Walk In The Light

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7).


The Word of God is Light (Psalm 119:105), and the Scripture tells us to walk in the light as God is in the light. In other words, we're to walk under the same light in which God dwells and functions. This means we're to walk in His Word. The people of the world can't understand that light since they're not born into that realm of life. But we can walk in the light and have fellowship with God, because we're born of the Word (1 Peter 1:23).

Walking in the light as God is in the light means your judgments and opinions are based on the light of God's Word. Under that light you don't see poverty, sickness, disease, death, failure or impossibilities. When you agree with what the Word says about you, and then confess it and act that way, you're walking in God's light. God has given you His Word to light up your path, so there wouldn't be darkness or uncertainties as you journey through life. 

The Bible lets us know that when you walk in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ automatically cleanses you from all sin. The world around us is full of sin: the newspapers, films, people and even the very air we breathe are defiled and God knows it. Then often times, we do things that are wrong without knowing, but thanks be unto God! He says when you walk in the light, you won't need to keep asking yourself, "What sin have I committed today?" The blood of Jesus Christ  cleanses you automatically!

Learn to walk in the light as He is in the light. That way, you'll never be weighed down  by the burden or yoke of sin; instead, you'll be free to serve God and run the faith race without hindrances.

Confession

Dear Father, your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I walk in the reality of your Word today, and as I do, I'm guided in the path of prosperity, victory and excellence! There's no darkness or uncertainties on my path because I walk in the light of God's Word.

Rhapsody of Realities    September 11, 2007

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Get Acquainted With His Voice

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20).




The Lord Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me"(John 10:27). It means if you belong to Christ, you must become acquainted with His Word because that's how you recognize His voice. Through constant meditation on His Word, His voice becomes clearer to you, and His blessings become manifest in all you do. Joshua 1:8 says, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success"


To experience true success and live an excellent life you must be acquainted with the Word. If you keep hearing and receiving God's Word, that's what will come out of you each time you speak, because out of the abundance of your heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Your words will inspire and not discourage; because you've become acquainted with the voice of your heavenly Father and have learnt to communicate at His level. If you store God's Word in your heart's treasury you'll always speak the right words that'll minister grace to your hearers.


Decide to love and not hate; decide to build and not destroy. Decide to lift and not deflate; decide to bless and not criticise.

Prayer 

Thank you Father for teaching me to be attuned to your voice by paying heed to your Word. My heart is ready to receive and be transformed by the ministry of your Word today. I give myself wholly to the Word, to instruct my reins and guide my path, as I observe to do what it says, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities   July 21, 2012

--Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Learn To Laugh Your Way Through!

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22).




I've had the opportunity to observe people over the years and I made a remarkable discovery: people who don't laugh easily get sick, whereas laughing people hardly ever get sick. I discovered that laughter is more spiritual than many realize. There's more to it than a mere response to a joke or hilarious event. In the Kingdom of God, laughter is medicine: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22). 


Laughter is generally found in the atmosphere that's full of joy. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is most effective in such an environment, everything that's not of God, including poverty, discouragement, sickness and diseases are dispelled. Thus it's no wonder that the sick are easily healed in an atmosphere that saturated with joy.


Moreover, joy inspires success and prosperity. The joy I'm talking about isn't of the world but of God. You received it the moment the Holy Spirit came to live in you. The Lord Jesus already told us in John 16:22, "but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." This joy isn't subject to circumstances of life. Paul the apostle reiterated this when he said, "As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing..."(2 Corinthians 6:10). 


Let the joy of the Lord spring up from within your heart in spite of prevailing situations. Learn to laugh your way to victory! Remember, the Bible says "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation,"(Isaiah 12:3). So learn to be joyful always! Let nothing take the laughter of the Spirit away from your mouth.

Confession

The joy of the Lord is my strength, for the Lord has put a song of joy and laughter in my mouth! I'm laughing my way through in victory, health, prosperity and success, knowing that I've been called into the glorious life, and nothing can hinder my journey of success and progress in life. Hallelujah.

Rhapsody of Realities   September 26, 2008

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Think The Word!

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).




The character of your thoughts will ultimately determine the quality of your life. The Bible says "...as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..."(Proverbs 23:7), showing us that your life will not be different from how you think. Romans 12:2 says, "...be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." In other words, don't think like the rest of the world; Use God's Word to change your thought pattern. Let God's Word occupy your thought processes morning, noon and night. If you'd think the Word, you'd talk the Word.


It's our year of the Word of God; therefore, you have to consciously think on the Word. If you ever find yourself in a challenging situation, don't think on the problem, as that'll only magnify and complicate issues. Instead, think how great God is; think on the efficacy and power of His Word to put you over and above every adversity.


When you face challenges, get your Bible out, search for scriptures relevant to your situation, and begin to meditate. Contemplate the solution and not the enormity of the problem. As you reflect upon God's Word, and its infallibility, not only will there be a change in the situation, there'll also be a transformation in your own life: "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18).


Getting your thoughts to line up with the Word will cause you to talk right; and when your talk is right it'll produce a harvest of blessings and miracles for you.

Prayer

Dear Father, as I meditate on your Word today I make my way prosperous. My whole being is saturated with the anointing and power of your Word, such that thoughts of success, possibilities and glory are inspired within me! And as I speak accordingly, my life is transformed, adversities are quelled; and negative situations are altered to conform with God's perfect will for me, in Jesus' Name.

Rhapsody of Realities    May 24, 2012

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

A Preordained Destiny

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Romans 8:30).




Luke 4:16-17 shows us how on a certain day, Jesus went into the synagogue as His custom was, and read the book of Isaiah where it's written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives..." (Luke 4:18). After which, He said to all the people present, "...This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears" (Luke 4:21).  He thus left no one in doubt as to His clear understanding of the fact that He came to fulfill a destiny. You too, like Jesus, came into this world to walk in preordained pathways; therefore look into the Word and discover what has been written concerning you. Jesus said, "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God" (Hebrews 10:7).


Jesus entered into, and fulfilled all that was written concerning Him. Likewise, you're on earth to fulfill destiny. Psalm 87:3 says, "Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God...". It's your responsibility to locate yourself in the Word and fulfill the glorious things that have been spoken concerning you. There's no failure for the one who lives in the Word; your destiny is already laid out in the Word of God, and it's a destiny of success and greatness!


Your destiny isn't determined by such factors as your country of domicile, the government, your family or historical background, job, etc.! Instead, your destiny is in God; settled in His Word. Your preoccupation therefore should be finding out what the Word says about you and endorsing it in your life. It's your responsibility to be all God has planned for your to be and ensure His Word comes to pass in your life! You do this by living out the Word; acting your faith on the basis of what God has said concerning you.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for teaching me your Word; my spirit is enlightened and energized even now! I'm positioned in the centre of your perfect will, taking the paths of glory which you prearranged for me to walk in as I consciously live in the light of your Word today, and always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities   April 6, 2012

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

The Lordship Of Jesus!

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.(Philippians 2:9-11)

Some have only been acquainted with Jesus as their Saviour, but He's more than a Saviour. He is Lord! That means Ruler and Master; One that has the preeminence, and to whom service and obedience are due. You must get to know Jesus and walk with Him everyday as Lord of your family, business, academics, job, finances and everything that has to do with your life. In other words, let Him take preeminence.

When you say Jesus is Lord of your life, you're not merely talking of someone who saved you from your sins, and healed you of sickness. The big thing about our salvation is our relationship, fellowship and oneness with Jesus. Declaring His Lordship over us brought us into that glorious union with Him, and made His divine life available to us.

So, now that you're born again, you must recognize Jesus not only as Lord of your life but also as Lord over all things. Recognize Him as Lord over your finances, your marriage, your dreams and aspirations in life. He must have the final say in all that concerns you.

Remember, He's the only wise God, whose biddings you must do, and whose leading alone you must follow. Recognize His Lordship today, and submit to the supremacy of His will, counsel and wisdom.

CONFESSION

Lord Jesus, I recognize you as my Lord, Master and Ruler; the One with supreme authority and preeminence, to whom I owe allegiance. I believe with all my heart and declare with my mouth that you're Lord over every circumstance and everything that has to do with my life. By the help of the Holy Spirit I'll walk in the consciousness and revelation of your Lordship over my life everyday! Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities  June 21, 2010

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

The Benefits Of Speaking In Other Tongues

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries (1 Corinthians 14:2). 




Speaking in other tongues is one spiritual activity you must take seriously! If you've not been praying this way, you're missing too much! Paul said, "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all" (1 Corinthians 14:18). He could brag about it because He understood the immense benefits of speaking in other tongues. No wonder he had such remarkable results.


Speaking in other tongues is an important way to accomplish a God-given purpose. It's a way to "quick-charge" your spirit and cause you to respond very quickly to spiritual things. As you pray in tongues, the anointing is stirred within you and, suddenly, you're turned into another man.


When you're born again and filled with the Holy Spirit, the power of God comes to reside in you. This power is triggered or set in motion when you speak in other tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:4 says, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself..." The Greek word translated as "edifieth" means "to construct or to build up, to embolden or charge up like a battery." The scripture is therefore telling us that the one who speaks in other tongues builds up himself like an edifice; he emboldens himself and charges himself like a battery. 


Speaking in tongues is the solution to fear and timidity. If you've ever become timid about anything, activate power within you by speaking in other tongues; you'll find yourself dealing wisely and soundly in the affairs of life. Also, if you want to operate at the highest level of faith which you've attained, then you must consistently speak in other tongues. In Jude 1:20, the Bible says when you speak in other tongues you're building yourself on your most holy faith. That means the Spirit of God is able to take God's Word right into your spirit where it produces God's kind of faith.

CONFESSION

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. As I speak in tongues as your Spirit gives me utterance, teach me to take advantage of this quick charge to stir up boldness within me, operate on my most holy faith and cause changes in my world, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities    February 12, 2008

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Named After a Blessed Experience

You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls(1 Peter 2:25 MSG).




Some parents named their children on the basis of certain experiences they might have had before or during the conception of that child. The Bible tells us of Jacob who at birth held on to the heel of his twin brother, Esau, who actually came out first from the womb. When his father saw this, he named him "Jacob," meaning "deceiver or schemer." The name stuck and the young lad grew up to be a deceiver. He cheated his brother and got the right of the firstborn. He couldn't walk in the fullness of the blessing because God doesn't walk with deceivers. God had to first change his name before he could enjoy the fullness of the blessing.


God also names us with certain factors or considerations, nonetheless upon blessed experiences. If you're born again, He names you, not by the suffering experience of Christ on the Cross, but by His victory over death, sin and the grave. By virtue of your new birth, God has given you a new name. It doesn't matter what your past was like; you're not a failure, neither are you  disadvantaged anymore. Now you're a success, a victor, and more than a conqueror.


Names are very important because your life is programmed to become whatever you're called. So, answer the right name. You have a new name in Christ. We're a new creation, and the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus; a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; called to show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). You're not "the poor" trying to be rich; you're "the rich" discovering his inheritance. You're not "the sick or the weak"; you're "the strong." These are your new names that you must answer.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for you've given me a name that uplifts. I refuse to be known by the negative ways the world may try to describe me. I see myself only in your Word and call myself by the glorious name you've given me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities     September 6, 2010

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

MOVE That Mountain!

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).

As long as you're discussing or musing over the challenges you're facing, instead of eyeballing them and commanding a change, you're not going to get the result Jesus spoke about in the scripture above. Maybe it's a growth on certain part of your body, and you've been complaining about it to everyone around and even receiving sympathy from them; it's time to stop talking about it and talk to it! Say "Growth, die and pass out of my body in Jesus' Name," and begin to rejoice that it's done.

Perhaps you've been having financial difficulties; it's time to speak and cause a change! God gave you a mouth so you can speak and effect the changes you desire in life. Your words rule your life; they're what determine whether you're going to be a success or a failure. What you say is what you get, positive or negative.

Quit complaining to God or to those around you about your predicament; command a change in the Name of Jesus! Talk to whatever seems to be a mountain before you right now. Whether it's in your body, your finances, your home or your business; declare the Word of God in faith and surely there'll be a change. Move that mountain!

Don't speak and start watching to see whether or not the mountain has gone; that's not faith. Faith considers the mountain gone once it has spoken! Jesus said to His disciples after He cursed the fig tree "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done" (Matthew 21:21). This is the recipe for effecting a change in any situation. To move that mountain, all you need is to declare words of faith.

CONFESSION

As I vocalize my faith today, mountains move, valleys are filled and every crooked path is made straight! The Word of faith that changes things is in my heart and in my mouth, sharper than any two-edged sword; therefore the situations and circumstances of life conform with God's destiny for me in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities     March 3, 2012

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Refuse The Wrong Picture!

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23).


The Bible tells us of a certain man named Jairus, whose daughter was sick to the point of death. In his worried and troubled state, someone him to get the Master's attention, and he did: "And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him."(Mark 5:22-24).


As they journeyed, word came that the young was already dead, therefore no need for Jairus to trouble the Master. But the Bible says "As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. " (Mark 5:36). How comforting! The Master wanted Jairus to stop the fear and refuse the wrong picture. He's saying the same thing to you today.


Perhaps you've been wondering what to do about a certain situation that seem to have defied every situation; refuse to fear; only believe! Refuse to be overwhelmed by the extent or enormity of the challenge. Instead, believe in the ability and power of the Spirit to see you through victoriously. To believe means to be in a state of expectancy, where you envision in your spirit a positive outcome in every situation! When you receive unfavourable or discouraging news, don't despair; refuse to give up; only believe! That means stop the fear and refuse to doubt; envision only a positive outcome.


When life looks dark, and things seem impossible and difficult, and everything seems to be going down, hold your head up high and declare "I'm a victor in Christ Jesus!" Refuse to let your heart be troubled with unbelief,  fear and doubt, and keep proclaiming in faith that you're more than a conqueror.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the hope you've given me in your Word. I thank you for giving me freely, all joy and peace in believing, that I may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost, in Jesus Name. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities   February 21,2012

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

The Way To Consistent Progress

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified (Acts 20:32).

As Christians, we live by the Word, because we're born of the Word. The whole creation came into being through the Word of God. The Bible says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). He tells us all things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. He upholds all things by the Word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). In other words, the Word of God sustains all things.

Your origin is the Word of God, and the only material that God gave you to build your spirit is His Word. There's no hope for anyone  that ignores the Word. Walking in the Word--living it out--is the way to consistent progress. The Bible says in Proverbs 13:13 AMP "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded."

To live contrary to the Word is to programme yourself for failure. You must open your heart to the heart to the Word, receive it voraciously and live by it: "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21 AMP).

Whenever you have the opportunity to hear God's Word, go for it with rapt attention and a wide appetite, and apply it to your personal life. Prove His Word in your life. He isn't afraid or intimidated to be put on the spot; He asked us to prove His Word (Malachi 3:10). Put the Word to work and it will effect relevant changes in your personal life. The Word of God is God's material for building your life and having you established on the path of consistent growth, progress and success in life.

PRAYER

I'm walking in the reality of my divine inheritance in Christ, because the Word is at work in me! I'm not just a hearer but a doer of the Word, therefore my faith is producing results and wisdom, knowledge and ability of the Spirit are showing forth through me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities    February18, 2012

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Act On What You Hear!

Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! (James 1:22 MSG).

God's Word is all-powerful-having the ability to produce in you what it talks about. Nonetheless, God's Word to you wont produce any result except you act on what you hear! Except you create the right environment--the faith-environment for it to work. You must believe the Word and act on it!

Abraham is one of the major Bible characters who created the right environment for the Word to produce results in his life by mixing the Word with faith. He acted on what he heard. In Genesis 17:5, the Lord had told him "Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee." At this time, Abraham and his wife Sarah were already well-advanced in age, Abraham being about a hundred years old, while Sarah was ninety. Besides being barren, it wasn't even naturally possible for Sarah to conceive anymore due to old age.

But Abraham "...believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were" (Romans 4:17).  Romans 4:19-21 says "And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." 

Not only does the above passage of scripture underline Abraham's audacity of faith, it also underscores four vital qualities of prevailing faith: One, it doesn't consider physical circumstances. Two: it doesn't stagger. Three: it gives glory to God; and four: it's fully persuaded. This is how you create the faith-environment for the Word to produce results in your life; it's by refusing to consider natural circumstances or stagger at the promise of God through unbelief. Plus that, you're strong in faith, giving glory to God, being fully persuaded of the efficacy and infallibility of His Word.

When you personalize, apprehend, appropriate and take a stand on God's Word for yourself, like Abraham, you'd get the desired results.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for your word that builds my faith and confidence in you! As I put your Word to work in my life today, my success, progress and prosperity are guaranteed, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities   January 24, 2012

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Preach His Love

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:17).

In our quest to preach the Gospel, God desires that we express and manifest His love and compassion to the hurting and dying in our world. We're the oasis of His love in a harsh and cruel world. The world is already without hope, being alienated from the God-life (Ephesians 4:18); thus, we need to communicate the Gospel to the people to the world in love. We need to bring them words of love and compassion.

When you preach Christ, preach His love-don't condemn anyone. The judgements of God are real, but don't judge anyone. The judgmental message doesn't produce lasting results. It's His love message that works. Whenever the children of Israel sinned in the Old Testament, the bore the brunt of judgement with God. This made them terrified, such that even when God wanted to speak to them, they were sore afraid and would rather that Moses spoke to them in God's stead: "And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."(Exodus 20:19). 

These things were written for us to learn that the love-way is the only way. Love motivated the Father to give His most priceless gift-His Son-to die for the sins of men. It wasn't judgement, condemnation or destruction, but His unfailing and unconditional love that compelled Him to reach out and deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and eternal condemnation. So, preach the Father's love! 

1 Corinthians 1:18 says "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." Until you deliberately change the content of your communication and act accordingly to reflect Jesus, your preaching won't be impactful. In Roman 5:8, the Bible says "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for demonstrating your love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. I go forth today to preach your unfailing and unconditional love to those who will receive the Gospel through me today, impacting them with the abundance of your love that's been shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities     January 27, 2012

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

No Fear In Love!

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:17-18).

The reason fear takes a hold of certain people is due to the kind of information they've opened themselves to. When someone exposes himself to negative information--news about all the evil, wickedness, disasters and acts of terrorism happening around the world, fear will rise up in him like a giant and bind him.

Fear is the most deployed tool of the adversary. Satan knows if he can get you to be afraid, your faith will not work, for fear hinders faith. This is the reason you must refuse to fear no matter what happens! According to the Word, you don't even have to try to fight fear. Our opening scripture lets us know what the antidote to fear is--love! Perfect love casts out fear. This means there's no need for an effort on your part to dispel fear if you'll only walk in love; if you'll only love the Lord and trust in His love.

1John 5:3 says, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." His commandments, as used in this portion of scripture doesn't refer to the commandments God gave Moses for the children of Israel in the wilderness. Instead, it refers to the instructions to us in God's Word-- in the New Testament. So the love of God, which according to Romans 5:5, has been shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Spirit is proven each time you act on God's Word. And remember, acting on God's Word activates your faith; and when your faith is activated, it dispels fear.

CONFESSION

Dear heavenly Father, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I walk in dominion today, because you've given me the spirit of power, love and of a sound mind! I walk worthy of you today, unto all pleasing, rejoicing that you're that you're the one causing me to triumph over fear, Satan, and the world. Hallelujah.

Rhapsody of Realities     December 17, 2011

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Born With The "Love Nature"

Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us (Romans 5:5 AMP).

In Matthews 5:17, Jesus said "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." He said this because He lived as a Jew, born under the Old Covenant; under the Law. So He had an obligation to keep and fulfill the requirements of the Law: "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Galatians 5:14).

Love is the new and only commandment the children of Israel had to obey: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (John 13:34). God knew if they would walk in love, they would have obeyed all the other commandments He gave through Moses. But they were unable to keep those commandments because they didn't have the love-nature. Their hearts were hardened, for they were unregenerate men. The Lord declared He would give men a new heart and a new spirit: "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26). 

This is the reason when you're born again love becomes your nature. Romans 5:5 says "...And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." This was God's plan all along, to usher into the scene a new class of men, born of Him, with His nature of love. When Jesus died, and was raised back to life, the greatest miracle  ever occurred: This new species of love-led, love-filled and love-dominated beings was born!

We're the ones the Apostle Paul describes as new creations in 2 Corinthians 5:17, with the life and nature of God in our spirits. Now, you don't have to struggle to walk in love; you can live the love-life naturally. You can now love those around you with the same supernatural love that God expressed in John 3:16.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for your nature of love which has been poured into my heart through the Holy Spirit. I manifest that love lavishly today to everyone around me, showing them the higher and more excellent way of the Kingdom life-- the love-way! Thank you for loving me eternally, and teaching me to love you in return, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities   December 3, 2011

-Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Don't Joke Against The Word!

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12:36-37).

Some Christians, in their confessions, are sometimes positive, and some other times negative, and that's the reason they experience "ups" and "downs" in their lives. Have made a wrong confession they'd say: "I didn't really meant what I said," or "I was only joking when I said that." Well, in the realm of the spirit, you have whatsoever you say, whether or not you meant it. In Mark 11:23, Jesus didn't say "You shall have whatever you mean," He said "You shall have whatever you say."

If you must joke, let it be positive, and don't joke against the Word. Don't make careless statements for they'll produce results for you. That's why you must say only what you mean, and be sure it's consistent with the Word. 

Jesus said "...by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:36-37). In the realm of the spirit, words are extremely important. Interpreting the Master's words above literally means, a man will go to heaven or hell because of what he said or didn't say. But beyond that, your life is the character of your words. If a man's words are confusing, his life will be confusing. In the same way, if a man's words are wholesome, his life will be wholesome. This is why you must watch what you say! 

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for teaching me about the power of words. Through your Word, and by your Spirit, I'm culturing my tongue to speak only faith-filled words! No unwholesome communication is allowed to proceed from my mouth. I speak only life-giving words that are consistent with your plans and purposes for my life, and I declare that my future is secure in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities    November 15, 2011

--Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

Created In His Image

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:23-24).

The natural man, the man who is not yet born again has his understanding of spiritual truths darkened. He is estranged from the life of God because of his ignorance and the blindness or hardness of his heart. "Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" (Ephesians 4:18).

But for you that are born again, you have the life of Christ in you; you have God's nature, which is completely contrary to the flesh. When you believed in your heart and confessed the Lordship of Jesus with your mouth, you were at once recreated in righteousness and true holiness, after the image of Christ.

Unlike the unregenerate man, you're not spiritually separated from God; you're alive to the fatherhood of God. The Bible says now are we the sons of God (1 John 3:2),  therefore it's not blasphemous for you to declare that you're an associate of the God-kind; you have a sonship relationship with the Lord: "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:6).

You're now a partaker of the divine nature, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him (Colossians 3:10). Operate in this new realm of life--where you know you have the life and nature of God in you.

CONFESSION 

I'm excited about my new life in Christ. I've passed from death to life; from sin to righteousness; from sickness to health; from poverty to wealth. I have the life and nature of God in me; I've put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness, and true holiness. Praise the Lord!

Rhapsody of Realities   November 12, 2011

--Pastor  Anita Oyakhilome

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

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

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