Rhapsody of Realities August 14th 2025, IT’S NOT A MATTER OF CONVENIENCE

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).

The Bible strongly enjoins that we take our physical presence, our onsite attendance in church services, very seriously. Those who don’t heed this admonition are in error and not to be emulated. Many have become so used to participating in services online and have lost sight of the original purpose of online church meetings; they’re not meant to replace your physical presence in the church at the times you’re supposed to be there.

The provision of online platforms for church services was never intended to be a matter of convenience but a necessity for those who, due to circumstances that may be beyond their immediate control, are unable to attend in person. It is not meant for those who simply do not “feel” like going to church but for those who truly can’t for one reason or the other.

Therefore, whenever you’re able to be physically present in church, you must go. If you travel out of the location where your home church is, perhaps for business or for other reasons and there’s no church in the town or city you travelled to, then it’s understandable to join your home church service online.

But if there’s a branch of your church there, you should go and introduce yourself and join the Christians there in fellowship. Pastors should encourage their members to attend the church in the city they travel to rather than simply logging in online. Telling members to only connect online when a local church is available is not the right approach. If the nearest church is too far, that is understandable.

But even in such cases, we should be proactive in establishing new churches. Many new branches for many churches began because members, upon finding no existing branch of their church in a city they travelled to, started one. The next time they or others visited that location, a church was now in place.

We must not become complacent and turn the online solution into a tool of convenience. The gathering of Christians in fellowship is vital, and whenever possible, every Christian should be physically present in church.
CONFESSION
I refuse to neglect the assembling of myself with other Christians, knowing that in our gathering, there is an impartation of grace, strength and wisdom. I walk in wisdom, and as I honour the structure and order the Lord has set in His Church, there are increased manifestations of God’s blessings in my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
‭‭Hebrews 10:25 CEV
Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.

‭‭Acts 2:42 KJV
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

‭‭Psalm 122:1 KJV
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

‭‭Matthew 18:20 KJV
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Romans 15:14-33 & Psalms 99-101

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
Luke 16:1-12 & Ruth 1-2

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS:

I am a tree planted by the rivers of water. I bring forth my fruits and my leaves shall never run dry. I am furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation. Everything required for life and godliness is present in me. There’s order and grace in my life. I will never go down. When men are cast down, I will always be lifted. I have overcome the world and its limitations. My spirit is open to infinite possibilities, as far as my eyes can see, as much as my heart can contain. The Lord has set infinity and eternity in my heart. I can see, and I see far. I see greatness. My vision is lifted, and my capacity is expanded. I bask in the provisions of Christ for my life, health, and all that concerns me.

The grace of God is working in me mightily. I have the power of promotion and unending success. I enjoy an extraordinary life of excellence, victory, and dominion. I am loaded with good things, and my life is like a city that is set on a hill that can not be hidden. I am visible. I illuminate my world. In my path are life, health, blessings, peace, and prosperity. The Lord has magnified me and increased my greatness. The Holy Spirit shows me the secrets of life. He shows me how to produce wealth, to make profit and how to stay in wealth and health. I am excellent and full of glory. I am the glorious and the Lord’s delight. Goodness and mercy follow me everywhere I go, and I have the supernatural grace to excel in all endeavours today and always.

I am vibrant and spirited because I enjoy divine health every day, all year round. I do not wane with age; rather, my strength is renewed daily like that of an eagle. I have entered into the zone of agelessness, deathlessness, and wantlessness. God’s divine nature takes absolute preeminence over my spirit, soul, and body. I refuse to let any contrary condition take root in me or affect anything that concerns me. I fear no adversary, for Christ has already obtained victory over the enemy and all his strategies. My body is a reflection of the beauty and perfection of God because I am His glory. I endlessly flourish in health, abundance, prosperity, and supernatural favour. I am always making progress because the God-life in me has fashioned me for a life of perpetual victory and glory in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Speak in tongues.