Christian Daily Devotional

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DON’T FOCUS ON THE CHALLENGES

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As Christians, we’re born of God's Word

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me (Psalm 138:7).

Too many people focus attention on their challenges and problems; they keep thinking about the challenges and hardships befalling them. As a result, they’re always regretting yesterday and dreading tomorrow; a situation that robs them of today’s happiness. They continually fellowship with their problems.

But the Word says in Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” The Lord instructed Joshua, and the same principle applies today, to meditate on the Word, not your problems. Rather than waste precious time bemoaning the problem, focus on the power of God and efficacy of His Word to put you over and effect a change in that situation.

Jesus asked in Matthew 6:27 (AMP), “And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life?” Some people even think it’s fashionable to fret and worry. If they’re not worrying, they’ll feel something is wrong; they must “worry” to be alive. If they don’t have something to worry about, they’ll help someone else worry. What a miserable way to live!

Learn to cast your cares upon the Lord; refuse to worry. When a problem or challenge tries to get your attention and cause you to worry, act on the Word. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Worrying doesn’t change anything; rather it short-circuits the power of God and makes your faith ineffective. So refuse to worry. Rather, spend time to fellowship with the Lord; meditate on His love, goodness, mercy and kindness, and He’ll perfect all that concerns you.

REAL WORSHIP .

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

REAL WORSHIP .

Thursday, September 6th . 

Pastor Chris

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh suchto worship him (John 4:23).

When you were born again, not only was your spirit recreated, you were also immersed into Christ; you’re literally joined together with Him in an inseparable union. It’s the reason we can worship Him. Real worship is a mingling of spirits; a moment of divine ecstasy, where you’re enraptured in the bliss and glory of His presence.

Nothing beats that divine connection that takes place in real worship, where you’re lost in Him, completely oblivious of the world and everything else around you. Real worship is a communion with the Father. It’s beyond the singing or the words offered in prayer; it’s about the fellowship that takes place in the realm of the spirit as your spirit communes with Him.

Recall the words of Jesus in our opening verse: God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Worshipping God in Spirit means it’s got to come from your spirit. We serve God from our spirits. We understand the things of God from our spirits. It’s one of the reasons we need to be constantly filled with the Spirit, because only the Spirit can help us guide and sanctify our minds to think towards God, and express our love for Him from the deep recesses of our inner being as we should.

In real worship, you experience glorious transportations of the Spirit. Sometimes, as you worship, you feel enraptured; taken away from the earth realm into the amazing wonders of God’s Spirit. This blessing is for everyone who’s born again. We’re the only ones who can worship the Father and experience such a glorious fellowship in His presence, as our spirits are mingled with His.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I take advantage of your presence in my life, and the inextricable oneness with your Spirit; and as such, I enjoy and experience a glorious fellowship and transformation from glory to glory. I’m full of strength, courage, and divine vitality, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 6:17* But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
2 Corinthians 5:1-6:1-2 & Proverbs 18-19

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 & Jeremiah 24

Jesus: Our Worthy Example

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Jesus: Our Worthy Example

“This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss” (1 Peter 2:21-22 MSG).

The Bible tells us Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, yet He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Some people hear this and wonder why He had to be tempted in the first place, since He was “the perfect Son of God.” Well, Jesus wouldn’t have been tempted if it wasn’t possible for Him to fall into temptation, for the temptation wouldn’t be a bona-fide one. He was tempted because it was possible for Him to yield.

Although Jesus was the Son of God, He didn’t live on earth with heavenly glory; He lived as a man. That’s why the Bible described Him as, “the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Remember that when He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, He said, “O God, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not my will but thy will be done.” He felt pain and got tired and hungry like every other person, and the Bible says “he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

Jesus fasted like we do today to keep the flesh under because He wanted to obey God. He needed to be anointed by God to do the impossible (Acts 10:38); and prayed often. He spent time to study the Word and developed the custom of regularly going to the synagogue. Even as the Son of God, He needed to do these things to show us how we should live.

As Christians, we can and should also live as He did—living in the miraculous every day as the champions God has made us. If we follow His example, and practise His Word we’ll certainly have the same results he had when He was on earth. We actually don’t have any excuse; Jesus did everything He did for our sakes, so we would know what kind of life He’s called us to live. He’s our worthy example.

Further Study:
Philippians 2:5-11;
1 John 4:17

WE’RE CHILDREN OF LIGHT!

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WE’RE CHILDREN OF LIGHT!

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).

The sun and the moon have a wonderful relationship. The moon isn’t a light; it’s a very black substance, and yet it reflects the light it gets from the sun. So sometimes, we say we’re like the moon, while Jesus gives us light to reflect. This is a powerful idea, but it’s not the best. God doesn’t regard us as the moon that reflects the light of the sun. Yes, the Bible says Jesus Christ is the Sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2), but who are we? You’ll find the answer in 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8, “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”

A dog will only give birth to a dog, just as a human can only give birth to a human. God is Light, and having begotten us through the Gospel, we’re lights just as Jesus is the Light of the world. Jesus never told us to reflect His Light; instead, He said, “Ye are the light of the world…” (Matthew 5:14). We’re the children of light and the children of the day, not of the night, nor of darkness. Light is that which makes manifest (Ephesians 5:13); it illuminates so that you can see. That’s our calling in this life, to bring illumination to the world.

We’re of the day, and we give light for others to reflect because we’re illuminators. Blessed be God!

Further Study:
Matthew 5:14-16;
Philippians 2:15

“KINGING” IN LIFE

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“KINGING” IN LIFE

…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).

As God’s children, we’ve been called to reign as kings in life; this is so remarkable, especially when you consider the Greek rendering of the word “reign,” which accurately means “to king.” The actual Greek construction is “…they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall king in life, by one, Jesus Christ.” You’re supposed to be “kinging” in life.1 Corinthians 15:25, referring to the Lord Jesus, says, “For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.” The Lord Jesus is in heaven, and there’re no enemies in heaven to put under His feet; meaning that this verse isn’t talking about Him reigning in heaven, but in the earth. You might want to ask, “How is He then reigning in the earth, since He’s in heaven?” He does it through us! He reigns or “kings” in the earth today through us—His Church. We reign through Him, and He reigns through us.

In John 16:33, He said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” He overcame the world and gave us the victory over the world. He defeated Satan, put His foot on his head, and asked us to come put ours there too. That’s how come Satan is under our feet today. 1 John 5:4 says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

Being born again, you’ve overcome the world; you’re superior to Satan and the cohorts of darkness. You’re “kinging” over demons, sickness and disease, poverty, failure, and death through Christ Jesus. The only one who’s permitted to reign in your life is the Lord and His eternal Word; refuse to accommodate anything that hurts or binds. Keep “kinging” in life!

Further Study:
Hebrews 13:8;
1 John 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4).

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Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4).

INDEPENDENT OF CIRCUMSTANCES;

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4).

God wants us joyful at all times and for our joy to be independent of circumstances. This was one of Apostle Paul’s secrets of success; he said in Philippians 4:11, “…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” He’d learnt to live independent of circumstances. No wonder, even while in prison, he was still so full of joy; exuberant with praise to the Lord for counting him faithful to suffer persecution for His Name.

Recall that Paul was in prison at this time, yet he didn’t allow his experience dictate his mood or interfere with the joy of the Lord in his heart. He was so independent of circumstances that he could encourage and admonish the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always. Some Christians today aren’t even in prison, yet they’re sad and wish things were different. The right attitude for every child of God is to see challenges as springboards for promotion; it’s the way to live at the top all the time.

James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” The reason the Lord would admonish that you remain joyful in spite of the tests and trials you might face, is that the story has already been told! The end has been determined; your testimony of victory in that situation is for sure.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” This should form the basis for your joy at all times. You can never be disadvantaged! Someone might ask, “Is it realistic to think we can actually be full of joy all the time?” absolutely! The Word of God is reality (John 17:17); sadly, for some people, “reality” is in the arena of human experiences. But for the one who’s born again, Christ is reality. If you live in Him, and your consciousness is in Him, you’ll be joyful twenty-four hours every day! You’ll be a success on every count, irrespective and independent of your circumstances. This is the reality in Christ Jesus.

Further Study:
Philippians 4:6-7

ACTIVATING HIS POWER THROUGH WORSHIP

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Christian Daily Devotional

ACTIVATING HIS POWER THROUGH WORSHIP

And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever (2 Chronicles 20:21).

As Christians, God hears and answers when we pray, but how to make His power that is released on our behalf work for us is what many don’t know. One of the ways to activate that power is through praise! Throughout the Scriptures, we find amazing and inspiring accounts of how God delivered His people from imminent destruction and dire circumstances, when they activated His power through praise.

Three nations—Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—came out against Judah and made ready to attack her. However, King Jehoshaphat was wise. He gathered all Judah together to seek the Lord in prayer and fasting. When they prayed, God revealed to them the exact location of their enemies’ camp, and gave them the strategy to defeat them. 2 Chronicles 20:22 says, “When they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.” When trouble strikes, like Jehoshaphat, “put the singers in front” and you’ll have the same result.

Don’t wait until you feel like singing before you make a melody in your heart and sing praises unto the Lord. Whether you feel like it or not, whether you’re happy or not, praise Him all the same. Paul and Silas experienced a supernatural jailbreak by offering this kind of unusual praise.

For preaching the Gospel, they were tortured and incarcerated in a Roman maximum-security prison. However, at midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God. As they did, the power of God was activated and they were supernaturally set free (Acts 16:25-26). This miraculous encounter led to the salvation of the prison warden and his entire family. You may be faced with a difficult situation today for which you’ve prayed and confessed that it’s all working out for your good, yet, nothing seems to have changed. Don’t give up! It’s time you offered to God the unusual praise. Speak and sing joyous tongues of praise and thanksgiving, and as you do, the power of God will move on your behalf, and you’ll have a great Miracle.

Further Study:
Hebrews 2:12;
Hebrews 13:15

WISDOM STANDS YOU OUT

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DIVINE HEALTH; ENTER THE HEALING SCHOOL WITH PASTOR CHRIS

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL ;

9TH JUNE , 2018 ; PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME;

WISDOM STANDS YOU OUT;

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her (Proverbs 4:7-8).

There’s a wisdom from God that’s revealed to us to live by. Jesus functioned in it, and as a result, He completely baffled and dazzled those in His day. He had a different mindset. His words and teachings were different; in most cases, they were in complete antithesis to the Law, and to natural human thinking.

According to the Law, for example, the soul that sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:20), but Jesus manifested the love, mercies and grace of God: “For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Moses taught “An eye for an eye; life for life”; but Jesus came to reveal to us the life and nature of God; the way God thinks—the way that wins—the love-way.

Man had been raised in the natural world to be vengeful, to be insulting and injurious. But Jesus taught that we should love our enemies, pray for, and bless our detractors and persecutors: “…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).

That’s strange to the natural man. Loving your enemies isn’t what you’d naturally like to do. But Jesus came with Kingdom principles: a new way to live. He spoke love, and demonstrated love. Those that heard Him heard Love’s voice. Those He encountered felt Love’s embrace. Even the officers that were sent to arrest Him on a certain occasion, after listening to His teachings, submitted, “…No man ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46 NKJV).

Jesus functioned with the wisdom of the just; that’s what you need in your life; that’s what stands you out and makes you a wonder to your world.

PRAYER

Dear Father, you’ve granted me wisdom and understanding, to know and walk in your perfect will. My life is the expression of divine wisdom. Wisdom is heard in my words and seen in my actions today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Proverbs 5:1; Matthew 5:38-48; Luke 21:15

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Acts 1 & 2 Chronicles 1-4

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

2 Corinthians 1:1-11 & Ecclesiastes 9-10

PEACE- POWER OVER CRISES

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KEEP THE WORD IN YOUR CONSCIOUSNESS

PEACE- POWER OVER CRISES

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).

There’s an indication that the world does give some kind of peace; yet, the peace that Jesus gives to you is different from the peace the world gives. For example, the world, through medical science, has done a lot in treating certain kinds of ailments, but God is the only One who heals. Not only does He heal you, He also makes you whole.

In the world today, many are seeking peace from their neighbours, the government, and everywhere else except from the Lord. Yet, He’s the only one that gives the kind of peace that man really needs. That peace is power over crises; meaning that, in the midst of the storms, troubles, and pressures of life, you’re unperturbed; full of joy and happiness.

Man can’t help himself; to live meaningfully on earth, he needs the Lord. Life becomes worth living and exciting when you discover that Christ is all you need. He’s the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). The peace He gives you transcends human understanding (Philippians 4:7); it comes with extraordinary grace for excellence, preservation and rest. It originates from the Hebrew word “Shalom” which is a reference to the totality of salvation. Therefore, when you call the Lord“ Jehovah Shalom,” you’re saying He’s the Lord, the very embodiment of your peace, your rest, and your habitation.

You don’t have to struggle through life or be buffeted by the pressures of life; Christ is your power over crises! He’s given you so much peace that He has left no place for fear. It makes no difference the turmoil, distress and troubles in today’s world, refuse to fear, for the Creator of the whole world loves and cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). His unconquerable wings of protection are spread over you. Let His peace rule in your heart, and be anxious for nothing.

Further Study:
Hebrews 4:10;
1 Peter 5:7

He Who sits in the heavens laughs….

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LOOSEN UP!

Show Some Emotion

 

TO THE BIBLE: Psalm 2:4 AMP

“He Who sits in the heavens laughs….”

LET’S TALK

At various times, the Lord Jesus expressed His emotions. At Lazarus’ grave, He wept. At another time, He laughed and danced in the Spirit (Luke 10:21). Once, He got so angry that He whipped the money-changers, and drove them out of the temple (Matthew 21). The Lord Jesus said to Philip, “…Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So asking to see him?” (John 14:9 TLB). In other words, He’s the perfect reflection of the Father. This shows us the why are you kind of person God is. He has emotions.

This consciousness should let you know that you should relate with God as one who feels, not as a computer. God called David a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22), because David was so passionate about Him. When the Ark of the Covenant was being returned into Israel, he danced and praised so much before the Lord that his wife became offended at him (2 Samuel 6:20-22). Yet, he didn’t care; all he cared about was pleasing God and expressing his appreciation.

When you worship and pray, do it with your emotions; talk to God as you would to someone who is actually listening to you. Some people are just too stiff with God! They sing “I love you Lord” without showing any emotion whatsoever. There’s nothing wrong with showing your emotions in your communication with God. Worship God with your heart and emotions. Put yourself into your praise. You’ll soon discover the glorious blessing that comes from such intimacy with God.

Go Deeper: Psalm 42:1

Pray

Precious Father, you’re everything to me. I love you with all of my heart, and I love being in your presence. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after you.

Act

Talk with God. Pour out your heart to Him, telling Him how much you love Him and what He means to you.

 

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