RHAPSODY OF REALITIES: Judge It By The Word By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PHD

Thursday 17th March, 2016  Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge (1 Corinthians 14:29). Sometimes, people receive what they claim to be visions or revelations from the Lord without subjecting such to Gods Word. They dont take the time to check that such visions and revelations are consistent with the written Word. For example, a certain man had a vision. He had been a Christian for many years, but he became sick. While on his sick bed, he had a vision where someone, wearing sandals and a white robe, and covered with a cloud, walked into the room. He started looking from the persons feet upwards to see who it was. As he looked to see his face; the man spoke up and said, Its not my will to heal you, and disappeared. Although he couldnt see the face of the one who appeared to him, he believed it was Jesus, because he said he felt the presence of God in the room. Hence, he accepted that it wasnt the will of God to heal him, and began telling other brethren how it wasnt Gods will for him to be healed. But that couldnt be Jesus, or why would anybody think it was Jesus who appeared to the man? Is it because the person described was in a white robe, covered with white cloud? Or is it because, as the man said, he felt the presence of God in the room? None of these is enough for anyone to assume it was Jesus. You have to understand the interpretation of revelations. If you saw a vision of someone that looked like Jesus, and the person told you something thats inconsistent with the Scripture, then its questionable; you have every right to reject it. This is something many people are ignorant of. The will of God is clearly expressed in the Scriptures: God wants you well! In 3 John 1:2, He said, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. Hell never contradict His Word. So, if the voice youre hearing contradicts the Word of God, thats a demon talking to you, irrespective of the appearance. Moreover, were warned in scriptures not to be deceived, because even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Every revelation must be subjected to the Word of God! Dont accept it just because you saw a vision or because you got it from someone whom you think is spiritual; judge it by the Word. A revelation may not necessarily be perfect and accurate, but every revelation must be consistent with the revealed Word of God. This is another reason you must know the Word for yourself.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for granting me wisdom and insight into your perfect will in all things. The eyes of my understanding have been enlightened to know the hope of your calling, and the riches of the glory of your inheritance in the saints. I express the virtues and excellence of your Spirit today, as your Word finds a vent through me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 1:57-80; Deuteronomy 8-10
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 28:11-20; Psalm 81-82

Rhapsody of Realities: Power In The Word By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Wednesday, March 16th . He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (Psalm 107:20). The power of God is in His Word. You receive power when you hear the Word. Our opening scripture says, "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Healing is a power. When the healing power of God comes to reside in you, it doesn't matter what sickness has been in your body, that power would produce results and prevail. Matthew 8:16 says, "When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick." You see, the Lord Jesus cast out devils with His word! There's power in the Word. A dear sister's baby had been in the hospital for some time and things weren't looking good. The doctors had diagnosed the problem to be brain tumour and the prognosis was bleak; there was nothing more medical science could do. The family stood on God's Word and believed for complete recovery. They prayed, and regularly confessed the Word over the little baby who was in the intensive care unit. The child's condition later took a turn for the worse. The sister, however, refused to fret, for she recognized she was engaged in a fight of faith. She and her family maintained their confession and set their focus on the Word. Soon, the baby got better, and after more tests, the doctors couldn't find the tumour anymore! Several specialists were called in to conduct tests to verify the result and their results also came out negative; the brain tumour had disappeared. The boy was gloriously healed! There's healing power in the Word. God always confirms His Word with signs and wonders. Your role is to keep it in your heart and in your mouth always. It doesn't matter what you might be going through right now; there's enough power in the Word to put you over. Set your focus on the Word and maintain your confessions of faith. Keep testifying that the Word of God in your mouth is prevailing over circumstances, and your victory will be inevitable.

PRAYER
Thank you dear Father for your infallible Word, and its ability to make me what it talks about. I live triumphantly in, and by, the Word, making progress with giant strides, and expanding on every side, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. || || Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. || || Proverbs 4:22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 1:26-56, Deuteronomy 5-7
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 28:1-10, Psalm 79-80

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES: RENEW YOUR THINKING BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME PHD

TUESDAY, 15TH MARCH.  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). After you’ve given your life to Christ, you’ve got a responsibility. The Bible tells us not to be like the rest of the world. Don’t conform to the world’s standards and ways of doing things. Be different. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That means, change your way of thinking; have a new mindset. If you want to see increased manifestation of the glory of God in your life, you must keep renewing your mind with the Word. Before you became a Christian, you heard, and spoke words from the world; words that you learnt from your friends, from school, your environment, the members of your family, etc. Sometimes they were bitter words, angry words, and harsh words. Some other times, they were nice words. However, God gives us words that are more than “nice”; words of the Kingdom, with which to transform our lives from glory to glory. As you study and yield yourself to the ministry of the Word, your spirit is inundated with divine truths; your mind is elevated to think Kingdom thoughts. This is why learning and meditating on the Word is so important. God’s Word gives you a new way of thinking. Whereas you used to think failure, fear, lack, and want, the Word gives you the mindset of success, excellence, victory, dominion, and abundance. Now that you’re in Christ, refuse to be conformed to this world; rather, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Renew your thinking with the Word. By hearing the Word of God, and digesting it into you, you develop new thoughts. One of the major reasons many are defeated in life is their thinking. When they don’t think right, they can’t act right, and their minds are held in bondage. Nevertheless, with the transforming power of God’s Word, the limits are broken. So, set your mind on the Word and let it transform your life.

PRAYER
As I meditate on the Word today, I’m transformed, transfigured, and catapulted into the image that I see in the Word! The glory of God in my spirit, and upon me, increases, influencing my attitude, character, mindset and faith. My life is improved and upgraded by the power of God’s Word today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 4:22-24 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; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things arehonest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there beany praise, think on these things. 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.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:1-25, Deuteronomy 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 27:32-44, Psalm 78

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES: SPEAK HEAVENLY WORDS BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

MONDAY, 14TH MARCH, 2016
For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak (John 12:49-50). Jesus tells us in the verses above that His words are the Father’s commandments; everything that He said came from the Father. In other words, the Father gave Him a commandment of what He should say or what He should speak. What He said in the next verse is even more inspiring; He said, “And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak” (John 12:50). Amazing! In John 20:21, He said, “...Peace be unto you: As my Father had sent me even so send I you.” Notice that He wasn’t only talking to Peter, James, John or the other Apostles, but to us today. Thus, the same way He spoke the Father’s words, words from heaven, we’re to speak heavenly words; divine words. We’ve been given a commandment of what we should say, and what we should speak. In Christianity, we don’t live for ourselves; we live for Him. We don’t speak for ourselves or from ourselves; we speak for Him, and from Him, just like Jesus. We have words given to us to speak. Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “...for he hath said...So that we may boldly say....” Don’t speak from yourself, speak His Word. Be a master of words like Jesus. He said, “I don’t speak my own words.” No wonder He was a victor at every count. He had the forces of nature under control. He knew exactly the right words to say. He lived the life of heaven on earth; He spoke wisdom all the time. God designed divinity to be released through words! Words are unlimited, because they go into the realm of the spirit. You can speak from your closet, and it will have impact anywhere in the world. Therefore, when you have a situation to deal with, meditate on the Word; soak your spirit in the Word until only the Word comes out of your mouth—words so precious—divine from heaven. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
My life is the testimony of God’s grace. His mercies and compassion surround me every day! I walk in His glory and perfection today, manifesting His righteousness, and exercising the dominion of the Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Proverbs 6:2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 16:1-20, Deuteronomy 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 27:21-31, Psalm 75-77

Rhapsody of Realities: Your Spiritual Origin By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Sunday, March 13th . They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world (John 17:16). In John 6:38, Jesus said, "For I came down from heaven...." What a powerful, inspiring, and extraordinary declaration from the lips of the Master! He said, "...I came down from heaven...." "How is this possible? Didn't we read that He was born of a virgin in a little town called Bethlehem? So, how did He come from heaven?" Some have wondered. First, you need to understand that Jesus never minced words. He was always succinct and unambiguous in His communication. When He said, "I came down from heaven," He was speaking of His spiritual origin. This should further help you understand what He meant when He said, "...I am not of this world" (John 8:23). This shows that your origin has nothing to do with your physical birth; the land of your nativity. Those to whom Jesus spoke probably knew where He grew up in Nazareth, His mother, His siblings, etc. The Bible actually records that on a certain day, Jesus went out to preach in the town where He was raised as a little boy, but they didn't believe His message. They said, "...Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?" (John 6:42). Their lack of understanding of spiritual realities made them not to believe in Him. The same thing happens today. Those who are spiritually unlearned don't understand us when we make declarations on the basis of our divine origin. We're not of this world. The Bible says in 1 John 4:4, "Ye are of God, little children...", that means you hail from God; your origin is in Him. It's not how you were born, or where you were born, that determines your origin; otherwise, Jesus would have said "I came from Nazareth," but He didn't say that. He said, "I came down from heaven." Our spiritual origin makes us more than mere men; we're comrades of the God-kind (2 Peter 1:4). We're not of the corruptible seed of man; we're born of the Word (1 Peter 1:23), which makes us indestructible and eternally victorious. Glory to God!

PRAYER:
Dear Father, thank you for showing me in your Word, my true origin. I'm born from above, living out the indestructible and transcendent life of Christ. I live in the realm that's far above sickness, poverty, failure and all the negative influences of this world. I radiate your love, glory, excellence, perfections and wisdom, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 15:21-47, Numbers 34-36
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 27:9-20, Psalm 74

Good morning! Happy Sunday!!

Rhapsody Of Realities: MORE THAN A RELIGIOUS CLICHÉ By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Saturday, March 12th...To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). There're those who say "nice" things about us Christians; they tell us Christianity is the best religion in the world. It's kind of them to say such nice words about Christianity, but Christianity isn't a religion at all. As long as many assume Christianity to be a religion, they miss the blessing and impact of the transcendent life in Christ to which we've been called. The Bible never presents Christianity as a religion. The reason many tend to equate Christianity with religion is because of some of the activities in Christianity which are consistent with religion. There may be religion in Christianity; James 1:27 clarifies that for us: "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." The foregoing scripture doesn't make Christianity a religion. For example, that you have a kitchen in your house doesn't make your whole house a kitchen. In religion, man is in search of a "God"; he wants to serve and relate with "God," because he believes there's a God. So, he wants to pray to, and worship, that "God." Therefore, in pursuit of his dream to serve that "God," whoever "that God" may be, he carries out so many different activities; that's religion. The difference in Christianity is about the man Jesus; it's about His life that was poured out, so man, instead of searching for God, can be an associate of the God-kind. That's Christianity; it's the life of Christ in a human being. Now, when we say, "Christianity is the life of Christ in a human person," it isn't a mere religious cliché, neither does it merely relate to some piousness in the way we do what we do; no! We're talking about the actual supplanting of the human life by the supernatural life of Christ; it is the infusion of Christ into the human person; the outworking of divinity in a human vessel; the unveiling of the Christ-life in a believing one. Having this clear understanding about Christianity sets you on course to live triumphantly every day, because you've come to know that greater is He that's in you, than he that's in the world.

PRAYER:
Dear Father, thank you for the reality of the divine life in Christ Jesus, who has defeated death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Now, I live a joyful, exuberant, and glorious life in Christ; a life of absolute liberty, victory and dominion over Satan and circumstances, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Colossians 1:26-27 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 1 John 4:4 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. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 15:1-20, Numbers 32-33
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 27:1-8, Psalm 73

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES: All Out for The Gospel by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Friday 11th March
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:6-7). Our opening Scripture is so profound and touching. The Apostle Paul was writing from prison, anticipating his own death. He knew his life was about to be poured out; he was ready to go and be with the Lord, but not without affirming, “...I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Paul’s conviction about the Gospel was absolute; and this was obvious in the kind of life he lived. He was sold out to the Gospel.
Your greatest passion should be the spread of the Gospel around the world. Jesus said in Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” These compelling words capture the urgency and need to preach the Gospel to every man, woman, boy and girl, and keep at it until the knowledge of God’s Word and His righteousness cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. I’m sure you must have wondered at the commitment of those who wreak havoc through terrorism in different parts of the world. They believe in a wrong cause, and are willing to die for it. Now, if such folks could be willing to die (and are dying) for something that’s so wrong and hurtful to society, how much should you be ready to put into the true message—the Gospel—which is the only hope and power for man’s salvation? How far are you willing to go for the Gospel? Paul said, “I’m ready to be offered”; in other words, “I’m ready to die for the Gospel.” This was his mindset. In Romans 1:16, he said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

How often do you intercede and agonize for lost souls, with tears and intense passion? When you speak, can others feel that intense passion and compassion you have for the salvation of lost souls? How much time, effort, energy, and resources do you commit to the Gospel? Be inspired always to win souls, and pray for lost souls with passion. Nothing should matter more to you than to see those for whom Jesus died, living for Him.

Prayer:
Dear Father, I thank you for stirring up in me passion, complete allegiance, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel, which is your only saving power to the lost. I pursue your dreams, your plans and purpose for my life, without distraction, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
John 4:31-34 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
 
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Mark 14:53-72 Numbers 29-31
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Acts 26:24-32 Psalm 71-72

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES: PROVE YOUR MINISTRY By Pastor Chris Oyakhilomen

THURSDAY,MARCH 10,2016.
 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry (2 Timothy 4:5). Did you notice that the Apostle Paul didn’t say God will make proof of your ministry? He also didn’t say you should pray to the Lord to prove your ministry; no! You’re the one to prove your ministry. Notice the underlined portion: “…do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” This shows that it’s your responsibility. Many people live and never even begin what God chose them for, let alone complete it. They live and die without ever entering what God chose them to do in life.
Colossians 4:17 says, “And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” Think about that! Paul writes to the Colossians and tells them to charge a certain brother in the church to pay attention to his God-given ministry, and fulfil it. If it were God’s responsibility to fulfil the man’s ministry, Paul probably would have said, “Tell Archipus not to worry, God will make sure he fulfils his ministry”; he didn’t say that; he made it clear it was Archippus’ responsibility, not only to take heed to the ministry that he had received of the Lord, but also to fulfil it. If many people realized how much responsibility they have as individuals, for their lives, and how their lives turn out, they’ll think differently. It’s your responsibility to fulfil your calling. It’s your responsibility to put what you’ve got to work. Don’t be intimidated by circumstances in your evangelical work. Refuse to fear, because in making full proof of your ministry, you’re to endure afflictions. Therefore, be bold and courageous always: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

PRAYER:
Dear Father, I thank you for your Word today, helping me to discover my purpose for living. I’m set on the right path to fulfil my divine destiny in Christ! I’m walking in preordained pathways, for you’ve structured the course of events in my life, and I go on to fulfil my divine destiny, to the glory and praise of your Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 20:22-24(NLV) "As you see, I am on my way to Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit makes me go. I do not know what will happen to me there. 23 But in every city I have been, the Holy Spirit tells me that trouble and chains will be waiting for me there. 24 But I am not worried about this. I do not think of my life as worth much, but I do want to finish the work the Lord Jesus gave me to do. My work is to preach the Good News of God's loving-favor. 2 Peter 1:10(NLV)Christian brothers, make sure you are among those He has chosen and called out for His own. As long as you do these things, you will never trip and fall.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 14:27-52;Num.27-28
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 26:12-23;Psalm 69-70