Rhapsody Of Realities Devotional – It's Not Enough To Be "God-Fearing"

Topic: It's Not Enough To Be "God-Fearing"

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again (John 3:7). 

Sometimes, there're those who are described by others as "godly" or "god-fearing," even though they're not born again. But being godly or god-fearing isn't the same as being born again.

In Acts 10, we find a most interesting case of conversion, the conversion of Cornelius, a very "godly" man. In fact, the Bible says he was a "devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always" (Acts 10:2). What an amazing description!

He was benevolent, liberal and "god-fearing"; consistent and persistent in his prayer life. He was a just man (Acts 10:22). And he even saw visions: "He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him…" (Acts 10:3). Yet, he wasn't saved; he wasn't born again. An angel had to tell him, "And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter…he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do" (Acts 10:5-6).

In our opening verse, Jesus didn't mince words when He spoke to Nicodemus. He said, "Ye must be born again." He didn't say if you're "god-fearing," it's okay. He used the term, "born again" to express the necessity for man's spiritual rebirth. Sometimes we encounter such people as Cornelius. They have a good reputation and moral character; but being well-spoken of by others doesn't merit God's salvation.

This is why we preach the Gospel. The Gospel is about Jesus Christ; it's not about what you have done, or what you haven't done. It's about Christ and what He's done for you, which if you'd accept was enough, then salvation is yours. The Bible says, "And by him (Jesus) all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses" (Acts 13:39).

In case you're like Cornelius today reading this, you need to receive words by which you can be saved. Those words are in Romans 10:9. It says, "…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." This is the Bible way to receive salvation.

PRAYERDear heavenly Father, I'm forever grateful for the salvation of my soul, having confessed with my mouth, the Lord Jesus, and believed in my heart that you raised Him from the dead. And today, I pray for the unsaved around the world, that the light of this glorious Gospel will shine in their hearts, for salvation, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:Mark 8:36-37; John 3:3; Acts 13:38-39

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Acts 11:1-18 & Ezra 9-10

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Luke 3:23-38 & Deuteronomy 22

Rhapsody of Realities 24th June 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 – Christianity– A Fellowship

Topic: Christianity—A Fellowship

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9).

Real or authentic Christianity is God alive and functioning in a human person. It's the pulsating life of Christ in a human body; divinity at work in humanity. This is what many haven't understood about Christianity; the fact that it's a living relationship with a living God. 

This is what Jesus made possible for us: fellowship with God. That's the biggest thing, the all-inclusive word that Christianity is about: FELLOWSHIP; everything else is inside it.

The greatest glory of Christianity is our fellowship with God. Once you come into that relationship, everything changes for you. The Lord Jesus Christ brought us into oneness, communion, partnership, union, and comradeship with Almighty God! He died, was buried, and God raised Him up with a new kind of life.

The Bible says He was "…crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man" (Hebrews 2:9). He did all He did to bring us into a divine, heavenly pantheon. Now, we're partakers of the divine nature. The Bible says He has "…raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6). He brought us into Himself.

Now, from that place, in Him and through Him, you're reigning in life. This is what Christianity is about; God's work in a man. It's a call to oneness with Divinity. You have the divine life of God, and you're in an everlasting fellowship with Him. This is a real experience. He took up His abode in you for you to live in, and through Him.

Get to know the reality of this relationship and live beyond mere religion. Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the wonderful life I have in Christ and the everlasting fellowship I have and enjoy with you. I function in this oneness and live the life you've preordained for me before the foundation of the world: a life of progress, success, peace and prosperity; something greater than religion, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

1 John 1:3; 1 John 5:11-13

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Acts 10:24-48 & Ezra 7-8

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Luke 3:12-22 & Deuteronomy 21

Rhapsody of Realities 23rd June 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 – Eternal Life and Our Vital Union With God [12th June, 2019]

Topic: Eternal Life And Our Vital Union With God

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son (1 John 5:11 NIV).

There’s a legal union that we have with God that Jesus brought us into, but receiving eternal life brought us into a vital union with God. A simple illustration to explain and help you understand this is a marriage relationship between a man and a woman. Marriage between them is ratified on the basis of mutual consent and a duly signed contract as required by law.

Then, as man and wife, as a result of the marriage, they form a family, and now that they’re a family, they have a vital union. This is different from the “signed paper”; that paper documented the legal union.

The legal union only has authority; for example, if you had a problem and there was a question about inheritance, the courts will need the legality of that marriage to decide something about the inheritance; they’ll ask for the document of your marriage. They’re not going to be looking at something about your home per se; they’ll be more interested in something that can be tendered legally.

So, Jesus brought us into a legal union with Himself and with our heavenly Father. He also gave us something that brought us into a vital union with Himself and with our heavenly Father. So, we have both the legal and the vital. Eternal life brings us into a vital union with our heavenly Father.

One of the great benefits of our vital union with God (the result of eternal life) is that eternal life also gives us divine health, which is better than divine healing. There’s a place for healing, but something far better is divine health. It’s a great thing to be healed, but never being sick is far better. Is it possible never to be sick? Absolutely! But you need to understand and acknowledge this life that you received through the new birth. It’s part of what we read in our opening verse, 1 John 5:11 (NIV). Verses 12 and 13 says, “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (NIV).

2 Peter 1:3 says, “…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.” You’ve got to know Him, for only then will you understand and enjoy all that belongs to you in Christ Jesus.

PRAYERPrecious Father, I thank you for giving me eternal life and bringing me into a vital union with you! I rejoice that I’m one spirit with you, and thus an associate of the God-kind. I walk in divine health, prosperity, success and victory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:Philemon 1:6; 1 John 5:11-13; 1 Corinthians 6:17

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Acts 3:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 12-15

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Luke 1:11-25 & Deuteronomy 10

Rhapsody of Realities 12th June 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 – Overcome Evil With Good [9th June, 2019]

Topic: Overcome Evil with Good

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Good is stronger, greater and more powerful than evil. Evil doesn't have, and will never have a lasting dominion over good.

There're those who say, "This world is too wicked; the level of hatred is unimaginable." Yes, but love is greater and stronger than hate. It's like light and darkness; darkness can never, and will never overshadow light. When light shines, darkness disappears.

What many have done is to talk too much about darkness instead of "turning on the light." The solution to darkness is light. The solution to hatred is love. The solution to evil is good.

We all must re-orientate ourselves to trust more than ever before, the power of good over evil. The more evil people do, whoever they are, and wherever they may be, the more good you respond with. 

Doing good makes you the champion.

No one is ever a hero for doing evil. When people take up arms, for example, to intimidate and hurt others, it's a testimony of weakness. True strength, real power, is in how much love you exude, and affect others with. It's in how much you're able to lift and build others, and make them strong. Let God's love regulate your life. 

Quash the works of darkness in and around you with your good works. You're the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). The 16th verse says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Do this, irrespective of the prevalent darkness and evil in today's world. Hallelujah!

CONFESSION:

I'm an ambassador of Christ, spreading God's love in my world. His love is perfected in me; it's heard in my words and seen in my actions, because I dwell in God, and God in me. Blessed be God forever!

FURTHER STUDY:

Proverbs 1:10-15; 1 John 4:8; 1 John 4:18-21

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Acts 1:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 1-4

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Mark 16:1-11 & Deuteronomy 7

Rhapsody of Realities 9th June 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 – Controlled By His Love [8th June, 2019]

Topic: Controlled By His Love

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening] (1 Corinthians 13:7 AMPC).

The Holy Spirit helps you control your emotions and attitude, and build an excellent character. Through fellowship with the Holy Spirit, you'll not be given to sudden or choleric temper; rather, you'd be love-controlled.

Never let anger dominate you. Even when you feel you've been mistreated, don't react in a negative way. Rather, say to yourself, "I'll let it go for the sake of Jesus." That's the way His love controls us. Our theme verse says, "Love bears up under anything…." This is the triumph of love.

Did you know this wasn't possible under the Law? They just couldn't walk in love. But now that we're born again, it's our daily walk in Christ. We can walk in love; talk in love, and think lovingly about others. Letting yourself love people is letting God rule and work through you.

Loving others doesn't make you a weak person; rather, it's a demonstration of your God-nature. Therefore, wherever you are, create an atmosphere of love, kindness, and grace. Let the liquid love of Jesus flow through you to others. They'll see it in your eyes; you may not have to say or do anything before it pulls people to you. His love is that strong.

Consciously overlook the wrongs done to you. That someone doesn't know enough to treat you right shouldn't stop you from always responding in love. Make up your mind to always respond with love. Love is ever ready to believe the best of others and give selflessly too.

CONFESSIONAs Jesus is, so am I in this world. I'm a product of love; I abound in love, and I never fail, for my spirit is renewed every day. I'm ever ready to believe the best of others, for the love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:1 Corinthians 13:1-6 AMPC; 2 Corinthians 5:14

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:John 21:1-25 & 1 Chronicles 26-29

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:Mark 15:33-47 & Deuteronomy 6

Rhapsody of Realities 8th June 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 Luminaries [7th June, 2019]

Topic: We're Luminaries

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:3).

The word translated, "Shine" in the scripture above is "zahar" in Hebrew, and it means, "to admonish, teach, inspire, or send out light." These all connote leadership, and light gives leadership; it gives guidance.

It parallels what Jesus implied when He said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). "Go and teach all nations" means go and shine to all nations; inspire all nations.

This is our calling as God's people: we make students or pupils of the nations. We show the world the true life. We show them true happiness and joy. We show them what the love of God is as we unveil the Gospel to them. We're the light in a dark world, to lead men into Christ and His priceless inheritance.

When you arrive, illumination comes; there's direction; darkness is dispelled and the light and righteousness of God are established. You're like Paul, whom the Lord commissioned to open the eyes of the unsaved, and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God (Acts 26:18).

Proverbs 11:30 says, "…he that winneth souls is wise" ; put that together with our opening verse and see that, indeed, we're luminaries. We take the light of the Gospel everywhere we go. We give direction and show the way; we bring fulfilment and joy. These are qualities of light, and we're the light of the world.

In John 8:12, Jesus said, "…I am the light of the world. If anybody follows me, he shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." 1 John 4:17 declares, "…as he is, so are we in this world." We have the light of life, and dispense the same to our world.

Sickness, poverty, discouragement, death and all other works of darkness and evil can't, and should never find a place in your life. You're a shining light; walk in this reality.

PRAYER

Thank you, holy Father, for enlisting me in your army of soul winners; and now, I illuminate my world, and the hearts of sinners are open to receive the message of your saving grace today, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

2 Corinthians 5:19; Matthew 5:14-16

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

John 20:19-31 & 1 Chronicles 23-25

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Mark 15:25-32 & Deuteronomy 5

Rhapsody of Realities 7th June 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 – You Can Talk To Anything [4th June, 2019]

Topic: You Can Talk To Anything

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 (Mark 11:23).

The words of Jesus above reveal that not only are our words potent and would come to pass, but you also can talk to anything; yes, ANYTHING! This is because all creation, living or non-living, has intelligence. This is so clear in the Word of God. Jesus talked to the wind, and the sea (Mark 4:39); and even talked to a tree (Mark 11:14).

When you study the first chapter of Genesis, you'll understand why everything has intelligence. In the third verse, the Bible says, "And God said…." Throughout the chapter, we find many instances where God gave the Word and everything He said came into existence and retained intelligence.

For example, when He commanded the water to bring forth fishes from the sea, the water retained that memory or programming and produced the fishes. Both the water and the fishes that came out of it were connected to the programming of God's Word.

By talking to those elements, God communicated and programmed energy into them, and they retained it. So, as a child of God, when you speak, make sure what you say is in sync with the Word. Remember, your words are impregnated with power and authority. Hallelujah!

Speak to your body, your car, your business, the tools you work with, your furniture, and everything connected to you; they all have intelligence. Speak what you want to see, and what you want them to bring forth, and it shall be so. Use your mouth, your words, to chart your way and programme your life in excellence; from victory to victory, and from glory to glory.

CONFESSION
My life is for the glory of God. I walk in excellence and the Lord has perfected all that concerns me. His grace is superabundant upon me, and His power is in my words to cause them to materialise. I walk in righteousness, victory, dominion and success today. Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Ezekiel 37:4-10; Proverbs 18:21

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 18:28-19:1-16 & 1 Chronicles 14-16

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Mark 14:66-72 & Deuteronomy 2

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

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