Team Code Rabah

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY 24TH AUGUST 2022

PST CHRIS

STAND STRONG IN FAITH

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4)._

As a Christian, you ought to look at things from the spiritual perspective, especially when you encounter circumstances that pose some serious challenges to your faith. Are you in a health situation, and you’ve done everything you know and the prognosis is still dim? Or in your finances you’ve applied all the strategies you know, but your situation seems to be worsening, and you’re wondering what next to do?

At such times, stand strong in faith. You have to realize that there’s an adversary who is all out to oppose the Gospel and try to hinder your effectiveness in the things of God. Ephesians 6:10-11 says, _*“…be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”*_ The wiles of the devil refer to the strategies of the devil. The Apostle Paul, here, wants you to know that there’s an enemy that is lying in wait, strategizing against you and the Church.

But to counter this enemy, he tells you to put on the whole armour of God, why? Because he knows that if you don’t put on the whole armour of God, you can’t face the adversary. The twelfth verse of the same chapter goes on to say, _*“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”*_ (Ephesians 6:12).

Something about this “wrestling” that you need to realize is that it’s not just a fight as in physical combat; rather, it’s the adversary trying to sway you from the right path through deception. But with the Word in your mouth and heart, you prevail always against the enemy. James 4:7 says, _*“…Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”*_

Revelation 12:11 shows how to resist him. It says, _*“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”*_ No matter what the enemy throws at you, stand strong in faith and use the all-powerful Name of Jesus to neutralize him. Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I give you thanks for the opportunity to be blessed by your precious Word today. I’m not ignorant of Satan’s devices and refuse to fall prey to them. I declare that Satan and all his cohorts of hell are under my feet, in Jesus’ mighty Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Hebrews 10:35-39
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

1 John 5:4
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 9 & Psalms 128-134

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Colossians 2:8-15 & Jeremiah 9

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

*JOIN THIS BANDWAGON*

Thursday, August 18th .
Pastor Chris

_*So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed (Acts 19:20).*_

The Bible tells us that Jesus ministered to multitudes when He walked the streets of Israel. On one occasion, He preached to a crowd on the shore of Lake Galilee and the Bible specifically records that a vast multitude of people pushed to get close to Him to hear the Word of God (Luke 5:1).

Jesus preached that the Kingdom of heaven had come and that they should repent from their sins and get into the Kingdom that He had come to set up (Mark 1:14-15). But instead of believing in Him and getting into His Kingdom, they rejected Him. He was crucified; albeit, it all fulfilled the plan and purpose of God.

Then came the apostles; they too went forth preaching that the Kingdom, which Jesus had come to set up, is real, and that Jesus is God’s Son, and that even though they crucified Him, God raised Him from the dead (Acts 2:22-24). They preached that Jesus is alive and that He’s been appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42). Hallelujah!

The first day that Peter would preach this message, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, the Bible says it was to a large crowd, and three thousand of them gave their hearts to Christ (Acts 2:41). The next time he preached, five thousand people gave their hearts to Christ (Acts 4:4). Afterwards, it became a multitude that believed (Acts 6:2). From a multitude, it became _*“...a great multitude…”*_ (Acts 14:1). Hallelujah!

It hasn’t changed in our day. We’re witnessing the greatest move of the Spirit in these last days. There’s been such unprecedented harvest of souls into the Kingdom, beyond what we’ve ever seen. The Word of God is growing mightily in the nations of the world and prevailing.

This devotional is one of the tools for reaching the whole world in an accountable way. It’s what God wants us to do and His grace is mighty upon us. Join the bandwagon of soul winners. You can sign up now at www.reachoutworld.org, if you haven’t done so already, and find out how you too can reach your estate, neighbourhood or community, where you live or do business, and the regions beyond.

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, you’ve sent us ahead of the coming of Christ to give the knowledge of salvation unto ALL people. I’m committed to preaching the Gospel today, taking your Word to the ends of the earth, teaching all nations the way of righteousness. You’ve given us the ticket to the whole world, and we’re impacting the nations with your truth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Matthew 24:14* And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. *||*

*||* *Matthew 28:19-20* Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. *||*

*||* *Daniel 12:3* And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan=>* 1 Corinthians 3 & Psalms 109-112

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan=>* Philippians 4:8-13 & Jeremiah 3.

ReachOut World | Reaching everyone, everywhere. ReachOut World: To spread the Gospel to the whole world using Rhapsody of Realities.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY 17TH AGAINST 2022

PST CHRIS

FIND OUT GOD’S PURPOSE

_For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them..._ (Ephesians 2:10 AMPC)

As one who’s born again, your life has been so excellently planned out and preordained by God. All He wants is that you follow the blueprint. For instance, marriage or bearing children, though of natural desire and blessing from God, are not necessarily God’s specific plan for everyone (Matthew 19:10-12; Isaiah 56:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-40). Also, preaching the Gospel everywhere is Christ’s general instruction to all Christians, but He has specific plans and can forbid you from doing so at certain places or times (Acts 16:6-10).

Some people have given birth to children that probably should never have been born. You may find this surprising, but if you study the Scriptures well enough, you’d understand. Someone might ask, *“Doesn’t the Bible say that children are the heritage of the Lord?”* That’s part of the reasons you must find out from Him if the one you’re bringing forth is from Him.

Some couples never asked God, *“Are we supposed to have children?”* They think once they marry, they must have children. Marriage isn’t necessarily for having children; that’s why it’s wise to pray and ask the Lord.

A lady had three children, but before they’d grow to be fifteen years, they died. You might wonder why God would allow her go through such an ordeal. But the question you’re not asking is, *“Were those children supposed to have come in the first place?”* We must learn, through the Spirit and the Word, the plan and purpose of God for our lives and how to walk therein.

There’re things that many people go ahead to do in life even though they aren’t part of God’s agenda for them. They want to live their lives for the joy of other people; they want certain jobs, professions or positions because others are pressuring them to. As in all things, God wants to guide you. Don’t think He’ll be mute if you ask Him; you’ll be amazed how fast and clearly He’ll speak to you and give you the guidance you need.

Never find yourself always insisting on what you want; ask God. You can be as happy as ever, fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. That’s the most important thing—discovering your purpose and fulfilling it.

PRAYER

Dear Father, bringing you glory and expressing your righteousness is my number one passion, pursuit, and purpose every day. I’m filled with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, pleasing you in all things, and doing the good works which you’ve prearranged for me ahead of time, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Hebrews 10:7
Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

Acts 26:16
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Colossians 4:17
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 2 & Psalms 107-108

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Philippians 4:1-7 & Jeremiah 2

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

*THE WORK, THE WAR AND THE WALK*

Tuesday, August 16th .
Pastor Chris

_*For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (2 Corinthians 10:4).*_

We have the work of Christianity, the war of Christianity, and the walk of Christianity. For the work of Christianity, the Lord has made tools available for us to effectively carry out His work. These tools are determined by the specific job description given for the work.

For instance, in reconciling men to God, we need to know where the people are and how to reach them. This clear description determines the kind of tools we use for our evangelical work, such as the different strategic outreaches we organize to reach people where they are, etc.

We’re in a spiritual warfare; we actively carry out onslaughts against the forces of darkness that try to resist us as we deliberately win souls into the Kingdom. Our tools or weapons of war are determined by the description and understanding of the adversary.

For example, the Bible clearly identifies for us the tools David used when he faced the giant, Goliath of Gath; they were a stone, a sling, and the words he spoke. Study the account; you’d see the spirituality of David’s action. The weapons or tools of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God in discomfiting the adversary (2 Corinthians 10:4).

However, for our Christian walk, which refers to the everyday activities of our Christian life through which we relate with one another and relate with God, we don’t need “tools.” When you’re born again, living the Christian life is the most natural thing to do with your new nature in Christ. It’s natural for us to walk in the light of who we are in Christ and in our heritage in Him.

Anything that makes you dependent on aids or “tools” is like “crutches” that a lame man needs to be able to move around. God doesn’t want you to live like that. It’s not His desire for you to depend on medications to stay alive. He wants you to live in divine health every day, just as He wants you to live in His righteousness and manifest His glory and wisdom everywhere. Praise God!

*CONFESSION*

*My life is the outworking of the Word. When I talk, it’s the Word; when I act, it’s the Word; I live out the Word in my daily walk. The Christian walk is my life; that’s the expression of my person. I work, war and walk according to the Word. Hallelujah! Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *1 Timothy 1:18* This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; *||*

*||* *James 1:23-25* For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. *||*

*||* *2 Corinthians 5:18-19* And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan=>* 1 Corinthians 1 & Psalms 104-106

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan=>* Philippians 3:13-21 & Jeremiah 1.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

SATURDAY 13TH AUGUST 20222

PST CHRIS

THE BIBLE ISN’T OLD-FASHIONED

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time_(1 John 2:18)

The Bible is facing a lot of attacks today from different quarters. We know that these attacks are inspired by the spirit of antichrist that’s already in the world: *“…and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world”* (1 John 4:3).

The spirit of antichrist is responsible for motivating different individuals and organizations to portray the Bible as untrustworthy and undependable. That’s the spirit that propels them to publish books and promote films that seek to discourage faith in the Bible.

2 John 1:7 says, *“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”* Some of these people surprisingly claim to be Christians. But remember that in the Book of Job, the sons of God, referring to angels, came to present themselves to God on a certain day, and Satan also came among them (Job 1:6). It’s still happening today.

When God’s children gather before the Lord in churches and fellowships, you’ll find others who join them that aren’t of God. These have opened themselves to be used by Satan to attack the Word of God so that people will lose faith in the Bible; but their efforts will fail as God’s people pray and preach the truth.

Don’t pay attention to those who say the Bible is old- fashioned and should be done away with. The Bible is still as relevant today as it was at any time in history. It’s God’s document of truth, and it’s trustworthy and dependable. Let your faith in it be unshakeable.

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the power of your Word, its consistency, reliability, dependability and trustworthiness from age to age, and its capacity and ability to take me through any situation in life victoriously. I’m a doer of your Word! As I look into the Word, I’m transfigured in the glory of the realities that I see: pictures and visions of glory, success and excellence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen._

FURTHER STUDY:

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: *17* That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

James 1:22-25
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23* For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: *24* For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. *25* But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Romans 15:5-13 & Psalms 94-98

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Philippians 2:12-18 & Isaiah 64

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

*HE PAID DEARLY FOR YOU*

Friday, August 12th .
Pastor Chris

_*Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18-19).*_

There’s no religion in the world that assures its adherents that they’re loved. Most religions generally preach judgment. They have no solution for sin. Some people classify Christianity as one of the many religions in the world, but they’re wrong. In Christianity, Jesus provided solution for sin. This He did by giving His life for all men.

Because of the vicarious death of Christ, we know how precious and valuable we are to God. He washed us from our sins in His own blood (Revelation 1:5) and made us righteous with His own righteousness (Romans 3:26, 5:1).

Jesus gave His own life to prove to us that God loves us as much as He loves Him (Jesus). He values us as much as He values Jesus. That means He thinks we’re important. Only a fool will pay something for nothing, and God is no fool. Therefore, never think you’re nothing; He paid so dearly for you. Know your value; you’re special.

In 2 Peter 1:4, the Bible describes us as partakers of the divine nature. In other words, we’re partners, comrades and associates of the God-kind! This means we belong to a heavenly pantheon. John 10:34 says, _*“Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods.”*_ Hallelujah! This is the reality.

You’re not supposed to live a beggarly life after Jesus has paid so much for you. When you pray, don’t pray like someone who is trying to get something from God. No! Nothing is too good for you. He already did, and gave, the best for you; He gave you ALL when He gave you Christ. Hallelujah!

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, it’s a delight to know that every soul on earth is valuable to you, because you saved all men by the precious blood of your Son, Jesus. Thank you for loving me and demonstrating your value for me by the price you paid for my salvation. I see others through your eyes of love, and reach out to them with the Good News of salvation, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *Luke 15:7 AMPC* Thus, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one [especially] wicked person who repents (changes his mind, abhorring his errors and misdeeds, and determines to enter upon a better course of life) than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance. *||*

*||* *John 3:16 AMPC* For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan=>* Romans 14-15:1-4 & Psalms 90-93

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan=>* Philippians 2:1-11 & Isaiah 63

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY 11TH AUGUST 2022

PST CHRIS

LISTEN TO WHAT YOU’RE SINGING

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him (John 4:23).

When people don’t understand the Scriptures, it shows in the songs they sing. Through the years, God’s people have sung many unscriptural songs that affected their emotions but hadn’t any true and lasting spiritual impact.

One of such songs is the hymn, “Fill my cup, Lord.” Many sing it with delight, yet they fail to ask themselves what they really mean when they ask the Lord to “fill their cup.” With what do they want Him to fill it? Another line of the song says, “Come and quench this thirsting of my soul….”

If you have Christ, you’ll never thirst again. Jesus said to the woman at the well, _*“…whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life”*_ (John 4:14). Those are the words of Jesus. So, how can you still be thirsty?

Then they sing, “Bread of Heaven, feed me ‘til I want no more….” How could that be? In John 6:35, Jesus declared, _*“...I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”*_ This makes it crystal clear that if you have Jesus, you’ll never hunger and thirst again.

People still sing such hymns because they don’t know. Psalm 82:5 says, _*“They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness….”*_ Don’t just sing a song because it sounds nice; listen to the words; be sure they’re consistent with the provisions of the Gospel of Christ.

The Lord Jesus is coming for a Church without spot, without wrinkle, without blemish or any such thing (Ephesians 5:27). And He says we should be no more children, tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14); but we should rather grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). So, when you sing in worship, let it be with the knowledge and understanding of the truth of God’s Word.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for filling me with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, to know and worship you in spirit and in truth. Your Word is the basis for my relationship with you; therefore, I’ll be diligent to make sure my songs of praise are consistent with your Word always, for your Word is truth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Colossians 1:9
For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

1 Chronicles 16:8-12
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

Psalm 66:1-4 NIV
Shout for joy to God, all the earth! 2 Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. 3 Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. 4 All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name."

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Romans 12:17-13:1-14 & Psalms 89

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Philippians 1:23-30 & Isaiah 62

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL ​​

WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2022

*! PST CHRIS

UNDERSTANDING THE GOSPEL

_For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…_ (Romans 1:16)

To walk in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel, you must first understand what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. That’s when you can really believe it. Proverbs 4:7 says, *“…with all thy getting get understanding.”* Understanding the Gospel is so important. Paul said, *“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”* (Romans 1:16).

So, what’s the Gospel? In a nutshell, it’s the Word of God concerning Jesus Christ: who He is and His mission; what He came to do. Having this understanding is imperative to living a consistently victorious Christian life.

Jesus told a parable of the sower that went forth to sow, and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside and the birds of the air came and picked them up. In His interpretation, Jesus said the seed is the Word of God. He went further to say that the seeds that fell by the wayside are those who hear the Word of God and don’t understand it; then Satan comes immediately and takes away the Word that was sown in their hearts (Mark 4:15). The Word actually got into their hearts, but because they lacked understanding, the devil took it away from them. You need to understand the message of the Gospel. Once you understand it, you’re set for life; you’ll never need *“another fire,”* because you’ve come to understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life.

No wonder the Spirit prays through Paul in Ephesians 1:18: *“that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened to know the hope of God’s calling, and the riches of the glory of His inheritance amongst them that are sanctified.”* Every so often, affirm that you have an understanding heart, and that the mysteries of the Gospel are unveiled to your spirit, and you walk in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel every day. Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for showing me the awesome power that’s wrapped up in the Gospel. Through your Word, I’ve discovered the glorious provisions I have in Christ Jesus! I’ve been born into glory, and I walk in victory today and always; and I’m inspired to share this Good News with everyone, in Jesus’ Name. Amen._

FURTHER STUDY:

Romans 1:16 AMPC
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God’s power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek,

2 Timothy 1:8-10
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; *9* Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, *10* But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Romans 12:1-16 & Psalms 85-88

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Philippians 1:15-22 & Isaiah 61

*RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

*PRAYING IN LINE WITH HIS DESIRE*

Tuesday, August 9th .
Pastor Chris

_*And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us (1 John 5:14 AMPC).*_

Sometimes people pray, “Father, let your will be done,” without realizing the import of this statement. It isn’t one to be made casually. You don’t just say, “Thy will be done”; you have to know what that will is. When Jesus prayed and said the same words, He knew exactly what the Father’s will was and He mentioned it.

There’s a difference between a will and a desire. The fact that something is God’s will at a particular point in time doesn’t mean it may be His desire. I’ll give you an example from the Bible. In Isaiah 38, the Bible tells a story about King Hezekiah who was sick. The Prophet Isaiah was sent to him by God to tell him to set his house in order because he was going to die. At that moment, God stated His clear will for King Hezekiah’s life.

After receiving this message from the prophet, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to God, weeping. The Bible says, _*“Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, go, and say to Hezekiah, thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years”*_ (Isaiah 38:4-5). Praise God!

When Hezekiah was told he was going to die, if he had replied, “Thy will be done O Lord,” he would have died. But he knew that wasn’t God’s desire for him. He knew God created him for His praise. So, in his prayer, he said to the Lord, “…the dead cannot celebrate you. Only the living can praise you as I do this day” (Isaiah 38:18-19).

When you’re praying about the will of God on a matter, find out how consistent that thing is with His character. Only then will you know how best to pray about it. For instance, in the Old Testament, God led the children of Israel in several battles and fought wars on their behalf, yet the Bible tells us He’s a God of peace. He’s more known as the God of peace than any other name in the Bible. This shows us His desire; what He really wants is peace, not war. This kind of understanding will help you pray always in line with His desires as revealed in His Word.

*PRAYER*

*Dear Father, I’m inspired by the truth of your Word, your love and your eternal kindness which communicates your desire for us to prosper and be in health even as our souls prosper. Even now, I’m strengthened in my confidence to pray, knowing that it’s your delight to hear and answer my prayers. My joy is full today, confident of your love and power at work in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.*

*FURTHER STUDY:* *||* *1 Peter 3:12* For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil. *||*

*||* *Romans 8:26-27* Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. *||*

*||* *Luke 22:41-44* And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. *||*

*DAILY SCRIPTURE READING*

*1-Year Bible Reading Plan=>* Romans 11:25-36 & Psalms 82-84

*2-Year Bible Reading Plan=>* Philippians 1:9-14 & Isaiah 60.