THE DEMONSTRATION OF POWER - PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

THE DEMONSTRATION OF POWER, THURSDAY, MAY 15TH, 2014
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:4).
The tremendous miracles, signs, and wonders performed by Jesus and the apostles weren't chronicled in the Bible for us just so we could read and be duly informed of what they did. They're to inspire us and to know we can do the same in our day through the power of the same Spirit .
Some Christians only read their Bibles, teach, preach, sing, pray, without more. Doubtless, Christianity transcends all that. You've got to have the manifestation of power in your life! The Bible says the Kingdom of God is not in words only, but in power also (1 Corinthians 4:20). Paul said, “I didn't come with words of man's wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith shouldn't stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).
As you get more acquainted with the Spirit through fellowship, His power will be awesomely manifested in your life. Often, before I minister, I wait for the anointing of the Spirit to come on me. When it does, I know that something has happened. Sometimes, when I'm praying, I can tell it's not just me moving, but the power of the Holy Ghost moving me. I can tell He wants to lay hands through me and do mighty things through me.
The question is: How much do you want the power of the Spirit to be demonstrated in your life? It's about your hunger for Him; your passion for the anointing to be manifested in your life! Remember, He’s Boss, so we don’t shake Him up to get Him to do things. Instead, we prepare for Him. The Bible says if you’re a vessel that's prepared, you'll be ready and fit for the Master’s use (2 Timothy 2:21); He'll continually demonstrate His power: His righteousness, grace and love through you!
PRAYER
Dear Holy Spirit, I recognize your presence and authority in my life; thank you for making me an able minister of the Gospel—a dispenser of eternal verities—in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power! Thank you for making me sufficient in your sufficiency to preach the unsearchable riches, graces, and wisdom of Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Matthew 28:18-19
Living Bible (TLB)
18 He told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and earth. 19 Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Acts 14:8-11
Living Bible (TLB)
8 While they were at Lystra, they came upon a man with crippled feet who had been that way from birth, so he had never walked. 9 He was listening as Paul preached, and Paul noticed him and realized he had faith to be healed. 10 So Paul called to him, “Stand up!” and the man leaped to his feet and started walking!
11 When the listening crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted (in their local dialect, of course), “These men are gods in human bodies!”
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: John 7:1-24 1 Kings 15-17
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 9:11-19 Proverbs 11

FAITH MAKES IT POSSIBLE - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

FAITH MAKES IT POSSIBLE, WEDNESDAY, MAY 14TH, 2014
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23).
One time, the disciples of Jesus tried unsuccessfully to cast a devil out of a young boy. When the Master showed up, He cast out the demon and the boy was cured. Of course, the disciples were stunned because Jesus didn’t do anything they weren't familiar with. They tried everything they had seen Him do, yet the devil didn't come out. Troubled, they came to Him privately afterwards, and asked, “Master, why couldn't we cast the devil out?” (Mark 9:28).
The Lord’s answer was very simple; quite unequivocally, He said, “Because of your unbelief…” (Matthew 17:20). Even today, many still ask similar questions. “Lord, I prayed the way you asked me to pray. I did every thing you asked me to do. Why couldn't I heal the child? Why did I lose the pregnancy? Why did the man die?” The Lord has the same answer for you: it’s because of your unbelief. The disciples must have thought they had faith, otherwise they wouldn't have tried to cast out the demon, but Jesus made it clear they operated in unbelief, not faith.
Some Christians today will argue with you if you told them they were walking in unbelief, and not faith. The proof that they were walking in unbelief instead of faith is that their faith didn’t work, for faith always works! The mere fact that you were asking, “Why didn’t I get the job?” or “Why didn’t I receive the money?” shows you were unbelieving. Faith doesn’t recognize or accept impossibilities. Faith doesn’t ask “Why didn’t I get it?” because faith already got it! The Lord Jesus said, “…for 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).
Never accept what some people have said about faith, that faith works sometimes, and doesn’t work some other times. Faith always works! 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three….” Meaning that these three are not unstable, they don't fail; they produce results all the time.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the entrance of your Word into my spirit, causing my faith to increase and produce greater results. Your Word prevails in me today, and I experience its power and dominion in all my affairs, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Hebrews 11:6
Living Bible (TLB)
6 You can never please God without faith, without depending on him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him.
Romans 10:17
Living Bible (TLB)
17 Yet faith comes from listening to this Good News—the Good News about Christ.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: John 6:60-71 1 Kings 12-14
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 9:1-10 Proverbs 10

OUR AUTHORITY IN CHRIST - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

OUR AUTHORITY IN CHRIST, TUESDAY, MAY 13TH, 2014
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you...(Acts 1:8).
Though Satan is the architect of all evil and wickedness, not all sickness that people suffer from are directly from the devil. Jesus never gave us the impression that all sicknesses and diseases were directly connected with Satan. Of course, he has a remote connection with them because he was the cause of sin in the very beginning. Romans 5:12 says, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Sickness is incipient death; so once sin came into the world, sickness followed too.
One may then ask, "If satan has something to do with sicknesses and diseases, directly or remotely, how come doctors are able to treat and cure some sicknesses and diseases?" Well, satan isn't omnipotent. He doesn't have all power and he can't control all of nature. Therefore, no matter what he does, the natural man (let alone the Christian), still has some power and authority; and he can exercise that authority against satan.
For example, the Bible tells us about a man who was demon-possessed in Gadara. He had a legion of devils, and as Jesus came by, he ran towards Jesus and worshipped Him (Mark 5:6-7). Even though he had the devils in him, they couldn't restrain him from running towards Jesus. The devils didn't make him go to Jesus; he went of his own will, showing us that the devils didn't have absolute control over him; otherwise, they'd have prevented him from going to Jesus.
No matter what Satan does, you have the power and influence to undo whatever he's done. Human beings were created to be higher than angels, and consider that demons are fallen angels. When God created man, He granted him power over satanic forces. However, because man fell in the Garden of Eden, he lost his authority. Jesus Christ has come to give us authority in His Name, so that what we couldn't have done by our human ability, we can now do in His Name.
Thank God for giving the doctors the ability to treat some sicknesses and diseases, but where they fail, we demonstrate the power of Christ, and work miracles.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for your mighty power that's at work in me to heal the sick and do the miraculous. I acknowledge, and take advantage of my authority in Christ to rule and reign as a king in life. Thank you for making me a success, and a champion, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Luke 10:19
Living Bible (TLB)
19 And I have given you authority over all the power of the Enemy, and to walk among serpents and scorpions and to crush them. Nothing shall injure you!
Luke 9:1
Living Bible (TLB)
9 One day Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them authority over all demons—power to cast them out—and to heal all diseases.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: John 6:25-59 1 Kings 10-11
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1Corinthians 8:1-13 Proverbs 9

ANOINTED WITH EXCELLENT WISDOM - PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

ANOINTED WITH EXCELLENT WISDOM, MONDAY, MAY 12TH, 2014
I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee (Daniel 5:14).
In the Old Testament, Daniel was celebrated as one who had an excellent spirit; he was blessed with excellent wisdom. Another example is King Solomon, who was esteemed as the wisest man that ever lived until Jesus. However, as much as we may admire the excellence and wisdom of Daniel and Solomon, we have something in the New Testament that they both didn’t have—Christ! He’s our wisdom. Colossians 2:3 says in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In other words, He’s the embodiment of all wisdom and knowledge.
This same Christ, according to 1 Corinthians 1:30, has been made unto us wisdom: "But of him (God) are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom…." Therefore, in Christ, we have access to all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. What an awesome reality! When you made Jesus the Lord of your life, and He took up His abode in the quarters of your heart, Wisdom took up His abode in you. Not only has Jesus become your Saviour and Lord, He’s also the Lord of your mind: your decisions, thoughts, and emotions.
Being the Lord of your mind means He directs your thinking. Your mind has become anointed to receive sanctified thoughts. 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, "…we have the mind of Christ." Your mind is anointed to think excellently and deal wisely in the affairs of life.
Thanks be unto God, that many Christians are beginning to appreciate and take advantage of that which Christ has made available to us. Many now understand and recognize how to walk in God’s wisdom, to live victoriously every day! Wisdom will teach you how to manage your home, your family, your marriage, your business, finances, and everything about your life. Keep learning God’s Word, and avail yourself of the privileges and advantages of divine wisdom.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the divine wisdom that’s been made available to me in Christ. My thoughts, words, and actions are anointed to produce excellence. I’m catapulted to a place of honour and promotion, through your wisdom that’s at work in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Proverbs 4:7-9
Living Bible (TLB)
7 Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgment. 8-9 If you exalt wisdom, she will exalt you. Hold her fast, and she will lead you to great honor; she will place a beautiful crown upon your head.
Ephesians 1:17
Living Bible (TLB)
16-17 I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you wisdom to see clearly and really understand who Christ is and all that he has done for you.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : John 6:1-24 1 Kings 9:1-28
2 Year Reading Plan : 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 Proverbs 8

SET FAR ABOVE ALL THINGS - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

SET FAR ABOVE ALL THINGS, SUNDAY, MAY 11TH, 2014
...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).
The Father set Jesus not just above all principality and power, but far above all the different classes of spiritual beings: principalities, powers, might or thrones, dominions and every name that is named. Names like cancer, diabetes, leukaemia, asthma, HIV/AIDS etc., bow to the Name of Jesus. He has all power and authority, and He’s far above all kings, presidents, and governments. He’s “…the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1Timothy 6:15).
When God set Him in this high place of glory He put all things under His feet, and legally declared Him to be the head over all things for the benefit of the Church. Read Ephesians 1:22-23: “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.”
The Church is His body; if, therefore, all things have been placed beneath His feet, and we’re His body, it means all things have been placed beneath the feet of the Church! Satan is under our feet; failure, sickness,poverty,and death are all under our feet. Glory be to God!
It doesn't matter what part of the body you are. Perhaps you just gave your heart to Christ, and joined the church yesterday or even today, you're above all things! You're seated at the right hand of God in Christ Jesus; that means you're in the place of divine authority and power. Therefore, reign in life, and rule over circumstances; exercise the dominion of the Spirit. Halleluiah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for making me sit with Christ, 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! I rejoice at this awesome blessing as I exercise my dominion in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Ephesians 2:5-6
Living Bible (TLB)
5 that even though we were spiritually dead and doomed by our sins, he gave us back our lives again when he raised Christ from the dead—only by his undeserved favor have we ever been saved— 6 and lifted us up from the grave into glory along with Christ, where we sit with him in the heavenly realms—all because of what Christ Jesus did.
1 John 5:4
Living Bible (TLB)
4 for every child of God can obey him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: John 5:31-47 1Kings 7-8
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1Corinthians 7:10-24 Proverbs 7

HE EMPOWERS YOU - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

HE EMPOWERS YOU, SATURDAY, MAY 10TH, 2014
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Prior to this time, the Lord Jesus had told His disciples to wait in the city of Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost came upon them, they received and were endued (clothed) with supernatural power to preach and teach the Word of God. When that happened, they went out and began to speak, knowing that the Holy Spirit would energize their words with power to save those who heard them.
Peter recognized and took advantage of that power. That was why he could tell the man at the gate of the temple called Beautiful, "...Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6). When the man didn’t respond, Peter grabbed him by the hand and lifted him up, and his ankle bones received strength and he began to walk. Peter knew he had power; he knew the Spirit of the Lord was upon him.
The same Spirit that was upon the Lord Jesus is in each one of us today. Like the Master, that Spirit has anointed you to preach the Gospel to the poor. He has sent you to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind! He has empowered you to set at liberty them that are bruised, and preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19).
You’ve been empowered to tell the good news; and as you proclaim it, it’ll ignite faith in your hearers to receive eternal life.
PRAYER
Truly, I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord; He has anointed me to proclaim His grace and truth to the ends of the earth, bringing men out of darkness into their divine heritage in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Micah 3:8
Living Bible (TLB)
8 But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, fearlessly announcing God’s punishment on Israel for her sins.
Luke 10:19
Living Bible (TLB)
19 And I have given you authority over all the power of the Enemy, and to walk among serpents and scorpions and to crush them. Nothing shall injure you!
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : John 5:1-30 1 Kings 4-6
2 Year Reading Plan : 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 Proverbs 6

THE SEVEN-FOLD MANIFESTATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

THE SEVEN-FOLD MANIFESTATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, FRIDAY, MAY 9TH, 2014
And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2).
Our opening verse describes the seven independent manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, which is indicative of the fullness of the Spirit. These are the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of Wisdom, the Spirit of Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel, the Spirit of Might, the Spirit of Knowledge, the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord. This doesn’t mean there’re seven Holy Spirits. It’s one Holy Spirit, but He manifests Himself in seven different ways. The term, “seven Spirits” is used to portray Him in Revelation 1:4, Revelation 4:5, and Revelation 5:6.
Let's read Revelation 1:4 (AMP): “…from Him Who is and Who was and Who is to come, and from the seven Spirits [the sevenfold Holy Spirit] before His throne….” Zechariah 3:9 sheds more light on this: “For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.” Notice it says, “…Upon one stone shall be seven eyes.” These seven eyes, in Zechariah 4:10 are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro throughout the whole earth.
Revelation 5:6 declares that all seven Spirits of God have been sent forth into all the earth. This means every Christian who has received the Holy Spirit actually has these seven Spirits of God dwelling in him. However, to receive the Spirit, and to have His seven-fold manifestation in your life are two different things. Until the Lord manifests Himself in your life fully through these seven Spirits, you'll never enjoy the best of Christianity, which is the life of the supernatural and the miraculous.
No wonder we're charged in Ephesians 5:18 to be filled with the Spirit: “Be not drunk with wine wherein is excess but be filled with the Spirit.” The fact that we're instructed to be filled with the Spirit presupposes that we’re not always filled with the Spirit. However, God wants us always to be filled with the Spirit. He wants us to have the fullness of the Spirit in us, and we can, because it belongs to us!
Recognize and appreciate the ministry of the Spirit in your life, and give yourself to the Word of God. Learn to speak and sing the Word to yourself in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs; sing and make melodies in your heart to the Lord always, giving Him thanks for all things, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! These are the ways to activate and walk in the fullness of the Spirit. To learn more get our book “Seven Spirits Of God.”
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for granting me the fullness of the Spirit. I live in power and in the dominion of the Spirit today, reigning and ruling in life, with the power and glory of divinity revealed in, and through, me in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Revelation 1:4
Living Bible (TLB)
4 From: John
To: The seven churches in Turkey.
Dear Friends:
May you have grace and peace from God who is, and was, and is to come; and from the sevenfold Spirit* before his throne;
Revelation 4:5
Living Bible (TLB)
5 Lightning and thunder issued from the throne, and there were voices in the thunder. Directly in front of his throne were seven lighted lamps representing the sevenfold Spirit of God.
Revelation 5:6
Living Bible (TLB)
6 I looked and saw a Lamb standing there before the twenty-four Elders, in front of the throne and the Living Beings, and on the Lamb were wounds that once had caused his death. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God, sent out into every part of the world.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: John 4:27-54 1 Kings 2-3
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Proverbs 5

BRING FORTH GOOD FROM WITHIN - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

BRING FORTH GOOD FROM WITHIN, THURSDAY, MAY 8TH, 2014
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) .
Your body isn't you; it's your house, the home of your spirit. For example, your physical eyes can't see by themselves; they're windows through which your spirit sees the world around you. Romans 12:1says “I beseech you therefore, brethren,by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” If your life were comprised of your body only, how would you be able to present your body to God? This lets you know there's more to you than your physical body; you’re a spirit being; the “real you” is a spirit.
When a man is born again, it's not his mind or body that’s born again; it's his spirit. That’s where the life of God resides. When you received the Holy Spirit, He mingled with your spirit and became one with your spirit, in an inseparable union: “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17). Now you can better understand why your spirit really matters to God.
It's important to learn how to function from your spirit, and the way to do this is to keep your focus on the Word of God, refusing to be moved by the dictates of your physical senses. For example, the doctors may have diagnosed that there’s something wrong in your body. Even so, remember that your body isn't you. So, you can deal with that anomaly in your body by releasing healing and health from your spirit. The Bible says, a good man, out of the good treasures of his heart (spirit) brings forth good things (Luke 6:45).
Everything good that you could ever desire in life, is domiciled in your spirit; bring it forth from within you. Train your spirit with the Word; the Word of God reveals all the beautiful things God has deposited in your spirit, such as divine health, prosperity, victory, success, excellence, and the life of dominion. Stir them from within.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the higher life, which I live in Christ. I no longer live from the ordinary plane. I think God’s thoughts, having been given the mind-set of the righteous, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Philippians 3:3
Living Bible (TLB)
3 For it isn’t the cutting of our bodies that makes us children of God; it is worshiping him with our spirits. That is the only true “circumcision.” We Christians glory in what Christ Jesus has done for us and realize that we are helpless to save ourselves.
Acts 13:2
Living Bible (TLB)
2 One day as these men were worshiping and fasting the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Paul for a special job I have for them.”
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: John 4:1-26 1 Kings 1:1-53
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 Proverbs 4

LIVING IN THE VICTORY OF CHRIST - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

LIVING IN THE VICTORY OF CHRIST, WEDNESDAY, MAY 7TH, 2014
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37).
When the Lord Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, He announced, “All hail” (Matthew 28:9). This was a shout of victory. 1 John 3:8 says, “For this purpose was the Son of God manifested that He might destroy [shatter, paralyze] the works of the devil.” The enemy has been defeated and his works, paralyzed. Jesus has already done it. He’s not trying to make us victorious today; we're already victors in Him. We’re not trying to conquer; we're already more than conquerors.
Some people haven't really understood our opening verse, but it means exactly what it says. To say “we're more than conquerors” means the victory over our adversary is afore gone conclusion; we're no longer celebrating his defeat. We’re living in the victory already.
Imagine a sportsman, who wins a gold medal. He lifts his trophy in celebration and everyone rejoices with him. After that, the officials tell him that his victory is worth 5 million dollars, which they go ahead to pay into his account. Soon after, he starts living off his prize-money. At that point, he's no longer celebrating his victory, but living in his victory; because he's now using the money he won.
In the same way, you should no longer be struggling with the devil, fear, sickness, disease, or with failure, because you've gone past that level. Your victory over satan, his cohorts, and their evil works of darkness was announced when Jesus defeated and paralysed them in hell. You celebrated that victory when you found out that you were in Christ in His triumph over Satan and the cohorts of hell. Now, we're more than conquerors; living in the victory of Christ .
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for making me a victor in Christ Jesus, and an overcomer in this life. The greater One lives in me; He's greater than the adversary and the systems of this world. In Him, I have power, dominion, and authority over sickness, disease, death, the flesh, and the devil. I’m more than a conqueror, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
1 John 4:4
Living Bible (TLB)
4 Dear young friends, you belong to God and have already won your fight with those who are against Christ because there is someone in your hearts who is stronger than any evil teacher in this wicked world.
2 Corinthians 2:14
Living Bible (TLB)
14 But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: John 3:22-36 2 Samuel 23-24
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 Proverbs 3

GOD WANTS YOU TO BE ERUDITE - PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

GOD WANTS YOU TO BE ERUDITE, TUESDAY, MAY 6TH, 2014
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15) .
In 2 Peter 1:5, when the Apostle Peter said, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge…” he used the Greek word, “gnosis” for knowledge. “Gnosis” is knowledge that you gain through intellectual activity; knowledge based on science. Therefore, he deals here with mental prowess! God wants you to put your mind to work; become erudite. He wants you to acquire intellectual knowledge, be smart and informed. That’s why He gave you a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
When the Holy Ghost comes into your life, you become sound. He brings mental soundness and intellectual sagacity into your life. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of all knowledge; meaning that He knows everything about every career, field and discipline, and can pass some of that information to your mind; so that everyday of your life, and in every situation you find yourself, you'll know what to do! Your mind will be active, and your intellectual capability will beat its optimal potential.
Knowledge is so important. If you don’t have knowledge, you're going to be a loser, even though you have faith; you’ll be cheated. God said my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). This is why you must study. In addition to acquiring revelation knowledge, God also wants you to have scholastic wisdom. He wants you to be able to deal wisely and excellently in the affairs of life. This becomes a reality as you meditate constantly on His Word: “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success”(Joshua 1:8).
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the inspiration, comfort, counsel, guidance and wisdom I receive from your Word today and always! Your Word has made me wise unto salvation, teaching and guiding me to deal wisely in all affairs of life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Proverbs 11:9
Living Bible (TLB)
9 Evil words destroy; godly skill rebuilds.
1 Timothy 4:15-16
Living Bible (TLB)
15 Put these abilities to work; throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone may notice your improvement and progress.16 Keep a close watch on all you do and think. Stay true to what is right and God will bless you and use you to help others.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: John 3:1-21 2 Samuel 22
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 4:11-21 Proverbs 2

UNDERSTANDING THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

UNDERSTANDING THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD, MONDAY, MAY 5TH, 2014
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…(John16:13) .
Prior to His ascension, the Lord Jesus said to His disciples, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now” (John16:12). He said this, not because He was hiding certain things from them, but because they couldn't receive those things at the time. Jesus reserved the job of taking us further into the deep mysteries and revelations of God for the Holy Spirit. That’s what we read on our opening verse. The disciples had to wait until He came before they could understand most of what Jesus talked about. What were these things?
The Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, chronicle the life of the Son of God in the flesh; all what He did before He went to the cross; the healings and miracles that He performed. Now, the Bible tells us why these were written: “…these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). They were written to people who didn’t have the life of God, and didn't have the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God.
If you observe, the Gospels didn’t quite tell us why Jesus had to die on the cross, or why He was raised from the dead. Those who lived at the time didn’t under stand these things. Remember that Peter rebuked the Lord for saying He was going to die (Mark 8:31-32). The Holy Spirit had to come to unveil the deep things of God to us. 1 Corinthians 2:10 says, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”
Through the Holy Spirit, we discover the things that have been freely given to us in Christ Jesus. While the Gospels spoke about the person of Jesus, the Epistles, beginning from the Book of Romans, talk about us—who we are in Christ—our abilities and heritage in Him! They show you God’s picture of you as a new creation, born of the Spirit, and superior to the devil and all the principles of this world. Halleluiah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for flooding my heart with wisdom, and granting me the understanding of spiritual realities! My mind is illumined by the Holy Spirit to know, and take a hold of, my inheritance in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
2 Timothy 2:15
Living Bible (TLB)
15 Work hard so God can say to you, “Well done.” Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: John 2 2 Samuel 20-21
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 4:1-10 Proverbs 1

MAKING YOUR WAY PROSPEROUS - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

MAKING YOUR WAY PROSPEROUS, SUNDAY, MAY 4TH, 2014
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 (Joshua 1:8) .
God wants you to prosper in every area of your life, for He delights in the prosperity of His children (Psalm 35:27). 3 John 1:2 reveals the Spirit’s wish for you to prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. In Christ Jesus, you’ve come into a rich heritage; a place of divine favour. 2 Peter 1:3 tells us that the Lord has given you all things that pertain to life and godliness.
Indeed, when you received Christ you were automatically catapulted into a glorious realm of prosperity and became an heir of God, and a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). However, Galatians 4:1says,“...the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all....” In other words, though you're a joint heir with Christ, and all of God's wealth and inestimable riches belong to you, you have to grow in the Word unto maturity to enjoy the benefits of your inheritance.
This is where meditating on the Word and putting it to work in your life comes to play. As you meditate on the Scriptures, the Word is seasoned in your spirit, such that you think, talk, and live the Word. The Bible shows this to us as the way to make your way prosperous: it’s by meditating on the Word, and observing to do what it says. Now, this isn't just referring to financial prosperity, but prosperity all-round; in every aspect of your life.
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 4:15, reiterated the same truth: “meditate on these things,give yourself completely to them, that your profiting may appear to all.” When you meditate on God’s Word, your progress, advancement, prosperity, success will spread abroad, and be evident for all to see. This means that the extent of your success and prosperity is entirely dependent on you. To prosper in all you do—in your job, family, health, finances, marriage, etc.—continually meditate on the Word. This is His divine roadmap for true and lasting prosperity.
PRAYER
I thank you, precious heavenly Father, for my great heritage in Christ; thank you for setting me up for a life of endless victories, and sustained prosperity! As I study and meditate on your Word, my success and prosperity are evident, and spread abroad, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Psalm 1:1-3
Living Bible (TLB)
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. 2 But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely.
3 They are like trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper.
Psalm 35:27
Living Bible (TLB)
27 But give great joy to all who wish me well. Let them shout with delight, “Great is the Lord who enjoys helping his child!”
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: John 1:19-51 2 Samuel 18-19
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 3:10-23 Psalm 149-150

BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR SPIRITUALITY - PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR SPIRITUALITY,  SATURDAY, MAY 3RD, 2014
PASTOR ANITA
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6).
In Christ, we’ve been born into a real, authentic, functional spiritual kingdom. That’s where we live right now. We live in, and carry out our everyday activities from that spiritual kingdom. However, to enjoy the blessings that belong to you in that realm of life, you’re required to have adequate knowledge of the Word and understand spiritual principles of the Kingdom of God.
Many Christians are not yet fully conscious that they’re in a spiritual kingdom; they’re only conscious of that which exists in the physical realm. Such, for example, are hardly conscious of the myriads of angels around and with us. They’re yet to take advantage of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, as He speaks to them from within, and seeks to guide them in all the affairs of life; hence, they live ordinary lives.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Gospel of the spiritual life. Romans 6:11 says, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be…alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." In other words, reckon yourselves to be alive to the realm of the spirit; alive to the things of God—beyond the sense realm. Our opening verse says "…to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6).
Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ has passed from death unto life; which means you’ve been automatically transferred from the domain of darkness, to the domain of life. The Bible calls it the "Kingdom of His dear Son" (Colossians 1:13); you live in that Kingdom now: though you’re in the world, but you’re not of this world. Therefore, you can’t afford to live by the principles of this physical world.
True and lasting success is spiritual, and it’s based on spiritual principles. Become conscious of the spiritual realm, and control things from that realm. When you focus on, and function from, the realm of the spirit, nothing in this physical world will be able to hinder your success, and victories in life.
CONFESSION
I see and experience possibilities, victories and success only, as I keep my gaze on the Word of God; my affections are set only on the realities of the spiritual kingdom to which I belong. I live, and walk, in the full consciousness of all that belong to me in Christ Jesus. Glory to His Name forever!
FURTHER STUDY
2 Timothy 4:18
Living Bible (TLB)
18 Yes, and the Lord will always deliver me from all evil and will bring me into his heavenly Kingdom. To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Colossians 1:13
Living Bible (TLB)
13 For he has rescued us out of the darkness and gloom of Satan’s kingdom and brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : John 1:1-18 2 Samuel 15-17
2 Year Reading Plan : 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Psalm 147-148

CHRIST: THE GLORY-LIFE - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

CHRIST: THE GLORY-LIFE *RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL* FRIDAY, MAY 2ND, 2014
PASTOR CHRIS
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
There’re people who say, "I believe in Jesus Christ, but He’s not the only Messiah." Anyone who professes or upholds this belief is ignorant of the Scriptures, for the Word of God is clear: salvation comes by no other way, through no other name, except by the name Jesus! You can’t believe in Jesus Christ, and still believe there’s "another" way; He’s the ONLY way! He said, "…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Notice, He didn’t say, "I am a way," but, "I am the way, the truth and the life." He was both definite and emphatic! It’s wrong therefore to say there’re other ways to God, apart from Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:4 tells us that Jesus Christ was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. No one else has been so described in all of history, only the Lord Jesus. The Scriptures firmly declare that He was raised from the dead, and He’s alive forever more. There’s no book in the world that declares any religious leader to be alive, after death—none. When they died, they were finished. Only Jesus died, was buried, and was raised back to life by the glory of the Father, and physically levitated to heaven in His glorified bodily form.
Christianity isn’t among the many religions in the world to join, because it isn’t a religion. It’s the pulsating life of the risen Christ in the human body. It’s divinity alive in humanity; it’s Christ taking up His abode in the quarters of your heart. So, in Christianity, you don’t come into "a religion"; you come into Christ! You embraced the transcendent life of dominion, excellence, power, righteousness, and boundless joy that’s only available in Him.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the eternal salvation you’ve made available in Christ Jesus, the Great Shepherd; my life is founded in Him. I pray that today, many will receive that grace of God, which has brought salvation to all men, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Hebrews 7:25
Living Bible (TLB)
25 He is able to save completely all who come to God through him. Since he will live forever, he will always be there to remind God that he has paid for their sins with his blood.
Acts 16:31
Living Bible (TLB)
31 They replied, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, and your entire household.”
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 24:36-53 2 Samuel 12-14
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 Psalm 145-146

FROM DISTRESS...TO GREATNESS - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

FROM DISTRESS...TO GREATNESS *RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL* THURSDAY, MAY 1ST, 2014
PASTOR CHRIS
…Every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men (1 Samuel 22:2).
Our opening verse describes the condition of the Isrealites who gathered themselves unto David; a rendezvous of broken people; they were down and out when they came to David. They were behind in their finances, dissatisfied, unhappy, uncomfortable and discontented. Before then, David had been anointed by the Spirit, through Samuel the Prophet (1 Samuel 16:12- 13). These men gathered to him, because they knew the anointing of God was on him. They knew that the anointing of the Spirit could change their situation for good.
When you read further into the twenty-third chapter of second Samuel, you’d find that, several years later, their hitherto disgruntled state had changed. From being in distress, debt, and discontent, they became David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 23:8). When it was time to give for the building of the temple, these same men who were once in debt, had become so prosperous, and gave bountifully for the construction of the Temple (1 Chronicles 29:6-7).
The same thing happens today as we minister the Word to many around the world. Those who receive the Word we share, no matter how miserable and dire their circumstances had been, the Word takes them out of obscurity to greatness. The anointing is on the Word to transform lives and set men up for greatness. It reminds me of when we first started out years ago. Those who came to us were those who some thought were too carnal, broken, dejected or lost to be transformed. However, we had the anointing that made the difference. Today, their stories have changed, and the same people are doing great and mighty things for the Lord all around the world.
Isaiah 32:15, says, "Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest." The Holy Spirit brings the anointing into your life and makes you productive, through the Word. He turns your wilderness into a fruitful field; He causes water to spring up from your desert. With the Holy Spirit, your experience will be that of productivity, growth, increase, expansion and progress in every area of your life!
CONFESSION
The Lord has set me apart for greatness! The anointing that I’ve received abides in me forever, teaches me all things, and makes me fruitful and productive in all my endeavours, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
1 Samuel 2:7-8
Living Bible (TLB)
7 Some he causes to be poorAnd others to be rich.He cuts one downAnd lifts another up.8 He lifts the poor from the dust—Yes, from a pile of ashes—And treats them as princesSitting in the seats of honor.For all the earth is the Lord’sAnd he has set the world in order.
1 John 2:27
Living Bible (TLB)
27 But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, in your hearts, so that you don’t need anyone to teach you what is right. For he teaches you all things, and he is the Truth, and no liar; and so, just as he has said, you must live in Christ, never to depart from him.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 24:13-35 2 Samuel 9-11
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 2:1-11 Psalm 143-144

IT'S YOUR NATURE TO LOVE - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

IT'S YOUR NATURE TO LOVE *RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL* WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30TH, 2014
PASTOR CHRIS
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34).
In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites several commandments, which they had to obey as a condition for enjoying the blessings of the covenant. However, when Jesus came, He brought in a new commandment, which is love. He said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). He gave this commandment before His crucifixion. He commanded His disciples to love one another because love, for them, was an outside force. Thus, He had to give them a law to walk in love.
But then, the Bible tells us something striking in 1 Timothy 1:9, that “…the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers....” Now, after giving His disciples the love commandment, He proceeded to die on the cross for us, and God raised Him back to life. “…Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee” (Hebrews 5:5). Today, everyone who believes in Him receives eternal life, and becomes a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
In Him, we’ve been made the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21), so the law isn’t applicable to us because it was made for the unrighteous, but we are righteous. By making us new creations, He made it possible for us to receive the Holy Spirit, and the Bible says, “…the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5). Love isn’t alien to us; it’s not an outside force; it’s our nature to love.
If you’re born again, you’re born of love; the Father has deposited His love in your heart; therefore, you can love the same way He does, for it’s your nature to love.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for your blessed Word and its power in my life. Thank you for your love-nature in me, which makes it natural for me to walk in love and manifest your love to others, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
John 15:12
Living Bible (TLB)
12 I demand that you love each other as much as I love you.
Romans 13:10
Living Bible (TLB)
10 Love does no wrong to anyone. That’s why it fully satisfies all of God’s requirements. It is the only law you need.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 23:50-24:1-12 2 Samuel 7-8
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 1:22-31 Psalm 141-142