MADE ALIVE IN CHRIST - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

MADE ALIVE IN CHRIST *PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME* FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH, 2014
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1).

The word “quickened” above means “made alive”: “AND YOU [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1 AMP). This is a consciousness God wants us to have as His children. We’ve been made alive in Christ; the life of Christ is at work in your system; every fibre of your being is inundated with the divine life and energy of God. Can you see why no one, and nothing, can destroy you? You’re unconquerable!

Consider that Jesus Christ, the Son of God in truth, gave Himself for you on the cross and died as your saviour, and that God raised Him from the dead to give you a new life. That life isn’t at all subject to defeat, failure or death. John 1:14 says about Him, “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.” In John 10:10 He emphasized that He came so that we might have life—His divine life—to the full. He couldn’t have done all these for nothing.

Therefore, as a Christian, live your life to show that what Jesus did wasn’t for nothing; live up to His dream! Jesus the creator of the whole world, the maker of all things died for you to give you a new life—the impregnable life of God. That’s something big! He thought we were valuable and important to the Father, so He came just for us. Why then should anyone live an empty or unhappy life?

The way to show your gratitude for all He’s done for you is to live up to His dream by maintaining your superiority and victory over Satan and the cohorts of darkness. You’re His seed, and He’s prolonging His days through you today (Isaiah 53:10). When you show up, Jesus shows up! You’re the express image of His person, called to show forth the beauty and excellence of His divine life in you.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for sending Jesus to die in my stead, a display of your love, and testimony of my worth and value to you. I live triumphantly today and always, conscious of your infinite grace and love, and the life of righteousness that I have in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
1 John 5:11-13
Living Bible (TLB)
11 And what is it that God has said? That he has given us eternal life and that this life is in his Son.12 So whoever has God’s Son has life; whoever does not have his Son, does not have life.
13 I have written this to you who believe in the Son of God so that you may know you have eternal life.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Mark 8:27-38-9:1 Numbers 5-6
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 22:11-30 Psalm 46-49

THE COST OF A SOUL - PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

THE COST OF A SOUL *PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME* THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2014
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance (Luke 15:7).

Many people give attention to things that aren’t so important. They strive all their lives to be famous and gain human recognition, but these don’t last. “As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more” (Psalms 103:15-16).

When we stand before the Master, He won’t ask for the accolades men heaped on us while we were on earth. Rather, He’ll be interested in what we did with the Gospel in saving souls.

Every soul on earth is valuable to God because He ransomed all men at a very high price: the precious blood of His Son, Jesus. That’s why the Bible says when one sinner repents, there’s joy in heaven. If only one person had been in the world, Jesus would still have come to die. He didn’t come because we were many; He came because we were valuable to God.

We have the responsibility of reaching out to others with the message of salvation; this is our calling and our purpose for being here on earth. Irrespective of our skills or vocation, soul winning ought to be our priority in everything. God first demonstrated this by sending His only begotten Son to earth not to be a doctor, lawyer, or politician, but a soul winner.

Remember that Proverbs 11:30 says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” We’re the wise ones, sent by God to shine the light of the Gospel and bring men out of darkness into the glorious Kingdom of His Son.“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for loving me and demonstrating your value for me by the price you paid for my salvation—the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. I see others through your eyes of love, and reach out to them with the good news of salvation, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Luke 15:8-10
Living Bible (TLB)
8 “Or take another illustration: A woman has ten valuable silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and look in every corner of the house and sweep every nook and cranny until she finds it? 9 And then won’t she call in her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her? 10 In the same way there is joy in the presence of the angels of God when one sinner repents.”

John 3:16
Living Bible (TLB)
16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son[a] so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Mark 8:14-26 Numbers 3-4
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 21:40-22:1-10 Psalm 44-45

CONDITION YOUR SPIRIT WITH THE WORD - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

CONDITION YOUR SPIRIT WITH THE WORD *PASTOR CHRIS* WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH, 2014
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 (Romans 12:2).

Man is a spirit. In 1 Peter 3:4, the Apostle Peter refers to man's spirit as the hidden man of the heart. It means you can't find the human spirit with your natural eyes, touch him with your physical hands, or smell him with your nose. Yet, the human spirit is the real person; you're not a physical body. It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, and by that I mean your physical body, that isn't the real you; you're a spirit being, and your body is the house where you live.

Therefore, what character of personality you come up with is dependent on the quality of your spirit. For example, whether you're hot tempered, soft-minded, harsh, impatient, or you're loving, gentle, patient, kind and humble-these vices and virtues are all determined or conditioned by the state of your spirit. Someone might say, "I'm the way I am because I took after my forebears; my great grandfather was said to be hot-tempered, and I think I got it from him." Not when you're born again! You have a new ancestry.

It makes no difference what your grandpa was like, you're to condition your spirit with the Word, and be who God has made you. You're to mould your character with the Word; it's your responsibility! Whether or not you're successful in life depends on the character of your spirit; the quality of your personality. The beautiful thing about it is that your spirit can be developed or trained. Your spirit is malleable; you can change the character of your spirit, and the material with which that can be done is the Word of God.

Romans 1:16 shows us that it's your spirit that's born again by receiving eternal life through the message of the Gospel. You have the life and nature of God in you now-the nature of righteousness. Therefore, you're expected to produce fruits unto righteousness. Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control as itemized in Galatians 5:22-23, are features or fruits of your recreated human spirit.

PRAYER
Dear Father, as I fellowship with your Word today, my spirit is conditioned to receive your thoughts, ideas and counsel! I thank you for the divine impartation and transformation that take place in my life through meditation on your Word, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Living Bible (TLB)
23 May the God of peace himself make you entirely pure and devoted to God; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept strong and blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes back again.

Ephesians 4:22-24
Living Bible (TLB)
22 then throw off your old evil nature—the old you that was a partner in your evil ways—rotten through and through, full of lust and sham.
23 Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. 24 Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Mark 7:24-8:1-13 Numbers 1-2
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 21:27-39 Psalm 42-43

HE'S NOT A DOVE - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

HE'S NOT A DOVE *PASTOR CHRIS* TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2014
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him (Matthew 3:16).

A lack of proper understanding of the verse above has led many Christians to symbolize or represent the Holy Spirit with a dove. However, neither this scripture nor any other likens or typifies the Holy Spirit as a dove; He's not a dove. Acts 17:30 says "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent."

The construction in our opening verse isn't describing the shape of the Holy Spirit when it says He descended like a dove on Jesus. Rather, it describes the manner of descent: He descended the way a dove would, not that He descended in the shape of a dove. I'm aware of those who have the Holy Spirit symbolized by a dove in their church or ministry logo. While not trying to undermine their intelligence, it's important to point out exactly what the Word teaches. We're not supposed to represent God with a face or shape of an animal! (Deuteronomy 4:15-17, Acts 17:29).

The only replica of God that the Bible reveals is the new creation; 1 John 4:17 says "...as he (Jesus) is, so are we in this world." Jesus said "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever" (John 14:16). The Greek rendering for the phrase "another comforter" is "allos paraklētos." That means "another one that is exactly like me"; one who goes along side with you, to help you. That means the Holy Spirit looks exactly like Jesus.

Recall the dialogue between Philip and the Lord in John 14:8-9, where Philip asked Him to show them the Father. Responding, the Master said, "...he that hath seen me hath seen the Father...." Therefore, the Holy Spirit looks like Jesus, who looks like the Father, and we're His icon-the express image of His person! Glory to God!

CONFESSION
As Jesus is the effulgence of God's glory and the exact representation of His person, so am I. His glory, beauty, aura and perfections are manifested in, and displayed through me to the world. Glory to His Name forever!

FURTHER STUDY
Hebrews 1:3
Living Bible (TLB)
3 God’s Son shines out with God’s glory, and all that God’s Son is and does marks him as God. He regulates the universe by the mighty power of his command. He is the one who died to cleanse us and clear our record of all sin, and then sat down in highest honor beside the great God of heaven.

John 14:16-17
Living Bible (TLB)
15-16 “If you love me, obey me; and I will ask the Father and he will give you another Comforter, and he will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, for it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, for he lives with you now and some day shall be in you.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Mark 7:1-23 Leviticus 26-27
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 21:18-26 Psalm 40-41

SPEAK LIFE - PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

SPEAK LIFE *PASTOR ANITA* MONDAY, FEBRUARY, 24TH, 2014
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21).

Genesis 1 shows us how God spoke the Word in recreating and restoring order to the earth after it became a dark chaotic mass. He showed us an important example to follow. When Jesus walked the streets in Bible days, He did exactly the same thing; He lived as the Word, by the Word, and in the Word. Everything He did was by the spoken word. When He commanded deaf ears to be opened, it was with words.

When He needed to open blind eyes, He said to the blind, “Receive your sight.” In restoring maimed limbs, He calmly said, “Be made whole!” Even to the dead, he authoritatively ordered “Arise!” An example was Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ four days after he (Lazarus) died and was buried. When Jesus arrived at the scene, He stood outside the cave and “…cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth” (John 11:43). The man who had been dead came out at the word of Jesus. How awesome! He spoke life all the time.

When He wanted to feed the multitudes in Mark 6, He took a little boy’s lunch and said to it, “multiply!” As the disciples shared the five loaves of bread and two fish amongst five thousand men, women and children not counted, they were awed to see that, not only was it enough, there were twelve baskets full of leftovers.

The Lord Jesus lived such a supernatural life to show us what our lives ought to be. As He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). He said in Mark 11:23, you shall have what you say. Therefore, speak life to your job, finances, health and family. What you say is what you get. When you speak God’s Word over any situation, there’s a change in the realm of the spirit; the Word produces what it talks about. If it’s on healing, prosperity or grace, those words will reproduce after their kind. So, keep the Word of life on your lips at all times; remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I rejoice exceedingly at your Word, which produces life in me, and has illumined my mind to the realities of my potentials and abilities in Christ. I’m living the transcendent life because I live in, and by, the Word. Prosperity, love, joy, health, peace, victory and success are my present-moment experiences, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
1 John 1:2
Living Bible (TLB)
2 This one who is life from God has been shown to us, and we guarantee that we have seen him; I am speaking of Christ, who is eternal Life. He was with the Father and then was shown to us.

Genesis 1:11
Living Bible (TLB)
11-12 And he said, “Let the earth burst forth with every sort of grass and seed-bearing plant, and fruit trees with seeds inside the fruit, so that these seeds will produce the kinds of plants and fruits they came from.” And so it was, and God was pleased.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Mark 6:30-56 Leviticus 25
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 21:10-17 Psalm 38-39

THE GLORY-LIFE UNVEILED - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

THE GLORY-LIFE UNVEILED *PASTOR CHRIS* SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD, 2014
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).

The Christian life is a call to glory and virtue; that means a call to a life of honour, dignity and excellence. This ought to be your everyday experience. Imagine if your confessions have been in line with this all your life! No matter what situation you find yourself in, your life will always be one of honour, dignity and excellence.
Some have their lives at variance with what the Word says, and they wonder why. The glory-life seems veiled to them because of ignorance and the blindness of their hearts. However, that veil is removed through the knowledge of God’s Word. The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Peter, tells us how this works: "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him…." (2 Peter 1:3).

First, notice that He isn’t trying to give you all things that pertain to life and godliness; no! He has already done it. How? It’s through the knowledge (Greek: epignosis) of Him. "Epignosis" means exact or precise knowledge; full knowledge with intimacy. It means full comprehension, recognition, or perception. How do you come about this special kind of knowledge? In Ephesians 1:17 the Apostle Paul prayed, "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him."

Observe that he calls the heavenly Father, the Father of glory. That means you are glory; your life is a life of glory! So, He’s saying that in getting to know God like Peter mentioned above, that God would grant you "…the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened..." (Ephesians 1:17-18).

The word "revelation" is the Greek: "apokalupsis," which means the unveiling; an insight into reality. Then the Greek word translated "enlightened" is "Photizo," which means to turn on the light in your heart. Therefore, as you study about God and learn about the things of the Spirit; as you get acquainted and familiar with Him, and relate with Him, these spiritual realities will be unveiled to you.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for granting me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you; thank you for enlightening the eyes of my understanding to know the hope of your calling and the glory of your inheritance in the saints, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
1 Peter 5:10
Living Bible (TLB)
10 After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever.

Ephesians 1:17-18
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. 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can see something of the future he has called you to share. I want you to realize that God has been made rich because we who are Christ’s have been given to him!

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Mark 6:1-29 Leviticus 24
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 21:1-9 Psalm 37

VITALIZED BY THE SPIRIT - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

VITALIZED BY THE SPIRIT *PASTOR CHRIS* SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND, 2014
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8:11).

Our opening verse is such a powerful revelation from the Word of God. However, many have only related to it as though it’s a mere promise; but it isn’t a promise. The question to ask is, “Does the Spirit live in you?” Yes, if you have received Him into your life. That means the second part has also been fulfilled in you, since the vitalizing of your mortal body is preconditioned on the Spirit dwelling in you.

The day He took up His abode in you was when He quickened—gave life—to your mortal body. You don’t have a mortal body anymore! The Bible says He brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:10). Halleluiah. Not knowing how to rightly apply the Word has made some not to see the reality of God’s Word, and as a result, live in the realm of promises. It’s the reason some are still subject to the elements of this world, battling with headaches, colds and fevers, instead of living the life of dominion through the Spirit.

In response to the scripture: Romans 8:11, “...if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in me, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken my mortal body,” declare “the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead has taken up His abode in me, and has vitalized my mortal body; He has made my body come alive with the life of God! Now I have the life and nature of God in me.” This is a present-hour reality.

This was what the Apostle Paul knew, that he didn’t panic when a venomous viper fastened itself around his arm. He merely shook the beast into the fire and continued what he was doing. Being born again and filled with the Holy Spirit, you no longer live by blood but by the power of the Spirit. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead has given life to your physical body, making you indestructible!

CONFESSION
The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, lives in me. He’s made my body come alive with the life of God. Now, I declare that I walk in divine health and victory; sickness and disease can’t dwell in this body because it’s the temple of the Holy Spirit, Halleluiah!

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.

Romans 8:13
Living Bible (TLB)
13 For if you keep on following it you are lost and will perish, but if through the power of the Holy Spirit you crush it and its evil deeds, you shall live.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Mark 5:21-43 Leviticus 22-23
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 20:25-38 Psalm 35-36

THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF THE MAN IN CHRIST - PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF THE MAN IN CHRIST *PASTOR ANITA* FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST, 2014
...if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

When you were born again, you were born a new type of man. This new man is not like anything the world has seen before; he's the new superman in Christ. He only shares semblance with the Lord Himself. 1 John 4:17 reiterates this truth about the new creation for it says, "...as He (Jesus) is, so are we in this world." 2 Peter 1:4 tells us that we are sharers of His divine nature. This means that we have His life and His glory. This is the extraordinary life of the man in Christ. He isn't one that can be sick, poor, broke or defeated.

1 John 4:4 says, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." You hail from God; your origin is in God; you're in the same class with Him. Therefore, you're not ordinary. Notice the Word doesn't say you're trying to overcome, no; you were born an overcomer!

Some believers wonder, "If these things are true, why then is my life so ordinary?" Now, to apply these truths in your life, first, acknowledge that you're who God says you are; accept His Word as the only truth. In Apostle Paul's letter to Timothy he said, "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands" (2 Timothy 1:6). This means there's something inside you, but you have to stir it up to be manifested in your life by speaking in consonance with the Word.

You're a new creation in Christ; an heir of the Sovereign, an associate of the God-kind, superior to Satan, and a wonder to the world. You're excellent all the way! Believe, accept, and confess these qualities about yourself always. Speak the Word over your life, health, marriage, finances and your job, because with your mouth you're catapulted to the realms of glory.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me a supernatural life. I'm conscious of my divine nature as a new creation in Christ, full of the glory and excellencies of divinity. I manifest the Christ-life in me to my world by the power of the Spirit, to influence men and women in righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Romans 10:9-10
Living Bible (TLB)
9 For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord and believe in your own heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth he tells others of his faith, confirming his salvation.

Romans 8:37
Living Bible (TLB)
37 but despite all this, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Mark 5:1-20 Leviticus 19-21
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 20:13-24 Psalm 33-34

HE UNRAVELS MYSTERIES - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

HE UNRAVELS MYSTERIES *PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME* THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2014
Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his...He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him (Daniel 2:20-22).

King Nebuchadnezzar once had a dream none of his wise men could interpret. This got him troubled and distressed, and he threatened to execute them unless they told him the dream and the interpretation. In their response, they said to the king "...There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter:...there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean. And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh" (Daniel 2:10-11).

However, Daniel boldly stepped forward and asked the king to give him a chance. He got his friends together to fast and pray, and God showed him the king's dream and its interpretation. When Daniel revealed the king's dream and the interpretation, everyone began to say of him that he had an excellent spirit. The Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of wisdom, is that excellent spirit. He's the one who grants us insight into realities, mysteries and secrets.

You don't have to walk in darkness or ignorance concerning the future. The Holy Spirit is your light; He guides you through the Word in the path that you should go. He came to teach you all things, guide you into all truth, and show you the future (John 16:13). The Lord Jesus said in Luke 8:10, "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God." You're chosen of God to know the mysteries of the Kingdom.

The more you acknowledge and recognize the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life, the more He illuminates your mind and grants you extraordinary amplitude to comprehend, discern and interpret all mysteries.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the special ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life today; you've given me an excellent spirit and an understanding mind; therefore I'm able to unravel and interpret mysteries through your excellent wisdom that's at work in me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Daniel 6:3
Living Bible (TLB)
3 Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other presidents and governors, for he had great ability, and the king began to think of placing him over the entire empire as his administrative officer.

1 Corinthians 2:7-10
Living Bible (TLB)
7 Our words are wise because they are from God, telling of God’s wise plan to bring us into the glories of heaven. This plan was hidden in former times, though it was made for our benefit before the world began. 8 But the great men of the world have not understood it; if they had, they never would have crucified the Lord of Glory.
9 That is what is meant by the Scriptures which say that no mere man has ever seen, heard, or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord. 10 But we know about these things because God has sent his Spirit to tell us, and his Spirit searches out and shows us all of God’s deepest secrets.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Mark 4:21-41 Leviticus 16-18
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 20:1-12 Psalm 31-33

"...FAR ABOVE ALL RULE AND AUTHORITY..." - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

"...FAR ABOVE ALL RULE AND AUTHORITY..." *PASTOR CHRIS* WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH, 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).

Many only think of demons when they hear "principality"; however, there're angelic principalities that are positive; angelic powers of God are also principalities. The word "principality" actually means the first in authority. It also means the decree of authority. The Amplified translation picks the word "rule" for principality: "...Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come."

That word "rule" means two things: first is the authority that governs, and then secondly, it means the decree by which they govern. In other words, it doesn't matter what rule has been made; Jesus is far above all rule. This refers to both the ruler-ship and its rules. Jesus Christ has been set far above-not just above, or near above-but far above all rule, authority, power, dominion and every name that is named, and every title that can be conferred, not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come. What an awesome reality!

The Lord Jesus has the most powerful name there is: everything is under His authority, and there's going to be no change to that! He's the reigning King, and His reign and rule is for eternity. Now, Ephesians 2:6 tells us something beautiful; it says, God has "quickened us together, and raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." So, we're seated with Christ, far above all rule. I love the way the Wuest Translation renders it. It says "over and above every government."

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

PRAYER
Precious Lord Jesus, I take full advantage of the authority you've given me, and declare that as I function in your Name, I put a stop to every evil work around me, and endorse only those things that are consistent with your plans and purposes for me. 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!

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[a] 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.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Mark 4:1-20 Leviticus 15
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 19:30-41 Psalm 29-30

BORN AFTER THE LORD FROM HEAVEN - PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

BORN AFTER THE LORD FROM HEAVEN *PASTOR ANITA* TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, 2014
And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world (John 8:23).

When the Lord Jesus said to the Jews in the verse above "I'm from above," He was referring to His divine origin; He's the Lord from heaven: "The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven" (1 Corinthians 15:47). He was the result of the Word that God spoke to the virgin Mary, through the Angel Gabriel (Luke 1:31). So when He said, "I'm from above," He meant His life was not of this world. His life is the life of the Word; and since the Word is God, it means His life is the life of God.

The Lord Jesus made this distinction because everyone on earth received life through their earthly parents, but His life came from God-He is the Word made flesh. Every human person born into this world has the natural human life. That life, however, is corruptible life; it is mortal. This became man's lot when Adam sinned against God, obeying Satan instead, thus, losing His authority to Satan at the Garden of Eden. As a result, death came into the world: "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" (Romans 5:12).

Sin came into the world by Adam's disobedience, and death followed. "Death" here is separation from God: a life of darkness and spiritual blindness. That's the life of the unregenerate man, whom the Word describes as alienated from the life of God, and a stranger from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12).

However, having been born again, you're not born after the image of the first man Adam, but after Christ, who is the Lord from heaven; you bear the image of the "heavenly": as He is, so are you in this world (1 John 4:17). 1 Corinthians 15:48 explains, "...as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly." 1 Peter 1:23 declares, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."

You're the offspring of the Word, just as Jesus is the Word made flesh. Like Him, you're from above; born from heaven. Glory to God!

CONFESSION
I live in victory, daily making progress, and walking in the dominion of the Spirit! I'm conscious of the indestructible life of Christ in me, and as He is, so am I-full of grace, power, and the glory of God! The Name of the Lord is glorified in me today, and forever. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
John 3:31
Living Bible (TLB)
31 “He has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. I am of the earth, and my understanding is limited to the things of earth.

1 Corinthians 15:47-49
Living Bible (TLB)
47 Adam was made from the dust of the earth, but Christ came from heaven above. 48 Every human being has a body just like Adam’s, made of dust, but all who become Christ’s will have the same kind of body as his—a body from heaven. 49 Just as each of us now has a body like Adam’s, so we shall some day have a body like Christ’s.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Mark 3:13-35 Leviticus 13-14
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 19:21-29 Psalm 27-28

SEE THE REALITY BEYOND THE SHADOWS - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

SEE THE REALITY BEYOND THE SHADOWS *PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME* MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH, 2014
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

Faith is the ability to see and walk in reality that's unknown to the senses. Faith sees the reality beyond shadows. By faith, you see with your spirit through the Word of God and declare, irrespective of staggering opposition, "I'm what God says I am; I have what He says I have, and I can do what He says I can do!"

This is how Abraham became the possessor of the whole earth. When the Lord said to him, "...Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever" (Genesis 13:14-15), he knew the Lord wasn't talking about physical lands. By faith, he saw the whole world with his spiritual eyes, and he believed: "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness" (Romans 4:3).

Colossians 1:13 says God has translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son. We're in a spiritual kingdom, and in this kingdom, He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). This includes everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Your healing and health, prosperity, success, victory, and the higher life of glory have been consummated in Christ: they already exist as realities in the spirit-realm. You lay hold on these spiritual realities and make them real in your life through faith.

See, and take possession from your spirit, for that's where God guides you from. With your faith, you can apprehend the realities of the spiritual kingdom to which we belong and super-impose them on the natural world. You can take over businesses, corporations, cities, nations, and ultimately the whole world for Christ and His Gospel. Glory to God!

CONFESSION
I see with my eyes of faith and take possession in the realm of the spirit! In Christ Jesus, I have overcome the world and it's systems! I'm making progress with giant strides. Satan and the cohorts of darkness, including all the negativities in the world are subdued before me, and I reign triumphantly over them in Christ. Halleluiah.

FURTHER STUDY
2 Corinthians 5:7
Living Bible (TLB)
7 We know these things are true by believing, not by seeing.

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 Reading Plan : Mark 2:23-3:1-12 Leviticus 11-12
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 19:8-20 Psalm 25-26

"KINGING" IN LIFE" - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

"KINGING" IN LIFE *PASTOR CHRIS* FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH, 2014
…If by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).

As God’s children, we’ve been called to reign as kings in life; this is so remarkable, especially when you consider the Greek rendering of the word "reign," which accurately means "to king." The actual Greek construction is "…they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall king in life, by one, Jesus Christ." You’re supposed to be "kinging" in life.

1 Corinthians 15:25, referring to the Lord Jesus, says, "For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet." The Lord Jesus is in heaven, and there’re no enemies in heaven to put under His feet; meaning that this verse isn’t talking about Him reigning in heaven, but in the earth. You might want to ask, "How is He then reigning in the earth, since He’s in heaven?" He does it through us! He reigns or "kings" in the earth today through us—His Church. We reign through Him, and He reigns through us.

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

1 John 5:4 says, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Being born again, you’ve overcome the world; you’re superior to Satan and the cohorts of darkness. You’re "kinging" over demons, sickness and disease, poverty, failure, and death through Christ Jesus. The only one who’s permitted to reign in your life is the Lord and His eternal Word; refuse to accommodate anything that hurts or binds. Keep "kinging" in life!

CONFESSION
I’m what God says I am; a member of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. Greater is He that’s in me than he that’s in the world. I’m "kinging" over Satan, sickness, poverty, and the cohorts of darkness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Hebrews 13:8
Living Bible (TLB)
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

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.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Mark 1:1-20 Leviticus 6-7
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 18:1-11 Psalm 19-20

IT'S THE SAME SPIRIT... - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

IT'S THE SAME SPIRIT... *PASTOR CHRIS* THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH, 2014
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8:11).

If you're born again, be glad that the Holy Spirit dwells, not only with you, but in you. He's your indwelling Comforter, Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby. With Him in your life, success is guaranteed all the way. He's the one that brings the power of God into your life to be effective in your Christian walk. He also teaches you the Word so you can know God's perfect will for your life and live in it.

No one who has received the Holy Spirit should live an ordinary life. Think about it: this Holy Spirit you've received is the same One that worked with David when he came face-to-face with a lion and a bear, and slew both beasts with his bare hands on both occasions (1 Samuel 17:34-35). He enabled him as a stripling to defeat and decapitate the great Goliath of Gath, the champion of the Philistines.

Again, the same Holy Spirit that lives in you today is the One who worked with Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, Solomon and ultimately the Lord Jesus Himself. The mighty works He did through the prophets of old were not mere stories; they were recorded for our learning and inspiration. They are to let you know what the Spirit of God can do in your life as well, if you'd yield to him. The prophets of old didn't have the fullness of the Spirit, for they weren't born again. This should let you know how much your life ought to be even more supernatural as a result of having the Holy Spirit live in you!

The One who resides in you is greater and more powerful than all the forces in the world! He didn't come to be dormant and quietly nestle away in you. 1 John 4:4 says, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." Put His power in you to work today.

CONFESSION
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit, to live in me in His fullness, infusing me with dynamic ability to effect positive changes in my world. I'm a victor in Christ Jesus, living the extraordinary life of excellence that you've ordained for me. Halleluiah!

FURTHER STUDY
John 14:17
Living Bible (TLB)
17 He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, for it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, for he lives with you now and some day shall be in you.

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 Reading Plan : Matthew 28:1-20 Leviticus 4-5
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 17:22-34 Psalm 17-18

LIVING IN HIS DIVINE PLAN - PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

LIVING IN HIS DIVINE PLAN *PASTOR ANITA* WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH, 2014
For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live] (Ephesians 2:10 AMP).

Locating yourself in God's plan and fulfilling His destiny for you is your responsibility. You're to see to it that you walk in the path that He's prepared for you. Colossians 4:17 says, "...Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. " That just about says it all: it's not the Lord's responsibility, but yours, to fulfil His calling and destiny for your life.

In living out God's destiny for you, first you'd have to have a good knowledge and understanding of the word. God's word is His wisdom and Light(Proverbs 1:20,23, Psalm 119:130). As you study and meditate on it, you receive insight,direction, and devine counsel; you're guided to know and function in God's perfect will for your life.

In addition, you must constantly yield yourself to the Holy Spirit. He's the one who unveils mysteries and divine secrets to you, and helps you to discover yourself in God's dream. Jesus called Him the Spirit of truth, which means the Spirit of reality; He unveils the realities of life to you (John 16:13), and guides you to fulfill the will of the Father. Whenever He prompts you from within to do something, don't argue; go ahead and take the step. The more yielded you are to Him, the more He can work out His purpose through you.

CONFESSION
I'm growing in grace and in the knowledge of God's word to know His divine plans and perfect will for my life! I'm guided by the Spirit, and propelled by divine wisdom in the direction of God's destiny for me. Halleluiah.

FURTHER STUDY
Colossians 2:6-7
Living Bible (TLB)
6 And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust him, too, for each day’s problems; live in vital union with him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done.

Jeremiah 7:23
Living Bible (TLB)
23 But what I told them was: Obey me, and I will be your God and you shall be my people; only do as I say, and all shall be well!

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Matthew 27:45-66 Leviticus 1-3
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 17:10-21 Psalm 14-16

FAITH: A PRODUCT OF KNOWLEDGE - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

FAITH: A PRODUCT OF KNOWLEDGE *PASTOR CHRIS* TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH, 2014
...Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17)

Our opening text gives us an understanding of the relationship between faith and kwowledge. Faith comes by hearing or knowing God's word. Faith is a product of your knowledge of God's word; it's a product of your consciousness of His personality, and revelation knowledge of Him. That knowledge of consciousness gives you a mind-set; it makes you worship the Lord in a special way, because you recognize and acknowledge His greatness.

One distinct feature of every true christian is deep hunger for the word of God; the insatiable urge to know the Lord more and fellowship with Him. The more you get to know Him-through the word-the more your faith is built up with His personality, thoughts, and character revealed through you.The story of Moses is an inspiring case in point. He had his first major encounter with the Lord at Mount Horeb (Exodus 3:2). God spoke to him out of a burning bush that wasn't consumed, and commissioned him to deliver the children of Israel from their servitude to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. He sent him with the promise that He, Jehovah, would be with him (Exodus 3:12).

This was all Moses needed-the knowledge that God would be with him! On the basis of that knowledge, he proceeded with extraordinary boldness to confront Pharaoh who at the time was a dreaded absolute ruler. Moses' audacity of faith was inspired by his consciousness that a greater than Pharaoh was with him. That knowledge energized his faith and emboldened his confidence to see Pharaoh as nothing but a mere mortal who couldn't do him any harm.

This is what you need today: a rich knowledge of God through His Word! This is indispensable to you if you must live and fulfill the will and purpose of God for your life. Through your knowledge of His greatness and power, you're audacious in faith, and are able to confront and prevail over the challenges of life.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your Word and its power in my life. My faith is alive and working, because I recognize your awesome and glorious presence in me. You're the glory of my life; you're my strength, my victory, and my song. I love you with all my heart, and appreciate your grace and peace that are multiplied in my life through the knowledge of your Word, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
2 Peter 1:2-3
Living Bible (TLB)
2 Do you want more and more of God’s kindness and peace? Then learn to know him better and better.3 For as you know him better, he will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: he even shares his own glory and his own goodness with us!

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Matthew 27:27-44 Exodus 40
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 17:1-9 Psalm 11-13

HIS NAME REPRESENTS AUTHORITY - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

HIS NAME REPRESENTS AUTHORITY *PASTOR CHRIS* MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH, 2014
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).

Angels, demons and all of nature are obliged to obey any instruction issued in the Name of Jesus, because that name represents authority-all authority in heaven, and in earth. When you use the Name of Jesus, never think "Will it work, or will it not work"; there shouldn't be any room for doubt! The teaching on faith has caused many Christians to stumble in this area. The truth is: you really don't need to muster faith to use the Name of Jesus.

When you ask the Father anything in the Name of Jesus, He doesn't consider whether or not you have faith because He already dealt to you the measure of faith (Romans 12:3). If you didn't have faith, you wouldn't know Jesus. You live in His Name; you're in Christ. Halleluiah. Therefore, when it comes to using His Name it's a matter of authority. Jesus said concerning the believing ones, "...In my name, they shall cast out devils..." (Mark 16:17).. Any believer can cast out devils by the authority of Christ.

This is akin to the police officer who stands to control traffic on the road; He doesn't need any faith. When he raises his hand to signal, "Stop," you have to comply. The authority that put him there in the first place is all that he needed. In the same way, the day you were born again, you were given authority over Satan and every demon of darkness.

At the Mount of Transfiguration, God spoke out of heaven concerning Jesus, saying, "...This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Matthew 17:5). Everything in the universe-animate or inanimate; everything has intelligence and have been commanded to hear and obey Jesus. God gave the same decree on your behalf when you confessed the Lordship of Jesus over your life to be born again.

Everything God made has intelligence. All of nature have been commanded to hear and obey as you make decrees in the Name of Jesus. You stand in His stead; in His Name, you have the authority to tame the world and subdue nature!

PRAYER
Lord, I thank you for the authority you've given to me to use your Name to cast out devils, heal the sick, and dominate this world. The circumstances of life are subject to me as I exercise my God-given authority every day, 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,[a] baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

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 : Matthew 27:1-26 Exodus 38-39
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 16:29-40 Psalm 9-10

HIS WORD IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR IT - PASTOR ANITA

HIS WORD IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR IT *PASTOR ANITA* SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH, 2014
..Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour (Matthew 8:13).

A certain Centurion whose dear servant was,sick and ready to die heard of Jesus and sent the elders of the Jews to beseech Him to come heal his servant. The Master agreed and followed them. But almost immediately, the Centurion sent words back to Jesus saying, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Luke 7:6-7 NKJV).

In today’s language, the Centurion was saying, “Lord, your Word is good enough for it!” When Jesus heard the words of the Centurion He marvelled at his faith and turned to those that followed Him and said, “...I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” And by the time the messengers got back to the Centurion’s house, they found the hitherto sick servant perfectly healed (Luke 7:9-10). The Centurion had faith that a word from the Master was all that was needed.

This is the kind of childlike faith you’re required to demonstrate in God’s Word. What’s your desire? In which area do you require a change or a miracle? The Centurion was very clear about what he wanted for his servant and he was convinced the Master’s words were potent enough to produce the miracle.God’s answer to whatever trouble anyone might be facing is His Word! It makes no difference what the trouble is; whether it’s sickness, bankruptcy, marital problems, etc. Once you have God’s Word in that area, you have the answer. As you open your spirit to the ministry of the Word, you’ll make progress from glory to glory.

You’re one-word-from-God away from your miracle and next level of success, and that Word has already been given. In John 16:23-24 the Master said, “…in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” Even now, you can act on that word: ask whatever you will, knowing that the Lord who invited you to do so is bound by His Word; He never fails.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for your precious Word, which I esteem beyond physical food! Your Word is the divine nourishment for my spirit, and by your Word, I profit daily, make progress, excel and triumph over all circumstances, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Psalm 107:17-20
Living Bible (TLB)
17 Others, the fools, were ill because of their sinful ways. 18 Their appetites were gone, and death was near. 19 Then they cried to the Lord in their troubles, and he helped them and delivered them.20 He spoke, and they were healed—snatched from the door of death.

Acts 20:32
Living Bible (TLB)
32 “And now I entrust you to God and his care and to his wonderful words that are able to build your faith and give you all the inheritance of those who are set apart for himself.

Mark 7:25-30
Living Bible (TLB)
25 Right away a woman came to him whose little girl was possessed by a demon. She had heard about Jesus and now she came and fell at his feet, 26 and pled with him to release her child from the demon’s control. (But she was Syrophoenician—a “despised Gentile”!)
27 Jesus told her, “First I should help my own family—the Jews.[a] It isn’t right to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.”
28 She replied, “That’s true, sir, but even the puppies under the table are given some scraps from the children’s plates.”
29 “Good!” he said. “You have answered well—so well that I have healed your little girl. Go on home, for the demon has left her!”
30 And when she arrived home, her little girl was lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Matthew 26:57-75 Exodus 36-37
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 16:19-28 Psalm 7-8

KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON HIM - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON HIM *PASTOR CHRIS* SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH, 2014
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:1-2).

Some Christians wrongly assume they can achieve perfection by their works; but Christian perfection isn't in the perfection of our works but on the vision of Christ; you have to look at Him. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

The Word of God is the mirror of God, and Jesus is the Word made flesh. As you behold Him in the Word-through study and meditation-you're changed from glory to glory. For example, Colossians 3:9-10 says, "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." Notice that the reason you 're not supposed to lie isn't because of the command, "Thou shall not lie," but because you've put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ: that's what you set your gaze on.

The way to set your gaze on Him isn't as you would a picture on the wall, but through His Word in your heart, keeping your focus on the image and vision of who you are in Him and what He's made you. That's meditation; as you behold or contemplate the glory of God, you are metamorphosed; you understand what it means to be in Him, and for Him to be in you. When you recognize yourself in Him, and Him in you, all the stress and struggles for perfection will be over.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for your Word, which I receive into my heart with meekness and faith. As I meditate on it, I increase in grace and in the knowledge of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Romans 12:2
Living Bible (TLB)
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Living Bible (TLB)
12 Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.
2 Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Matthew 26:31-56 Exodus 34-35
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 16:11-18 Psalm 5-6

THE TRUE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

THE TRUE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE *PASTOR CHRIS* FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH, 2014
By him (Jesus Christ) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).

Just as the priest offered sacrifices of burnt offerings and incense in the Old Testament, today, we offer sacrifices of praise to God with the fruit of our lips, which are the words we speak in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. The sacrifice of praise transcends superficial statements like, "Lord, I thank you for everything." For it to be a true sacrifice of praise to God, it must be mixed with substance from your spirit; you must have definite reasons for praising Him, and then voice those reasons.

If I said to you, "Thank you for cleaning the house so well," I've praised you. In the same vein, praising God means giving Him thanks in the Name of Jesus for specific reasons. The sacrifices of praise are confessions, declarations, psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that you render to Him for His love, grace and goodness towards you. They also refer to tributes or speeches that acknowledge and celebrate the Name of the Lord. They're confessions of God's Word that we make to glorify Him.

These confessions (or professions) are the fruits and calves of our lips-words from our mouths that give glory to God. Therefore, when making confessions, say beautiful things about God and give testimonies of His wondrous works. Proclaim what He has said about Himself and about you: "...for he hath said...So that we may boldly say..." (Hebrews 13:5-6). As you make those confessions in Jesus' Name, He (Jesus), being our Great High Priest, presents them before the Father, who receives your praise and worship as a sacrifice of a sweet-smelling savour. Halleluiah!

PRAYER
Blessed Father, how great and glorious you are! You're the only wise and true God, who reigns and rules in the affairs of men. To you, O Lord, be all glory, honour, majesty, dominion, and praise! Thank you for making my life beautiful, and filling me with your glory, righteousness, and peace, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Hosea 14:2
Living Bible (TLB)
2 Bring your petition. Come to the Lord and say, “O Lord, take away our sins; be gracious to us and receive us, and we will offer you the sacrifice of praise.

Hebrews 13:5-6
Living Bible (TLB)
5 Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never,never fail you nor forsake you.” 6 That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, “The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.”

1 Timothy 6:15-16
Living Bible (TLB)
15 For in due season Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only Almighty God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone can never die, who lives in light so terrible that no human being can approach him. No mere man has ever seen him nor ever will. Unto him be honor and everlasting power and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Matthew 26:1-30 Exodus 32-33
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 15:1-10 Psalm 3-4

Construction commenced on the N1billion Pastor Adeboye ‘Prayer Garden’

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has commenced the construction of a billion naira project he has tagged ‘Prayer Garden’ in the Redemption Camp along Lagos – Ibadan Expressway.

Encomium reports that the garden would sit on the newly acquired 25 acres along Simawa Road, Redemption Camp.

Confirming the report, a member of the governing council, who is also a regional evangelist in the mission, Pastor David said, “One of the pillars on which the RCCG is built is prayer and that God has blessed the mission with a leader who does not only talk about praying but leads in praying. As people come to the Prayer Garden, they will encounter God, they will obtain mercy and find help. “

He explained that there will be two prayer cubicles, each of which will have capacity for about 80 people pouring their heart out to God at the same time.

He further said that the topography of the Garden will be maximized to create a prayer mountain for climbers.

“The cubicles are there, then the prayer mountain. There will also be a big hall with capacity for about 7000 people. This hall will be used for services and joint prayers. We are going to have chalets where those who come to pray can rest”, he explained.

He said that the annual pre-convention camping of ministers slated for ordination will now be done in the Garden when concluded. “We will have prayers and counselling, telephone prayer and counselling facilities will also be available.

”The general benefit in creating the Prayer Garden is that when people go there, like what we had in the old Shiloh, they can pour out their hearts to God…We want to also create an avenue where our ordained can gather to seek the face of the Lord because, up to this moment, they normally go out somewhere to pray.

”There is going to be what we call prayer path which will be used for prayer walk. We will also have all books ever written on prayers from all over the world in the library for people to read and to buy from the bookstore.

”By the time all the buildings which we are trusting God to put in place for us within a year or two would be on ground, then we are going to start what we refer to as Redemption School of Prayers, where people are going to be trained to pray. We are also going to have the Redemption School of Deliverance. These two schools will be established”. He disclosed in a recent interview with Encomium.

USE YOUR SHIELD OF FAITH - PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

USE YOUR SHIELD OF FAITH *PASTOR ANITA* THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH, 2014
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.(Ephesians 6:16)

1 John 3:8 says, "...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." This scripture is absolutely clear about what Jesus came to do: He came to destroy the works of the devil! He paralyzed Satan, demolished his works, and rendered him and his demons completely helpless.

Colossians 2:15 tells us that He made an open spectacle of Satan and his cohorts in hell and placed them under your feet. But you see, you have a responsibility to keep Satan and his demons where they belong; they shouldn't be allowed to run rampage in your life.

Understand that though Satan is a defeated foe, the Christian isn't shielded from his wiles, stratagems and manipulations. That's why in Ephesians 6:10-11 we're admonished to put on the whole armour of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. It's your responsibility to put your armour on; God isn't going to do it for you.

One of such armour is the shield of faith: "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16). God gave you the shield of faith to use; that's the shield with which you extinguish all the fiery darts the enemy throws at you. Keep building your faith strong by learning and acting on the Word. Irrespective of what happens around you, refuse to fear; refuse to give up or give in; speak the Word in faith.

CONFESSION
I'm strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! No weapon fashioned against me shall prosper; by the shield of faith, I extinguish all the fiery darts of the enemy, foiling and rendering his devices, schemes and stratagems ineffective, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
Ephesians 6:13-17
Living Bible (TLB)
13 So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up.
14 But to do this, you will need the strong belt of truth and the breastplate of God’s approval. 15 Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God. 16 In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. 17 And you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Matthew 25:31-46 Exodus 31
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 15:32-41 Psalm 1-2

SOLDIERS IN HIS END-TIME ARMY - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

SOLDIERS IN HIS END-TIME ARMY *PASTOR CHRIS* WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH, 2014
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).

No Christian should lazy through life, for we're soldiers in God's army. As a soldier you're expected to be strong and tough to accomplish the task set before you. There's absolutely no place for the timid and weak-hearted in the army. Years ago, I enrolled as a young lad in the army cadet. While there, they made it clear that we had no options; we were only to do whatever we were instructed to do. They didn't want sissies. We had to look strong and tough, and we weren't expected to complain or exhibit any sign of weakness.

The same goes for God's army. A good soldier of Jesus Christ must be trained and fully equipped for the fight of faith; he must be strong and equipped to endure hard times. For example, when you're told, "let's pray," you can't complain that you're feeling tired, or that your hands are hurting when told "lift your hands to the Lord in worship." You can't say you're too tired to go on evangelism; you're a soldier; soldiers don't make excuses.

The Lord Jesus Christ remains our perfect example of what a true soldier should be like. Consider what the Prophet Isaiah said about Him, "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand" (Isaiah 53:10). We're the result of that travail of soul that He went through. When He saw the glory ahead of Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2); we're that glory. He saw what we would be, and went on to give His life to save us.

We're His seed, prolonging His days through the preaching of the Gospel. We must herald it on the housetops, mountaintops, in the valleys-everywhere: North, South, East, and West, and by so doing, establish His Kingdom on earth and in the hearts of men. That's our job as soldiers in His end-time army.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I thank you for imparting to my spirit extraordinary passion for the Gospel. By the power of your Spirit, I establish your Kingdom everywhere I go, even as I saturate my world with the knowledge of your Word, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
2 Timothy 4:5
Living Bible (TLB)
5 Stand steady, and don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Bring others to Christ. Leave nothing undone that you ought to do.

2 Timothy 2:4-5
Living Bible (TLB)
4 and as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. 5 Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Matthew 25:1-30 Exodus 29-30
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 15:22-31 Job 42

HAPPINESS-A RESULT OF JOYFULNESS! - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH

HAPPINESS-A RESULT OF JOYFULNESS!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

(Galatians 5:22)

Often times, when people aren't happy or excited about themselves or about life, it's for one simple reason: they've ignored the Word of God. Your happiness as a Christian isn't dependent on your circumstances or situation. Happiness is one of the results of joyfulness, and joyfulness is a fruit of your recreated human spirit, nourished through the Word of God.

Your joy is like fire; and when there's no fuel to fire, it burns out. In the same way, those who ignore the Word have their joy short-lived. If you ever find yourself disoriented, what you need is to stay in the Word. Interpret and respond to situations on the basis of God's Word. Your happiness shouldn't be because things are going on smoothly; it shouldn't be dependent on the good things going on with you or around you. Otherwise, those who live in the best houses, and have the best things of life will be the happiest people in the world. But this isn't the case.

There're people who have committed suicide while others wondered, "What could have gone wrong? Everything was all right; he had the best family, he had the best job, he had enough money, he was voted the most respected man in the community. Why in the world did he kill himself?" What they probably didn't realize is that happiness doesn't come from any of those things. It's one of the blessings that joy produces in you: joy that only comes through the Word and the Spirit of God.

Your happiness is your responsibility. You have to make yourself happy continually, because your happy spirit dictates everything about your life. If for any reason, you're feeling downcast or unhappy, get into the Word and fan the embers of your joy.

CONFESSION

My heart is filled with unspeakable joy because I live in, and by the Word of God. I'm like a tree by the stream, fruitful in every season. My happiness knows no bounds because I dwell in God's Kingdom of light and life, where only divinity, success, victory, joy, peace, prosperity, and divine health reign. Halleluiah!

FURTHER STUDY:

Philippians 4:4(Amp)
Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!

1 Peter 1:8(Amp)
Without having seen Him, you love Him; though you do not [even] now see Him, you believe in Him and exult and thrill with inexpressible and glorious (triumphant, heavenly) joy.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1 Year Bible Reading Plan:

Matthew 24:36-51

Exodus 28

2 Year Bible Reading Plan:

Acts 15:12-21

Job 40-41

GIVE HIM YOUR ALL - PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

MONDAY,FEBRUARY 3RD

PASTOR ANITA OYAKHILOME

GIVE HIM YOUR ALL

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways (Proverbs 23:26).

From our opening verse, it’s clear what the Lord wants: your heart, and for your eyes to observe His ways. He wants you to love Him and live for Him. 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” Others may call you a fool for loving the Lord and serving Him with your life, but no one is ever a fool for faith. Living for the Lord is the highest calling and greatest honour!
The one who walks with the Lord is positioned for glory in life: he’s as a tree planted by the rivers of water; everything he does prospers (Psalm 1:3). He experiences maximum fulfilment and joy in life because his passion, emotions, desires and appetites are founded on Christ. When you give the Lord your all and trust Him with your life, He’ll make your life pleasurable and worth living.
If you ever wondered why David prospered in wealth and wisdom beyond measure, it was because he gave the Lord his all! He also taught his son Solomon to do the same. In 2 Samuel 24:24, he said, “...I will not offer to the LORD my God sacrifices that have cost me nothing...” (GNB). What a mentality! Only the very best is good enough for God!
In giving the Law to the children of Israel, God specifically warned them against bringing anything less than the best as an offering: “And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the Lord thy God” (Deuteronomy 15:21). When you give Him the best of you, and the best of what you have, He rewards you for your action of faith and trust.

Confession
Blessed Lord, my life is for your glory, and I live to bring you honour as I serve you with diligence, excellence, and wholehearted devotion. You’re my all, and all that I live for! Thank you for the opportunity to know and serve you, and to express your love and righteousness to the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Deuteronomy 6:5(Amp)
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might.

Colossians 3:1-4(Amp)
IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory.

Isaiah 40:31(TLB)
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.


DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1 Year Bible Reading Plan:

Matthew 24:1-35

Exodus 26-27

2 Year Bible Reading Plan:

Acts 15:1-11

Job 38-39

The Blood Of The Lamb, And The Word Of Our Testimony! - Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

The Blood Of The Lamb, And The Word Of Our
Testimony!
Sunday, February 2nd .
Pastor Chris
How wonderful this is! God’s children overcame
Satan by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of
their testimony. Satan isn’t going to win; he never
has, and never will! His end has been determined
and revealed to us. He may yet have his modus
operandi, which is deception; we also have our
modus operandi against him: the blood of the Lamb,
and the Word of our testimony. How do you use the
blood of Jesus against the adversary?
Some say it’s by “sprinkling the blood,” but that’s
not what the Word teaches. The Lord Jesus showed
us how to use the blood in Luke 22:19-20: “And he
took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given
for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewisealso the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” He instructs us to do this in remembrance of Him. 1Corinthians 11:25-26 says, “After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying,This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” As you partake of the Holy Communion, you’re proclaiming the blood of His death. His blood reconciled us to God, and gave us life. Hebrews12:24 says, “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” Stand strong on your faith in the blood of Jesus. That blood speaks your salvation, deliverance, wholeness, perfection, and eternal victory over Satan, sin and death. Therefore, taking the Communion is a celebration of the transcendent life in Christ to which you’ve been called.
 
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for the body of Christ that was broken for me, and His blood that gives me life.
I remember what Christ did and proclaim that I’ll never be broken because He was broken for me.
I’ve been reconciled to God and cleansed from all sin by the power of the blood. I stand my ground in
faith on this truth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
 
Further Study: 2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through
God to the pulling down of strong holds;) ; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 The cup of blessing which
we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the
communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all
partakers of that one bread.
 
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 23, Exodus 24-25
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 14:19-28, Job 36-37