Rhapsody Of Realities Devotional – He Doesn't Take Away By Death [15th July, 2019]

Topic: He Doesn’t Take Away By Death

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death (1 Corinthians 15:26).

In most religious circles, when funerals are being conducted, it’s common to hear the officiating minister say, “The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.” But the Lord doesn’t “take away” by death. He’s the giver or author of life, and death isn’t from Him.

The Bible lets us know that death is an enemy, and refers to it as the last enemy that shall be destroyed. However, it’s already been defeated as the scriptures show us.

God never takes anybody away by death. The only people He took away from this world, He took them alive. Enoch, the Bible says, walked with God and suddenly, he was taken away from the earth by the Spirit of God—alive into heaven (Genesis 5:24). Elijah was also taken away alive (read 2 Kings 2:11).

What about Jesus? He too was taken away alive! And for those who believe in Him, they’re going to be taken away alive. Hallelujah! 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 says, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” This is how God “takes away”; it’s not by death. It’s called a translation.

Moreover, those whom God took away knew ahead of time. Enoch, the Bible says, before his translation, had the testimony that he pleased God. Elijah knew he was to be taken away and he discussed it with Elisha (2 Kings 2:9-11). The Lord Jesus was in a meeting with His disciples, after discussing with them, He levitated (Acts 1:9). He had told them He was going to leave that way.

For the rest of us, we’ll have the same witness in our spirits that our departure is very close, so much so, we’ll be talking about it. There’ll be an urgency in the spirit and we’ll preach the Gospel with greater fervency, compelling men to believe in Jesus Christ. While we’re at it, suddenly, the trumpet will sound, and we’ll all be taken out of this world. Glory to God!

PRAYERThank you, precious Father, for you have abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Thank you for granting me eternal life in Christ, by which I live eternally in your presence, and for your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:2 Timothy 1:8-10; Hosea 13:14; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Acts 23:12-35 & Job 40-42

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Luke 9:1-9 & Joshua 11

Rhapsody of Realities 15th July 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.

Rhapsody Of Realities Devotional – The Church is Called "The Way" [7th July, 2019]

Topic: The Church Is Called “The Way”

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter againstthe disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way … (Acts 9:1-2).

From the underlined portion of the scripture above, we see that the Church was already being called “The Way” in the days of the apostles. It’s very interesting that the Church would be called “the way,” after Jesus said in John 14:6, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

This shows our inextricable oneness with Him. As He is, so are we in this world. We are today, the WAY to the Father, the WAY to His presence. Hallelujah! In Acts 22:4, the Apostle Paul, while narrating his persecution of the Church, said, “I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison” (NIV). Then again, in Acts 24:14, he said, “However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect…” (NIV).

They called the early Church, “The way.” The Lord describing Himself said, “I am the way” (John 14:6)! A new and living way was revealed in Jesus; and because we’re now the bearers of His message, we’ve become the way.

This is too much for the religious mind, but it’s what the Word shows. We’re the way to the Father! We’re not only to show men the presence of God, but also ordained to usher them in. Blessed be God! Obadiah 1:21 says, “And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.”

Note: it doesn’t say, “A saviour shall come up on mount Zion.” Rather, it says, “Saviours,” meaning there’d be many saviours from Zion, and we—the Church—are the saviours from Zion. We’re bearers of the divine order, carriers and dispensers of eternal verities. Praise God forevermore!

PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank you for qualifying me to be an ambassador of Christ, showing men and women the way to the Kingdom. I recognize that I’m the hope and light of the world; I function in this ministry of reconciliation with everything that I am and with all that I have, ushering many in my world into the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:Matthew 10:5-8; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Hebrews 10:19-20

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Acts 18:24-19:1-7 & Job 12-14

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Luke 7:11-17 & Joshua 1-2

Rhapsody of Realities 7th July 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.

Rhapsody Of Realities Devotional – The Right Time To Fast And Pray [6th July, 2019]

Topic: The Right Time To Pray And Fast

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? (Matthew 9:14).

In admonishing His disciples on fasting, the Lord Jesus cautioned, “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:16). The Lord’s remark was both thought-provoking and enlightening.

In the preceding verse 15, He had said, “…Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” Here, He was referring to Himself returning to the Father in heaven. Moreover ever since His ascension, the Church has fasted—the disciples and apostles of the early Church fasted. Prayer and fasting have been part of our spiritual activity as Christians. We fast when necessary. “When is it necessary to fast?” someone might ask.

First, when your local church or congregation proclaims a prayer and fasting programme, that’s a time to fast. Never isolate yourself from such a call, because it’s part of our corporate fellowship. There’re things we do corporately, such as corporate worship, and many other things that are intended for spiritual growth and edification; prayer and fasting are among them.

Secondly, when you choose to fast and pray, or the Holy Spirit leads you to do so, don’t ignore it. That’s another great opportunity, especially if it’s the Spirit guiding you; and you’ll know when He’s the One leading you to fast.

Some people schedule prayer and fasting as a means for their own spiritual exercise, and that’s excellent. So, in whichever way and at whatever time you’re guided to fast, take it seriously. Make fasting and praying a part of your personal spiritual routine.

If, in your local assembly, the announcement is made for a praying and fasting session, don’t unilaterally decide you’re not going to be a part of it. Don’t, on your own, choose when you’ll break your fast. That’ll be wrong. Be disciplined to always get involved, being aware that the benefits are essential to your spiritual growth (1 Timothy 4:8).

Remember that through fasting and praying, your effectiveness in the things of the Spirit are improved. Your ability to hear and receive from God is sharpened, and you’re more attuned to the finer signals and instruction of the Spirit that you need for a higher level of life; a life of continuous glory and success!

CONFESSIONI’m sensitive to the leading of the Spirit, and His guidance in my life for my spiritual growth and development. My acts of service in the house of God will inspire commitment, growth and development of younger Christians, such that there will be no cause for stumbling for them, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:Nehemiah 1:4; Acts 13:2; Matthew 26:38-44

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Acts 18:1-23 & Job 9-11

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Luke 7:1-10 & Deuteronomy 34

Rhapsody of Realities 6th July 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.

Rhapsody Of Realities Devotional– Get A "Word-Bath" [5th July, 2019]

Topic: Get A "Word-Bath"

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3).

Imagine a Christian waking up in the morning and turning on the TV to discover that the programme airing happens to be "Pastor Chris Teaching." He gives it full attention till the end and then the next programme comes up, this time, it's an unwholesome one for a Christian. Even so, he continues to watch.

When he's done watching this, and several others after it (all with unwholesome contents), he's too tired to pray or study the Word. He feels condemned and even begins to feel too "dirty" to go to church, thinking he'd need to "clean up" first. He could start praying, "Oh God, please revive me."

For this Christian, it's now very necessary to go to Church! His unedifying action could slow down his progress spiritually if it continues, but he needs an urgent Word-bath! No one is ever "too dirty" for God. In our opening verse, Jesus said, "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3).

It's the ministry of the Word to cleanse you of sin, guilt, and all unrighteousness. So, don't stay at home when you ought to be in Church because you thought you did something wrong that made you "too dirty" for God. Go to Church! He'll clean you up! He does it through the Word.

Jesus didn't come for perfect men. Rather, He came to make men perfect. He specializes in changing imperfect people and bringing them to perfection. He raised an "unstable" person like Peter and transformed an injurious personality like Paul, who both became mighty apostles of the Gospel. If He'd do that, then He can cleanse and train you to become the best of you for His glory.

Submit yourself to the cleansing power of God's Word. Study and meditate on the Scriptures. You might say, "But I don't know where to begin to even read the Bible." This devotional gives you a head start. Keep studying it, including all the indicated scriptural references.

In addition, meticulously follow either the one-year or two-year daily Bible-reading plan. Before long, you'll see a remarkable transformation in your life, and those around you will also attest to the grace and glory of God evident in your life. Praise God!

CONFESSIONSin has no dominion over me. I walk in perfection and excellence, producing works and fruits of righteousness. The Word of God has the mastery over my mind, and I have the victory over sin and its attendant consequences. I live triumphantly, walking in righteousness and in the wisdom of Christ. Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:1-2

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Acts 17:16-34 & Job 6-8

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 6:39-49 & Deuteronomy 33

Rhapsody of Realities 5th July 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int'l.

Rhapsody Of Realities Devotional – We're One In Christ [4th July, 2019]

Topic: We're One With Christ

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks (Acts 9:3-5).

The scripture passage above is a clear reference to the inextricable oneness of Christ and the Church. Before his conversion, Saul wreaked havoc in the early Church and persecuted Christians everywhere, until he had an encounter with the Lord, who intercepted him and asked, "…Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"
Jesus intimately identifies Himself with the Church. Read again, His words to the injurious Saul of Tarsus in our opening Scripture. The Master didn't say, "Saul, why persecutest thou my followers?" Rather, He took it personal, because we're of the same stock with Him. An attack on the Church is an attack on Jesus, because He's the Vine, and we (the Church) are the branches. We have His very life; He brought us into union with Himself.

Always remember that anything you do for, or against the Church is unto Christ. Persecuting the Church is persecuting Jesus, because He's the head of the Church: "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18). The head and the body go by the same Name—Christ! Thus, we're members of the body of Christ.
Being born again, you've been baptized into the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:27 says, "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."

As a member of the body of Christ, you don't answer a name that's different from that of the head or of the body, which is Christ. This is to help you see who you are, where you are, and what you have; you're one with Christ.
When He was raised from the dead, you were raised up together with Him. Now that He's seated on the throne, you're seated together with Him in the place of dominion, glory and authority. Therefore, rule the world and dominate your environment with the glory of Christ!

CONFESSIONI'm seated together with Christ in the place of dominion, glory and authority, reigning and ruling over circumstances and situations, dominating my world by the power of the Holy Ghost! Glory to God forever!

FURTHER STUDY:John 15:5; Ephesians 5:29-30; 1 Corinthians 12:27

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Acts 17:1-15 & Job 3-5

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Luke 6:31-38 & Deuteronomy 32

Rhapsody of Realities 4th July 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int'l.

Rhapsody Of Realities Devotional – Christ Our "Redemption" [1st July, 2019]

Topic: Christ Our "Redemption"

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7).

The word, "redemption" in the verse above is translated from the Greek , "apolutrosis," which means deliverance, redemption, and more importantly, riddance. While these are synonyms of "apolutrosis," it's important to understand riddance in the context.

The Bible says, "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me" (Psalm 50:15). That's God assuring His people of deliverance. But now, He has become your riddance, meaning that it doesn't matter what trouble you get into; He plucks you out; He'll rid you of that trouble.

Proverbs 12:13 says, "…But the righteous shall come out of trouble" (ASV). That means the righteous may or could get into trouble, but there's a guarantee of deliverance: Christ! Christ is his deliverance! The mess you're in could have been self-inflicted or a result of misjudgements; Christ is your assurance that you're coming out of the trouble, because He's your riddance. Glory to God!

Christ being your redemption (riddance) means He makes up for your errors.

 Every mistake, every sin, has been laid to His charge. He's obligated to save you. He'll help you out of any quagmire, not because you earned it by your works or efforts, but because you have a ransom in Christ Jesus. He plucks your feet out of the miry clay (Psalm 40:2). Hallelujah!

So, when you make a mistake or get into trouble, be bold to call on Him. He's not intimidated by your troubles. No wonder the Psalmist said, "But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble" (Psalm 59:16). He's your deliverance and your Deliverer; your Rescuer; the One who plucks you out of trouble. Glory to His Name forevermore!

CONFESSION

I have my riddance in Christ. It doesn't matter what troubles come my way; it doesn't matter what adversities I face; they're of no effect, because Christ is my riddance. He plucks my feet out of the miry clay. Praise God!

FURTHER STUDY:

Psalm 40:2-3 AMPC; Isaiah 43:2-5; 1 Corinthians 1:30

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Acts 15:22-35 & Esther 5-7

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Luke 6:1-11 & Deuteronomy 29

Rhapsody of Realities 1st July 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int'l.

Rhapsody Of Realities Devotional– Your Speech Controls Your Life

Also Read Yesterday's Devotional: Christ Our "Redemption"

Topic: Your Speech Controls Your Life

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body (James 3:2).

Christian perfection or maturity is expressed chiefly in your mouth—your communication. If you want to go in the right direction in life, your tongue is the compass. If you offend in words, that is, if your communication is unwholesome, your life will be in jeopardy. Your speech controls you.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue….” Jesus said, “…out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). So, through your thoughts, your character is formed, but it’s expressed in your talk, in your words. Meaning, your thinking is your character; but your “talking” is your life. That’s how important your words are.

Romans 10:10 says, “…with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” It’s a principle. God said to Joshua, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night…” (Joshua 1:8).

Meditate on the Word of God; keep it in your mouth. That means keep affirming the Word. No matter what’s happening around you, speak the Word. The Bible says, “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up…” (Job 22:29). Again, the emphasis is on what you say.

When things are rough and tough, you’re not to wait to be lifted; you have a lifting power; it’s in your mouth. With your mouth, you catapult yourself from obscurity to greatness! You lift yourself from the thraldom of inflation, austerity and lack to abundance. It’s about what you say! Declare that you’re supremely blessed, prosperous and walking in financial abundance, and your life will gravitate in that direction.

What is it that you want? It’s all in your mouth. Say it, and you’ll have it! That’s what Jesus said in Mark 11:23: “For verily I say unto you…whosoever shall say…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.” Blessed be God!

CONFESSIONMy speech is modelled in line with God’s thoughts and direction for my life. I declare that prosperity, victory, success, growth and financial abundance are the hallmarks of my life. Amen!

FURTHER STUDY:Proverbs 6:2; Matthew 12:37; James 3:3-6

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Acts 15:36-16:1-15 & Esther 8-10

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Luke 6:12-19 & Deuteronomy 30

Rhapsody of Realities 1st July 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.