Thursday, October 27, 2011

Get Your Hopes Up!

Friends, usually I don't share personal stories, not even the miracles I experience from time to time but I have to give you this little tip: Get your hopes up!


Yesterday I noticed that I ran out of bottled water. At the superstore I didn't find water but I saw that grapefruit were at $.99 when a few weeks before I bought some at $1.29 each, so I got some. A bunch of inviting spinach was close by so I got that too, and since I'm buying stuff I like, why not get some tuna in oil too? (By the way, I don't recommend impulse shopping but I ran out of grapefruit and barely had spinach--yeah I actually love both grapefruit and spinach!)
At the self-checkout, I had an attendant help me figure out how to check out produce. After she left I paid (debit) and the option for cash-back popped up. The thought of mid-week service offering came to mind so I selected an amount. But balancing a stack of tuna, a flimsy produce bag(the transparent, ultra-light ones you find in the produce section of your supermarket) of grapefruit, another with the spinach, was no easy task let me tell you. (I could have gotten a regular grocery bag, but why waste plastic?) So I drew both bags over my wrists and stacked the tuna quite nicely. Phew! I grabbed my receipt and it's adios superstore!

On the drive home I felt in my spirit that something was off... I couldn't put my finger on what was, so I spoke in tongues for a bit then confessed-- "no weapons formed against me shall prosper, I am favoured and graced, thank you Holy Spirit!"

At home, I couldn't sit without the sensation of movement and time and again I sensed something was off. Still, sometimes my brain just doesn't connect with my spirit as fast as I'd like... A few hours later, in my car outside church, it finally dawned on me; I left the money at the self-checkout! I can't rush back now, church will begin in the next ten minutes and it's such a long drive...

Can I tell you though, I think I've got to train my soul better, because my visceral reaction had been to rush back for the money. Then calmly, I thought, "It's only money and maybe the next person to use the machine really needed the money, so it's fine..."
I blessed God's name.

Well church was in a prayer mood. No teaching nor preaching, just prayer points. While praying in tongues the thought came to me that I should return to the superstore for the money. It would be there. Of course, I might have been anxious with "...but so many hours have passed, it was a self-checkout, what if...?", however, my spirit remained unperturbed. No murmurings.

Went home, checked the receipt and sure enough, cash back was recorded. On the way to the store, I wanted to fall back into old habits and ponder the possible outcomes (generally negative), but a strange tightening sensation at the top of my head kept me focused on wondering what the Spirit was trying to tell me.

(Normally if I'm at one place but is required to be at another, I would feel moving sensations in my feet or on the seat of my chair, depending on whether I'm standing or sitting, coupled with goose-pimples and the thought that I should get up or walk away. A recent example was a couple days before, I was driving to a government service office that I hadn't been to in over a year. At a stop light I got the sensations etc, but none of impending danger. Still, I should have obeyed and turned back, but prayed instead (I reasoned that I was close anyway. Don't do that). When I got there, it turned out that the office was vacated six months prior. Had I obeyed, I would have saved on gas and time.)

This time, I only had the tightening sensation at the top of my head, but no movements, ideas or electrical sensations, telling me turn back. When I got to the store I marched up the the attendant, "Hi, I left so-and-so money at the machine today".
I don't think I was hallucinating when I saw a bit of disappointment washed over her face and for a moment I wondered if I sounded rude. She looked over my receipt and gingerly opened her register. Beneath some smaller bills, she pulled out the money with a note attached that read "customer left money in machine *smily face*".
"See!", she declared, "we are honest people here!". That I agree with!

However, while it's lovely to see how honest the people who came across the money were, a number of other things struck me: As soon as you get a sign that something is off, immediately do something about it, make life confessions, giving praises to God; never accept "no" or "failure" as an option; never ponder negative outcomes, no matter how small a matter they may seem to concern; the Holy Spirit, once you acknowledge and ask Him as a person for guidance, He will find (physical) ways to train you; And finally, get your hopes up!

Addendum: As I was washing my hair, a much greater revelation came to me; Neither that girl or anyone else who came in contact with that money could've touched it, whether they were honest or not. 
1. I remained in agreement with the Holy Spirit when I remained calm and peaceful without murmuring or complaining. (btw, read what the Bible says about complainers and murmurers)


2. I remained in agreement with the confession I was prompted to make at the very outset.


3. I didn't ponder, conjure up or imagined any negative outcome (well I was being trained not to, similar to how I've noticed Caesar Milan, "the dog whisperer", trains dogs to re-focus hah aha!


4. I didn't magnify the money over my ability to acquire it.(this is important, acknowledgement and magnification are principles not often spoken of, let alone in depth-- I'll expound on some revelations soon enough though!)

5. The money was already promised to God so no one could touch it.

6. When God gives you a seed idea, you're responsible to bring it to fruition (the thought of an offering at church was the seed idea-- therefore imagining, expecting and confessing an evil outcome would be stifling that to that end).

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Speak Words Of Life

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith (Mark 11:23).


When Jesus calmed the turbulent waves, the Bible tells us that his disciples "...feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (Mark 4:41). How could the sea hear Jesus and obey His words? The obvious answer, of course, must be that the wind and water have the intelligence to respond to God's Word.

In Mark 11:14, Jesus addressed a fig tree. Also in the twenty-third verse, He showed us that we could speak to a mountain, letting us know that everything in life--animate or inanimate--has intelligence. When you talk to them, they'll hear you. On the mount of transfiguration, the Bible tells us that a voice spoke from heaven concerning Jesus, saying "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Matthew 17:5).

Now, the words "...hear ye him" wasn't just referring to humans alone but all of nature. No wonder Jesus spoke to deaf ears, blind eyes, maimed limbs, corpses, the wind, the waves, fishes, a tree--and they all heard Him. Then in Mark 11:23, He said you shall have what you say. This means you also have the ability to speak to anything. He has vested in you the authority to speak words of life--to anything--for they are all intelligent enough to hear and respond to your words.

Instead of complaining about life, your finances or a health condition, speak God's Word of blessing. Speak words of life. Those words will go into the realm of the spirit and produce the change you want to see. You can speak life to your body, your job, your family, your finances and even your future! Your words carry power. Ecclesiastes 8:4 says "Where the word of a king is, there is power..."  You're a king (Revelations 1:6); therefore whatever you want changes, talk to it, and it'll respond.


PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me the ability to speak words of life--words that carry the power to alter my condition and destiny for good. I speak life to everything that concerns me today, and I declare that I'm moving from glory to glory, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.




Rhapsody of Realities   -October 24, 2011
-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Employ Dialogue!

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified (Isaiah 43:25-26).


All over the world, resorting to violence in redressing grievances has never been known to solve any national issue permanently. It's unwise to use artillery to express discontent or to establish political power. The Bible says "A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him." (Proverbs 28:17).

Judgement for the one who murders the innocent is inevitable. The perpetrators of such perfidious acts, the Bible says, hasten to their own destruction. Those who engage in violence or foment activities that lead to loss of innocent lives do themselves great disservice without realizing it.  Who knows, the victims of their wickedness may just be those people God had chosen to be in the position to help them or their offspring in the future.

Realize that everyone God has placed on your path is there to fulfill a divine purpose. Therefore, see those you meet as a blessing and treat them right. If you're aggrieved about anything or think there's injustice, speak up, and do so intelligently. Reasonable, bold and intelligent citizens employ dialogue, not violence, to resolve pressing issues.

Even the Lord, as revealed in our opening scripture advocates dialogue; He said " let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified ." No matter how justified your grievances are, don't wreak havoc on lives and properties. 

If you're a youth, don't allow yourself to become a tool in the hands of those who believe violence is the only way to voice grievances. Violence can only lead to bondage. Instead, let God help you bring the vision of your heart to reality. In Proverbs 3: 31-32 (GNB), the Bible says " Don't be jealous of violent people or decide to act as they do,  because the LORD hates people who do evil, but he takes righteous people into his confidence."



PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for teaching me through your Word, how to live your glory. I thank you for your peace that reigns and rules in my heart today, and also for the power of righteousness that inspires my actions, in Jesus' Name. Amen.


Rhapsody of Realities   October 18, 2011
-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Dream Big and Keep Dreaming


Recently I trekked up to my friend's studio to record a message directly for you. I thought I'd share a truth that was revealed to me; how to dream big, and why you should continuously dream. Please play the audio below...
Apologies to anyone who tried to access the recording but failed due to a temporary glitch that has since been resolved.






Dreaming woman's image is from http://www.josephinewall.co.uk/lilac_dreams.html

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Intercession: Your Divine Responsibility

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none... (Ezekiel 22:30-31).


In Luke 13:1-5, some people came to Jesus to ask Him about the death of some Galileans whom Pilate had killed while they were at worship, mixing their blood with the blood of the sacrifices on the altar. In His response, the Master referred to another event--the tower of Siloam which fell and killed eighteen people. Jesus ascribed their misfortune to sin, and cautioned those He was addressing that except they repented, they would all likewise perish.

Now, such acts of judgement could sometimes be visited upon a nation or a people, especially if the Christians in that nation are not fulfilling their priestly ministry of intercession. It's our responsibility as Christians in the regions and nations where we live to put a halt to evil works masterminded by satan and quell the terror he unleashes upon nations. When we pray for our countries, there are increased activities  of righteousness; the presence of God mantles men's hearts and God's Word prevail in their flesh.

Many countries today are groaning with the pangs of violence, war and disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis, etc. The analogy of the Master in Luke 13:1-5 shows that these catastrophes don't happen in a nation because the people domiciled therein are the worst sinners. By interceding for our nations we can haul back the forces of darkness in our lands. It's our responsibility to do this. 

We all need to realize that as Christians we're the custodians of our environment; we're called of God to preserve the earth and its inhabitants through prayers. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus said "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?"  Jeremiah 29:7 says "And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace." 

You're responsible to God and to the country where you live to seek its peace and pray to the Lord for it. So it doesn't matter where you are and what you do, this is a call to you as an individual to intercede for the progress, peace, prosperity and preservation of your nation.


PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the power you've vested in your church. I stand in that authority right now, against demonic forces that instigate destruction violence, disasters and wars, forbidding them from actualizing such in my country, in Jesus' Name. Amen.


Rhapsody of Realities    October 22, 2011
-- Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Blessed In All Things

And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things (Genesis 24:1).

Notice the verse above didn't say "The Lord shall bless Abraham in all things," instead it says "and the Lord had blessed Abraham in ALL things." It's akin to what the Scriptures say about-- the new creation-- in Ephesians 1:3: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." Like Abraham, we are blessed in all things: "So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." (Galatians 3:9).

The moment you were born again, it became too late for you to be poor, because you're an heir of God, and joint-heir with Christ: "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; " (Romans 8:17). Prosperity is your birthright 2 Corinthians 8:9 says "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." God's will for you is to enjoy prosperity that comes with riches, happiness, health, peace and fulfilment; that's what it means to be blessed in all things.

The beautiful thing is that you don't have to pray to God to bless you or maketh  you prosperous; He's already done it. What you need is to wake up to the realization that you're blessed in all things. You're like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; your leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever you do shall prosper (Psalm 1:3). Begin to function in this truth. Refuse poverty and poverty-mentality. Recognize that you have limitless and inexhaustible inheritance in Christ; go ahead and prosper in all your ways!



PRAYER
Dear Father, I honour you for your wonderful blessings in my life, which flow out and touch others around me; I thank you for bringing me into the life of abundance, peace, joy, fulfilment, divine health and protection! Thank you for blessing me in all things, in Jesus' Name. Amen.



Rhapsody of Realities       October 9, 2011
--Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Friday, October 7, 2011

You're Valuable To God

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

The precious blood of Jesus Christ is the price God paid for your salvation: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18-19). This should immediately let you know you're valuable to God. That He sent Jesus to die for your sins reveals that you're valuable to Him as Jesus is.

Your value to God is the life and blood of Jesus Christ. If you had been the only one on earth, needing salvation, Jesus would still have come to die for you. The Apostle Paul prayed that we may understand God's immense and indescribable love (Ephesians 3:19). God loves you more than you love yourself. He's more ambitious for your success than you could ever be. When you understand this truth you'll never again struggle in life. He loves you more than life, and He proved it by dying for you. To Him, you're a jewel of inestimable value.

God loves you as much as He loves Jesus. Jesus Himself made reference to this in John 17:23 when He said "...that the world will know you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me"(TLB). Be conscious of this truth today; this is the big thing about you; you're as valuable to God as Jesus is.



PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for showing me such great and everlasting love. I'll forever be conscious of your love for me, and I pray that you'll help me understand even more the breadth, length, depth, and height of your love for me, in Jesus Name. Amen.
Rhapsody of Realities   October 7, 2011
--Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Make An Impact!

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled (1 Samuel 17:50-51).

It's our responsibility as individuals to make our impact felt in our respective spheres of contact. It may be in your community, place of work, city or nation at large; look for a need, and reach out to meet that need.

Imagine if David had joined the rest of his kinfolks to merely lament and muse over the terror unleashed on the Israelites  by Goliath. Rather, he rose to the challenge. He saw a need and reached out to meet the need. When his brothers tried to talk him down, he asked them, "Is there not a cause?" (1 Samuel 17:29). David wasn't in the army, yet he was moved by the plight of his people and chose to make an impact. He recognized he could do something that could change the destiny of his people.

Also, Moses became the deliverer of the children of Israel from the severe oppression mounted by Pharaoh and his taskmasters. He didn't sit in an "arm chair"  to merely criticize Pharaoh for his wickedness. Instead, he was spurred to action by the desire to liberate the children of Israel from the deplorable conditions under which they lived in Egypt. What about Esther? She too changed the destiny of her people by rescuing the Jews from mass annihilation plotted by Haman.

These ones stood up for the salvation of others and made tremendous impact in the world of their time; it's your turn to do the same. Look out today for a human need around you and reach out to meet that need. Make an impact in your world. Have a personal commitment serve, as several opportunities to serve abound in your world. Let there be strong motivation, an inner drive, and powerful propensity to see to it that lives of those around you are improved through your actions. Be challenged and motivated by the desire to impact your world and give back to society.



PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for opening doors of opportunities for me to be a blessing to my world today. By your Spirit, and through your wisdom, I identify and carry out those things you've ordained me to do that will better my world, and bring glory to your Name, in Jesus' Name. Amen.



Rhapsody of Realities     October 6, 2011
--Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Be Excited To Pray

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1).


James 5:16 (AMP) says, "Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]". Aren't you glad there's enough power in you to turn any situation around in your favour? You can change anything through prayer, because the divine power necessary to cause that change is already in you if you have the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

Jesus referred to this kind of praying in Matthew 6:6. It's done with intense passion. What a blessing to know that you can communicate directly with your heavenly Father, in a heartfelt and passionate manner, and have his undivided attention: "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil" (1 Peter 3:12). This is one reason you ought to always be excited to pray. 

Some people only pray when they need something from God. The time of prayer isn't just a time to ask God for things; it's a time to commune or fellowship with Him. That's the time to hear what He has to say and receive direction for each day's activities and challenges. It's a time to upgrade and improve yourself and be updated with the latest news from "headquarters."

Mark 1:35 shows us that the Lord Jesus had a prayer culture: "...in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." He took prayer seriously while He was on earth, because He understood the importance of communing with the Father. On another occasion, it was recorded that He prayed all night long (Luke 6:12). When you're a man or woman of prayer you'll be more productive in all your endeavours. You need that continual fellowship with the Lord to function effectively, so be excited to pray. Have scheduled times when you commune with the Lord, and do this often.


PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege of prayer. I declare that my day is blessed, and I receive from you the wisdom and grace to deal excellently in all my affairs today. Thank you for giving me the ability to effect positive  changes in and around me through earnest, heartfelt, fervent and continued prayers, in Jesus' Name. Amen.




Rhapsody of Realities  October 1, 2011
-Pastor Chris Oyakhilome