Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Praise Him!

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness (Psalm 48:1).


Our God is great and greatly to be praised. He delights in our praises. As new creations we're those He has sanctified and separated unto Himself to worship Him: "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."(Philippians 3:3). Irrespective of the circumstances around us; whether or not we feel like it, the praise of God is continually in our mouths.

How important it is for you to learn to praise the Lord in spite of adversity. When you sing the Lord's praise, His glory is revealed, not only in your life, but also to your environment (Judges 5:1-7). In 2 Chronicles 20:1-22 for example, the nation of Judah had been surrounded by the armies of three nations, determined to destroy them and take over their land. But Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was a wise king. He called together all the people of Judah and proclaimed a fast.

As they fasted and prayed, the Lord gave them the strategy for battle. On the day of battle, Jehoshaphat put singers in front of the army. The Bible records that "...And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten" (2 Chronicles 20:22). Through the power of praise, they discomfited their adversary.

Consider also the inspiring account of Paul and Silas chronicled for us in Acts 6. They had been imprisoned for preaching the Gospel and had their hands and feet bound in stocks. Then at midnight; at that dark and lonely moment of their lives, they began to sing praises to God: "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed" (Acts 16:25-26).

It doesn't matter what challenging situation you might be facing right now, praise the Lord anyhow! Glorify Him from the depths of your heart and His power will be activated in your behalf. You might have been praying about a specific condition, it's now time to praise Him. Do it lavishly, for He deserves it, and as you do, you'll see His power move on you like never before.


CONFESSION
I will praise you O Lord, my wonderful Saviour; with my whole heart will I show forth your marvelous works and declare your greatness. I rejoice in you O Lord most high, for you're the only true and wise God! Thank you for making my life beautiful, and for crowning me with victory and success, all the days of my life. Amen.



Rhapsody of Realities   September 28, 2011
-Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Friday, September 23, 2011

The Life Of A Giver

Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving] (2 Corinthians 9:7).



A giver is not someone who gave, but one who has made giving his lifestyle; someone who gives liberally, regardless of what he has. A giver never has to be convinced to give because it's his nature to do so. Ecclesiastes 11:6 says "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." This scripture is a revelation by which the giver lives. He never appears in God's house empty-handed; he is prompt to give and always seeks to outgive his past.

This lifestyle of giving is what we've been called to as Christians. You should always be excited and quick to respond whenever there's an opportunity for you to give. In 2 Corinthians 9:6, we're admonished to give much when it comes to the Lord: "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." Now notice the scripture didn't say "Those who earn more should sow more whilst those who earn little should sow little."

You must understand that your giving is determined by your revelation of God's Word and not on the amount of money you receive. The Bible says where the Spirit of the Lord is, there's liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17). That means you're at liberty to give joyfully and as bountifully as you choose. If Jesus could sit at the temple to observe what people gave as offerings (Mark 12:41-44), it lets you know how important giving is to God. He's still observing and blessing us today for the way and manner we give to Him.

Take up the lifestyle of a giver. Don't give sparingly, but lavishly and extravagantly to God, knowing that you can never out-give Him. He "...is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]" (2 Corinthians 9:8 AMP).


PRAYER
Blessed Father, thank you for blessing me with all material wealth, such that I'm self-sufficient, possessing enough to help and support others, and most of all, furnished in abundance for the furtherance of the Gospel. I refuse to let opportunities pass me by, in Jesus' Name. Amen.



Rhapsody of Realities     September 29, 2011
-Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Victory Everyday

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14).


For some people, life is full of  "ups and downs." The reason they think this way is because of their ignorance of the Word. When you have the clear understanding of who you are as a new creation in Christ, you'd realize that you were born a champion. You can live each and every day of your life in victory over every situation. Yours is a life of continual victory. The death of Jesus on the cross, and His triumphant resurrection made us one with Him, and brought us into the transcendent life. It's a daily life of blessings, miracles, signs and wonders.

The Bible says about Jesus, that God "... raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:20-21). Then in Ephesians 2:5-6, referring to us-the new creation, the Bible says He has "...And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:5-6). The story doesn't end with Jesus alone; God has also raised you up together with Christ and made you sit together with Him in the realms of glory.

You're seated in the right place of divine authority and power; and so victory for you is a day-to-day experience. The Bible says "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 john 4:4). So go forth today and win, for you've been called into the life of unending victory and success.


PRAYER
Dear Father, I declare that through faith in your living Word I'm making progress in my life and excelling in every endeavour. I thank you for making me a champion in life and choosing me to live a life of victory, progress and success everyday, in Jesus' Name. Amen.



Rhapsody of Realities    September 18, 2011
-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Hebrews 11 (AMP) - The faith chapter!

Hebrews 11

Amplified Bible (AMP)


 1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].    2For by [faith--[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report.
    3By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.
    4[Prompted, actuated] by faith Abel brought God a better and more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, because of which it was testified of him that he was righteous [that he was upright and in right standing with God], and God bore witness by accepting and acknowledging his gifts. And though he died, yet [through the incident] he is still speaking.
    5Because of faith Enoch was caught up and transferred to heaven, so that he did not have a glimpse of death; and he was not found, because God had translated him. For even before he was taken to heaven, he received testimony [still on record] that he had pleased and been satisfactory to God.
    6But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
    7[Prompted] by faith Noah, being forewarned by God concerning events of which as yet there was no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an ark for the deliverance of his own family. By this [his faith which relied on God] he passed judgment and sentence on the world's unbelief and became an heir and possessor of righteousness ([c]that relation of being right into which God puts the person who has faith).
    8[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go.
    9[Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise.
    10For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God.
    11Because of faith also Sarah herself received physical power to conceive a child, even when she was long past the age for it, because she considered [God] Who had given her the promise to be reliable and trustworthy and true to His word.
    12So from one man, though he was physically as good as dead, there have sprung descendants whose number is as the stars of heaven and as countless as the innumerable sands on the seashore.
    13These people all died controlled and sustained by their faith, but not having received the tangible fulfillment of [God's] promises, only having seen it and greeted it from a great distance by faith, and all the while acknowledging and confessing that they were strangers and temporary residents and exiles upon the earth.
    14Now those people who talk as they did show plainly that they are in search of a fatherland (their own country).
    15If they had been thinking with [homesick] remembrance of that country from which they were emigrants, they would have found constant opportunity to return to it.
    16But the truth is that they were yearning for and aspiring to a better and more desirable country, that is, a heavenly [one]. For that reason God is not ashamed to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God--the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob], for He has prepared a city for them.
    17By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test [while the testing of his faith was [d]still in progress], [e]had already brought Isaac for an offering; he who had gladly received and welcomed [God's] promises was ready to sacrifice his only son,
    18Of whom it was said, Through Isaac shall your descendants be reckoned.
    19For he reasoned that God was able to raise [him] up even from among the dead. Indeed in the sense that Isaac was figuratively dead [potentially sacrificed], he did [actually] receive him back from the dead.
    20[With eyes of] faith Isaac, looking far into the future, invoked blessings upon Jacob and Esau.
    21[Prompted] by faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons and bowed in prayer over the top of his staff.
    22[Actuated] by faith Joseph, when nearing the end of his life, referred to [the promise of God for] the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his own bones.
    23[Prompted] by faith Moses, after his birth, was kept concealed for three months by his parents, because they saw how comely the child was; and they were not overawed and terrified by the king's decree.
    24[Aroused] by faith Moses, when he had grown to maturity and [f]become great, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
    25Because he preferred to share the oppression [suffer the hardships] and bear the shame of the people of God rather than to have the fleeting enjoyment of a sinful life.
    26He considered the contempt and abuse and shame [borne for] the Christ (the Messiah Who was to come) to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt, for he looked forward and away to the reward (recompense).
    27[Motivated] by faith he left Egypt behind him, being unawed and undismayed by the wrath of the king; for he never flinched but held staunchly to his purpose and endured steadfastly as one who gazed on Him Who is invisible.
    28By faith (simple trust and confidence in God) he instituted and carried out the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood [on the doorposts], so that the destroyer of the firstborn (the angel) might not touch those [of the children of Israel].
    29[Urged on] by faith the people crossed the Red Sea as [though] on dry land, but when the Egyptians tried to do the same thing they were swallowed up [by the sea].
    30Because of faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encompassed for seven days [by the Israelites].
    31[Prompted] by faith Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who refused to believe and obey, because she had received the spies in peace [without enmity].
    32And what shall I say further? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
    33Who by [the help of] faith subdued kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promised blessings, closed the mouths of lions,
    34Extinguished the power of raging fire, escaped the devourings of the sword, out of frailty and weakness won strength and became stalwart, even mighty and resistless in battle, routing alien hosts.
    35[Some] women received again their dead by a resurrection. Others were tortured [g]to death with clubs, refusing to accept release [offered on the terms of denying their faith], so that they might be resurrected to a better life. [I Kings 17:17-24; II Kings 4:25-37.]
    36Others had to suffer the trial of mocking and scourging and even chains and imprisonment.
    37They were stoned to death; they were lured with tempting offers [to renounce their faith]; they were sawn asunder; they were slaughtered by the sword; [while they were alive] they had to go about wrapped in the skins of sheep and goats, utterly destitute, oppressed, cruelly treated--
    38[Men] of whom the world was not worthy--roaming over the desolate places and the mountains, and [living] in caves and caverns and holes of the earth.
    39And all of these, though they won divine approval by [means of] their faith, did not receive the fulfillment of what was promised,
    40Because God had us in mind and had something better and greater in view for us, so that they [these heroes and heroines of faith] should not come to perfection apart from us [before we could join them].


Biblegateway-Hebrews-11-AMPLIFIED







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Hebrews 11

King James Version (KJV)




 1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
 2For by it the elders obtained a good report.
 3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
 4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
 5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
 6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
 7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
 8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
 9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
 10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
 11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
 12Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
 13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
 14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
 15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
 16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
 17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
 18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
 19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
 20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
 21By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
 22By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
 23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
 24By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
 25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
 26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
 27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
 28Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
 29By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
 31By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
 32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
 33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
 34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
 35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
 36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
 37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
 38(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
 39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
 40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

See The Right Picture

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).


As a Christian, you have the ability to see the unseen, and declare the end of any matter from the beginning, just like your heavenly Father. The Bible says God quickens the dead, and calls things that be not as though they were (Romans 4:17). He framed the worlds by His Word so that things which are seen were not made by things which do appear (Hebrews 11:3).

You've been called to live the faith-life; the Bible says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Now, faith means you see the end result of an issue from where you are, then speak it into existence. In other words, you picture the future according to the Word of God,  and proclaim it into being through your spirit. Refuse to acknowledge the negative picture the devil may present you; focus on what God says about you in His Word and picture yourself that way

If , for example, you've been suffering with an ailment, don't look at the symptoms; contemplate your healing; see yourself healed. If you were weak in any area of your life, don't keep thinking and talking weakness and limitations; see and declare your strength! Affirm that nothing shall be impossible onto you, for that's the truth revealed in God's Word to you.

Satan may sometime show up and attempt to question your faith, asking, "Hey, are you sure those words you heard were real?" Refuse to be moved, for he's a liar and the father of lies. He knows God's Word about you is true otherwise he wouldn't question it. Never find yourself struggling with your faith and doubting if what God says about you is true. God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). His Word is absolute reality; therefore hold on to that picture of you that you see in His Word.


PRAYER
Dear Father, my faith in you is the power to change my world, and frame the circumstances of life to conform to your destiny for my life! I'm not a victim in this world, for I possess the power to determine the course of my life according to the Word of God. Thank you blessed Father, for giving me a purpose and a destiny  in you, which I live to fulfill today, and every day, in Jesus' Name. Amen.


Rhapsody of Realities   September 24, 2011
-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Monday, September 12, 2011

Speak In Tongues ANYTIME

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all (1 Corinthians 14:18).

There are those who believe you can only speak in tongues when you've attained a certain "spiritual high" or ecstasy. They believe if you pray for a long time in your known dialect-in your understanding-you'd eventually get to that spiritual moment of ecstasy, where the Holy Spirit makes you lose your mind and then start speaking in tongues. But that's not the way it works.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:14-15: "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."

Observe the Apostle Paul's words; he said, "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful..." In other words, I don't understand what I'm saying because the words aren't coming directly from my mind, but directly from my spirit. So what do I do? "I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."

Paul is telling us here that we can decide to pray either with our spirits or with our understanding. Thus, we don't have to wait for any "spiritual high" or for the Spirit to take over our lips before we start praying in the Spirit. The Spirit's part is to give us utterance or the ability to speak in other tongues (Acts 2:4), which He has already done. Without that ability, we would be trying to form and force those words out of our mouths, which will fail.

The Bible says in Acts 2:4 that the Apostles were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. They didn't create the words; they spoke as the Holy Ghost gave them utterance. All they needed to do was to open their mouths and speak. So you can speak in tongues anytime; even now! You don't have to try and force the utterance. The Holy Spirit in you inspires those heavenly words in your spirit, which you're to speak forth in other tongues. So it's up to you open your mouth in faith and speak in tongues whenever you choose!


PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the indwelling presence of your Spirit in my life. He's the one who gives me the ability to speak in tongues: that heavenly language given to us to commune directly with you. I take advantage of this unique ability today and always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.



Rhapsody of Realities     September 17, 2011
-Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Friday, September 9, 2011

The Victory Attitude

And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. (numbers 13:33)


At God's instruction, Moses sent out twelve men to the land of Canaan, to spy out the land. God had told them the land was theirs (Numbers 13:2), but when the twelve spies returned, ten of them interpreted the situation from the natural; according to what they saw (Numbers 13:33). They reported that there were giants in the land, and therefore could not take it.

However, Caleb and Joshua interpreted the situation from a faith perspective. Yes, they also saw the giants in the land, but it made no difference. As far as they were concerned, God had said the land was theirs and that settled it; whether or not there were giants in it was immaterial. This is the faith-attitude. Whereas the other ten spies were sore afraid and lamented their inability to possess the land, Joshua and Caleb saw it as their opportunity for victory.

The attitude of the ten spies in contradistinction to that of Joshua and Caleb exemplifies two groups on individuals in the Church today. The ten spies portray those in the church who are still ruled and governed by what their natural senses perceive. These are the ones easily overtaken by fear and who cower in the days of adversity. But Joshua and Caleb represent the faith-generation; those who think and talk the Word.

Let's read Joshua and Caleb's inspiring faith-response to the negative report presented to the children of Israel by the ten other spies: "Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not." (numbers 14:9). What a proclamation of faith! This is the victory attitude we should have as Christians, particularly in trying times. 

Realize that you're more than a conqueror, and greater is He that's in you, than he that's in the world. All the forces of heaven and power of divinity are working on your behalf; therefore refuse to buckle or give in to any adversity, for you're a victor in Christ Jesus.


PRAYER
Dear Father, I see all trials and challenges that come my way as bread. No force has the ability to defeat me or throw me off balance because greater is He that lives in me than he that's in the world. I'm more than a conqueror, and I live with confidence, knowing that all of heaven and power of divinity are working for me, for my good, in Jesus' Name. Amen.



Rhapsody of Realities    September 21, 2011
-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Don't Ignore The Holy Spirit

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever (John 14:16).

Listening to the Holy Spirit and following His leading and guidance is so important in the life of every child of God. Many today have gotten into the wrong jobs, wrong relationships, and made terrible decisions because they ignored the council of the Holy Spirit. God the Father is in heaven, and so is the Lord Jesus. But the Holy Spirit is here with us, as the administrator of the grace of Jesus Christ and the love of God in our lives today. He's the one that makes the presence of the Lord Jesus real to us. He communicates the mind of the Father to everyone who has received Him.

No wonder Jesus, before His ascension said, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever" (John 14:16). Those who ignore the Holy Spirit can't experience God's love in reality. Life, without the Holy Spirit, is unexciting, hard, rough and tough. Someone once said, "The Christian life is very challenging; it's fraught with too many problems." Well, that's for the one who ignores the Spirit. I've been a Christian for a long time and for me, it's been a smooth sail, from glory to glory! My experience of  life has been that of consistent progress, unending success and recurrent victory. It's an awesome, wonderful and glorious experience, if you learn to walk with the Holy Spirit. 

When you're acquainted with the Holy Spirit you won't consider any challenge you might face as obstacles to your faith; you'll see them as bread. James 1:2 says count it all joy when you fall into divers tests. Why? There's one living in you that helps you win and puts you over all of life's challenges: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world"(1 John 4:4). The Holy Spirit was sent to help you live the overcoming life, and bear you up in times of weaknesses and limitations (Romans 8:26); never ignore Him.

Recognize the personal ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life and learn to walk with Him. He's more concerned and passionate about success than you could ever be. And as you yield to Him, He'll perfect all that concerns you and lead you from glory to glory.


PRAYER
Thank you dear Spirit of God for your presence, power and ministry in my life! I recognize and acknowledge you as the One at work in me, causing me to make progress and excel in my faith-walk; leading me in greater levels of glory! Making me a success, and for bringing  beauty into my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.



Rhapsody of Realities      September 13, 2011
-Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Wake Up And Run!

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain (1 Corinthians 9:24).

I remember the story of a little boy whose father asked him one day: "What would you like to be when you grow up?" "I'd like to be the best footballer," replied the boy. So the next day, as early as 5 a.m., his dad came into his room and woke him up. When he checked the time he was surprised that his father would wake him up so early. "Daddy it's just 5 a.m.," he said, turning in bed; "I still have to sleep." But his father said, "No, my boy. Last night, you said you wanted to be the best footballer. If that's going to happen then you've got to learn to wake up early, jog and train everyday. If you do this until you're eighteen years old, you'll be the best."

Reluctantly, the boy got up from the bed and went to jog with his daddy. But that's not the end of the story. He eventually became the best, and when asked how he did it, he said, "I owe it all to my dad." What does this tell you? It's not enough to make a decision for success; you've got to "wake up and run!" You've chosen to be the best; now do it!

For instance, you may have decided to be the best writer in the world; don't just wait for it to happen. Start writing now. Practice writing at every opportunity and improve your vocabulary. Before long, you'll be the best writer around. This applies to any field of endeavour; once you've made a decision to be the best, train yourself; put your abilities to  before you and say "Now, I will manage them till I become the best."

Also, avoid distractions.You can't spend hours of your day watching movies for example and expect to be the best in anything serious. Instead of watching the news from sun up to sun down, make up your mind to make the news. Train yourself; start reading the right materials and invest in your mind. Be a student, a banker or a lawyer with a difference. Drive your mind to improve your abilities; "wake up and run!"


PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for giving me the ability to be the best in everything I do. Thank you for helping me gain the mastery in my field; I function today at a high level of excellence, in Jesus' Name. Amen.



Rhapsody of Realities    September 5, 2011
-Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Take Charge!

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD (Isaiah 11:2).


When you study about the great prophets of old, many of them were persecuted at one time or the other because of the Word of God they stood for. For example, the Prophet Jeremiah was persecuted by those around him for preaching against their wickedness, to the extent he was put in prison. He almost became weakened and discouraged as a result of this. But eventually, he couldn’t hold still anymore. He took charge by the power of God’s Spirit and declared God’s Word without fear or intimidation: “Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay” (Jeremiah 20:9).

From our opening scripture, the first of the seven Spirits of God mentioned by the prophet Isaiah is the Spirit of the Lord; that’s the Spirit of dominion. His ministry in you is to impart boldness to your spirit. He anoints you with power for service, and causes you to take charge of situations. When He takes charge of your life, timidity goes out the window.

In the Book of Acts, when persecution broke out against the early Church, the Bible says they lifted their voices in one accord and prayed to the Lord: “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31). No wonder when Peter who was once timid spoke, the rulers, religious leaders and scholars were fascinated by his boldness and took notice of him that he had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

When you received the Holy Spirit, you were imparted with boldness and dominion to achieve supernatural things. You were enabled to preach the Gospel and declare your faith openly without fear. Remember, God has not given you the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). So take charge and dominate your environment.


  CONFESSION
I walk in dominion today because the Spirit of the Lord has mantled my heart and imparted divine courage to my spirit. Nothing in this world can stop or intimidate me from fulfilling the ministry of reconciliation committed to me by God. I manifest the glory of God’s Kingdom everywhere I go today, in Jesus’ Name.




Rhapsody of Realities  - September 3, 2011
-Pastor Anita Oyakhilome