Rose of Sharon Bible study

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES*

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

*THE WORD IN YOUR HEART*

Tuesday 8th November 2022

*The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts (Mark 4:14-15).*

Whenever you receive the Word of God into your heart, the forces of darkness, knowing the power of the Word, come quickly to attempt to steal it from your heart. This is what the Lord Jesus brought to light in the parable of the sower.

It explains why some folks hear the Word and don’t understand it. They find it difficult to comprehend why, right after receiving a wonderful prophecy, all hell seems to break loose against them. It’s because Satan will do everything to steal the Word from their hearts; he’ll throw all his darts and accusations at you in a bid to steal the Word from you. He tried this trick even with the Lord Jesus, questioning the Word that had been spoken concerning Him by asking Him to prove Himself (Luke 4:3). Of course, the Master successfully repelled the enemy because He had the Word well-grounded in His heart.

You have to deliberately guard the Word in your heart. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”; that means let the Word settle and take root in your heart. That way, no matter how hard the enemy tries to steal it from your heart, he won’t succeed.

The most valuable thing in your life that Satan seeks to go after is the Word of God in your heart. That’s why you must protect the Word in your heart. Don’t let the Word remain on the “surface-soil” of your heart where the enemy can reach it and knock it out of you. Drive it deep into your spirit through meditation and praying in other tongues. Hallelujah!

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, I thank you for the glory of your Word and the transformation I experience even now as your Word takes root in my spirit, producing in me fruits of righteousness. Thank you for giving me your Word to live by, to use in altering the circumstances of life to align with your perfect will and destiny for me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Luke 8:11-15 (KJV)*
11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And that which fell among 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. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

*Hebrews 2:1 (KJV)*
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

*Colossians 3:16 (KJV)*
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Hebrews 8 &
Jeremiah 52

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
1 Peter 5:1-14 &
Ezekiel 39

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES*

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

*STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED*

Monday 31st October 2022

*Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).*

Daniel made outstanding impact in his day. The Scripture shows us he was studious. In Daniel 9:2, he said, “In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”

Daniel was so studious he gave special attention to Jeremiah’s prophecy of the seventy years of the captivity. In Daniel 1:4 (NLT), the Bible shows us the King needed people who were “…well versed in every branch of learning…” to pilot the affairs of his kingdom, and Daniel was found to be eminently qualified.

Daniel was highly esteemed of the Lord. In the New Testament, Jesus also quoted him (Daniel) and corroborated his prophecy when He said, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet…” (Matthew 24:15).

We find the same quality with Paul the Apostle. Paul was studious. In 2 Timothy 4:13, we see his attachment tovhis study materials when he said to Timothy, “The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.” He specially requested for his study materials to be sent to him, because he was a diligent student.

If Daniel and Paul were studious, why won’t you? You must study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, but rightly dividing the word of truth. In Hosea 4:6, God said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge….” He was referring to the knowledge of the Word. Until and unless you know the Word for yourself, you’re going to be a victim in life. That’s why God wants you to study. Give yourself to the Word and your success, progress and prosperity will be inevitable.

*CONFESSION*

*I’m given to voracious study of the Word of God; therefore, I heap success upon success, living victoriously, walking in divine health, and winning every day. Through my knowledge of the Word of God, I make outstanding impact for the Lord in my world, bringing many out of ignorance and dearth of divine realities, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Acts 17:10-11 (KJV)*
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

*Proverbs 24:4-5 (KJV)*
4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

*1 Timothy 4:15 (KJV)*
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Philemon 1:1-25 &
Jeremiah 33

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
James 5:1-20 &
Ezekiel 31

_*Jipatie BURE Nakala yako ya mwezi OKTOBA kwa LUGHA YA KISWAHILI na nyingine nyingi ikusaidie kukua kiroho:*_ http://rhapsodyofrealities.tniglobal.org

*KUWA FANISI KATIKA KUVUNA NAFSI*

_Jumatano 26_

_Mchungaji Chris Oyakhilome, PhD_

*Lakini vyote pia vyatokana na Mungu, aliyetupatanisha sisi na nafsi yake kwa Kristo, naye alitupa huduma ya upatanisho* (2 Wakorintho 5:18).

Si kila mkristo anashiriki vilivyo katika huduma ya upatanishi. Haipaswi kuwa hivyo. Sote tunatarajiwa kuwa fanisi, na wenye jitihada sana katika kuvuna nafsi. Siku itakuja pale ambapo sote tutasimama mbele ya Bwana na kila mmoja wetu atapokea sifa kutoka Kwake (1 Wakorintho 4:5). Bwana atakwenda kutupa thawabu kwa kazi zetu: *“Kwa sababu Mwana wa Adamu atakuja katika utukufu wa Baba yake pamoja na malaika zake; ndipo atakapomlipa kila mtu kwa kadiri ya matendo yake”* (Mathayo 16:27).

K**a tujuavyo, kazi zetu hazifanani; kujitoa kwetu ku katika madaraja tofauti. Lakini leo, ninataka ufanye tathmini ya dhati kuhusiana na ushiriki wako katika Injili: k**a ukisimama mbele ya Mungu sasa hivi, Atasema nini kuhusiana na kazi zako katika kuifanya Injili isonge mbele katika siku hizi za mwisho?

Shauku nambari moja ya Mungu ni kuvuna nafsi; kwahiyo weka kila kitu humo. Kuwa fanisi, kuwa shupavu, katika huduma ya upatanishi. 2 Petro 3:9 inasema, *“Bwana hakawii kuitimiza ahadi yake, k**a wengine wanavyokudhani kukawia, bali huvumilia kwenu, maana hapendi mtu ye yote apotee, bali wote wafikilie toba.”*

Shauku kuu ya Bwana kupatanisha watu na Yeye mwenyewe inatiliwa mkazo katika jukumu alilompa Yesu, ikisisitizwa na maneno haya ya Bwana Yesu Mwenyewe: “...mimi nalikuja ili wawe na uzima, kisha wawe nao tele“ (Yohana 10:10). Lichukulie hili kimkazo. Kila siku, zungumza na wengine kuhusu Yesu. Fanya hivyo katika mtaa wako, katika himaya yako, alafu uende zaidi.

Kuna maeneo unaweza usiende kimwili; unaweza kuyafikia kwa kutumia ushirika na ufadhili wa kusambaza vifaa vya Injili, k**a vile Rhapsodi ya Uhakika. Tunayo mifumo na majukwaa ya kufanya hivyo. Wasiliana na ofisi ya kanisa la ulipo au tembelea www.reachoutworld.org kwa taarifa zaidi. Haleluya!

*SALA*
Baba Mpendwa, ninakushukuru kwa fursa ya kuhusika kwa ufanisi katika kuvuna nafsi leo. Nuru ya Injili yako tukufu inang’aa sana katika mataifa leo, kadri tuitangazapo kweli yako katika dunia yote; kila upinzani umevunjwa, na mioyo ya wanadamu i wazi kupokea ujumbe wetu kwa wokovu wao. Nira na urubuni wa Shetani vimeharibiwa, katika Jina la Yesu. Amina.

*MAFUNZO ZAIDI:*
Waroma 1:16; 2 Wakorinto 5:18-19; Marko16:15-16

*MPANGO WA KUSOMA BIBLIA KWA MWAKA 1:* 2 Timoteo 2:1-26 & Yeremia 19-22

*MPANGO WA KUSOMA BIBLIA KWA MIAKA 2:*
Waebrania 13:1-25 & Ezekieli 25-26

*Imetolewa kutoka: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional*

*Weka maoni kuhusu Rhapsodi ya leo kwenye* _*www.rhapsodyofrealities.org*_

Rhapsody Download

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES*

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

*USE THE GIFT OF PROPHESY CORRECTLY*

Monday 24th October 2022

*But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).*

In 1 Peter 4:10, the Bible shows that each one of us has been blessed with one spiritual gift or the other to use in the service of others. He also counsels us to not abuse or misuse these gifts.

For example, the gift of prophecy, just like any other gift of the Spirit, has to be used correctly to edify the Church. It’s unwise to interrupt others just because you have a word of prophecy. The Bible says “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Wait for the appropriate time and opportunity.

Don’t disrupt the worship because you want to “prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:30-31 says, “If any thing berevealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.” How instructive!

Every one of us could have the gift of prophecy, and if we had enough time during a church service, the wholecongregation could prophesy one by one. This is specific about the gift of prophecy. Then, He tells us what this gift of prophecy is used for: edification, exhortation and comfort. It’s never used for condemnation.

When spiritual gifts are used correctly, God is glorified and the Church grows. Apply the gift of prophecy correctly and you’ll see quantum leaps and unending growth in your life, ministry and church. Hallelujah!

*CONFESSION:*

*Dear Father, I use the gifts of prophecy rightly and in accordance with your divine instructions, in an orderly manner. My words edify, exhort and comfort others, and the Body of Christ is strengthened, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*1 Corinthians 14:1-3*
Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching).
2 For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding].
3 But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.

*1 Corinthians 14:39-40 AMPC*
39 So [to conclude], my brethren, earnestly desire and set your hearts on prophesying (on being inspired to preach and teach and to interpret God’s will and purpose), and do not forbid or hinder speaking in [unknown] tongues.
40 But all things should be done with regard to decency andpropriety and in an orderly fashion.

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:*
1 Timothy 6:1-21 &
Jeremiah 15-16

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:*
Hebrews 12:1-13 &
Ezekiel 23

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES*

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

*ENFORCE THE VICTORY OF CHRIST*

Tuesday 18th October 2022

*The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).*

In 1 John 3:8, the Bible gives us a clear message on the purpose of Jesus’ coming. It says, “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.” What are the works of the devil?

In the first part, it reveals the works of the devil to be sin; doing things that are inconsistent with the will and plan of God. It includes wickedness, evil, destruction, sickness, pain, affliction, and even death, for the Bible says death is the result of sin (Romans 6:23).

But thanks be unto God! “Jesus came and abolished death and brought life and immortality to light” (2 Timothy 1:10). In Acts 10:38, the Bible says, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” The sicknesses, diseases, pain, misery, and suffering in the world are all works of the devil. But Jesus brought healing and health; He brought light, joy and peace. He destroyed ALL the works of the devil. Hallelujah!

Therefore, if ever the works of the devil try to manifest in your body, in your home, or in any area of your life, just remember that Jesus already got rid of them. All you have to do is maintain your faith on what He’s already done. Refuse to accommodate anything of Satan and of darkness in your life and in your sphere of influence.

Hebrews 2:14-15 says, “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 bondage.” This scripture has already been consummated. Therefore, enforce the victory Jesus Christ wrought in your behalf and enjoy your glorious life in Him. Hallelujah!

*CONFESSION*

I have the same life that Jesus has in its fullness. My life is sickness-proof, disease-proof, poverty-proof and failure-proof. It’s a life of glory, victory, success and excellence. Nothing of the devil can stay in me, for I’ve embraced the transcendent life that’s in Christ Jesus. I’m a partaker of the divine nature; I’ve overcome the world. Hallelujah!

*FURTHER STUDY*

*1 John 5:11-13 KJV*
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

*2 Timothy 1:9-10 TPT*
9 He gave us resurrection life and drew us to himself by his holy calling on our lives. And it wasn’t because of any good we have done, but by his divine pleasure and marvelous grace that confirmed our union with the anointed Jesus, even before time began!
10 This truth is now being unveiled by the revelation of the anointed Jesus, our life-giver, who has dismantled death, obliterating all its effects on our lives, and has manifested his immortal life in us by the gospel.

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18; Jeremiah 3-4

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Hebrews 9:1-10; Ezekiel 16

*JOIN HERE*

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES*

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

*YOUR BEHAVIOUR IN THE HOUSE OF GOD*

Wednesday 12th October 2022

*But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).*

The Church of Jesus Christ is the ground and pillar of truth; it’s not an organization or association of believers. The Church is the house of God, and the Bible is clear as to how we’re to comport ourselves in the house of God; there’s a behaviour that’s expected.

When we say the Church is the house of God, it also means, firstly, that as an individual, your body is God’s house. Secondly, the members of a particular local assembly—the local church—is God’s house. Thirdly, the place or building where we carry out our worship activities is also called the house of God.

Now, in all three references, the house of God demands and deserves reverence. The Lord is holy. The Lord is pure. The Lord is righteous. Therefore, our manner of life, our comportment in His “house”—in serving and worshipping Him—must depict His nature. It must be according to the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As you study the Scriptures, you discover the things He says we should do and not do. These aren’t commandments, but pictures of who we are, and how we should live. For example, for your physical body, He says, “Present it as an instrument of righteousness” (Romans 6:13). Then in Romans 12:1, He says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Also, Romans 16:17 says, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” In the house of God, in the church, you don’t cause divisions and offences amongst God’s people. You don’t walk in rebellion or disobedience, but in faith, hope, love and humility. Hallelujah!

*CONFESSION*

*As I study and yield myself to the ministry of the Word, my spirit is inundated with divine truths; my mind is elevated to think Kingdom thoughts, causing me to display the character of the Word in my daily walk, with an increased manifestation of the glory of God in my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Ephesians 4:22-23 (NIV)*
– 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

*Romans 12:2 (GNB) –*
2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
1 Thessalonians 1-2:1-16
& Isaiah 54-56

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Hebrews 5:1-14 &
Ezekiel 5-6

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES*

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

*PRAISE MUST HAVE MEANING*

Tuesday 11th October 2022

*God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).*

Some people say they’re praising God and all they say is, “Lord, I praise you”; but the truth is that they haven’t praised Him. To give someone a gift, for example, you don’t just say, “I give you a gift” and do nothing; you deliver the actual gift to the person. You don’t give the gift with your mouth; you act it.

It’s the same with praising, thanking and worshipping the Lord. You do it with content. When you say, “I bless you, Lord,” then go ahead and bless Him. How do you bless Him? It’s by giving Him thanks: you thank Him for who He is, what He’s done, and for His glory in your life.

There has to be a meaning when you thank Him; what’s the thanks connected to? So, you say, “I thank you Lord for X, Y, Z.” It must be connected to something; otherwise, you only muttered words. If I came to you, and said, “Thank you,” you’d want to know what I’m thanking you for.

Even when He tells us to have a heart that’s full of thanksgiving, it still has a purpose; there’s something in your heart that you’re thanking Him for. I may pray in my privacy and say, “Father, thank you”; that’s because in my heart, I have so many things I’m grateful to Him for that I’m not voicing, because God sees the heart. In my heart are these beautiful thoughts of what He’s done for me or said to me for which I’m expressing thanks.

So, always, when you praise Him, it’s got to have meaning; it’s got to have content. The content is the fruit of your lips, giving thanks to His Name: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, from the depth of my heart, I’m grateful for your grace, mercy, wisdom and power by which I live triumphantly today, prospering in all that I do. Thank you for your glory in my life; you’re righteous, holy, gracious, kind and pure. Your Kingdom is everlasting, and you rule the nations in righteousness. Blessed be your Name forever, O Lord. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Hebrews 13:15 (AMPC) –*
15 Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.

*Ephesians 5:20 (KJV) –*
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

*1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) –*
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Colossians 4:2-18 &
Isaiah 52-53

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Hebrews 4:1-16 &
Ezekiel 4

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES*

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

*ROLL THEM OVER TO JESUS*

Sunday 9th October 2022

*Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Peter 5:7).*

Our opening verse in The Passion Translation says, “Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.” He’s telling you to roll your cares and concerns over to Jesus. How encouraging that is. It’s a simple invitation to a life of unending peace and joy. Hallelujah!

The Amplified Classic version renders it thus: “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately {and} cares about you watchfully.” This means leave none out. There’re people who care so much and are troubled about many things. It seems they must worry to be “happy”; what a terrible way to live.

God loves you. He cares for you affectionately and protectively watches over you. This is what He says of Himself with respect to you. He doesn’t want you flustered or worried about anything. Worrying will steal your joy and reduce your effectiveness.

You may say, “The things I worry about are things of the Kingdom; I have a target to win many souls, so it gets me worried.” No. He told us to win souls; but He didn’t tell us to worry about winning them. So, refuse to worry! Every so often, say, “I refuse to be anxious over anything; but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, I make my request known unto God. Therefore, His peace that surpasses all understanding garrisons my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”

The things He asked us to do are never burdensome. He said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me…and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” That’s it! He’s taken the stress out of life. Yours is to act on His Word. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God, and His peace that surpasses all understanding shall garrison your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Amen.

*PRAYER*

*I’m full of joy, basking in the grace and glory of Christ and full blessings of the Gospel. I’m conscious of God’s love and care for me and for every detail of my life; everything that pertains to me has been perfected! I live in peace, and function from a place of rest, now and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Matthew 6:25-33 (KJV) –*
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

*Matthew 11:28-30 (AMPC) –*
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will [a]ease and relieve and [b]refresh [c]your souls.] 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([d]relief and ease and refreshment and [e]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [f]good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Colossians 2:6-23 &
Isaiah 48-49

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Hebrews 3:1-11 &
Ezekiel 1-2

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES*

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

*SINGING ACCORDING TO OUR DISPENSATION*

Friday 7th October 2022

*Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God (Colossians 1:25)*

As I studied the Bible, I realized that God never left us in the dark about anything. For example, the songs we sing; they’re supposed to be according to dispensations but many don’t realize it. Our praise of God has to be according to our dispensation—where we live in God’s calendar—His prophetic timing, and where we are with God.

When you don’t understand this, you may think that every song is okay, but that’s not true. The Apostle John, while exiled on the island of Patmos, expounded on three different groups by the revelation of the Spirit. The first group is found in Revelation 5:8-9. These are four living creatures and the twenty-four elders. The apostles are part of the 24 elders, and they represent the Church. Read the lyrics of their song in Revelation 5:9.

Then, we have the second group in Revelation 14:1-3. These are the 144,000 (about 12 thousand from each of the 12 tribes of Israel). The Bible says, “And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth” (Revelation 14:3).

They sang the song, but nobody could capture or understand what they were singing. Why? It’s because the song didn’t belong to the dispensation of the four ”beasts” and twenty-four elders.

Lastly, the third group—the tribulation saints—who got the victory over the beast. This is found in Revelation 15. But these tribulation saints who’re divided into two groups (the Jews, and those who became Christians after the Rapture) sang two songs. They sang the song of Moses, and they sang the song of the Lamb (read Revelation 15:3-4).

This immediately awakens an understanding in the Church of Jesus Christ that our singing has to be according to revelation and our dispensation. We have to sing songs that truly praise and worship God; songs that are consistent with who we are in Christ, our dominion and heritage in Him (Revelation 1:6; 5:10). Hallelujah!

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, thank you for choosing me to know and walk in the knowledge of your will in wisdom and spiritual understanding. I’m guided by the Holy Spirit to walk in your light and in your truth, today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:*

*Revelation 5:9 (KJV) –*
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

*Revelation 15:3-4 (KJV) –*
3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. 4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Colossians 1:1-23 &
Isaiah 44-45

*2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN*
Hebrews 2:1-9 &
Lamentation 3