Tuesday, June 27th, 2017- RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Love So Real

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Love So Real

Tuesday, June 27th .
Pastor Chris

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1 John 3:1).

The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 reveals the Father’s unconditional and unfailing love for us; love so real, so intense, and so sublime. In that story, after living a riotous and profligate life, the prodigal son suddenly came to himself and decided to go back to his father (Luke 15:17-18).

As soon as his father saw him from afar, he ran to him and embraced him. The first thing he told his father was, “Forgive me,” and his father did! This describes the love nature of our heavenly Father towards us. Once you repent, He’s quick to forgive you because He’s gracious, loving, and kind.

When a believer who has strayed from the truth returns to God, He receives him gladly and establishes him in the right path. He’s never mad at His kids. He loves us unconditionally. He’s lavished His love on us. That’s what we read in our opening verse. He’s accepted us as His beloved children. We’re sons of God NOW! The Father loves you as much as He loves Jesus.

You’re secured in the Father’s love; take advantage of His everlasting love for you. He loves you as though you were the only one on earth! The Bible says, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). God demonstrated His boundless love for us, even while we were yet in sin. Have faith in that love, for it’s unlimited, untainted, and unfeigned.

      PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for your love and kindness, and your beauty in my life. I thank you for blessing me with all things, and causing my life to blossom exceedingly. I’m secure in your love, and rejoice gloriously in the warmth and glory of your embrace, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

 Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
   1 John 4:18 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.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
 Acts 13:1-12,
Nehemiah 7-8

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
 Luke 4:33-44,
Deuteronomy 25


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Open Heavens 27 June 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Under authority?

Topic: Under Authority? [Tuesday 27, June 2017]

Memorise: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. –Romans 13:1

Read: Acts 8:12-17 (KJV)

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Bible in One Year: Ruth 2-4, Lamentation 1:1-12, Hymn: Sing hymn 14

MESSAGE:

It is one thing to serve the Lord, and another thing to submit to authority. Some people can render service to God but they cannot submit themselves to the authority of someone the Lord has placed over them. In today's Bible reading, after the apostles heard that a deacon was making waves in Samaria, they decided to go and see what was going on. Peter was asked to lead the delegation there. On arrival, Philip received them warmly, introduced them to the Samaritan converts as his leaders and submitted himself to their authority. There was no conflict whatsoever! If it were some people today, there would have been a rift. They would have confronted these leaders with rash words such as ''Pastor Peter, where do you think you have come to? When there was no revival here, you never came to Samaria. Now that God has used me to bring revival to Samaria, you have come to take over the work and the glory. I will never allow you to do this. You may be an apostle, but I am the one God used to save these souls and perform these signs and wonders, so please return to your Jerusalem."

Do you know that there are some pastors that God used in building up a church, who down the line defy all moves to transfer them elsewhere? They believe that since they did all the hard work of building from scratch, they should be left to enjoy the 'dividends' of their labour. This only shows a lack of understanding. In the first place, whatever work we do in the Kingdom of God is done for God and not for any man. Also, the means used for the work, whether physical, financial or material, come from God. Furthermore, no human being can adequately reward you for work you do for God. Similarly, God does not owe any one who serves Him: He always rewards them here on earth and later in eternity, as promised by the Lord in Matthew 19:29:

''And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.''

There should be no conflict at all on such matters. When a person is told by their authority to relocate, it should be clear to him or her that God is most likely through with using him or her in that current location. If you find it difficult to submit to your earthly superiors, it means that you are not ready for the ministry of signs and wonders. Are you under authority, or do you resist and struggle with your superiors? Repent and make amends today!

Key Point: Refusing to submit to the powers above you makes you a rebel, and this attracts divine condemnation (Romans 13:2).

Open Heavens Daily Devotional 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.

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Monday, June 26th-RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL-Live Supernaturally

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL


Monday, June 26th .
Pastor Chris

  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

The Lord Jesus, when He walked the earth, lived by supernatural principles. He lived without a sense of lack or need and was always in charge of situations and circumstances. For example, when He fed the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fishes, He took the loaves and fishes and blessed them (Matthew 14:17-20). The Greek word used for “blessed” is “eulogeo?,” meaning that He invoked the ability to prosper into the bread and the fishes; it was an invocation of power for the bread and the fishes to multiply.

As Christians, we’re to follow the example of the Lord and live in this world by supernatural principles. The Apostle Paul, in our opening verse, says, _*“…my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”*_ You’d notice, he didn’t say, “Our God will supply all our need”; rather, he said, “My God shall supply all your need.” He excluded himself. Why? He was talking to spiritual babes or sense-ruled believers. Talking about himself earlier, in the thirteenth verse of the same chapter, he said, _*“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”*_ He didn’t say “we can” but “I can do all things…”; he had no sense of lack or need. What a mentality!

You may be a church pastor, for instance, and may find yourself in a situation where you’re looking at men because you need money for some projects in the house of God; begin to think differently. Whatever may be the need, have a different mentality. Understand, first and foremost, that the Church of Jesus Christ is a spiritual, supernatural body; therefore, whatever need there is must be met supernaturally.

It makes no difference how much you collect in the offering; you can do what Jesus did! We’ve got the power to invoke the Spirit of God into the offerings; into whatever has been brought to the house of God for God’s use. You say, “In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I invoke into these offerings the power to increase; I command you to multiply in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the things that we need to do. You’ll be more than enough in Jesus’ Name.”

The same thing goes for you as an individual; learn to invoke the blessings of increase on your finances and you’ll be amazed at the supernatural results that’ll follow.

      *PRAYER*

*Dear heavenly Father, thank you for enriching my life with your precious Word and for enabling me with the ability to meet my needs supernaturally and be totally independent of man and circumstances. I experience supernatural increase in every area of my life as I put your Word to work, in Jesus Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||*  *Philippians 4:11-13* Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. *||*

*||* *Psalm 23:1-6* The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Acts 12,
Nehemiah 4-6

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Luke 4:14-32,
Deuteronomy 24

EXTRACT FROM: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Open Heavens 26 June 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Born into captivity?

Topic: Born Into Captivity? [Monday 26, June 2017]

Memorise: He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. – 1 John 3:8

Read: Exodus 1:8-12 (KJV)

8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.

9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:

10 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.

11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

Bible in One Year: Judges 21, Ruth 1, Jeremiah 52:24-34, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

MESSAGE:

While some people fall into captivity through traps set by the tempter, some others, like Joseph, are sold into slavery (Genesis 37:23-28). In some parts of Africa, when a child is born, both parents of that child or either one of them enter into a covenant involving that child and some deity or spirit-wife or husband. Such a child later grows up to find that he or she has been sold into slavery. There are many childless couples who go to some deities for help, because they can no longer wait on God to give them good children. This opens the door to satanic offspring in their lives. Later in life, such demonic children will become devourers of their resources and peace. May you never be so frustrated as to go to the devil for help! Satan's ''help'' is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).

Moreover, in today's Bible reading, we understand that some people enter into slavery right from birth. When a pharaoh that did not know Joseph arose in Egypt and enacted new laws that made the Israelites slaves, every child that was born to them from that moment was born into slavery. In whatever way you have found yourself in captivity, whether by choice, design or by birth, there is deliverance for you today. The Great Deliverer is able and willing to deliver you. 1 John 3:8 says Jesus Christ was manifested in order to destroy the works of the devil. Captivity is the work of the devil, and he seeks to control and ruin lives by it. The predator runs the lives of his captives. When he wants, he whips them, pushes them into difficulties and mocks them while they struggle. He dictates what they become and where they will end. The fellow in captivity has virtually lost control over his or her life. You cannot be a captive and at the same time be free to serve God the way you want. One of the reasons why Jesus Christ came into this world was to make us free to serve God. Contained in the prophecy of Zacharias about the Lord Jesus Christ is this statement about His mission, in Luke 1:74-75:

''74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.''

This is why you have to arise in anger today and rebel against any form of captivity you have found yourself in, and ask Jesus Christ to deliver you now. You shall be free today!

Prayer Point: In any way I and members of my family have found ourselves in captivity, we rebel and break away from it today!

Open Heavens Daily Devotional 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.

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SUNDAY 25, June 2017 - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL - The Efficacy Of His Word

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper

than any twoedged sword... (Hebrews 4:12).

Our opening verse describes the efficacy of God’s Word. God’s Word is active, operative, energizing and effective. However, someone could render the Word in effective in his own life through unbelief and lack of response. For example, Jesus chided the Pharisees for making the Word of God of non-effect because of their traditions (Mark 7:13).

Many today short-circuit the power of the Word in them, mainly because they don’t know how to respond to the Word to make it effectual in their lives. God gave us His Word so we could respond to it accordingly. He wants us to believe and live His Word. Your response to the Word is the vocalization of your faith, on the basis of the Word of God as stated in Hebrews 13:5-6: “...He hath said…so that we may boldly say….”

Maybe there’s a health condition you wish to change; what has God said about it in His Word? Romans 8:11 says, “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you”(NKJV). Respond by boldly declaring: “My body is vitalized

by the Spirit of God who lives in me. Therefore, I refuse to

accommodate sickness in my body. I’m vitalised through and

through by the Holy Spirit.”

Perhaps you’ve been experiencing financial difficulties;

God has said He’s “…able to make all grace abound toward

you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may

abound to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). Your response, therefore, should be, “I’m financially buoyant,

because God’s grace is at work in me for financial abundance;

I have more than enough. I have wisdom for financial

intelligence and wealth multiplication.”

Whatever predicament you seem to be facing right

now, your only recourse should be the Word of God. The

Word of God is faithful and true! Search the Scriptures for

information or instruction that covers that situation and put

it to work; you’ll surely have a testimony. God’s Word is

dependable; trust it and use it!

PRAYER

The Word of faith that changes

things is in my heart and in my

mouth, it’s sharper than any

two-edged sword; therefore, the

situations and circumstances of

life conform to God’s destiny for

me; my success is guaranteed

and unstoppable because I live in

the Word. Hallelujah!

1 YEAR BIBLEREADING PLAN:

Acts 11:19-30

Nehemiah 1-3

2 YEAR BIBLEREADING PLAN:

Luke 4:1-13

Deuteronomy 23

FURTHER STUDY:

Hebrews 4:12 AMP

Isaiah 55:10-11

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Open Heavens 25 June 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Why Healing is Yours

Topic: Why Healing is Yours [Sunday 25, June 2017]

Memorise: But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. – Isaiah 53:3-5

Read: Isaiah 53:3-5 (KJV)

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Bible in One Year: Judges 20, Jeremiah 52:12-23, Hymn: Sing hymn 5

MESSAGE:

In life, what you tolerate goes a long way to determine what you go through, and how you go through situations and circumstances. While God expects us to be tolerant of the weaknesses, character defects and inadequacies of our fellow human beings, He does not expect us to be tolerant of the devil and his tokens. For this reason, in 1 Peter 5:9, we are commanded to steadfastly resist the devil and his antics. In fact, we are even permitted to be violent in our approach towards effectively resisting the devil (Matthew 11:12).Whatever you allow in your life, stays, multiplies and may even dominate your life! Never allow anything evil to come into your life or to continue to hibernate in your life.

One of the tokens of the liar that you must not allow is sickness. You should not tolerate sickness because it hinders you from effectively serving God. Sickness hinders and makes one an ineffective witness of Jesus Christ. If you go out to preach about Christ and His power and you are sick, some people will challenge your message, saying that the power you attribute to Jesus should first be seen in your life before they can believe. In addition, sickness hinders how we praise God. Isaiah 38:18-19 says only the living can praise God and not those in the grave. It is not easy to praise God when your body is going through severe pain. Isaiah 53:5 says,

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.''

Jesus has already paid the price for our healing, and so when a believer remains sick, it means that the suffering of Christ over that person is being wasted. Are you sick? You cannot afford to remain sick. Receive your healing now in Jesus' Name! Mark 9:23 says if only you believe, your healing can be delivered to you. This means that your faith is being challenged whenever you are sick. Do you have enough faith to appropriate the sufferings of Christ over your situation in order to be healed? Beyond this, God gave me a revelation that sickness does not only challenge our faith, it also challenges our Lord Jesus Christ. Since He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, when sickness challenges our faith, then it is the Author and Finisher of our faith that is also being challenged (Hebrews 12:2). This season, your healing will suddenly manifest and you will see the tokens of sickness no more.

Prayer Point: Father, since You have already paid the price for my healing, I receive all-round healing today in Jesus' Name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional 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.

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Saturday 24, June 2017 - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL - TURN HIS LIGHT ON

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the
LORD is risen upon thee [Isaiah 60:1]

The Word of God is the light of life. Turn the light on,
and you’ll see the unseen; you’ll see the realities of
the spirit realm. Suddenly, you’ll discover that everything you
thought was missing wasn’t missing. You’ll realize that you
actually have in abundance everything you thought you never
had. Once you turn the light of God on, never turn it off again.
You’re called to walk in that light: in the light of His
righteousness, His redemption, His justification, His wisdom,
and His prosperity; you’re to walk in the light of the new
creation.

Sometimes, when studying or listening to God’s Word,
you seem to leave this world. The things of this life: the pains,
the darkness, the disappointments, and the crises of life just
seem to fade away. Don’t think it’s just a mirage; you’ve
been transported of the Holy Ghost to the true realm of life.
Don’t say, “Well, as I listened to the Word during the service,
I thought I was in heaven, but now I’m back to reality.”
Returning to reality in this sense would mean going back into
darkness. Hold on to what you’ve received. Say, “The glory
that I saw in the Word is the real thing. I hold on to it.” Glory
to God!

Do you want to see who you really are and what you
have? Turn the light of God on. There’s a lot you’ll never see if
you’re using the light of the sun or earthly electricity. The light
of God—the true light—shows you that you’re in divine health;
it shows you the perfect will of God, and all that you are in
Him. See yourself the way God sees you: an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ!

CONFESSION

The Word of God is a lamp unto
my feet and a light unto my path.
As I see with the light of the
Word, I see myself as the royalty
that I am, victorious, prosperous,
healthy, wise, and strong, and I
walk in the light of this truth.

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Open Heavens 24 June 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Consequences of Sin

Topic: Consequences of Sin [Saturday 24, June 2017]

Memorise: The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor. – Job 15:20

Read: Genesis 3:8-19 (KJV)

8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

Bible in One Year: Judges 19, Jeremiah 51:59-52:11, Hymn: Sing hymn 11

MESSAGE:

Sin can bring unimaginable consequences upon the sinner. Some years ago, I visited the maximum security prison at Kirikiri, Lagos, where I met a man who had been condemned to death. For 27 years, he had waited for the day the executioner would come for his head. While we discussed, I trembled at the repercussion of sin. He said to me, “Even if I am released now, where do I start from, having wasted 27 years of my life?” Do you expect such a man to be joyful during all that period of waiting? No way! He must have been sad for 27 years! Psalm 16:4 says,

“Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.”

According to this scripture, sin and sorrow go hand in hand. If you are living in sin, you cannot be separated from sorrow. If you enjoy sinning, you will be compelled to enjoy sorrow as well. If you are always sorrowful, examine your ways: it is possible your life of sorrow is the product of a sinful life.

Similarly, sin is linked with pain, struggle and tears. Job 15:20 says

“The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.”

This scripture simply means that if you sin and continue in it, get ready to suffer for a long time, possibly throughout life. These repercussions of sin did not just start today; they have been there from the beginning. In today’s Bible reading, after Adam and Eve sinned, the serpent was cursed above all other creatures and lost its legs. For the woman, the process of conception and childbirth became an issue of life and death, while the ground was cursed for man’s sake. Since then, it has been a struggle for man to enter into his harvest. Before you take out your harvest from the fields, you have to sweat, suffer, weed out what you did not sow, and so on. Are you going through a lot of struggle, pain and tears over your efforts to move to the next level? First crosscheck your life to find out if these are caused by sin. If there is sin, confess it to God, ask for forgiveness and beat a fast retreat. Follow after the path of righteousness, because righteousness will ensure sorrow stays far from your life.

Prayer Point: Father, in any way I have brought sorrow into my life because of sin, have mercy on me and deliver me today.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional 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.

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Open Heavens 23 June 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Becoming A Wonder

Topic: Becoming A Wonder [Friday 23, June 2017]

Memorise: Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. – Psalm 77:14

Read: Psalm 77: 11-15 (KJV)

11 I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

13 Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?

14 Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.

15 Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.

Bible in One Year: Judges 17-18, Jeremiah 51:45-58, Hymn: Sing hymn 5

MESSAGE:

God is a wonder and He does great wonders. I pray that He will perform wonders in your own life, so that you can testify that you have experienced His wonder-working power, in Jesus’ Name. Beyond this however, do you know that God can turn you into a wonder? For instance, look at the mad man of Gadara. He was so mad that all hope was lost concerning his recovery; but when Jesus touched his life, he was seen not only in his right senses, but also decently dressed and even evangelising the goodness of the Lord. Many people who saw him were amazed and had their doubts as to whether he was the same person who once terrorised the community (Mark 5:20). He became a wonder! Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, also became a wonder and a tourist attraction after he was raised from the dead. John 12:9 says this about him:

“Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.”

Several years ago, during a particular Holy Ghost Service we held at the National Stadium, Surulere (Lagos), there was a man with a huge growth attached to his neck sitting beside a particular woman. The growth was so huge that it overshadowed his face. While the programme was on, the woman sitting beside him kept peeping at the protruding growth. During the sermon, the word of God came that there was someone in attendance with a huge growth around the neck and that it had gone. On hearing this, the woman sitting next to this man immediately turned to look at him and it was as if the growth suddenly grew wings, flew away and disappeared. This woman was so amazed at this wonder that after the programme was over, she had already trekked from the stadium to Palmgrove, a distance of about 5km, before she remembered that she had left her car parked in the parking lot inside the stadium. When God turns you into a wonder, even sceptics will find it difficult to doubt your testimony because it will be so profound. Also, your life will become a perpetual signpost for God’s Name to be glorified. Are you in dire need of a miracle? Beyond that need, ask God to make you a living wonder for the glory of His Name. This season, as the Lord turns you into a wonder, the same mouths that have mocked you and challenged your God will become the instruments for spreading your testimony and for reverencing your God! Worship the Almighty God who alone can make you a wonder.

Prayer Point: Father, today, make me a positive wonder to my generation, so that they can come to know You.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional 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.

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FRIDAY 23, June 2017 - RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Victors For Life

Victors For Life

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations (James 1:2).

 As you grow in your Christian walk, you’ll definitely

have your fight of faith; it’s a must for everyone.

The Bible calls it a good fight, because you’re guaranteed to

always win. Some people see the fight of faith differently; they

see challenges as insurmountable difficulties. Every time

something happens, they cry, feeling sorry for themselves. If

only such people knew how much the devil likes to see them

cry, and enjoys their frustration, they’ll never give him the

luxury.

Realise that as a Christian, Christ lives in you; that

makes you a victor for life. The Bible says, “...greater is he

that’s in you, than he that’s in the world” (1 John 4:4). This

is a present-hour reality. Romans 8:35-37 says, “Who shall

separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or

distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or

sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day

long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all

these things we are more than conquerors through him that

loved us.”

You’re unconquerable. See challenges as springboards

to your next level of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, “For

which cause we faint not; but though our outward man

perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our

light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far

more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look

not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are

not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but

the things which are not seen are eternal.” That situation, no

matter how dire or frustrating it seems, is a light affliction.

That’s how the Word describes it and that’s how you ought to

see and relate with it.

Learn how to laugh your way through life! No matter

what you’re going through, rejoice, because it’s a light

affliction that’ll certainly produce for you, a far more

exceeding and eternal weight of glory. It’s your heritage to be

triumphant always, and in every situation. Hallelujah!

CONFESSION

I refuse to consider the present

circumstances on the outward

side of life. I’ve got my focus on

the eternal; I’ve got my gaze on

the spiritual. I give attention to

the real, not the shadows. I look

within me where God lives, and

see the unseen, which is eternal.

1 YEAR BIBLE
READING PLAN:

Acts 10:24-48

Ezra 7-8

2 YEAR BIBLE
READING PLAN:

Luke 3:12-22

Deuteronomy 21

FURTHER STUDY:

Psalm 1:1-3

1 Timothy 6:12

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