Rhapsody of realities: Maintain Your Confession Of The Word by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD

Wednesday, August 31st .
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned… (Isaiah 43:2). When you study God’s Word, the economic problems and upheavals in the world today wouldn’t be a surprise to you. The socio-economic conditions in our world today must not dictate the circumstances of our existence. They must not control our faith in the Word of God. The Bible says those who know their God shall be strong and shall do exploits (Daniel 11:32). As a child of God, the troubles in the world are not set against you. Your prosperity is independent of inflation, economic meltdowns and downturns. You’re not of this world. You’re the seed of Abraham.
Refuse to fret or be anxious, for if you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small (Proverbs 24:10). The Lord is your strength. Remain strong in Him and in the power of His might. Read what He says about you in the times of dryness, scarcity, and crises: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Glory to God! Let this be your testimony today and always, because it’s God’s Word concerning you. You’re a victor and a success in Christ Jesus, regardless of the crises and adversities in today’s world.
 
 

The darkness isn’t about to go away, for the Bible says, “...behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people”; but the scripture didn’t stop there; it continues, “…but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:2). In the midst of the darkness, you’ll shine brightly. Actually, the darker the night, the more brightly your light will shine. Therefore, rejoice, because the Lord your God is your prosperity. There’s no failure for you; so there’s no need to fear. Maintain your composure, and your confession of the Word.

PRAYER
Dear Father, you’re my refuge and my shield; I put my trust in you alone, knowing that in you I have life and all that I require to live triumphantly to the glory of your Name. I live above the economies and economics of this world; I’m prospering and making progress from glory to glory through the Word, and power of the Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
|| Joshua 1:8-9 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. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest. || || Hebrews 13:5 Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

|| Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 15:1-34, Proverbs 5-7
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9, Jeremiah 17

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES: BEWARE OF EVIL COMMUNICATION By PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME PhD

TUESDAY, 30TH AUGUST, 2016 .
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33). 

Through the Word of God we’re trained and cultured with good manners and godly behaviour, but some people can corrupt your good character through their unwholesome and perverse communication.
Evil communication corrupts good manners.
Any communication that negates, rejects or challenges the authority of God’s Word is an evil communication. Therefore, beware of such. The Bible says, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
The wrong company can influence you to do the wrong things. For instance, the Bible says, “Show respect to the aged; honour the presence of an elder…” (Leviticus 19:32 MSG). Ephesians 6:2 says, “Honour your father and mother.” Imagine that you have a friend who says you don’t have to do it. That’ll be an ungodly counsel. The Word says, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). But your friend says, “Must you pray all the time?” The Word tells you to not neglect church meetings, but your friend says otherwise. Don’t follow his ungodly counsel, but do the Word always. In 1 Corinthians 5:11 GNB, the Bible says, “…you should not associate with a person who calls himself a believer but is immoral or greedy or worships idols or is a slanderer or a drunkard or a thief. Don’t even sit down to eat with such a person.” It parallels the Spirit’s admonition in Philippians 3:2, to beware of dogs, evil workers, and manipulators. It’s a stern warning from the Lord. When you see an inscription on someone’s gate that reads, “Beware of dogs,” they’re warning you of the dogs inside; not the ones outside.

 

Also, when it says beware of “evil workers,” the Greek rendering actually means “mischief makers”; mischievous people. The Bible wouldn’t warn you of such people if they weren’t dangerous. Therefore, if someone, whom you may even respect, tells you something you know isn’t consistent with the Word, you shouldn’t accept it. Be guided by the Word in all you do, and your life will glorify God.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I walk in the prearranged paths which you made ready for me before the foundations of the world. I’m guided by your Spirit to walk in wisdom and understanding, filled with the thoughts of righteousness. I’m guided and regulated by the Word, today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Psalm 1:1 Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Matthew 5:29-30 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. Psalm 26:4-5 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. 5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 14:1-40, Proverbs 3-4.
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Jeremiah 16.

Rhapsody Of Realities : Be Ruled By The Word by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD

Monday, August 29th
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live (Romans 8:13). As a child of God, you’re an ambassador of Christ. That’s how He sees you. You’re His representative. That’s why it’s important that your behaviour conforms to the Word. Be ruled by the Word. Don’t live according to your flesh. Don’t be controlled by your emotions. Give no place to carnality in your life. Be spiritually minded. Spend time on the Word and yield yourself to the Holy Spirit to work through you. Remember, He sees your heart; if you’re hungry for Him; if you’re zealous and passionate for Him and the spread of the Gospel, He’ll see to it that you’re a success in life. So, you’ve got to align yourself with His thoughts. Let nothing stop you from living a life that’s pleasing to the Lord. Let your life be to the praise and glory of the One who called you.

  

Walk in the Spirit; the Bible says, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Walking in the Spirit is walking in the Word; living according to God’s Word. As long as you can have bitterness in your heart, you’re not walking in the Spirit; as long as you’re still involved in some worldly, carnal machinations, you’re not walking in the Spirit. Refuse to be body-ruled. Live beyond the senses, for Christianity is life in the spirit. Don’t live in accordance to how you feel; live in accordance to the Word. You’re not of this world; you’re born of the Word. Jesus said, “I’m from above,” and so are you; you’re from above. Therefore, “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Don’t think, talk, or act like the world. Let the Word of God dominate your thinking and control your life. 

CONFESSION
 I’m born of the Spirit, and I’m fully yielded to His leading, guidance and control; I don’t fulfil the desires of the flesh. I’m fulfilling God’s perfect will, and living out my destiny in Him. I yield my spirit to Him only, to be instructed and guided in wisdom to please the Lord in all things. Amen.

 Further Study: 
|| Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. || || Romans 8:6-9 For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

|| Daily Scripture Reading
 1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Proverbs 1-2
 2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 4:10-18, Jeremiah 15


EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

Rhapsody Of Realities: Put The Word In You by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD

28th Sunday, August 2016.
Opening verse: «And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Jesus is the revelation of God’s Word and the character of His thoughts, opinions, imaginations and entire being. He was the Word of God in flesh and a master of words. The Bible tells us how the temple guards who were sent to arrest Him, stopped to listen to Him, and upon hearing His words, went back without arresting Him. When the chief priests and Pharisees asked why they returned without Him, the officers replied, “...No man ever spoke like this Man!” (John 7:46 NKJV). His words brought healing to the sick, restored sight to the blind, unstopped deaf ears, gave the lame new legs to walk, and raised the dead. His words were different. The Bible says He cast out demons with His words (Matthew 8:16). He ruled and reigned with words. He showed us the power of words; their value and how to use them.
 
Don’t just talk; speak the Word. Build yourself. Develop your spirit and distinguish yourself. Make your words different and become an excellent person. This won’t happen, however, until you feed your spirit with the right information—God’s Word. The Bible says, “...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35). God gives us His Word so we can receive it, meditate on it, and let it become a part of us. Jesus said, “...Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Remember, food becomes a part of your body when you eat. In the same way, if you’d meditate on God’s Word, you’ll produce God’s words. If you don’t have it in you, it can’t come out of you. Put the Word in you. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).

 Confession
The Word of God is in my heart and in my mouth, and as I speak it forth, I establish the goodness of God in my world, effecting positive changes, and charting my course in glory. Blessed be God!

 Further Study:
|| Joshua 1:8 KJV || 1 Timothy 4:15 KJV || 2 Timothy 3:14-15 KJV || || Joshua 1:8 KJV 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. || || 1 Timothy 4:15 KJV 15. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. || || 2 Timothy 3:14-15 KJV 14. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them ; 15. 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.

|| DAILY SCRIPTURES READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: || 1 Corinthians 12:1-32 || Psalms 146-150 ||
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: || Colossians 4:1-9 || Jeremiah 14 ||

Rhapsody of realities : Don’t Ask God For Things by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD

Saturday, August 27th .
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
The purpose of prayer isn’t for us to get God to do something for us. In fact, did you know your heavenly Father doesn’t want you asking for things? Someone who finds this surprising could be wondering, But Jesus said, “Ask and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9). Yes, He did say that, but that was before the emergence of the new creation. “Ask and it shall be given you” was His teaching on faith and confidence in the Lord before His vicarious death, burial, resurrection and subsequent ascension to the Father to inherit all things in our behalf. Now, He’s made us joint-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17). The Bible says, “…his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3). Having discovered these truths, what would you really want to ask God for? We read in our opening verse that you’ve been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Stop asking God for things in prayer. Use the power and privilege of prayer for higher purposes, like fellowship with the Father. You own the world. All things are yours (1 Corinthians 3:21), because you’re the seed of Abraham.

 
God already knew everything you’d ever need, and before you came on the scene, He made them available to you. He’s blessed you with all things already. There’s nothing today you’ll like to have that you don’t already have. “Yes, Pastor Chris, I know the Bible says all things are mine, but the reason I’m not enjoying them is because I really don’t have faith.” No; you do have faith if you’re born again. You only need to act on the Word. The Bible says, “…God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). The same measure of faith was given to every one of us when we received the Gospel of Christ. Moreover, that measure of faith you received at the New Birth is enough to move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Use what you have. Exercise your faith.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for supplying everything I need to live triumphantly for your glory and fulfil my destiny in you! I refuse to fret or struggle for anything, for you’ve brought me into the place of rest and superabundance, where all my needs are met, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
|| Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. || || Matthew 6:7-8 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

|| Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 11:2-34, Psalms 142-145
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 3:12-25, Jeremiah 13


EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

Rhapsody of realities: He Wants You Successful by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD

Friday, August 26th . After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN (Matthew 6:9-10). The underlined portion of the scripture above is simply amazing. If this wasn’t supposed to be answered, Jesus wouldn’t have taught the disciples to pray this way. It reveals the Father’s desire for His will to be established on earth as it is in heaven. This means it’s His will for you to prosper, be healthy and strong, vibrant, successful, fruitful and productive, for these are consistent with His nature. There’re no obstructions, hindrances, lack or struggling in heaven. Therefore, nothing should limit you; you ought not to struggle for anything in your life! You’re called to reign and function from a position of rest.
If you’re in lack or experiencing any kind of setbacks, don’t despair. Set your mind on the Word, and walk in His light, and He’ll bring you to your destiny in Christ. 3 John 1:2 says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” He’s talking to you; you’re His beloved. You may say, “I don’t experience the love of God; I don’t know if God loves me.” He already proved His love for you the greatest way: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). No wonder He wants His perfect will done in your life.

 

Your life isn’t for poverty, failure or defeat; it’s for the glory of God. The world is full of poor and defeated people, but we’re the ones to reach out and help them. You’re God’s channel of blessing to your world; that’s why He wants you to be successful, fruitful, and productive.

PRAYER
Dear Father, yours is the greatness, the power, the glory, the majesty, and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Your blessing brings wealth, with no painful toil for it; therefore, I refuse to struggle in life, because I’m in your rest. I’m prosperous and successful in every good work, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
|| 2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. || || 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. || || Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. || Daily

Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1, Psalms 139-141
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 3:1-11, Jeremiah 12


 EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES: APPLY THE WORD FOR CHANGES BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME PhD

THURSDAY, 25TH AUGUST, 2016.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). As a Christian, it’s important that you keep making progress, and using the Word of God to improve the quality of your personality. You ought to be able to testify of definite changes in your personality in recent times, through the application of the Word of God. There should be something positive and definite that you’ve built into your character or something negative that you got rid of from your character, by using the Word of God. Subject yourself to the Word for it to effect changes in your spirit and in your soul. The change in your physical body is easy; the focus now is the change from within.
You have a responsibility in building and upgrading your life with the Word of God; no one can do this for you. There’re people who haven’t changed in ten years. The same things that offended them years ago, are still offending them now. The same people they disliked years ago are still disliked today. The same issues they’ve had in five years are still there. They’ve neither changed nor grown; that’s sad. The question to ask is, have such people acquired more information? Of course, they might have; but they haven’t acted on the information. They’ve heard and studied the Scriptures but haven’t yielded themselves to the transforming power of the Word of God to bring about lasting changes in their personality. It’s not enough to hear or gather scriptural information; you must act on the Word.

 

There’re those who, when they’re in church, write down everything that’s being preached and taught. They get the tapes and they listen, but they’re so used to the voice that it doesn’t mean anything to them nor effect a change in their character. They’ve become too familiar with the Word. Don’t be that way. Believe in the power and ability of the Word of God to transform your life from glory to glory. Apply the Word for changes. I’m not talking about a temporary change, but permanent changes to affect your personality. God’s Word was given to you as a creative material. Any change you want in your life is possible; use the Word to make it happen. You can create more victories and sustain yourself in the transcendent life with the Word.

CONFESSION
The Word of God is my life and my sustenance; I’m making progress and winning every day by the Word. Today, my life is improved and upgraded as the Word of God impacts my spirit, bringing about a transformation from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Ephesians 4:22-23 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalms 135-138.
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Colossians 2:16-23, Jeremiah 10-11.

Rhapsody of realities:See And Manifest The Glory by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD

Wednesday, August 24th .
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee (Isaiah 60:1-2). When, as a Christian, it seems like you’re under pressure at work, or there’s an unpleasant doctor’s report regarding your health, or your bank account is in red, don’t cry; don’t complain. Don’t fret or become despondent. Rather, get into your closet, and contemplate the glory of God. If it’s a financial challenge, declare that you’re the seed of Abraham. Abraham’s seed can’t be broke or poor! You’re the possessor of all things, because you’re an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ.

Times of challenges aren’t times for you to run helter-skelter, seeking help from man, no; trust in the Lord! He’s your help. If you have a financial need for example, declare, “I have all the money I require in the Name of Jesus; it comes to me by free course.” Make the declaration with faith, boldness and confidence, and it’ll be according to your word! Let nothing make you fret.

 

You’re called to manifest the glory of God. Despite the darkness and hardship in today’s world, you’re more than a conqueror. You’re a victor in Christ Jesus. You can never be disadvantaged. Christ in you is the hope of glory. See yourself in the glory. See yourself walking in the glory, carrying and manifesting the glory of God in your academics, in your job, health, family, finances, etc. See the glory in your life. The Bible talks about the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow (1 Peter 1:11). Right after the sufferings of Christ, a life of glory ensued! He suffered so that you’d live in the glory. Therefore, live and walk in the light of your righteousness, victory, success, dominion, health and prosperity in Christ Jesus, and say “no” to defeat, failure, weakness and the down-life.

CONFESSION
I’m what God says I am! I live and walk in the light of my righteousness and glorious life in Christ Jesus. My faith is strong and effective; I’m victorious in every circumstance, making progress and advancing all the way! All things are mine, because I’m an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ. Hallelujah!

Further Study:
|| James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. || || Hebrews 13:5-6 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. || || 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 9:1-27, Psalms 128-134
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 2:8-15, Jeremiah 9

 EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES:THEY DON'T COUNT AT ALL BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME PHD

TUESDAY, 23RD AUGUST.
How terrible when all people speak well of you; their ancestors said the very same things about the false prophets (Luke 6:26 GNB). God desires that every one of us be successful. And depending on your level of success, you’ll automatically become a persona non-grata to some; you’ll attract adversaries. This isn’t out of place. Never be worried, downcast, feel rejected or sad if there’re those who are against you, or those who don’t accept or approve of your success. Actually, when you identify those who are against your success, you should be glad! The reason is that this world is so big, with a population in excess of seven billion people. Those whoare against you left everything else just to be against you; that shows you’re very important.
So, get excited when you’re criticised by your adversaries. There’s something inspiring in what T.L Osborn said several years ago; he said, “When you see a man with many or powerful or influential enemies, mark that man, for he’s going places.” How true! You measure a man’s strength, worth or value, not by his friends, but by the power of his adversaries. You measure a man’s greatness or influence, by the number or power of his enemies. As long as you’re successful, your detractors will have you in focus. Once you’re no longer as radiant or as successful as they think, they wouldn’t care. But you don’t need to bother about them, because they don’t count. When they come out against you, they’ll stumble and fall, because the Lord is your salvation. Never give thoughts and undue considerations to Satan, and the activities of wicked and unreasonable men that seek to bring you down. Understand this: your daily life is the fulfilment of that which has already been written. The Psalmist affirmed, “…When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell” (Psalm 27:1-2). For those who set themselves up to be your enemies, their fate is sealed: they’ll stumble and fall.

Therefore, refuse to be distracted. Focus on what you’ve been called to do. There’s no need to pray about your enemies; instead, love them as Jesus said: “…Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Luke 6:27-28). 

CONFESSION
The peace of God garrisons my heart and mind in Christ, irrespective of the adversaries and adversities around me. My heart is stayed on the Lord who is my rock and fortress, my protection, and salvation. Now and always, I walk in victory, and in the dominion of the Word, reigning by grace through righteousness. Hallelujah!

Further Study:
Psalm 27:1-3 The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident. 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries. Romans 8:35-37 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Psalms 120-127
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8

Rhapsody of realities:Put Your Name There by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD

Monday, August 22nd . Pastor Chris The elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:1-2). The Apostle John established the fact, that above everything else, it’s God’s desire that we prosper in all things: spiritually, mentally, physically and materially. God’s dream is for us to be excellent and live in divine health always. Someone might say, “But that statement in our opening scripture was specifically addressed to Gaius; so it’s not applicable to us today.” Well, 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…”; therefore, this beautiful thought John penned down is from the Spirit of God, and it’s still as relevant today. Gaius has gone to heaven, the apostles have gone to heaven; we’re the ones on the scene today. Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” His Word is for now; so, 3 John 1:2 isn’t for Gaius today; it’s for you, because it’s consistent with the provisions of the Gospel of Christ.

   

You might as well read the entire opening verse again, and instead of Gaius, insert your name. That’s what you do with God’s Word; you make it personal to you, because His Word is to you personally. When you hear or study the Scriptures, especially the Epistles, personalize the Word; insert your name. For example, don’t just read Philippians 4:13 as though it was only for the Apostle Paul. If your name is Smith, say, “I, Smith, can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Take possession of the Word; apprehend it and make it yours. Don’t say, “He’s talking to us”; no! Say, “He’s talking to ME!” The Word of God is for you to live in, and live by. Always personalize the Word for your progress and blessings.

 PRAYER 
 Dear heavenly Father, I yield to the Word, which prevails in my life, causing me to consistently make progress and walk in your glory. I prosper in my spirit, soul and body, and in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Further Study: || Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. || || Psalm 119:162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. || 

Daily Scripture Reading

 1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 7:1-40, Psalms 119:113-176

 2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 1:19-29, Jeremiah 7 EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional