Rhapsody of Realities 5 March 2019 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome – A Life Of Power Over Sin

Topic: A Life Of Power Over Sin

…if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9).

Jesus died to save man from sin, but salvation from sin wasn’t enough. We were free from sin and the consequences of sin, but we weren’t free from the power of sin. The resurrection of Jesus gave us a new life and power over sin. Thus, the power to live above sin came from the resurrection; the resurrection brought us a new life of righteousness!

This is why it’s compulsory that we understand that true salvation is based on our faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If anyone believes in the death and doesn’t believe in the resurrection, their salvation isn’t complete, because the resurrection is what gives us eternal life.

We read in our opening verse, “…if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Verse 10 continues, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” From the foregoing, we observe two things that are involved in salvation: you must confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord of your life, and believe that God raised Him from the dead. When a man fulfils both, he can then declare, “I’m saved,” for with that, he’s at once ushered into a new life; a life of righteousness, with power over sin.

If you’ve never been born again, this is what you need: affirm the Lordship of Jesus over your life, believing in your heart that He died for you, and that God raised Him from the dead for your justification. Let us know that you made that declaration by sending a mail to [email protected]

PRAYER
I pray for souls around the world today, that their hearts be open to receive the Gospel, as the Word is brought to them in diverse means. The veil is removed from their hearts, and the light of the glorious Gospel shines through, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 6:4; Romans 10:9-10 NIV

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Mark 11:1-26 & Numbers 16-17

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 20:17-23 & Exodus 14

Click HERE to Read previous Messages

Rhapsody of Realities 5th March 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.

Topic: Testimonies of David [DCLM Daily Manna 5 March 2019 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: Psalm 18:29-50 (KJV)

Key Verse: “It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect” (Psalm 18:32).

MESSAGE:

Alexander Whyte was a Scottish preacher who always began his prayers with an expression of gratitude. One cold, miserable day his people wondered what he would say. He prayed, “We thank Thee, O Lord, that it is not always like this.”

Grateful souls always see reasons to praise and thank the Lord in every situation. Their spiritual mood is never determined by the weather. Such was the experience of David in our passage for reading today. He looked at every circumstance that he went through from “God is good” perspective. He ascribed the numerous breathtaking victories over enemies like Saul and the host of Philistines to the power and favour of God. He confessed the goodness of God in fulfilling His perfect plan for his life. He recognised God as the Kingmaker who enthroned him over Israel. He saw God as his Avenger and the One who fights his battles and makes him victorious always. He saw God as perfect, powerful and purposeful in His dealings with him. Therefore, he promised to praise God always.

David saw the hand of God in every area of his life and he was grateful. He saw God as a teacher who taught him the art of warfare, enabling him to win in the battles of life. Do you give credit to God for your victories or is it only when things turn bad that you ask Him why? David was not ashamed to give God the glory for his victories. Neither should you keep quiet about the love and goodness of God to you even in difficult times and solutions. After all, everyone will shout when the wall of Jericho is down but only a man of faith will shout when the wall is still standing. Be like David today and appreciate God for His goodness and love to you even in difficult situations.

Thought For The Day: Praise is valuable currency in life’s struggles.

The Bible In One Year: Leviticus 21-24

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Deeper Christian Life Ministry, DCLM Daily Manna HERE

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

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

Topic: Television [Open Heavens for Teens 5 March 2019]

Memorise: “And that which fell among the thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” – Luke 8:14

Read: Ephesians 5:15-16

15.So be very careful how you live. Do not live like people who aren’t wise. Live like people who are wise.

16.Make the most of every opportunity. The days are evil.

Bible In One Year: Numbers 34-36, Mark 10-32-52

MESSAGE:

When I was much younger, I went to visit my uncle in a period of the masquerade festival. One day, during my visit, the masquerades were dancing in front of my uncle’s house. The whole place was noisy with celebration as everyone came out to see the masquerades dance. My uncle noticed that I did not come out, so he came back in to check on me where I was reading my books, then he asked, “Dejare, won’t you come out to watch the show?” I did not know when I said “the one who will be watched cannot be distracted by watching others”.

One day, an interviewer asked the manufacturers of Rolls Royce car why they don’t advertise their cars on television and the manufacturers said that their customers don’t watch TV. This makes one thing clear, if you want to achieve your dreams, if you want to be great in life, you cannot afford to distract yourself by watching other people. How much time do you spend on Social Media? Are you the one always looking for celebrity gist all around? You need to stop that and focus on your books if you also want to be celebrated in the future.

Reflection:

Life is like a stadium, some people are spectators while others are players. Which are you?

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 2:

1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Chorus:
Trust and obey, for theres no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

Topic: Stop Judging One Another [TREM Devotional 5 March 2019]

“There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?”James 4:12 KJV

I heard of a teacher who conducted a test between two of his students in the class. The teacher brought a sheet of paper, white on one side and black on the other side. He put one student each on either side of the paper. So each student saw a different colour. When the teacher asked what they saw; one said ‘black’ and the other one said ‘white.’ An argument ensued. The teacher then said let me show you. The students now saw that one side was black and one side was white. It depends on where you are looking from. At times we judge ourselves on things that really mean nothing and then we block the flow of the Holy Spirit. We judge ourselves, kill ourselves, condemn, crucify, roast and eat up ourselves. And we wonder why God is not answering us.

Beloved, God does not work in an atmosphere where there is strife and where emotions are blown up out of proportion on issues that do not mean anything. Then, if care is not taken, somebody dies. And you didn’t plan to kill the person. Where emotions are not properly managed, marital relationships and businesses would be destroyed. What God has given to you as a vision could be aborted if you allow your emotions to spin out of control. But you can master it.

Speak to God about how you feel. God would show you the different sides of the matter and you would not need to vent your anger and frustrations on any one.

Don’t carry your emotions and explode before somebody. As a group leader, don’t go and explode before people and everyone becomes your problem. Choose communication over judgement. Sometimes, when you really talk about the issue at stake, you will discover that there is nothing to be upset about. You are just looking at the issue from a different perspective.

Further Reading: Luke 6:36-37, Romans 14:13-19

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Numbers 32-34; Evening- Mark 9:30-50

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

Topic: When You’re Not Chosen [Our Daily Bread 5 March 2019 Devotional]

Bible in a Year: Numbers 34–36; Mark 9:30–50

“Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias.” –Acts 1:26

Today’s Scripture & Insight: Acts 1:15-26

My friend’s Facebook post announced he had finished a project. Others congratulated him, but his post knifed my heart. That project was supposed to be mine. I had been passed over, and I wasn’t sure why.

Poor Joseph. He was passed over by God, and he knew why. Joseph was one of two men in the running to replace Judas. The disciples prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen” (Acts 1:24). God chose the other guy. Then He announced His decision to the group, when “the lot fell to Matthias” (v. 26).

As the disciples congratulated Matthias, I wonder about Joseph. How did he handle his rejection? Did he feel jilted, wallow in self-pity, and distance himself from the others? Or did he trust God and cheerfully remain in a supportive role?

I know which option is best. And I know which option I’d want to take. How embarrassing! If you don’t want me, fine. Let’s see how you do without me. That choice might feel better, but only because it’s selfish.

Joseph isn’t mentioned again in Scripture, so we don’t know how he reacted. More relevant is how we respond when we’re not chosen. May we remember that Jesus’s kingdom matters more than our success, and may we joyfully serve in whatever role He selects.

Today’s Reflection
How do you feel when you’re not chosen or are left out? How could your attitude be hindering you from seeing God’s direction for your life?

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Mike Wittmer [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]