurrection, and the arrival of the Holy Spirit, the new creation- the Church came into being and now He lives IN us by the Spirit. Hallelujah! He’s no longer Emmanuel, God with us, but God in us. God was with the prophets of old, but He is more than with us today, He is in us. This is the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but has now been made manifest to his saints. That mystery is: Christ in you, the hope of glory.

So how do I know that my life is going to be glorious; because Christ is in me! That’s my hope for a healthy, prosperous, vibrant and successful life! That’s my confidence that I’ll never be defeated in life. The Bible says “when He died, I died with Him; when he was buried, I was buried with Him; and when God raised him from the dead, I was raised together with Him. And now that I’ve been raised together with Him, and made to sit together with Him in the heavenly realms, no more death; no more defeat; no more sickness; in Him I live now and forever! Hallelujah.

Remember, you’re not an ordinary person; you belong in a special class of divine beings—“the Christ-in-you-species!” This is your hope for the transcendent life of the miraculous.

Further Study:

Romans 8:10;
Colossians 3:1-4

“…FAR ABOVE ALL RULE AND AUTHORITY…”

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“…FAR ABOVE ALL RULE AND AUTHORITY…”

…According to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Ephesians 1:19-21).

Many only think of demons when they hear “principality”; however, there’re angelic principalities that are positive; angelic powers of God are also principalities. The word “principality” actually means the first in authority. It also means the decree of authority. The Amplified translation picks the word “rule” for principality: “…Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.” That word “rule” means two things: first is the authority that governs, and then secondly, it means the decree by which they govern. In other words, it doesn’t matter what rule has been made; Jesus is far above all rule.

This refers to both the ruler-ship and its rules. Jesus Christ has been set far above—not just above, or near above—but far above all rule, authority, power, dominion and every name that is named, and every title that can be conferred, not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.” What an awesome reality!

This means you’re from the government of heaven. Your Kingdom is not of this world; you play by a different set of rules. It doesn’t matter where you go in this world, or where you find yourself, you’re over and above every rule and government. You’re not an ordinary person. Live with this consciousness.

Further Study:
Luke 10:19;
Ephesians 2:5-6

YOU CAN CHANGE ANYTHING!

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YOU CAN CHANGE ANYTHING!

…verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you (Matthew 17:20).

The Lord Jesus made it clear that you can accomplish anything with your faith. You can change the course of your life and circumstances. You can change unfavorable situations in your home, your job, your finances, and in your physical body. You can even influence changes in the lives of other people—in your school, city, nation, and the world! Not only do we have the power to change hopeless situations, and overturn what Satan has done, we also have authority with God to alter divine destinies. There’re accounts in the Scriptures of men who changed divine destinies.

One of such examples was Moses, who prevailed by intercession, and prevented the Lord from destroying the children of Israel for their rebellion and stubbornness (Exodus 32:7-14). We see another instance in 2 Kings 20, where a man—King Hezekiah—changed the course of an event that had been divinely ordered of God. He had been sick to the point of death, and one day, God sent the prophet Isaiah to him, who declared, “…Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live” (2 Kings 20:1). Imagine God saying this to a man! However, in the next verse, we read that Hezekiah “…turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord…” (2 Kings 20:2).

Immediately, God overturned his death sentence and added fifteen more years to his life (2 Kings 20:6). Now, what does it take you to be able to effect positive and lasting changes in the circumstances of your life? Faith! Jesus said if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, whatever you say, would happen, and nothing shall be impossible unto you. You can be what you want to be, change what you want to change, and achieve what you want to achieve! You have the ability to effect changes through the Spirit, by the Word and prayer!

Further Study:
2 Corinthians 4:18;
James 5:16-18

WE HAVE HIS AUTHORITY .

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WHY THE RESURRECTION IS IMPORTANT BY PASTOR CHRIS

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WE HAVE HIS AUTHORITY .

Wednesday, August 1st , 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).

The Lord Jesus occupies the most exalted position there is; He’s seated at the right hand of the Father, far above all principality, and power, might, and dominion, and every name that is named. But did you know that you’re in Him? You’re seated with Him in glory. The Word declares: _*“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6).

We’re called to exercise dominion and to live as masters and victors in life through Jesus Christ. We reign in Him and through Him over Satan, darkness, the world, and all creation. Revelation 5:10 tells us that Christ Jesus has made us kings and priests unto God, and we shall reign on the earth.

God gave Jesus authority over all creation. At the mount of transfiguration, He spoke out of heaven saying, _*“…This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him”*_ (Matthew 17:5). He commanded everything that exists—living and non-living—to be subject to Jesus and, by extension, to you, because you’re in Him; you’re one with Him. You occupy His place of authority, with the power of attorney to act in His stead. You’re not ordinary. You operate from a higher realm where your words are backed by Deity.

Every word Jesus uttered came to pass; He changed hopeless situations because He had all authority in heaven and in earth—the same authority He bequeathed to the Church—you and me. He said in Matthew 28:18-19, _*“…All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore…”*_; thus, we’re on the go in His Name; the Name that opens every door.

Realise that all authority has been vested on you to alter the circumstances of your life to sync with God’s perfect will. Therefore, speak words of power and break the influence of Satan over men’s lives, and cause the light of the Gospel to shine in their hearts.

CONFESSION

I walk in dominion over Satan, darkness, and the world. I’m seated together with Christ in glory, dominion, and power. My light shines ever so brightly, and I gloriously fulfil my destiny in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Luke 10:19 AMPC* Behold! I have given you authority andpower to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Romans 6:1-14 & Psalms 56-59

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Ephesians 5:1-8 & Isaiah 52

ACCESS TO THE FATHER

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WHY THE RESURRECTION IS IMPORTANT BY PASTOR CHRIS

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ;

7TH JULY , 2018 ; PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME;

ACCESS TO THE FATHER;

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

When you’re born again, you become a member of God’s great family. The Apostle Paul made reference to this family in Ephesians 3:1415: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” It’s one family in heaven and earth, and you belong there now.

As a member of this family, you’re in a divine community. It’s like being in a secure online community, where members are given passcodes for access. All non-members are restricted, until they register and are given access codes. It’s the same in our community; through the Holy Ghost, we have access to the Father, and all the glories of His presence. The Bible says, “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (Ephesians 2:18).

God is always happy with us. The Bible says He rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). Many don’t really know Him, that’s why they think He’s mad at them for the wrong things they’ve done, and tend to run from Him. But He’s love, and loves you passionately, in spite of your actions. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Ephesians 2:19 says, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Quit begging or acting like a stranger and foreigner; you’re a member of God’s family, and have unrestricted access to Him through Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! O, the glory you’d experience, communicate, and disseminate if this truth dawns on your heart! It’ll beautify your life, and cause you to live closer to your full potential.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I’m forever grateful for your unconditional love which you’ve lavished on me, and the awesome privilege of being a bona fide member of our great, sublime family. I enjoy the blessings and benefits of my oneness with you, conscious of your glory in my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Romans 5:2; Ephesians 3:12

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Acts 18:24-19:1-7 & Job 12-14

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Galatians 1:10-17 & Isaiah 27

THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS .

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome - Official Pictures

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS .

Sunday, July 1st , 2018

Pastor Chris

THAT IF THOU SHALT CONFESS WITH THY MOUTH THE LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9).

To be born again, the first requirement is to affirm the Lordship of Jesus Christ. “Lord” means master, controller, instructor, caretaker, and leader. Jesus Christ being Lord of your life means He’s your master and controller; He guides your actions, your thinking, and everything about your life; howbeit, in love.

When He becomes Lord of one’s life, everything changes; your life is transformed completely. Those of us who’ve been in this awesome fellowship and love-relationship with Jesus can testify accordingly. He’s all love; all He ever does, and wants to do, is love you. He holds nothing, and will never hold anything against you. He loves you more than you love yourself, and He’s more passionate for your success than you could ever be.

Some people have difficulty accepting Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives, because they don’t know Him and how much He loves them. Some Jews, for instance, find it hard to confess His lordship as it is in Scriptures, because that would mean that Jesus is “Jehovah,” “Adonai,” or “Yahweh” of the Bible.

The Jews understand that to confess Jesus Christ as Lord is to confess that He was the One that appeared to Moses in the burning bush; He was the One that fed them with manna in the wilderness, and the One that gave the Ten Commandments to Moses. That’s too much for the Jewish mind to comprehend, for it means Jesus is Himself God. But He is for sure! He said, in John 14:9, _*“…he that has seen me has seen the Father….”

Colossians 2:9 says in Him dwells the totality (fullness) of the Godhead bodily. He’s more than a great Teacher, Rabbi, or Prophet; He’s Lord of all (Acts 10:36). And He came to save you. If you haven’t yet made Jesus the Lord of your life, turn to the “Prayer Of Salvation” page of this devotional and pray that prayer. Mean the words with all your heart, and God will hear you, and instantly, eternal life will be imparted to your spirit. Glory to God!

CONFESSION

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ, the embodiment and fullest revelation of God’s love is Lord of my Life! I’m awakened to the fatherhood of God, having put on the new man, which after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness. I keep my roots deep in Him, waxing stronger in faith. Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Colossians 1:19 AMPC* For it has pleased [the Father] that all the divine fullness (the sum total of the divine perfection, powers, and attributes) should dwell in Him [p]permanently.

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Acts 10:36 The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Acts 15:22-35 & Esther 5-7

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
2 Corinthians 11:10-33 & Isaiah 20

IT’S ABOUT THE LIFE HEREAFTER…

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GOD CREATES NEW DESTINIES

IT’S ABOUT THE LIFE HEREAFTER…

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36).

Many people live their lives as though this world is where it all ends; but there’s a life hereafter. Even if God gave you two hundred years to live in this world, it would still be over some day. After all, he gave some over nine hundred years to live in Bible days, but they still died and left this world. It doesn’t matter how many years you live on earth, what matters is whether or not you lived in the righteousness of God, glorifying Him with your life.

The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” If all you do with your years on earth is to seek to make yourself happy, and fulfil your own dreams, that’ll be an empty life. When we all stand before the Lord at the end, when He judges all things, His only concern would be what you did with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He’d only be interested in how you lived the Word, fulfilling and expressing His righteousness. So, it’s about the life hereafter.

Our life in this world isn’t essentially for this world; you’re in this world to decide where and how you’ll live in eternity. The despots and dictators of yesteryears thought they would live forever in this world, so they built kingdoms and stored up fortunes for themselves; but today, they’ve taken their place in eternity. No wonder Jesus asked the thought-provoking question: “…what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

If a man had all the fame and glamour in the world, and lived and died without Christ, what would that be, compared to the anguish of living eternally in hell? We must therefore continue to preach the Gospel and teach men, women, young people, and children in our world and in the regions beyond that life on earth is short; eternity is all that matters. The time to serve the Lord with wholehearted devotion, and make Him your number one focus, is now.

Further Study:
John 3:16;
Matthew 5:29

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