RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME FOR SATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER 2020

 RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

DATE: SATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER 2020

TOPIC: PRAY FOR GOD’S PEOPLE IN DISTRESS

Click HERE to read the previous devotional message by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

KEY VERSE: 

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” – 2 Thessalonians 3:1

MESSAGE: 

In Acts 12:1-2, the Bible says, “…Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.” When the Church heard that James had been arrested, they must have thought, “James arrested? Nothing will happen to him; he’s a man of faith.” But once James was killed, it got their attention.

“Where was God? How did God allow it to happen?” some may have wondered, trying to put the blame on God. But it’s not God that allows such things to happen. Jesus said, “And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you” John 16:23.

Then in Matthew 28:18, He declared, “…All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me”; and on the basis of that authority, He said, “…go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). Jesus gave us His authority; He gave us His Name. So, it wasn’t Jesus that let them kill James; it was the Christians that didn’t do their job by exercising their authority in prayer.

When Peter was arrested next, the Bible says they (the church) prayed without ceasing; God intervened and Peter was released (Acts 12:5-7). So, every time you pray, you’re making it “legally” possible for God to intervene in some ways that He wouldn’t have, had you not prayed.

This is why we must pray for ministers of the Gospel, and advancement of the ministry of reconciliation in these last days. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Colossae, “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds”(Colossians 4:3).

Since God already told them to go and preach the Gospel, why did they need to pray to God to open for them a door of utterance? It tells you that there’re adversaries in the world. So always pray for the churches of Christ around the world.

Several reports confirm that Christians are the most persecuted group in the world. Many are in dire distress, made to face the most inhuman treatments because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Through your prayers for them, they’ll be strengthened; the Lord will intervene in their situations. Praise God!

PRAYER: 

Dear Father, I pray for ministers of the Gospel and God’s people around the world, that their strength fail not. I pray against men or institutions who foster persecution of Christians and hinder the spread of the Gospel; we cut off the influence of such forces and their efforts are made futile. In spite of them, the Gospel is spreading rapidly, with the speed of the Spirit, and prevailing, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: 

2 THESSALONIANS 3:1-2; 

ROMANS 15:30-32

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 

REVELATION 4 

HOSEA 11-14

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 

REVELATION 12:1-10

MICAH 1-2

Rhapsody of Realities is written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. It is a life guide designed to enhance your spiritual growth and development by bringing you a fresh perspective from God’s word daily

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME FOR FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2020

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

DATE: FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2020 

TOPIC: LIVE IN TRUTH

TODAY’S  SCRIPTURE:

 JOHN 8:32 - AND YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE.

Click here for yesterday’s Rhapsody of Realities message by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

We were created by God’s Word, and His Word is truth; that means we were created by truth. This is why truth has an eternal effect on your spirit; it has an eternal effect of success, victory, prosperity, health in your life, because truth is your source. That’s why falsehood, deceit, deception, lies and lying destroy the human spirit. Lying isn’t consistent with your nature.

Some people tell lies out of fear of punishment, while others do it for plain deception. Whatever your excuse might be, train yourself to tell the truth at all times. Our theme verse says, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” because man was created by God to be free, to be at liberty to serve Him; he can’t be bound, because truth is his true nature.

Before you were born again, you didn’t have the ability to live the and live in truth, because you were under the dominion of sin. But now, the Bible says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you…” (Romans 6:14). You have the ability to do away with the habit of telling lies. You don’t need to cry or even ask God to take it away from you. Simply make up your mind to put away lying.

The Bible says, “If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, and guard your lips from telling lies” (1 Peter 3:10 TLB). 

Proverbs 6:16-19 says, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Truth is in your spirit. 

You can live in truth; it makes you triumphant; your spirit glows. It doesn’t matter in what situation you may find yourself; truth will put you over, because truth is eternal. Praise God!

CONFESSION:

God’s Word guides my thoughts, habits, character, and ultimately builds my life. I have the dominion over every kind of sin. I live in truth, because truth is my true nature. Therefore, I’m triumphant over every situation, ever glowing in the spirit. Praise God!

FURTHER STUDY:

EPHESIANS 4:25 TLB; 

PROVERBS 12:19; 

COLOSSIANS 3:9 NLT; 

ZECHARIAH 8:16 GNB

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

REVELATION 3:7-22 

HOSEA 7-10

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

REVELATION 11:11-19  

JONAH 3-4

Rhapsody of Realities is written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. It is a life guide designed to enhance your spiritual growth and development by bringing you a fresh perspective from God’s word daily

DCLM DAILY MANNA BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI FOR FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2020

 DCLM DAILY MANNA BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI

DATE: FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2020

TOPIC: OIL FOR THE LAMP

TEXT: LEVITICUS 24:1-9 (KJV)

1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2 Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.

3 Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations.

4 He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD continually.

5 And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.

6 And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.

7 And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

8 Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.

9 And it shall be Aaron’s and his sons’; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.

KEY VERSE: 

“Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.” – (Leviticus 24:2)

MESSAGE:

On a Wednesday night, five members of a family were having devotion in their living room. All of a sudden, there was power outage. While the elder son was pleading with his father to put on the generator, the younger one was screaming. 

Amid the plea and scream, their father went upstairs and brought a rechargeable lamp. Immediately the man put on the lamp, there was much relief, and they continued their devotion.

Our text centres on God’s directive to the Israelites to provide “pure olive oil beaten for the light.” The purpose was to keep the lamps on the tabernacle of the congregation burning. 

He described how the lamps should be arranged upon the candlestick outside the veil in the tabernacle. He, also, directed them to “take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof… And set them in two rows… upon the pure table before the LORD…”

This account is more explicit in Matthew 5:13-15. Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. 

He gave us light when He came to the world. While the lamps symbolise the ministers of God and every true Christian, the candlestick represent the Church of Christ. The lamps of Christ in the world are to be kept burning by the pure, sacred and undiluted oil of the word of God.

As believers, we represent Christ on the earth and should reflect His light before the world of sinners. But we cannot reflect His light sufficiently if we cannot feed on God’s word. 

To keep burning, therefore, we must consciously read and study His Word daily, take the gospel of Light to the world of darkness and earnestly pray for their conversion. 

We must not retreat to our privacy and obscurity under pretence of modesty or self-preservation. Rather, we must be a shining light to others for the conversion, comfort and direction of their souls.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: 

Brighten your corner daily with God’s word.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 

1 JOHN 1-5

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

JOEL OSTEEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE FOR FRIDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2020

 JOEL OSTEEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

DATE: FRIDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2020 

TOPIC: THROUGH THE STORM

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Mark 4:40, NLT – Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

TODAY'S WORD

In Mark 4, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s go to the other side of the lake,” but along the way they were caught in a furious night storm. 

The winds were so strong that the disciples thought the boat was going to capsize, so they woke Jesus up. He rebuked the storm, and everything calmed down.

When we’re in a storm, we often get upset and panic as the disciples did. “God, You have to help! This medical report is bad. My finances aren’t making it. My relationship is falling apart.” Quit being upset and losing sleep over your troubles. God knew there would be a storm before He told the disciples to go over the lake. 

When He puts a promise in your heart, all the forces of darkness cannot stop Him from getting you there. God is not ignoring your prayers. You don’t have to wake Him up. He’s teaching you to have faith in the middle of the storm.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

“Father, thank You that You are not just the God of the start of my storm, not just the God of my finish, but You’re also the God of the middle. Thank You that You are here to protect me and provide for me. I believe You will still my storms. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

DCLM DAILY MANNA BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI FOR THURSDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2020

DCLM DAILY MANNA BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI

DATE: THURSDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2020 

TOPIC: THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES

TEXT: LEVITICUS 23:33-44

33. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

34. Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.

35. On the first day shall be an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work therein.

36. Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD; on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD; it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.

37. These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day;

38. Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD.

39. Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days; on the first day shall be a sabbath, I and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.

40. And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.

41. And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations; ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.

42. Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths;

43. That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.

44. And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of the LORD.

KEY VERSE:

“Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.” – (Leviticus 23:34)

MESSAGE:

The children of Israel departed from Egypt, the land of bondage, with the intent of settling in the Promised Land. But they could not possess Canaan until 40 years after. While wandering in the wilderness, God’s faithfulness never ceased from them. 

Even when some of them disobeyed Him and few nations rose against them, God kept directing, guiding and protecting them until He brought them into Canaan. He was with them as the Pillar of cloud in the day and as the Pillar of fire at night.

As revealed in our text, God established the feast of Tabernacles, which He commanded to hold on the fifteenth day of the seventh month annually. Also, He commanded them to put up booths and dwell therein for seven days during the celebration. 

The purpose of the feast was to enable the Israelies to commemorate God’s protection during their journey through the wilderness; renew their commitment to God and trust the God of their fathers evermore. It usually involved the whole family so as to acquaint the younger generation with God’s faithfulness to their fathers.

As Christians, we have come out of Egypt of sin and are journeying through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan. 

It is certain that the world will be hostile to us. Nevertheless, we must be courageous and strong, knowing full well that we have a mighty Captain in Christ our Lord, who never falters or fails.

The Scripture assures us that Christ is ever present with us. He often intercedes for our security and preservation from the pollution of the world. Although iniquity may abound and the love of many wax cold, we must continue to hold on to our steadfast Anchor. He is able to save everyone that comes to Him till the end. This assurance of God’s faithfulness and love should also be inculcated into our offspring so that together we shall enter the heavenly Canaan.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Christ is the only Captain that can subdue all storms.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

JONAH 1-4

DCLM Daily Manna 10th December 2020 Devotional Message was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME FOR THURSDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2020

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

DATE: THURSDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2020 

TOPIC: THE REAL FIGHT

SCRIPTURE: 

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses (1 Timothy 6:12)

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 10TH DECEMBER 2020 DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

Not many people understand what it is to fight, and by that I don’t mean physical combat; I’m talking about the fight of faith. 

The fight of faith is the conflict between our earthly transient temporal circumstances and our spiritual realities. It is the unleashing of our faith on the rebellious circumstances of time to compel changes to correspond with our stubborn faith proclamations. It’s not a fight with the devil; it’s the fight in your heart to overcome the challenges that you face in life. And it’s a fight you must win.

The Apostle Paul calls it a good fight, because it’s most honourable and you win. When He tells you to fight the good fight, he’s telling you to hold onto God’s Word, maintaining your confessions in the face of staggering opposition. 

There’s an adversary working on things and trying to ensure that things don’t fall into place for you. 

The world itself is hostile to your faith; hostile to the Kingdom of God. But Jesus said, “…be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33); and because He overcame the world, you have to keep the world in that position with your faith. That’s the real fight.

You’re not trying to overcome the world; He already did. So, you walk by faith in the victory that Christ wrought in your behalf. He said,  “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy…” (Luke 10:19). No matter where you are, you’re triumphant; you know it and you insist on it.

You can do what others say is impossible. It doesn’t matter what you’re currently faced with; whether it has to do with your health, finances, business, job, family, academics; you say, “I’m a victor in the Name of Jesus! It’s impossible for me to fail. All I think is winning, and I only win, in the Name of Jesus!”

Walk in the glory and strength of Christ and with the boldness of the Spirit. Take advantage of His grace and the power of His might as you unleash your faith against rebellious circumstances and compel them to align with your stubborn faith proclamations.

CONFESSION

I walk in God’s strength and glory, strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. I’m blessed with His love, with His boldness and victory. I fight the good fight of faith to stay established, confirmed and set on God’s Word! With the Word in my mouth, I prevail over circumstances today, ruling and reigning by the power of the Holy Ghost!

FURTHER STUDY:

EPHESIANS 6:16; 

1 TIMOTHY 1:18; 

2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-5

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

REVELATION 2:18; 3:1-6  

HOSEA 3-6

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

REVELATION 11:1-10; 

JONAH 1-2

RHAPSODY of Realities 10th December 2020 Devotional was written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, based in Lagos, Nigeria.

JOEL OSTEEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE FOR WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020

 JOEL OSTEEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

DATE: WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 

TOPIC: LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Matthew 5:16, TLB – “Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.”

There are times when God will allow us to go through a painful season so He can birth something new on the inside. If you go through something you don’t understand, God allowed this to happen because He trusts you. 

He knows He can count on you to take the same comfort, the same healing, the same encouragement that helped you overcome this trouble and share it with others.

Can God trust you with pain? Or will you get caught up wondering, I don’t understand why this is happening to me? I say this respectfully: it’s not all about you. What if God has allowed this difficulty so three years down the road you can help somebody else move forward? Can He trust you? 

God is counting on you to let your light shine through the dark places. What you’ve been through will help somebody else get through it. Be on the lookout for others you can encourage.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

“Father, thank You that You want to use me to help others who are struggling in the same areas where I have struggled. Thank You that I am uniquely qualified to comfort those who are going through what I’ve gone through. Help me to shine my light brightly. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE!

God has created you to be a victor, not a victim. Jump-start your day by celebrating the very best that God has for you! These daily inspirations will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord and equip you to be everything God intends you to be.

Today’s Word with Joel Osteen 9th December 2020 Daily Devotional – Joel Scott Osteen is an American pastor, televangelist, and author, based in Houston, Texas. Osteen has been called the “most popular preacher on the planet” and is often listed as one of the most influential religious leaders in the world.

DCLM DAILY MANNA BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI FOR WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020

DCLM DAILY MANNA BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI

DATE: WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 

TOPIC: THE ATONEMENT

TEXT: LEVITICUS 23:23-32

23. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

24. Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.

25. Ye shall do no servile work therein; but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

26. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

27. Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement; it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

28. And ye shall do no work in that same day; for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.

29. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.

30. And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.

31. Ye shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

32. It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls; in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.

KEY VERSE:

“And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.” – (Leviticus 23:28)

MESSAGE:

At 13, Dominic MacAulay wrote a poem titled Sin and Redemption. The poem was part of his home school curriculum. In part, the poem read: “When the universe began, in His image, God made a woman and a man. Dominion was given them, over all the land. But one snake named Satan came to get those people to sin in shame. Thus the world fell; thousands of years later, one was sent: the longed-for Saviour. The Messiah name was Jesus… he died on a terrible cross, thus my redemption paid…”

This poem captures the whole essence of the sacrifice of Christ our Saviour. 

In theology, atonement represents the reconciliation of God that mankind accomplished through the life, suffering and crucifixion of Christ our Lord. By implication, outside Christ, no other atonement can guarantee our redemption.

In Israel, as shown in our text, a day was set apart when the high priest would enter into the holy of holies to make sacrifice for the sin of the people and the nation. This is referred as the day of atonement. The Israelites observed it yearly. The day of atonement was a shadow of the better testament. Jesus Christ is the sacrificial Lamb crucified for the sin of humanity. 

He offered Himself as the perfect Lamb for atonement. His sacrifice was final, and we no longer require any other sacrifice again. By His own blood, Jesus Christ entered once into the holy place to obtain eternal redemption for you and me.

From time to time, the redeemed of the Lord need to soberly reflect on this and appreciate Christ’s inexplicable love. He voluntarily went through emotional trauma of abandonment by the Father, excruciating pain of torture, and the most humiliating, debasing and shameful death on the cross for our redemption. 

If sin is still having dominion over you, do not delay any longer. Rather, humbly surrender your life and appropriate the benefits of the final atonement into your life.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Without Jesus, life is as the twilight with the dark night ahead.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

OBADIAH 1

DCLM Daily Manna 9th December 2020 Devotional Message was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME FOR WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

DATE: WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2020 

TOPIC: DON'T KEEP GRUDGES

SCRIPTURE: 

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16)

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 9TH DECEMBER 2020 DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE:

Aminister once told a story of two women in his church who were quarrelling for a long time. One of them had a goitre for several years, and in spite of his prayers for her, it wouldn’t heal. The second woman couldn’t receive the Holy Spirit; she just couldn’t speak in other tongues, even though he had prayed for her several times to receive the Holy Spirit.

One Sunday morning, while he was sitting on the platform during the service, one of them arrived and found a seat, but soon as she noticed the very next seat was occupied by the other lady, she stood up to change her seat. 

At that point, the Pastor flounced off the platform to meet them, and said to them, “I’m not having any more of this; you either get together as sisters, or get out!” Suddenly, both women broke into tears and began to apologise to each other. 

Both of them were ready to take the blame, as they cried and hugged each other. Right there, before their eyes, the goitre disappeared, and the other woman was filled with the Spirit and speaking in tongues.

Evidently, those grudges had prevented the manifestations of these blessings in their lives for years, without them realizing it. 

All they needed to do was to admit their faults to each other. That’s what we read in our theme verse: “Confess your faults one to another….” It means admitting your faults; refusing to keep a grudge.

Even when you think you’re not the one at fault, it makes no difference; put the matter to rest. 

Do what the Word says. Don’t insist on your own way. The Bible says to rather allow yourself to be defrauded (1 Corinthians 6:7) than to hold a grudge against your brother or sister in the Lord.

CONFESSION

The Holy Spirit helps me control my emotions and attitude; I have an excellent character, and wherever I am, I create an atmosphere of love, kindness and grace. Consciously, I overlook the wrongs of others, because I’m the love child of a love God with His nature and character of love in me. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

ROMANS 12:9-10; 

ROMANS 5:5; 

JAMES 5:16 AMPC

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

REVELATION 2:1-17

HOSEA 1-2

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

REVELATION 10:1-11  

OBADIAH 1

Rhapsody of Realities 9th December 2020 Devotional was written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, based in Lagos, Nigeria

JOEL OSTEEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2020

 JOEL OSTEEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2020 

TOPIC: LIFE PURPOSE

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 14:27, NKJV “For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?”

JOEL OSTEEN TODAY 8TH DECEMBER 2020 DAILY DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE:

God has a purpose for your life. He’s already planned out your days, lined up the different scenes, and established your ending. 

Today’s Scripture asks, “Who can stop it? Who will turn it back? God is saying, “I’m the all-powerful Creator of the universe. Now, who can stop My plan for your life? Who can change your ending? People can’t, unfair situations can’t, tragedy can’t. I have the final say.”

When you feel like you’re on a life detour, when you come to a dead-end with something you don’t understand, don’t get upset or live frustrated. It’s just one scene. 

When all the scenes of your life come together, it’s going to work out for your good. What looks like a setback is really God setting you up to get you to the fullness of your destiny. 

Stay in peace, knowing that God is directing your steps. Even the detours, the dead ends, and the U-turns will work to your advantage.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

“Father, thank You for the promise that You always cause me to triumph in the end. Thank You that You are directing my steps and working out Your purpose for my life. I’m going to stay in peace knowing that no one and nothing can stop Your plan. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE!

God has created you to be a victor, not a victim. Jump-start your day by celebrating the very best that God has for you! These daily inspirations will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord and equip you to be everything God intends you to be.

DCLM DAILY MANNA BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI FOR TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2020

DCLM DAILY MANNA BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI

DATE: TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2020  TOPIC: REMEMBER THE NEEDY

TEXT: LEVITICUS 23:9-22

9. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

10. Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest;

11. And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you; on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.

12. And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD.

13. And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour; and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.

14. And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God; it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

15. And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete;

16. Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.

17. Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals; they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.

18. And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams; they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.

19. Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings.

20. And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs; they shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.

21. And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you; ye shall do no servile work therein; it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.

22. And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest; thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger; I am the LORD your God.

KEY VERSE:

“And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God.” – (Leviticus 23:22)

DCLM DAILY MANNA 8TH DECEMBER 2020 DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE:

Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, had just returned from Moab after losing virtually everything. In Bethlehem Judah, then, they were equivalent to the needy and strangers. Ruth, the Moabites, had to glean in the field of Boaz to meet her basic needs and that of her mother-in-law (Ruth 2:1-3).

God had this group of people in mind when He instructed the Israelites to always leave the corners of their field ‘unharvested’ and any gleaning of their harvest ‘ungathered’ for the poor and strangers. 

In Leviticus 19:9,10, specifically, the Lord God affirms: “when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest… thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger”.

From our text today, two feasts of holy convocation stand out. The first relates the feast of the first fruits, which also denotes the offering of the first crops harvested in a year. The second is the feast of Pentecost, which signifies thanksgiving and joy over bountiful harvest. Each of these feasts involves harvesting of crops and God’s directive was that the corner of the field and any gleaning of the harvest should be left for the needy for there would always be poor people in the land.

The children of Israel could not eat crops of their harvest until they had offered the first fruits. Today, God expects us to do the same. He expects that all His children set aside His portion first. He expects that we give Him the first place in our heart and in the form of freewill offerings, tithes, and giving for church projects.

Aside, God expects that we make provision for the needy in the church. Believers must therefore honour this age-long directive of God, especially to those of the household of faith.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Catering for the needy is God’s age-long commandment.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

AMOS 6-9

DCLM Daily Manna 8th December 2020 Devotional Message was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME FOR TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2020

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

DATE: TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2020 

TOPIC: HE DWELLS IN YOU NOW

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:3)

MESSAGE: 

Many don’t understand what Jesus was talking about in the scripture above. Some have speculated that He was talking about the Second Coming or the Rapture, but that’s not what He was talking about in that verse. To understand what Jesus meant, you’ll have to stay in the context, and understand His message with your spirit, not with your senses. 

He continued this interesting discourse till He got to the 16th verse where He said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.”

The term “another Comforter” is the Greek phrase “Allon paraklēton,” meaning “another of same kind.” So, Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit at that point. Then He said, “…ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:17). 

How did the Holy Spirit dwell with them at the time? Wasn’t He supposed to come on the Day of Pentecost? That tells us something. He wasn’t talking about the Holy Spirit alone; He was also referring to Himself!

To drive that point home, He went back to what He said in our theme verse, saying;

“I will come again, and receive you unto myself…” Then in verse 18, He said, How and when was He going to come to them?

In the 20th verse, He said, At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” What day was He talking about? 

Evidently, He was talking about the day when the Holy Ghost comes! So, when He said, “I will come to you,” He was saying, “I’ll come to you in the Holy Spirit!” And on the Day of Pentecost, He fulfilled that precious promise: “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance”

(Acts 2:4). He’s in you today in all His fullness. Praise God!

PRAYER

Dear Precious Holy Spirit, thank you for your indwelling and abiding presence which has made me a victor and a master over circumstances. Thank you for strengthening my faith and stirring up courage in me to do the will of God and fulfil my calling. My success in life is guaranteed because I’m yielded to your guidance and leading always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

HEBREWS 13:5 AMPC; JOHN 14:23; 

1 CORINTHIANS 3:16

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

REVELATION 1 

DANIEL 11-12

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

REVELATION 9:11-21  

AMOS 8-9

Rhapsody of Realities 8th December 2020 Devotional was written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, based in Lagos, Nigeria

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME FOR MONDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2020

 RHAPSODY OF REALITIES BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

DATE: MONDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2020 

TOPIC: FAITH FOR THE RAPTURE

SCRIPTURE: 

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:52)

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 7TH DECEMBER 2020 MESSAGE:

At the Rapture, not everyone will hear the sound of the trumpet. It’ll be audible only to the Christians who died in Christ already and those alive at the time. 

Everybody else won’t hear it, because the sound of the trumpet would only be heard by faith. It’s not something you’re going to make an effort to hear, because as a Christian, you already live by faith. 

Everything about your life and your relationship with God is by faith; therefore, you’re going to hear it.

As read in our theme verse, the sound of the trumpet will happen faster than the snap of your finger. In a twinkling of an eye, we’re out of here, and suddenly, we’re in heaven. 

Every Christian ought to go at the rapture. It therefore means that anyone who doesn’t make the “first flight” hasn’t been living for the Lord.

Keep your faith alive, and live for the Master every day. Walk in love and in righteousness. Focus on getting others ready for the Rapture and into the Kingdom of God.

CONFESSION

Oh, what a day of rejoicing it’ll be when the Master shows up! Today, I walk in the light of His Word and of my salvation, engrossed in the pursuit of the expansion of His Kingdom, seeking, above all, the rule and reign of His Kingdom in the earth and in the hearts of men. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

HEBREWS 11:5-6; 

1 THESSALONIANS 4:16-17

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

JUDE; 

DANIEL 9-10

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

REVELATION 9:1-10; 

AMOS 7

Rhapsody of Realities 7th December 2020 Devotional was written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, based in Lagos, Nigeria

DCLM DAILY MANNA BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI FOR MONDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2020

 DCLM DAILY MANNA BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI

DATE: MONDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2020 

TOPIC: THE HOLY CONVOCATION

TEXT: LEVITICUS 23:1-8

1. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2. Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

3. Six days shall work be done; but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein; it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

4. These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.

5. In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S passover.

6. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD; seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.

7. In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work therein.

8. But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days; in the seventh day is an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work therein.

KEY VERSE:

“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.” – (Leviticus 23:2)

DCLM DAILY MANNA 7TH DECEMBER 2020 DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE:

Having perfected the redemptive work for mankind through His crucifixion, Jesus Christ appointed the New Testament Sabbath to be a holy convocation. 

Also, He met His disciples on the first day of the week after His resurrection (Matthew 28:1,10).

Besides the Sabbath of rest meant to be a continual ordinance in Israel, there were other forms of feasts God asked the Israelites to observe as holy convocations. 

These were special days and seasons set aside for them to come together in remembrance of the great wonders God performed to deliver them from the land of bondage. 

The feast of Passover, for instance, was celebrated to mark the day God “smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt” without touching the house of Israel. It reminded them of God’s mighty works. 

Also, the feast of unleavened bread reminded the Israelites of their freedom from Egypt. It used to take seven days of celebration. 

There were the feasts of first fruits, Pentecost, trumpets, the Day of Atonement and the feast of Tabernacles.

God equally commanded the Israelites to sanctify these days and seasons of feast and to do no regular work in them. Likewise, Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath, sanctified the first day of the week as the Sabbath of holy convocation for believers under the dispensation of grace. God has also used His holy servants to set aside days and seasons of congregating together before the Lord.

Believers must bear in mind that the Sabbath and other times of services are meant to worship God our Creator so that we can be nourished and refreshed in His word and presence. 

In Hebrews 10:25, we are urged not to forsake “the assembling of ourselves together” for it helps us to be alive spiritually till the day of the Lord.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Congregating with God’s people keeps us fortified to the end.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

AMOS 1-5

DCLM Daily Manna 7th December 2020 Devotional Message was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE FOR SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2020

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL 

DATE: SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2020 

THEME: THE NAME OF JESUS

MEMORIZE: 

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Philippians 2:9

BIBLE READING PHILIPPIANS 2:9-11

9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name;

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

11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: 

ACTS 20:1-38, 

ROMANS 1:1-32, 

ROMANS 2:1-29, 

ROMANS 3:1-31

MESSAGE:

Oh, I love the name of Jesus. It is the most powerful name in all the universe.

I recall the story of a young man called Samuel who gave his life to Jesus Christ while his mother was the leader of idol worshippers in their village.

Samuel was filled with a zeal to win his mother and village for Christ so he decided to start off by burning all the idols and charms in their house.

His mother was furious at his actions so she invited the members of her secret society to kill her son as she would not be able to kill him by herself.

The night they decided to attack Samuel, the mother ensured the boy was alone in the house.

Around midnight, Samuel knelt to pray after having shut all windows and doors.

It was then a huge dog, with charms tied all over its body came in through the locked door and headed straight for him.

There was no time to pray; however, there was enough time to shout “JESUS”.

Something like a thunderbolt came into the room through the walls and struck the dog dead on the spot. Philippians 2:10 says:

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”

The phrase “things in heaven, on earth and underneath the earth” already covers everything possible.

This means that nothing can withstand or resist the name of Jesus.

There is no problem, demon or situation that will not bow once they hear the name of Jesus.

This is why our mouth must always call on the name of Jesus.

We must note however, that the name of Jesus is only potent in the mouth of His children. It says in Isaiah 59:1-2:

“Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

No matter how loud you shout the name of Jesus, if you are a sinner, He will not even hear, not to talk of answering.

If you want the name to work for you, you must accept Him into your life as your Lord and Saviour, then stay away from sin.

KEY POINT

If you call the name of Jesus now, would He answer? If the answer is no, then make amends immediately.

HYMN

I AM SO GLAD THAT OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN

1. I am so glad that our Father in heaven

Tell of His love in the book He has given;

Wonderful things in the Bible I see;

This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

CHORUS:

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me,

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves even me.

2. Jesus loves me and I know I love Him;

Love brought Him down my lost soul to redeem;

Yes, it was love made Him die on the tree:

Oh, I am certain that Jesus love me.

3. In this assurance I find sweetest rest,

Trusting in Jesus I know I am blest;

Satan dismayed from my soul doth now flee

When I just tell him that Jesus loves me.

4. Oh, if there’s only one song I can sing,

When in His beauty I see the great King,

This shall my song in eternity be,

“Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!”

5. If one should ask of me, how can I tell?

Glory to Jesus, I know very well!

God’s Holy Spirit with mine doth agree,

Constantly witnessing-Jesus loves me.

DCLM DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI FOR SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2020

DCLM DAILY MANNA BY PASTOR W.F KUMUYI 

DATE: SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2020 TOPIC: SLOTHFULNESS DEBASES

TEXT: PROVERBS 26:1-19
1. As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

2. As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

3. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.

4. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

5. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

6. He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

7. The legs of the lame are not equal; so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

9. As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

10. The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

11. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

12. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

13. The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

14. As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

15. The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

16. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

17. He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

18. As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

19. So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

KEY VERSE:
“The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.” – (Proverbs 26:15)

MESSAGE:
Charles H. Spurgeon, an English Baptist preacher, preached a sermon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington on June 3, 1888. The sermon was titled “The Sluggard’s Farm.” He cited Proverbs 24:30-32 to illustrate how King Solomon laid down his robe on a particular day and walked through his kingdom. At a point, he saw the broken wall of a little estate, which comprised a piece of ploughed land and a vineyard. At a glance, the king came to the conclusion that a sluggard owned and neglected the estate because weeds had covered all the face of the ground.

Our text gives a graphic description of the slothful. A slothful person often dreams of and pretends to dread a lion each time he is asked to diligently carry out his assignment. He can give millions of excuses to justify his laziness. He sometimes imagines and portrays difficult situations he cannot grapple with. As a result, he always hides his hands in his bosom and finds it difficult to feed himself. This is a folly that frightens him from the real purpose of existence. But in Genesis 2:15, God “took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” God Himself worked six days unstopped to create the earth and everything in it.

In this light, we must always remember that we are created in God’s image and likeness. God is diligent and industrious. As His reflection, therefore, we must work and not be indolent for any reason. If you are already caught in the web of slothfulness, you can overcome it. Take a step forward today; set achievable goals; pursue them with vigour and pray for God’s strength.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
A stitch in time saves nine.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
HOSEA 10-14

DCLM Daily Manna 5th December 2020 Devotional Message was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME FOR SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2020

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME 

DATE: SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2020 

TOPIC: IMPACT YOUR WORLD

SCRIPTURE: 

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it (Colossians 4:17)

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 5TH DECEMBER 2020 DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

You were born for God’s glory. You were created to live an extraordinary life that pleases God, and you can’t live such a life without making an impact. So, go ahead and make a difference in your world through the Gospel. It’s the most significant and impactful message in all the world, saving and changing lives everywhere. Hallelujah!

Romans 8:19 says, “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” Then in Matthew 5:26, Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’’ Your true purpose in the earth is to manifest the glory of God and establish His Kingdom in your home, street, place of work, school and in your sphere of contact.

It makes no difference what your age is; you can make a difference in your world. You have what it takes—the Holy Spirit! As you fellowship with Him and function in the Church, you’ll discover what He wants you to do—your specific purpose in Him, and how exactly He wants you to live. He’s raising people He can trust; He’s building them on the Word. Be one of them.

He may not start you out with something big; but remain faithful with whatever He commits to your hands. When you’re faithful in little, He’ll account you to be faithful in much. Remember, you’re His ambassador in this world, with the God-ordained purpose to illuminate your world and impact others with the Christ-life! That’s your calling; that’s your purpose; that’s your life! Christ in you, the hope of glory.

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for calling me into a life of impact and for giving me the greatest asset of all—the Holy Spirit—to help me walk in your will and purpose for my life. You created me in Christ Jesus unto good works, which you ordained from the foundation of the world that I should walk in them. And now, by your Spirit, my whole life is in pursuit of your purpose and enthronement of your kingdom in the hearts of men, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
EPHESIANS 2:10; AMPC; 

ACTS 26:16 AMPC

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 JOHN 

DANIEL 5-6

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
REVELATION 7:11-17  

AMOS 3-4

Rhapsody of Realities 5th December 2020 Devotional was written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, based in Lagos, Nigeria

DAILY HOPE WITH RICH WARREN FOR SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2020

DAILY HOPE WITH RICH WARREN

DATE: SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2020, 

TOPIC: DON'T LET THE FEAR OF FAILURE HOLD YOU BACK

SCRIPTURE: “God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NCV)

RICK WARREN DAILY DEVOTIONAL 5TH DECEMBER 2020 MESSAGE

Just three months after Kay and I got married, I had a total physical and mental breakdown and ended up in the hospital. I was filled with the fear of failure, and I thought my life was over—though I was just 21 years old. The psychiatrist at the hospital told me that I needed to take some time off.

So we went to my parents’ home in northern California, where I continued to feel like a total failure. I thought I couldn’t handle anything. Everything made me upset and nervous.

Then one night I had a dream that—because of all the tension from my feelings of failure—felt evil. I woke up in a cold sweat. As I was lying there in bed, breathing fast, I heard the phone ring. My mom picked it up. The guy on the phone said, “Is this the house where Rick Warren is? Could I talk to him?”

When I picked up the phone, the man said, “Rick, you don’t know me. We’ve never met. How I got this number doesn’t really matter. But I live in San Diego, and God told me to call you and give you this verse: ‘God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control’ [2 Timothy 1:7 NCV]. And, Rick, you have a right in Jesus Christ to a sound mind.” And then he hung up.

You don’t think God uses people like that? Well, he does. It could have been an angel, but it didn’t have to be. Maybe God just said to a man: “Call that guy.” And, in obedience, he did.

I held on to that verse during that year of depression when I thought I was such a failure, even though my life had barely even started. But God wasn’t done with me, and he’s done many things in my life since then.

God is not done with you either. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been through. I’m sorry for all the pain you may have experienced, but you cannot let fear hold you back. Push yourself to trust God in everything you do. Then live in faith and love.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME FOR FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2020

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 

DATE: FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2020

TOPIC: THE WORD IN YOUR MOUTH

Scripture: For as much as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart (2 Corinthians 3:3)

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 4TH DECEMBER 2020 MESSAGE

Writing the Word in your heart is very important. This is done through meditation and constant confession of the Word. The more you do this, the more the glory of the Word is manifested in your life. We’re admonished in the Scriptures to be filled with the knowledge of God’s Word, for out of that abundance, our words will come forth.

Your words must be consistent with God’s truths; otherwise, you’ll have trouble. The adversary will take advantage of your own words to put you in bondage. Proverbs 6:2 “Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.”

Many today are trapped, struggling to come out of one predicament or the other, which they may have created through their own words. Jesus said in Mark 11:23, For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. In Matthew 12:37,  “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

You have to make a determination to talk God’s Word; talk Kingdom-talk. You’re in the Kingdom of God, and it’s a Kingdom run by words, where we rule and prevail by our wholesome, faith-filled words. Remember the Lord’s admonition in Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth…” ; it’s about the Word in your mouth!

CONFESSION
Through the help of the Spirit, and consistent meditation on the Word, I consciously speak wholesome, edifying, gracious, inspiring, motivating, encouraging words. With my words, I create success, victory, divine health and prosperity from within, establishing God’s righteousness in my world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
LUKE 6:45; 

1 PETER 3:10

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 JOHN 5; 

DANIEL 3-4

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
REVELATION 7:1-10; 

AMOS 1-2

Rhapsody of Realities 4th December 2020 Devotional was written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, based in Lagos, Nigeria