Christ Embassy Virtual Church Summit.

26/01/2025

*Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional*

_Pastor Chris Oyakhilome_

_Sunday, January 26th 2025_

*WE EFFECT CHANGES WHEN WE PRAY*

_…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]_ *(James 5:16 AMPC)*

Some people see prayer as the recourse of the weak-minded or of those who are helpless and hopeless. But that’s an outright misconception. When you understand prayer and the reason we pray, you’d realize that we never pray from a position of weakness or disadvantage; we don’t merely pray in hope. We pray to effect changes.

Prayer in the Kingdom of God goes far beyond hope, even though hope is a great virtue. In fact, the very act of prayer arises from hope. But when you begin to pray, you’re no longer simply demonstrating hope—you’re now effecting changes. God never wants us to be in a hopelesssituation where we feel hamstrung and hedged in. We can do anything and change anything in His Name in the place of prayer.

When you study the Scriptures, you’d discover that each time God’s people prayed, miracles were wrought, adversities were turned into testimonies. It’s the same in our day; our prayers are effective. So, it makes no difference what the case is; pray! The Bible says the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much;it makes tremendous power available, dynamic in its working.

Pray according to the Word of God and exercise your authority and dominion in Christ. Use the Name of Jesus and change that seemingly hopeless situation. Whether you’re praying for yourself, a loved one, your nation, the salvation of souls, or the furtherance of the Gospel; pray with confidence, knowing that you have a right to be heardby God. He told us to pray because He planned to answer. Hallelujah!

Never see prayer as a last resort or something we do because we’re out of wits or options; no! When we pray, we’re taking action. It’s our means of influencing situationsand releasing the power of God to effect changes andestablish God’s will in the earth. Hallelujah!

*PRAYER*

_Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege and power of prayer. My prayers are effectual, bringing about changes in my life and the lives of others as I exercise my spiritual authority over every situation and effect the will of the Father in my life, that of my loved ones, and in the nations of the world, in Jesus' Name. Amen._

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*1 John 5:14-15* And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: *15* And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

*Mark 11:24* Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

*Philippians 4:6-7* Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. *7* And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

*John 16:23* And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 18:15-35 & Exodus 10-12

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 10:1-11 & Genesis 26

25/01/2025

*Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional*

_Pastor Chris Oyakhilome_

_Saturday, January 25th 2025_

*HE WAS OUR RANSOM*

_When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses_ *(Matthew 8:16-17)*

Matthew, in his own writing, lets us know in the verses above that Jesus came to fulfil what Isaiah had prophesied: the removal of our sins. He gave His life as a ransom for many: *“And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many”* (Matthew 20:27-28).A ransom is the consideration or what is demanded to be paid for the release of a captive.

The whole world was captive to the devil, captive to sin and therefore condemned to die because of sin. We were legal captives of the devil until Jesus paid for us to be free from sins, free from Satan’s dominion, and from spiritual death. We were in the bo***ge of spiritual death and separated from God, having no hope and without God in the world. But all that changed when Jesus gave His life for your life. He was the price paid for your freedom.

The Bible says, *“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…”* (1 Peter 3:18). That is substitution. He gave Himself that you may be free to serve God and live for Him. He was sinless, holy and righteous; and now you’re like Him; holy, righteous and sin-free. Colossians 1:21-22 says, *“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.”* This is amazing.

Now you see why we so rejoice as Christians and are forever full of praise and joy. It’s because of this message of substitution; Jesus was our ransom! He took your place of sin so that you may take His place of righteousness. He took your place of poverty, suffering and shame sothat you may have His life of glory, power, dominion and abundance. Blessed be God! So now what? Take your place in Christ! Live the life He’s given you—the life of glory and excellence. Hallelujah!

*PRAYER*

_Dear Father, I thank you for sending the Lord Jesus to take our place of sin, suffering, shame and death, and give us His life of righteousness and glory, prosperity and victory. Now, I'm free from the dominion of sin and Satan. I walk in the glorious liberty of the sons of God, living a life of excellence, dominion and abundance, in Jesus’ Name. Amen._

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Mark 10:45* For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

*Colossians 1:21-22* And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled *22* In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

*1 Timothy 2:5-6* For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; *6* Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 17:14-18:1-14 & Exodus 8-9

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 9:27-38 & Genesis 25

23/01/2025

*Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional*

_Pastor Chris Oyakhilome_

_Thursday, January 23rd 2025_

*THE FORMAL DECLARATION OF OUR INNOCENCE*

_But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification_ *(Romans 4:24-25)*

In our previous study, we learnt that we're the proof of God's fairness and impartiality. That's what it means to be the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Now the latter part of our opening scripture reveals something extraordinary; it's one of the most mind-blowing verses of the Bible. It says Jesus Christ was delivered for our offences and raised back to life, not for our forgiveness, but for our justification.

This staggers the understanding of the human mind; it's purely beyond belief. He was delivered to death for our offences and raised for our justification so that He (God) might be just and the justifier of the one who believes in Jesus Christ. How could an offender suddenly become justified?

The Greek word for justification is *"Dikaiosis"* and it means acquittal, a legal or formal declaration of innocence. It means God looked at you and said, *"You're innocent; you're not guilty of any sin."* He should have said you've been forgiven of all sins, but He said, *"You're innocent."* Now it should have been that you paid in Christ and are not a debtor anymore; you should have been described as a free man who has been forgiven. But that's not what we have here. God is saying you have been acquitted; the records were checked and it wasn't found where you sinned; therefore, you were formally declared innocent, not guilty. He's saying you never sinned; how could that happen?

That's what makes it Gospel—Good News. Some people hear it and don't understand it. How is it that I never sinned? It's the result of Christ's redemptive work. Romans 5:1 says, *"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."* We've been declared righteous by faith; do you know why? Because you're born again, you're a new creature. The Bible says, *"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new"* (2 Corinthians 5:17). The new creation never sinned because he's a brand-new species that never existed before. Blessed be God!

*CONFESSION*

_The resurrection of Jesus Christ has made me a new creature, the very righteousness of God in Christ, justified and sin-free. I walk in the light of this truth, manifesting the glory of God and spreading the good news of His overflowing grace to others, in Jesus' Name. Amen._

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Romans 5:17 AMPC* For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God's] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

*Romans 3:26 AMPC* It was to demonstrate and prove at the present time (in the now season) that He Himself is righteous and that He justifies and accepts as righteous him who has [true] faith in Jesus.

*2 Corinthians 5:21* For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 15:29-16:1-12 & Exodus 3-5

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 9:1-13 & Genesis 23

22/01/2025

*Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional*

_Pastor Chris Oyakhilome_

_Wednesday, January 22nd 2025_

*HIS FAIRNESS AND IMPARTIALITY*

_For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him_ *(2 Corinthians 5:21)*

What we just read is so huge; it's one of the unexplored tablelands in the Christian experience. I would to God every Christian understood what it means for us to be called the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. It's different from us being made righteous; the Greek word there is *"Dikaiosune"* and it means equity, the quality of fairness or impartiality.

What this means is that we're God's proof of His fairness and impartiality. We're the manifestation of His equity. This is so wonderful! Recall what the Bible says in Ephesians 3:10, *"To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God."* It means that God points to us as evidence to all principalities and powers to judge that He is fair; He shows off with us as trophies of His goodness. Hallelujah!

Romans 4:26 says, *"...To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."* What this means is that through the redemption that's in Christ Jesus, God has proven Himself just, in justifying the sinner. Jesus Christ was delivered to death for our offenses, and raised back to life for our justification.

When you study Romans 3:21-26, you'd understand this better. That portion says, *"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."*

Think about that! God proves Himself to be just, while He justifies the sinner. How can He justify the sinner? Why are we His righteousness? Why are we His proof of His equity? We'll learn more in our next study.

*CONFESSION*

_I'm the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, a living proof of God's fairness, justice and goodness. Thank you Father, for making me the expression of your wisdom to the glory of your Name; I walk in this understanding, showing forth your righteousness and manifesting your equity to the world, in Jesus' Name. Amen._

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Romans 3:21-26 NIV* But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. *22* This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, *23* for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, *24* and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. *25* God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— *26* he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

*2 Corinthians 5:21 AMPC* For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].

**Romans 4:24-25* But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; *25* Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 15:1-28 & Exodus 1-2

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 8:23-34 & Genesis 22

21/01/2025

21/01/2025

*Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional*

_Pastor Chris Oyakhilome_

_Tuesday, January 21st 2025_

*JESUS HAS THE KEYS OF HELL AND DEATH*

_l am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death_ *(Revelation 1:18)*

One of the very important points we referenced in our previous study is that Jesus defeated Satan in hell, not when He was on the Cross. The whole subject of crucifixion was an entire process, describing Christ's arrest, death and burial. His victory on the Cross was yielding Himself in obedience, even unto death, whereas Adam disobeyed God: *"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous"* (Romans 5:19).

Adam didn't yield himself in obedience to God's will, but Jesus did. That's why the Bible says, *"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name"* (Philippians 2:9), because He was obedient unto death—the death on the Cross. But as earlier stated, that wasn't where He defeated Satan. If He had defeated Satan on the Cross, there wouldn't have been the need for Him to descend to hell.

But in hell, He met Satan, defeated him, and collected from him the keys of hell and death. What does this tell you about Satan? He has no power to kill anyone; otherwise, he would have killed everyone. Jesus paralyzed him and gave us dominion over him. He frustrated the one that had the power of death, that is, the devil: *"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bo***ge"* (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Don't be afraid of the devil. If he shows up in your room and says, *"I'm going to kill you"😘 jeer at him and say, *"Nonsense."* You don't need to argue with him. He's a weak and defeated enemy. Glory to God! Understand that when Jesus died, you died in Him, for you were in Him. When He was buried, you were also buried, in Him. When He went to hell, you were in Him. Therefore, when He defeated Satan and the demons of darkness in hell, you were in Him. That means you defeated Satan and his cohorts in hell. It's a present-day fact. Blessed be God!

*PRAYER*

_Dear Father, I thank you for the victory I have in Christ Jesus in whom I've conquered death, hell, and the grave. I live triumphantly over the elements of this world because of the authority and dominion Christ has given me over the forces of darkness. Thank you for this glorious reality, in Jesus' Name. Amen._

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Philippians 2:9-11* Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: *10* That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; 11 And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

*Colossians 2:15 WNT* And the hostile princes and rulers He shook off from Himself, and boldly displayed them as His conquests, when by the Cross He triumphed over them

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 14:13-36 & Genesis 49-50

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 8:12-22 & Genesis 21

20/01/2025

*Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional*

_Pastor Chris Oyakhilome_

_Monday, January 20th 2025_

*HIS VICTORY OVER SATAN IN HELL*

_And the hostile princes and rulers He shook off from Himself, and boldly displayed them as His conquests, when by the Cross He triumphed over them_ *(Colossians 2:15 WNT)*

Christ’s victory on the Cross and in Hell wasn’t for Himself; it was for us. When He was crucified on the Cross, He took our place on that Cross. That means when He was crucified, you were crucified. When He died,you died. When they took His body off of the Cross and buried Him in the grave, you were buried in the grave.

Then the Bible says He went to hell; He was taken to hell because every sinner who died was taken to hell. So when Jesus died, He went to hell as a prisoner because He had taken our place of sin. The Bible says He was made sin, who knew no sin: *“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him”* (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Therefore, on account of our sins, Jesus went to hell and consummated His victory over sin, Satan and the demons of darkness in hell. He defeated them in their domain. Recall what the Bible says in Ephesians 4:9, *“Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?”* It wasn’t possible for anyone who went to hell to come out of hell; but not Jesus. In hell, Satan and all the demons of darkness converged on Jesus; they grappled with Him, and it was in hell that Jesus defeated Satan.

Everyone in hell had to submit and bow to Satan, but Satan couldn’t get Jesus to bow. The Bible pictures how the demons mounted on Jesus and tried to force Him to bow to Satan. But Jesus threw off from Himself powers; He threw off principalities; He disarmed the powers and authorities of darkness and made a public spectacle of them. He triumphed over them in that great combat in hell. *"And the hostile princes and rulers He shook off from Himself, and boldly displayed them as His conquests, when by the Cross He triumphed over them"* (Colossians 2:15 WNT).

All the demons of darkness saw Jesus defeat Satan and collect the keys of hell and death from him. We’ll learn more in our next study. Hallelujah!

*PRAYER*

_Dear Father, I thank you for the victory that Christ wrought for me over Satan and the forces of darkness. His triumph over sin, death and hell is my triumph. I walk in the light of this victory, ruling over circumstances, principalities and powers of darkness. I live in the dominion and righteousness of Christ. I’m more than a conqueror. Hallelujah!_

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*1 Corinthians 15:54-57* So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. *55* O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? *56* The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. *57* But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

*Hebrews 2:14-15* Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; *15* And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bo***ge.

*Colossians 1:12-13* Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: *13* Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 13:44-14:1-12 & Genesis 46-48

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 8:1-11 & Genesis 20

17/01/2025

*Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional*

_Pastor Chris Oyakhilome_

_Friday, January 17th 2025_

*GOD’S HIDDEN WISDOM*

_But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory_ *(1 Corinthians 2:7-8)*

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ was indeed a profound mystery. Satan, being a created being and not omniscient, couldn’t have known the full significance of Christ's redemptive work. The Bible reveals this truth in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8, *"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."*

Here, *"the princes of this world"* were unaware of the ultimate purpose of Christ's sacrifice. If they had understood the depth and power of this mystery, they wouldn’t have crucified Jesus. In John 12:31, Jesus refers to Satan as the *“prince of this world,”* which aligns with the description of these world powers of darkness in the above verses.

The ignorance of Satan and his principalities regarding the divine plan is a testament to the hidden wisdom of God. They didn’t know that the crucifixion of Jesus would lead to the salvation of mankind. 1 Corinthians 2:9-11 further elaborates: *"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God."*

Thanks be unto God that we know and understand the wisdom and mysteries of God; they’re not hidden to us. Christ, the Bible says, has been made unto us wisdom from God (1 Corinthians 1:30), and we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).

*PRAYER*

_Dear Father, I thank you for the wisdom hidden in your eternal plan and revealed to us through the Holy Spirit. I am grateful that Satan has no power over my thoughts and no access to the plans you have prepared for me. Thank you for the victory you’ve given me in Christ. I walk in the confidence of this knowledge, that I am secure in you, in Jesus' Name. Amen._

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*1 Corinthians 2:9-11 AMPC* But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [[a]who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. *10* Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the [b]divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny]. *11* For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

*1 Corinthians 1:30* But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

*1 Corinthians 2:12-16* Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. *13* Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. *14* But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. *15* But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. *16* For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 12:22-50 & Genesis 40-41

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 7:1-12 & Genesis 17

16/01/2025

*Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional*

_Pastor Chris Oyakhilome_

_Thursday, January 16th 2025_

*CUT DOWN THE WORKS OF DARKNESS*

_And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God_ *(Ephesians 6:17)*

In John 8, the Lord Jesus addressed the inability of the Jewish religious leaders to understand His message. He said, *"Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word"* (John 8:43). To them, His words were mere speeches—sermons that didn't pe*****te their hearts. But to others, it was the living and active Word of the Spirit.

God's active Word in your spirit, released by you, effects changes. When you want to change hopeless situations, you speak forth His Word. That's what Paul calls the sword of the Spirit in the opening verse—the spoken, active Word. The *"word"* is translated from the Greek *"Rhema."* It's also translated "word" in Hebrews 4:12: *"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword...."*

However, the Word, even though sharper than any two-edged sword, is in its sheath until you speak it. When you utter it, it becomes the sharp cutting edge that demolishes the works of darkness. In Revelation 1:16, the apostle John, referring to Jesus, said, *"...out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword...."* This doesn't mean a literal sword was protruding from His mouth but that His words were a sharp weapon as they proceeded from His mouth.

The Greek word *"stoma"* is used for *"mouth,"* and it refers to the front or edge of a weapon. Your mouth is the front or edge of a weapon. When the Word of God comes out of your mouth, you're cutting down cancer, you're cutting down growths, diseases and poverty; you're discomfiting Satan and the works of darkness. Your mouth is a sword. Use it to cut down the works of the enemy in your city, nation and nations of the world.

*PRAYER*

_Dear Father, I thank you for the power of your Word in my mouth. As l utter your Word, situations align with the realities of the glorious life that you've ordained for me in Christ. Through my words, I bring healing and health, deliverance, victory and success to my world, in Jesus' Name. Amen._

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Hebrews 4:12* For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

*Revelation 1:16* And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.

*Ephesians 6:17 AMPC* And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 12:1-21 & Genesis 38-39

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 6:25-34 & Genesis 16

15/01/2025

*Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional*

_Pastor Chris Oyakhilome_

_Wednesday, January 15th 2025_

*YOU’RE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL GROWTH*

_Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood_ *(Acts 20:28)*

If you’re a leader in God's Kingdom, you must first understand that you’re an overseer, entrusted with the responsibility to take care of God's children, the souls for whom Christ died. The Bible says, *“Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly… Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation)”* (1 Peter 5:2-3 AMPC).

It doesn't matter if the people are many or few; the responsibility is the same. Don’t let any one of them backslide! Intercede for them; pray about their needs and the challenges they might be going through. It’s important to have a prayer diary where you write out their names, calling each one by name as you contend for their souls in prayer. Pray passionately that every resistance to their spiritual growth and progress is broken and their desire for the things of the Spirit is fanned aflame and sustained as they grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

You have the privilege and responsibility to stand in the gap for others. You’re the priest over them; you’ve been given the office to minister and pray, and God willhear you. Perhaps you’re a cell leader, a church pastor, a coordinator, etc., when your members face challenges, go into intercession in their behalf.

As their leader, you’re responsible for their spiritual growth. Help them; teach, and guide them in the things of God. As you teach train, and share the love of God with them, you’ll see them grow. This will become your joy because every time you witness the Word of God producing results in their lives, it excites you. And at the end, that’s what you’ll present to God, souls—those whose lives you’ve impacted and helped to transform. Hallelujah!

*PRAYER*

_Dear Father, thank you for making me an overseer of your flock. I have the grace to care for each soul under my charge, interceding for them with passion and fervency. I declare that they are strengthened, built up in the Word, growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Their desire for the things of the Spirit is aglow and sustained, in Jesus' Name. Amen._

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Acts 20:28 NIV* Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,[a] which he bought with his own blood.[b]

*Ezekiel 3:17* Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

*1 Peter 5:2-3 NKJV* Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but [a]willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; *3* nor as being [b]lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

*1 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 11:1-30 & Genesis 36-37

*2 Year Bible Reading Plan 😗 Matthew 6:14-24 & Genesis 15