Rhapsody of Realities - Humble Yourself - 31/07/2015

Pastor Chris

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

The Bible says God exalts, promotes, the humble and resists the proud. I made a decision many years ago to be a humble person. The only way to be a humble person is by letting the Word of God show you what it is to be humble, studying about humility in the Word of God, and acting accordingly. Humility is yielding yourself to the Lordship of the Word of God.

That you're humble doesn't mean you're weak or naive, or humiliated; no. When you're humble, nothing, and no one, can humiliate you. It's like the old saying: "He that is down needs fear no fall; he that is low, no pride." This just means that you esteem others better than you, even though God is lifting you. When you find yourself in a position of authority, whether in the house of God, your place of work, or anywhere else, be humble. When you address others, choose your language carefully; use the right and most appropriate words. Don't use a proud language.

As you consciously practise being humble, the Lord will continually promote you. Never get to that point in your life where you relate to others with disdain; it's a dangerous place to be, because it means you're arrogating extra honour to yourself. The Bible says in Romans 12:10, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Philippians 2:3 says, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Never allow anything to make you exhibit pride.

Our opening verse says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." Notice it says to humble yourself; don't let God be the one to humble you, because that'll be trouble. The Bible says He resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).

Your humility can be tested in different ways. If for example, in your place of work, it looks as though your colleagues or even your juniors are being promoted ahead of you, and you've been diligent, don't be perturbed. Just remain humble, because there's a due time. When the due time for your promotion comes, what you'd get could be far greater than what you might have imagined. If you want the Lord to keep promoting and exalting you in life, then being humble is the key.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the ministry of your Word and influence of the Holy Spirit in my life! I will manifest humility always, in my communication, actions, character, attitude, and in all that I do. Thank you for bringing me into a place of honour and promotion according to your Word, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Ephesians 4:2 (GNB) Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another.

James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Romans 12:3a For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 5:12-21,
Psalms 52-55

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 12:13-21,
Judges 6

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - A New Self-value - 30/07/2015

Pastor Chris

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1 John 3:1).

If you were the only one on the face of the earth, Jesus would still have come to die for you. He died for you personally. Not many have thought about it. They think Jesus died for the world; and to them, the world means nature and the things in it. He died for you! Appropriate and meditate on this deeply. It happened over two thousand years ago; but let it be refreshed in your consciousness today; and it'll produce results in you.

You were bought with a price. You're valuable to God. You're not a nobody! It doesn't matter that you seem to be "down" in life right now; it doesn't matter what the society has made you! It just doesn't matter that you seem to have been relegated to the background. The best description of you isn't what people call you or describe you to be; heaven's description of you is what counts.

You're the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). You've been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 6:11). You're heaven's best: "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (James 1:18). You're peculiar, royal, excellent and full of glory; you're SOMEBODY SPECIAL! That's why Jesus died for you. He loves you.

Read our opening scripture again and see how valuable you are to God. I love the first word of 1 John 3:2, it says, "BELOVED, now are we the sons of God..." (1 John 3:2). You're beloved of God. Stop being bothered that nobody loves you. Love others, because God loves you.

Perhaps you didn't realize how beloved and special you are to God; now that you know, accept it, and endorse it. It'll give you a new self-value.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, my heart is full of gratitude because you predestined me to be called your son through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of your will, to the praise of your glorious grace. Thank you for loving me with an everlasting love, and inspiring me to extend your love to others always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study: 

Isaiah 43:4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Psalms 100:3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 5:1-11,
Psalms 49-51

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 12:1-12,
Judges 5

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Filled With The Spirit... Always! - 29/07/2015

Pastor Chris

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

In our opening verse, Apostle Paul wasn't talking to people who didn't know about the Holy Spirit when he said, "...be filled with the Spirit." So, why then did he admonish them to be filled with the Spirit, even though they had already received the Holy Spirit? It's because receiving the Spirit and being filled with Him always are two different things.

Receiving the Holy Spirit is a one-off experience, but you're to get filled with the Spirit always! The same verse in the Amplified version says, "...ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit"; that means be filled all the time. The prophets of old didn't have this experience. They had the Holy Spirit come upon them occasionally. Today, the Holy Spirit doesn't just come on us, He lives in us; our spirits are immersed in Him, and we can be ever filled with the Spirit. What a blessing this is!

There're things you do that get you filled with the Spirit; for example, "Speaking to yourselves (not others this time) in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19). Never leave home or embark on any endeavour without being filled with the Spirit. A good way to always get yourself in the flow of the Spirit is speaking in other tongues. You can't be filled with the Spirit and be defeated in life; no! Your spirit will continually be energized for victory and success every day.

Make up your mind to be filled with the Spirit continually. It's not something you need only when you're faced with a problem or when you want to prepare for a special event; no. When the Bible tells us about being filled with the Spirit, it puts it in the continuous language. You ought to be perpetually high on the Holy Ghost, and walk in the Spirit, not sometimes, but ALWAYS!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the precious gift of your Spirit. I'm eternally grateful for the privilege to be filled with the Holy Spirit always! I'm led by the Spirit; synchronized with Him to always walk in tandem with your plan and purpose for my life, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Further Study: 

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 

1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 4:1-25,
Psalms 45-48

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 11:45-54,
Judges 4

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Rhapsody of Realities - Provoke One Another To Love - 28/07/2015

Pastor Chris

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).

In Christianity, we provoke one another unto good works, because God created us for good works. Titus 2:14 describes us as a peculiar people, zealous of good works. However, it's possible to have friends who make you go in a direction that's contrary to God's Word. Such "friends" could instigate you against others, instead of inspiring you to love and to good works. We're counselled in Scripture to mark such individuals, and keep away from them (Romans 16:17).

Don't provoke someone else to hate another, or to be angry or resentful of another brother or sister in the house of God. Never say or do things that could engender strife or cause division in the body of Christ; that's not Christianity. You were created to love. Jesus said in John 13:34, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." Spread love.

When people try to instigate a dislike within you for someone else, know that it's a wrong spirit working through them, and lovingly let them know that they're wrong. Anything that instigates you to dislike, be bitter or enraged towards someone else is from the devil; reject it. Promote love instead.

Love is the life of the new creation; it's the way of victory, and the sign that you've passed from death to life (1 John 3:14). Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). God has given you His love and the ability to love like Him: "...the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" (Romans 5:5). Therefore, provoke others to love. Let love show in your language and manner of life. Let others see and experience God's love through you. This is important for a daily life of triumph.

PRAYER

Thank you blessed Father, for the manifestation of your love and righteousness in me. Your love isn't just something I experience but something I also lavishly express to my world. I triumph gloriously today, as I walk in love and provoke others to love, in Jesus' Name.

Further Study: 

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 

1 John 3:16-18 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 3:1-31,
Psalms 42-44

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 11:37-44,
Judges 2-3

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Rhapsody of Realities - Success By The Spirit! - 27/07/2015

Pastor Chris

...This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:6).

There're people who try so hard to succeed through their own might and natural wisdom; they are erudite; they've been schooled, yet true success eludes them. This is because they function from the mind, the sense-realm, which at its best, is grossly limited. The mind is never enough; true success is by the Spirit.

The world may describe you as a "mighty brain", one of the world's intelligentsias, it makes no difference. The wisdom of this world profits nothing. Success isn't by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God. If you've been trying to succeed by your own power or ability, it's time to quit the struggle. If you've been trying to grow a Church by your own human wisdom and principles, it's time to rely on the strategies of the Spirit and His wisdom to guide you.

2 Corinthians 3:5 says, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." Our competence, the ability, wisdom, and knowledge by which we function are of God; therefore, don't trust in your physical strength or natural intelligence. Trust the Lord. How are you going to grow that cell or fellowship group? How are you going to multiply your finances? How are you going to build that business? The Lord says, "It's by my Spirit!" Success is by the Holy Ghost.

You'd become a mystery to others, and a wonder to your generation, as you walk with the Spirit and allow Him guide you in your affairs. Take the ministry of the Spirit seriously, as there's no Christianity without the Holy Spirit. If you want to go past religion; if you want to know the reality of the Kingdom of God, and the reality of the glory of God, you've got to know and relate with the Holy Spirit as a person. He's the key to extraordinary success.

PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father, I acknowledge and appreciate the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life. He teaches me all things and brings to my remembrance all that I require to live the divine life. Through my fellowship with the Spirit, the realities and glories of the Kingdom are manifest in my life, and I experience the manifestations of the Spirit in my daily walk, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Romans 8:26-27 (AMP) So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. 27 And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God’s will.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 2:1-29,
Psalms 38-41

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 11:27-36,
Judges 1

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities on Facebook

Dear Readers,

I will not be posting the Rhapsody on my blog for a little while.

Please go to this Facebook Page:READ RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

Click LIKE and also turn on notifications for daily delivery of the Rhapsody on your mobile device or other.

From Thursday 16 July 2015 up until 19 July 2015, the Christ Embassy International Cell Leaders Conference had taken place. There are some excerpts posted on the Facebook Page as well, if you are keen on reading up on the messages that were received by thousands of Cell Leaders, Cell Executives..etc.. Many were blessed and motivated to begin the work of Soul Winning in their respective countries even before the conference was over! The word is Powerful!

Until I am back online, keep your daily devotional active by liking the Facebook Page READ RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

God Bless

Rhapsody of Realities - We're Superior To Satan And Demons - 20/07/2015

Pastor Chris

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils... (Mark 16:17).

The Word of God lets us know that Satan has a structure; demons are of a different hierarchy. But it's important to understand that we're not on the same class or level with Satan and His demons, no matter how high they are. We're seated together with Christ in the heavenly realms, far above all principality, power, might, dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. We're superior to Satan and the forces of darkness.

Therefore, in dealing with demons, we don't struggle at all; we don't bandy words with demons when casting them out; we give orders. When you tell the devil to come out, he's under obligation to heed your voice, because you're addressing him in the Name of Jesus. Jesus used the strongest word possible to describe how we should treat demons. He said, "Cast out devils!" That means, "expel", "eject", "thrust", or "pluck" them out!

It creates the picture of grabbing something like an imp or a little monkey by the neck, and thrusting it out vehemently through a window or the nearest exit. That's what Jesus said to do to devils in His Name; no negotiations! Pluck and throw them out with your words. He gave us the authority to do that, and He didn't give us limits! He didn't say, "If the devils are very close to you, you can cast them out, but if they're far away, it'll be difficult"; no! It makes no difference where they are; once you can discern that Satan and his demons are the ones responsible for the situation, you can issue the command from South Africa, and they'll hear you in Australia and be gone!

We've been given a Name that's above every name — the Name Jesus. The Bible says, "...at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" (Philippians 2:10). So, it doesn't matter how high in the satanic hierarchy the demons are, when you speak in the Name of Jesus, they have to obey! Give the Word, and wherever they are, they'll scamper in terror!

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the victory I have in Christ Jesus. I've been given the power of attorney to use the Name of Jesus over Satan and the cohorts of hell, and dominate circumstances. My life is an endless stream of the miraculous, because I live in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study:

Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 26:19-32,
Psalms 19-20

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 9:49-62,
Joshua 16-17

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - God's Word Is The Answer - 19/07/2015

Pastor Chris

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).

Many people don't know it, but a Christian can actually open himself or herself to a devil. There're many ways this can happen. One of such avenues is through a Christian believing a lie. When you believe truth, God's Spirit enters into you. In the same way, Satan enters into a man and begins to manipulate his life when he believes Satan's lies. This is why you should never accept Satan's opinion about anything; judge everything you hear by the Word.

Also, demons can come into someone's life through fear, because like begets like; you attract to you what's in, and around, you. If you have faith, you attract the spirit of faith. If you have fear, you also attract the spirit of fear. Fear brings demons into someone's life. Fear is actually faith in the ability of Satan; it's faith in the ability of all the negatives to defeat you. That's why you should never allow fear in your heart, same way you shouldn't allow unbelief, bitterness, and anger. These are all tools of the adversary which can open a door for Satan to plunder people's lives.

What if a Christian already allowed devils into his or her life unknowingly through any of the afore-mentioned avenues? There's a way out. That's where the power of God's Word comes to play. If that individual would study and meditate on the Word of God, he wouldn't even require to be prayed for. The same way those devils came in, they'll also leave without announcement. That's the power of God's Word. God's Word is light, and when light comes, darkness will, and must, flee.

It's the same cure for fear. As you receive God's Word, faith comes to you, dispelling fear. And as fear leaves, so does the spirit of fear. God's Word is the answer. It's what you need for the glorious, excellent, and victorious life. The Word is the most important thing in your life.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, I thank you for the power of your Word, and its ability to transform, purify, strengthen me, and build my faith strong! I give no room to doubt and unbelief, but believe and receive your truths always! My heart is continually being purified and enlightened by your Word, and Satan has nothing in me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 26:2-18,
Psalms 17-18

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 9:37-48,
Joshua 15

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Adopt The Praise Strategy - 18/07/2015

Pastor Chris

And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city (Joshua 6:16).

In the verse above, we observe a strategy of the Spirit given to the children of Israel to take over Jericho. The strategy was very specific. There was a time when the victory strategy was for Moses' hands to be up, for them to defeat Amalek. But this time, it was different. God told them to go round the city of Jericho six days, once every day.

On the seventh day, they were to do it seven times, and by the seventh time, they were to shout, and the walls of Jericho would fall down flat (Joshua 6:3-5). What a strategy! There're times when all God would probably have you do is to praise Him. At such times, He's not expecting you to start binding and casting out devils; yet, as you praise Him, the forces of darkness will flee! Circumstances will begin to align themselves with God's plan for your life!

The Bible says, "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand" (Psalm 149:6). Imagine Paul and Silas locked up in prison. It was a precarious situation. Nevertheless, at midnight, at the darkest hour of neglect; at that time when the pain and reality of their incarceration should be too much to bear, rather than become angry at God for "forsaking" them, they adopted the praises unto God, until there was a supernatural jailbreak! An earthquake erupted that shook the prison to its foundations, flinging the prison doors wide open and both men came out (Acts 16:23-26).

Where are you in your life today? What situation are you facing that seems insurmountable? Don't give up. Don't call a pity-party. Don't feel alone and forsaken; adopt the praise strategy. Praise God profusely from your spirit, not in anticipation of victory, but in victory. Praise Him, knowing that He always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14). Blessed be God!

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for the strategy of your Spirit revealed to me in your Word today. I will bless your Name at all times, and your praise shall continually be in my mouth, declaring your greatness in all the earth, and making known your wonders to all generations, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

2 Chronicles 20:21-22 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. 22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

Psalms 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 25:13-26:1,
Psalms 11-16

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 9:28-36,
Joshua 14

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - Keep Making Progress - 17/07/2015

Pastor Chris

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before (Philippians 3:13).

Some people are so used to a certain way of life and comfortable with the status quo that they don't see something better; they're not challenged by new ideas and possibilities; don't be that way! Keep making progress. The Bible tells us about the man Isaac, who kept making progress: "And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great" (Genesis 26:13). This is God's desire for all his children: a life of unending progress and success.

The Bible says the path of the just is as a shining light, that shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18). He expects you to be increasingly fruitful and productive in all your endeavours; it's your heritage if you're born again.

In your ministry as a Christian, in your business, academics, finances etc., what level are you currently, and how much more progress do you want to make? It doesn't matter how prosperous, successful, strong and influential you are right now, there's still so much more you can be, and can achieve. Don't rest on your oars; dare for more. Grow a discontent for your present level, and God will open your eyes to new potentials and possibilities. This doesn't mean to have inordinate ambitions, but that you'd be inspired by the dream of the greater successes and glories that lie ahead.

Refuse to have small dreams. For some people, their dream was to own a personal house, and have a car. The moment they built the house and bought the car, they went to sleep in their minds, thinking they'd arrived. Don't be that way; make progress on a consistent basis. Always, ask yourself, "What's the next big thing I can do for the Lord and my world?" Think advancement all the time.

CONFESSION

I'm making progress and moving forward consistently by the Holy Ghost! My path is as a shining light, shining brighter and brighter unto the perfect day! Every step I take is a step of progress, prosperity, success and greatness. Halleluiah!

Further Study: 

Deuteronomy 1:6 The Lord our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount:

Genesis 26:12-13 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him. 13 And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 25:1-12,
Psalms 7-10

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 9:18-27,
Joshua 13

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody Of Realities for Teenagers - TEEVO - CHOOSE TO BE THE BEST! - 16/07/2015

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

(Improve Your Abilities)

TO THE BIBLE

1 Corinthians 9:24 AMP

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but *only+ one receives the prize? So run your race that you may lay hold of the prize and make it yours.”

LET’S TALK

A young boy’s father once asked him: “What would you like to be when you grow up?”

“I’d like to be the best footballer in the world,” the kid replied excitedly. The next day, as early as 5am, his dad woke him up. When he checked the time, he was surprised his dad would wake him up so early. “Daddy, it’s just 5am, I still want to sleep,” he moaned.

His dad replied, “No, my boy. Yesterday, you said you wanted to be the best footballer in the world. If that’s going to happen, you’ve got to learn to wake up early, jog, and train every day. If you do this from now until you’re eighteen, you’ll be the best.”

Reluctantly, he got out of bed that morning and went jogging with his dad. He continued to train like this every day for several years and eventually became the best! This tells you that it’s not enough to make a decision for success; you’ve got to be committed to it.

Perhaps, you desire to be the best in a particular career in the future. Don’t just wait for it to happen; start now to train for it. Take advantage of every opportunity that would help you improve yourself.

More importantly, avoid all forms of distraction. Don’t spend several hours of your day watching movies and expect to be the best in anything serious. Spend that time to read the right materials and invest in your mind. Be a student with a difference and drive your mind to improve your abilities!

GO DEEPER

2 Timothy 2:5

SPEAK

I have the ability to be the best in everything I set my heart upon to do. God’s ability is at work in me, and I function at a high level of excellence, in Jesus’ Name!

ACT

What do you desire to be in future? Write it down. Search for materials that have to do with your desired career/profession, and study them.

Rhapsody Of Realities for Teenagers TEEVO - THIS GOSPEL - 15/07/2015

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

(Share The Good News)

TO THE BIBLE

Mark 16:14-16 MSG

“Still later, as the Eleven were eating supper, he appeared and took them to task most severely for their stubborn unbelief, refusing to believe those who had seen him raised up. Then he said, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all. Whoever believes and is baptized is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned.”

LET’S TALK

The Lord Jesus instructed us to go into every part of the world and tell others God’s good news. Matthew 4:23 says, “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people” (NIV). He preached the good news of God’s Kingdom, because He knew that was the only way to help anyone out of any dire situation. It was important to Him, and it should be to you too.

Luke 4:18-21 also tells us of how Jesus read the scriptures in the synagogue, saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord….” Then He closed the book and began to say to them, “...Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (RSV).

He was telling them that God’s Word had leaped out of the letters and was being manifested through Him for all the people to see. And that’s the message He’s given us today to share with the rest of the world. To the one having difficulty in his academics, the good news is that God is his Helper and has given him wisdom. To the one who’s sick, the good news is that God loves him and has healed him by the stripes of Jesus. Don’t keep the good news to yourself; spread it abroad, because someone out there needs to hear it!

GO DEEPER

Luke 7:22

PRAY

Dear Father, thank you for the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. I know your Holy Spirit is in me and has anointed me to preach the gospel, bringing help to the people around me, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

ACT

Tell someone in your school or neighborhood the good news of Jesus. Start out with how good He has been to you.

Rhapsody of Realities - Light Gives Direction - 16/07/2015

Pastor Chris

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalms 119:105).

The Psalmist used the words, "feet", and "path", in the verse above to express certain key points. God's Word is a lamp unto your feet to walk or chart your course through this world. Secondly, he's telling you about the path in which you tread. The Word is a light that gives direction and keeps your path illuminated so that you aren't confused about where you're going.

Light describes; it shows the way, and reveals what exists. Sadly, there're people who grope hopelessly in darkness, journeying aimlessly without focus. Others sit idly by on the sidewalk of life, hoping that whatever will be, will be; hoping for some "good-luck" in their finances, business, relationships, etc. That's not what God wants for you. Your journey in life should be on the clear path of progress, victory, and success through the Word.

Jesus said, "...I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). Fill your heart with the Word; let it be the light by which you find your way through life. Make it your compass for navigating through the storms of life. God's Word has the ability to bring illumination to your spirit, and give you insight into reality: "The entrance {and} unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple" (Psalms 119:130 AMP).

It's not enough to have the Word memorized; it has to gain entrance into your spirit. When that happens, you receive light and illumination; You see things the way God sees them. His Word is the true light (John 1:9) that reveals your glorious inheritance in Christ, and guides you to walk in, and fulfil your destiny in Him. So, let the Word be the light by which you see all things. Let it guide you in all your affairs — in your relationships, ministry, academics, business, finances etc.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I rejoice at your Word, which guides and sets me on course for greatness, success and glory in life! My spirit is flooded with your light, and my path illumined to know and walk in your perfect will always, in Jesus' Name. Amen!

Further Study:

John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 24:1-27,
Psalms 1-6

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 9:10-17,
Joshua 12

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody Of Realities TEEVO - YOUR SPECIAL ADVISER - 14/07/2015

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

(The Holy Spirit Is Your Counsellor).

TO THE BIBLE:

John 14:16-17 AMP.

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you *constantly+ and will be in you.”

LET’S TALK

There are some issues of life that are not directly dealt with in the scriptures, for which you may require some guidance. For instance, the Bible will not tell you the college to attend after graduating from high school. You may get some advice from the Guidance counsellor in your school but, the Holy Spirit is the One that can best guide you on the right steps to take. He’ll speak to you and give you clear directions on what to do.

In Psalm 16:7, David acknowledged that it was the Lord who gave him counsel. He said, “I will bless the Lord, who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons” (AMP). The Holy Spirit gives you instructions in your heart by which He guides your life. He can tell you to go ahead with something or withdraw from it.

So, rather than rely on the advice from your friends, depend on the Holy Spirit. Spend time with Him through fellowship and meditating on the Word. This way, you’ll recognize His voice and understand His language.

GO DEEPER 

John 16:13-15

PRAY

Heavenly Father, thank you for your precious Holy Spirit, Who gives me counsel. As I yield to Him today, I ask that you help me live in the light of His direction for my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

ACT

Write out the areas of your life where you need direction. Taking them one by one, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you on the steps to take.

Rhapsody of Realitieds - The Prophet's Reward - 15/07/2015

Pastor Chris

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward (Matthew 10:40-41).

When you address your man of God, whose name is "John" for example, as "Pastor John", the pastoral anointing on his life will work for you, because you recognize that anointing, and address him as such. When he touches you, it won't be "John" touching you; it'll be a touch from God that'll change your life, and bring about tremendous blessings in your life.

If you're a Pastor for example, if your congregation calls you by your first name, and relates to you without the consciousness of the pastoral anointing that's on you, the Word of God you give to them won't benefit them, because there's a big difference between "Brother John" and "Pastor John". Notice what Jesus said in Matthew 10:41: "He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward...." What is a prophet's reward?

When a prophet speaks words of blessing into your life, the reward is that those words come to pass, and you're blessed as a result. If a man of God says to you, "God bless you", you're blessed indeed! However, this doesn't happen just because he's a man of God. It happens because you receive him as a man of God.

In Mark 6, the Bible shows that Jesus went to the Jews and they didn't receive Him. What was the consequence? His blessing didn't rest with them. The Bible says He couldn't do any mighty work amongst them; not because His power failed, but because they didn't receive Him as a prophet. They disdained Him, saying, "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him" (Mark 6:3).

Don't be that way. Believe and receive the Word from the one whom God has appointed over you. 2 Chronicles 20:20 says, "...Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper."

PRAYER

Dear Father, I yield myself to be taught, inspired and strengthened under the ministry of your Word. Thank you for giving the ministry gifts to the Church for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry. Therefore, I move from one level of glory to a higher level, blessed by the ministry of the Spirit for my perfection, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

John 1:10-12 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 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

Mark 6:4-5 But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 23:12-35,
Job 40-42

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 9:1-9,
Joshua 11

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

Rhapsody of Realities - His Glory In Your Spirit - 14/07/2015

Pastor Chris

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Romans 8:30).

The glory of God is much more than being enveloped by a cloud, even though this was their experience in the Old Testament. Ezekiel 10:4 says, " Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory." When Solomon had finished building the temple, "...the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God" (2 Chronicles 5:14). That was awesome, but there's a higher level of glory!

When we talk about the glory of God, what many think of, and get inspired about, is some physical cloud above their heads, or in a building. Understand God's real purpose: what God really wants is the "glory in you". Don't choose to remain with "the good" and leave out "the best". "Glory in the building" was a shadow of things to come. The best isn't the glory in the room, even though some will have more faith if they saw something physical. That's remaining at the lower levels, or babyhood stage.

In Christianity, what we have is the oneness of our spirit with the Spirit of God. You don't have to look for the glory outside you; it's in your spirit. Read the Apostle Paul's beautiful submission about this in Colossians 1:26-27 "Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 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".

Did you know that the Kingdom of God is in your heart? The perfect glory of God can never be contained in a room, or found on the outside. The perfect glory of God isn't something that your optical eyes can behold. The perfect glory of God is in your spirit.

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you, for Christ in me is the glory-life. I manifest the perfect glory of God, the power, beauty, and excellence of God which has been deposited in my spirit, to my world. As I consistently meditate on the Word, the glory of God emanates from my spirit, such that the wonderful deeds and perfections of God are displayed for the world to see, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:

John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 

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:

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 22:22-23:1-11,
Job 36-39

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 8:40-56,
Joshua 10

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities