Christian Daily Devotional

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

YOUR HIGHEST FAITH 

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(Keep Your Faith At Its Highest Peak)

FOR AS THE FATHER HAS LIFE IN HIMSELF, SO HE HAS GRANTED THE SON TO HAVE LIFE IN HIMSELF.

TO THE BIBLE – Jude 1:20 AMPC
“But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit”

LET’S TALK
There’s a big difference between the verse above and what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:4 which reads, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself….” The word “edify” in 1 Corinthians 14:4 means to build yourself up; it also means to charge yourself. However, what Jude was talking about is akin to building a super structure, when he said, “…build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith…praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 1:20 AMPC).

The Greek word translated “build up” is “epoikodomeo,” and it means to build on something that already exists. So Jude, by the Holy Spirit, is talking about building a super structure on something that’s already there. So, by telling you to build up yourself on your most holy faith, it means the most holy faith that he was referring to is already there. That “most holy faith” refers to your highest faith; your most sanctified faith; the topmost level of faith that you’ve attained at any given time. He says build on it by speaking in tongues; don’t go below it.

You know, we experience faith at different levels from time to time. Sometimes, we experience a very high level of faith, and some other times, our faith seems to go a little lower than usual. However, by speaking in tongues often, you build yourself up on that highest level of faith that you attained, and it becomes the benchmark. The next time, that highest level of faith becomes your lowest faith. Then, you operate from there, and get to another high level of faith, and keep building on it. As you receive God’s Word, your faith comes to a peak, but you build on it; you stabilise at that topmost level of faith through praying in tongues. At that level, no adversity, challenges, problems can pose a threat to you, for you’ve risen above them. Do this and watch your life grow remarkably.

Go Deeper
Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 14:2-4 AMPC

Speak
Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of the heavenly vocabulary, which you’ve given me to build up myself on my highest level of faith. My faith is the victory that overcomes the world! And as I pray in tongues, I mount up with wings as eagles, soaring in victory above challenges and adversities, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Luke 5:1-16, Deuteronomy 25-27

TWO YEAR
Matthew 25:1-13, Exodus 32

Act
Give some quality time to speaking in tongues today. Listen to a message as well on Pastor Chris Digital Library App.

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DRESSED UP FOR BATTLE 

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(Put On The Whole Armour Of God)

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional - Pastor Chris Oyakhilome - Online

TO THE BIBLE – Ephesians 6:12-13 CEV
“We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.”

LET’S TALK
Man in himself isn’t as wicked as you see, for God made man in His image and in His likeness. He made man to look like Him and to function like Him (Genesis 1:26); but there’s something that remotely controls the man who’s not born of God, and causes him to think, talk, and act wickedly (Ephesians 2:2).

Thank God, that’s not the case with us His children! We aren’t left hamstrung or defenseless against the attacks of the enemy. When pressures from these wicked spirits come at you, be unruffled! As long as you’re fully-clothed with the full armour of God, you’ll be able to resist and extinguish the cruel and fiendish onslaught from the evil one, and remain standing in the evil day.

Satan and his demons are no threat for the Christian. You have the dominion and authority over principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. God has given you the spiritual weapons with which to keep them at bay (Read Ephesians 6:13-19).

Act on the Word. Get on the offensive against the enemy by keeping the whole armour of God on you all the time, not some of the time. Stand firm and be unshakable, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, the breastplate of righteousness in place, and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And pray in the Spirit on all occasion with all kinds of prayers and requests. Hallelujah!

Go Deeper
Ephesians 6:13-17

Speak
I’m fully equipped and fortified with the whole armour of God, strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. My faith is a weapon of defence against the fiery darts of the wicked, and an instrument of victory over and against the adversary and adversities. I’m eternally triumphant in Christ.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Luke 4:1-13, Deuteronomy 18-21

TWO YEAR
Matthew 24:34-44, Exodus 30

Act
List the different pieces of God’s armour and what each represents to the Christian.

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WHAT’S AT THE CENTER? 

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(Your Spirit—The Core Of Your Nature)

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome - Rhapsody Of Realities 2017

TO THE BIBLE – Romans 10:10 NIV
“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

LET’S TALK
“Heart” in the above verse isn’t referring to the blood-pump in your chest cavity; it’s talking about your human spirit. That’s the core of your nature—the real you. You’re a spirit being. When you were born again, you received the life and nature of God into your spirit; the forces of life have made their home in your spirit. This is why you have to nurture and develop your spirit, because it’s through your spirit that you make contact with God. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart (spirit) with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

God’s light is in your spirit. He directs and guides you from your inner man. Your spirit is the candle of the Lord (Proverbs 20:27); that’s where the Word of God illuminates. The inward man was created to receive, believe, and act on God’s Word. When your spirit acts on the Word, that’s faith, for faith is the response of the human spirit to the Word of God.

The highest potentials of the human nature are in the human spirit, not the mind. When the Bible says the glory of the Lord is risen upon you (Isaiah 60:1), it refers to the glory in your spirit, in the core of your nature. The perfections, beauty and excellence of divinity are all resident in your spirit. This is why it’s so important that you constantly feed and nurture your heart (spirit) with the Word of God. Jesus said man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). When your spirit is cultured and nurtured by the Word, it impacts your mind! Your mind becomes renewed and programmed to think victory, success, and excellence only, Hallelujah!

Go Deeper
Proverbs 20:27; 2 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Peter 3:3-4

Speak
Dear Father, I thank you for your light that’s in my spirit, and the ability to receive direction, inspiration, counsel and wisdom from your Word and the Holy Spirit. My spirit is constantly refreshed and educated by your Word to produce excellence, and manifest righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Luke 2:21-52, Deuteronomy 13-15

TWO YEAR
Matthew 24:12-22, Exodus 28

Act
Find out five other places in Scripture where the word “heart” referring to your spirit is mentioned; write down those scriptures in your notes and memorise them.

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THE FINAL AUTHORITY 

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(His Word Never Fails Or Comes Back Unfruitful)

LIVE SUPERNATURALLY.

TO THE BIBLE – Isaiah 55:11
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

LET’S TALK
God gave us His Word to live by. His Word is not just an account of history and prophecy, but the revelation of His will, nature and character and His eternal purpose for man. His Word is full of power and the inherent ability to produce what it says. The knowledge and understanding of God’s Word is so important in our relationship with Him.

When you study and understand the Word of God, you’ll not entertain any doubt as to its efficacy. You wouldn’t wonder if it’s His will for you to be prosperous, healthy, and successful; you’ll simply expect the Word to produce results in your life. Learn to respond to God’s Word from your spirit and demonstrate an unequivocal faith in its potency and ability to transform you. When you respond rightly to God’s Word by acting on it, your life will go in one direction only—upward and forward.

God’s Word is His answer to whatever challenge you might be facing. It makes no difference what the issue is, whether it’s regarding your health, academics, finances, etc.; once you have God’s Word in that area, you have the answer. The Word produces in your life what it talks about. If it’s a message of healing and health, it will heal you once you receive it into you. If it’s a message of prosperity and material wealth, it’ll produce the same in your life.

The answers and solutions that you need are right there in the Word. Therefore, open your spirit and welcome the Word into your heart, and let it be the final authority concerning any situation in your life.

Go Deeper
Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 24:35; Luke 21:32-33

Speak
I live by the Word, therefore I’m flourishing like a tree, planted by the rivers of water; my faith is effective, and everything I do prospers. I’ve given myself wholly to the Word; therefore, my life is piloted by the Spirit of God in the direction of God’s destiny for me, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Exodus 25, Deuteronomy 8-10

TWO YEAR
Matthew 23:23-39, Exodus 26

Act
Write out in a personalised way five powerful declarations in God’s Word concerning you, and meditate on these throughout the day.

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PLAN PRAYERFULLY

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(Prepare Yourself For What’s Ahead)

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Official Pictures

TO THE BIBLE – Matthew 26:36
“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.””

LET’S TALK
Have you ever thought what you would be doing after high school? What course would you study in the university? Or what career would you take up when you graduate from college? These and other questions about key decisions in your life are to be answered, not casually, but with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In John 16:13 (CEV), Jesus said, “The Spirit shows what is true and will come and guide you into the full truth. The Spirit doesn’t speak on his own. He will tell you only what he has heard from me, and he will let you know what is going to happen.” It’s important for you, as a child of God, spend time praying in the spirit, that is, praying in tongues. That’s how you prepare yourself for what’s ahead.

Part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life is to show you the future, and lead you into that glorious future that’s been preordained for you by God. The Bible says, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14 AMPC). Every child of God ought to live perpetually by the leading of the Spirit. You should never be in the dark about the future. When you pray in tongues, it’s an opportune moment for you to receive divine guidance and direction concerning your life.

Your life will not be full of negative surprises if you’re given to prayer. Prayerful preparation precedes glorious manifestations. So, before you make that choice or take that decision, take out some time to pray in the Holy Ghost, until you get the go-ahead in your spirit to proceed in a certain direction. Never be too busy or lazy to prepare yourself prayerfully before embarking on any project. That’s one of the secrets of a stress-free life of consistent victory and progress.

Go Deeper
Luke 6:12; Luke 22:44-46; Luke 18:1

Pray
Dear Lord, I thank you for the opportunity and privilege of prayer, and the release of your power upon my life and in my circumstances as I spend time in fellowship with you. I declare that my life is for your glory, and your will is established in my life today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Luke 1:1-25, Deuteronomy 3-4

TWO YEAR
Matthew 23:1-12, Exodus 24

Act
Talk to the Holy Spirit in tongues and ask  for His guidance and direction.

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SAVED ONCE AND FOR ALL!

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(You Have No Reason To Be Sin-Conscious)

God is detailed and meticulous about records. He’s got several books in heaven

TO THE BIBLE: 1 Peter 3:18 AMPC
“For Christ [the Messiah Himself] died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the Just for the unjust, the Innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God. In His human body He was put to death, but He was made alive in the spirit”

LET’S TALK
Sin consciousness is the devil’s strategy to make people feel unworthy before God. He makes them focus more on their wrongdoings than on the grace of God. I’ve seen people who, after confessing the Lordship of Jesus over their lives, still act as though they’re not saved. Every day, they carry a burden of guilt because of some wrong. As a result, they keep trying to get saved again and again, until they get frustrated.

The Bible says you’re the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). Righteousness is different from right living. Righteousness is the nature of God. The day you were born again, you were born as righteous as God Himself. Understand this: You don’t become more righteous as you grow spiritually, just as a baby doesn’t become more human as he grows. Even though he’s a baby, he’s still as human as any adult. The same way, your actions may still be imperfect, but as far as God is concerned, you are as righteous as He is, because His nature of righteousness has been imparted to your spirit.

God wants you to grow from babyhood to maturity. However, to be able to do that, you need to learn to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). Walking by faith means living according to what the Word of God says about you. For example, the Word of God has said you’re the righteousness of God, so you don’t need to bother about what your mind tells you or what people say about you. You’re only to call yourself what the Word calls you. That’s how to walk by faith. Don’t ever let the devil lie to you about your salvation and never expect him to tell you the truth. The day you gave your heart to Christ, you were saved once and for all!

Go Deeper
Isaiah 54:17; Romans 6:10-11

Speak
I profess with my mouth, and make it known in the realm of the Spirit that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is my Lord and Saviour. No situation or condition can ever change who I am. I’m who God says I am. I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus!

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Matthew 26:31-56, Exodus 34-35

TWO YEAR
Matthew 13:10-23, Genesis 39

Act
Meditate on these scriptures today: Ephesians 5:8 and Hebrews 10:10.

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EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUDE

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(Tell Everyone How Good God Has Been To You)

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome - Rhapsody Of Realities 2017

TO THE BIBLE: Psalm 103:1-3
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases”

LET’S TALK
David was never ashamed or afraid to express his gratitude to the Lord openly. Many times he expressed his gratitude in songs, psalms and dance. On one occasion, he danced and leaped for joy before the Lord so much that his wife despised him, thinking he was undignified for praising God (2 Samuel 6:16). What a heart he had. No wonder he lived such a great life.

The greatest and most successful people are grateful people. Your ability to express gratitude is your key to greatness. One of the ways to express your appreciation to the Lord is to testify of His goodness in your life. You must learn to express your gratitude to the Lord openly by testifying. The Lord Jesus said to the man He healed of demonic oppression, “…Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you” (Mark 5:19). That was what he did. The Bible tells us that those that heard his story marvelled (Mark 5:20).

So, I get amazed at those who find it difficult to testify of the Lord’s goodness. You can’t retain your miracle until you learn to testify. In fact, your testimony is the evidence of the Lord’s goodness and kindness in your life. The Lord is good and kind to all people. He doesn’t discriminate. He came for the sick, the sinner, the despondent and the destitute. The Bible says God forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases; not some but ALL. They might announce a new disease tomorrow, but the Bible says He has already healed it. If you trust upon His Name, you’ll never be ashamed. He loves you in spite of your actions; His thoughts about you are good (Jeremiah 29:11). Has the Lord healed you? Then tell about it! Some people may never know God is a Healer until they hear your story.

Go Deeper
Psalm 145:5; Romans 1:16

Pray
Father, I thank you for your goodness in my life. You’ve done great things for me and have made me a wonder to my world. I will not keep back what you’ve done for me but I will shout it out loud so that the world can know you are good. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Matthew 24:1-35, Exodus 26-27

TWO YEAR
Matthew 12:10-21, Genesis 34

Act
Share the Gospel with a number of people today, and tell them the good things the Lord has done for you, since you came to know Him.

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YOU’RE SO PECULIAR

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(You’re Unique In Every Way)

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

TO THE BIBLE: Job 7:17 AMPC
“What is man that You should magnify him and think him important? And that You should set Your mind upon him?”

LET’S TALK
Do you sometimes think you’re ordinary or unimportant? Perhaps you look at yourself and wish, every now and then, that you were someone else or living someone else’s life? You shouldn’t think that way, because God created you specially. If you’re born again, you’re a new creation in Christ Jesus and thus you’re peculiar; you’re the firstfruits, that means, the first and the best of God’s creatures (James 1:18). You’re the crowning beauty, and the highest of everything God made. You’re even higher than angels. That’s why it’s you, not the angels, that God gave dominion over all things: “…What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet…” (Hebrews 2:6-8).

Now, why are you the highest of God’s creatures? Why did He put all things under your subjection? You might say, “It’s because of my reasoning power!” Well, that’s not it. You’re unique and different from all God’s creatures because you’re the one in whom He can fully express Himself. He created you—spirit, soul and body—to express Himself in His fullness in you without supplanting your personality.

How exciting this is! Though He chose to express Himself in you and through you, the things that are peculiar to your identity are preserved. In other words, you’re still you, but God expresses all of Himself in that peculiar person called you. He expresses Himself in His fullness in your peculiar character. God created you so He could manifest His beauty, holiness, grace, glory and excellence through you (1 Peter 2:9 AMPC).

Go Deeper
Deuteronomy 14:2; Titus 2:14

Pray
Dear Father, I rejoice to know that you chose me to express yourself and reveal your personality and glory in me! I live today and every day to bring glory to your Name by manifesting your grace and displaying your virtues, and perfections, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Matthew 14:13-36, Genesis 49-50

TWO YEAR
Matthew 8:12-22, Genesis 21

Act
Meditate on 1 Peter 2:9 throughout today.

My Notes
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PRAY WITH ALL YOUR HEART

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(Continue To Pray Earnestly)

LIVE SUPERNATURALLY.

TO THE BIBLE: James 5:16 AMPC
“…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].”

LET’S TALK
Elijah was just like any other human being who had feelings and affections. The Bible says he prayed that there would be no rain and the earth went without rain for three and a half years. He prayed again, and the heavens supplied rain. How was he able to do it? The Bible says in James 5:17 that he prayed earnestly.

The earnest prayer of a righteous man produces results. Some good definitions for the word “earnest” are “to be intent and direct in purpose,” “to be zealous or fervent, marked by a deep feeling of conviction.” The Classic Amplified version of the Bible goes further to explain it as, “heartfelt” and “continued.” In other words, an earnest prayer is a sustained kind of prayer that is marked by a deep feeling of conviction. It’s not the kind of prayer you pray at the dining table or in a hurry!

Now, you can begin to understand the kind of prayer Elijah prayed. He didn’t just pray once and give up. He continued seriously in prayer with a deep feeling of conviction. Many people don’t pray this way yet expect to get the kind of results Elijah got.

You need to learn how to pray earnestly in private so that you can have the power of the Holy Ghost work on your behalf publicly. Before Elijah told King Ahab that there would be no rain in the land, he’d already talked to the Lord and “settled” the matter (James 5:17). He prayed earnestly and continued until he got the answer!

Have you prayed earnestly and continued long enough to get answers? Don’t give up now that you’re so close to getting them! Get up and continue in earnest prayer, for the earnest prayer of the righteous man always works!

Go Deeper
Matthew 6:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray
Dear Father, I thank you because I know that I can pray and have results. Therefore, I continue in fervent prayer by the ability of the Spirit and I effect changes in every area of my life that requires a change, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Matthew 24:36-51, Exodus 28

TWO YEAR
Matthew 12:22-30, Genesis 35

Act
Speak in tongues for an hour today, and do so with your whole heart and attention fixed on the Lord.

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FRUITFUL IN ALL AREAS!

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THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDITATION BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

(It’s Your Heritage To Be Productive)

TO THE BIBLE: Isaiah 32:15-16
“Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.”

LET’S TALK
God’s desire is that you walk worthy of Him and please Him in all things. That means when people meet you or listen to you, they’ll be able to testify of God’s goodness, grace, greatness, and love. No wonder the Lord Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches….”

The glory of a tree is in its branches. So if Jesus says He’s the vine and we’re the branches, He’s saying that we’re His extension, His beauty, and His glory. Thus, everywhere you go, you should show forth His glory, please Him in all things, and be fruitful in every good work. This means when we get involved in anything, it comes out right. It can grow, increase, and prosper because productivity is part of your heritage in Christ. Even if that thing was a wilderness before you came, it becomes a “fruitful field,” and the fruitful field becomes a “forest.” Hallelujah!

Always remember that you’re not ordinary. When you arrive in a place, Christ has arrived! That’s the reason you can be fruitful in every good work. So whenever you’re given an assignment, don’t say, “I don’t understand what to do”; no! Don’t think or talk that way! Rather, see yourself as the right candidate for that assignment, and go ahead to make it a success.

Go Deeper
Isaiah 32:15, John 15:4-5

Pray
Dear Father, thank you for making me your extension, your beauty and your glory. I will walk worthy of you always, pleasing you in all things, and fruitful in every good work, in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Revelation 8, Obadiah

TWO YEAR
Revelation 14:1-10, Nahum 1-3

Act
Meditate on the following scripture today: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

My Notes
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