Rhapsody of Realities August 28th 2025, USE THE SHIELD OF FAITH

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16).

There are times when troubling thoughts may run through the mind, creating feelings of distress and agitation. Some people think they’re just being emotional when this happens. But what they don’t realize is that the enemy often seeks to take advantage of their emotions by bombarding their minds with negative thoughts. These are fiery darts and missiles.

When such negative emotions, resulting from negative thoughts are left unchecked, they could soon lead to anxiety and despondency. These are signs that the adversary is attempting to create turmoil through the mind. But Ephesians 6:16 says, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

At such moments when you find yourself wrestling with thoughts of gloom, use your shield of faith. Actively vocalize the Word of God. Remember, faith must be vocalized and put to work. You ought to declare, “I refuse to be anxious, fretful, nervous or apprehensive. I’m born of God and have overcome Satan, the world and its negative and debilitating effects.”

If you don’t actively use your faith against the missiles the enemy throws at your mind, the attacks may extend from the mind to the body. It’s the reason you must be quick to use the Word to cut out and expel all negative thoughts and wicked imaginations. Declare that your spirit, soul, body and mind belong to the Lord and are thus sanctified by the Spirit.

Your bold, faith-filled declarations put you over and above every assault of the adversary. The shield of faith quenches all the fiery darts of the wicked. Henceforth, if terrible thoughts come to your mind or something unusual appears in your body, maybe it’s a swelling, a hardening or any abnormality, kill it with your faith-filled words. Your words are not ordinary.

The Bible talks about the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word or “Rhema” (Greek) of God (Ephesians 6:17). “Rhema” is the spoken Word, the Word of God that you speak forth. So, when you face challenges, refuse to fret or be moved; rather, declare your victory in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ….” This is the victorious life in Christ; we use the Word against the enemy. We’re triumphant by the Spirit through our faith-filled words. Glory to God!

PRAYER
*Dear Father, thank you for the shield of faith by which I quench every fiery dart of the enemy. I’m triumphant by the Spirit through my faith-filled confessions. I’m sanctified and vitalized to walk in victory, strength and divine health, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
‭‭2 Corinthians 10:4-5 KJV
(For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

‭‭Proverbs 4:20-23
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they [are] life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.

‭‭Ephesians 6:13-18 KJV
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Corinthians 12 & Psalms 146-150

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
Luke 19:20-27 & 1 Samuel 16

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS:

I live in health, wealth, and prosperity all the days of my life. I live a great life—a life free of pain and anything associated with darkness, because I am born of the light of God’s Word. My whole body is full of life. There’s no trace of sickness, disease, or infirmity in me. I walk in God’s plans and provisions for me. The life of God in me is not susceptible to sickness. Every fiber of my being, every cell of my blood, and every bone of my body works perfectly! God wants me to prosper and dwell in health even as my soul prospers. Therefore, my body, my soul, and everything about me conform to God’s will. I live in God’s deathless zone, walking in the light of His Word.

I live the glorious life in Christ, now and always. I take complete charge over my life as I proclaim the Name of Jesus in my health and everything that concerns me or is connected to me. I celebrate the triumphant life that the birth, sacrificial death, and resurrection of Jesus have given to me. I celebrate the divine life in me, which is far above sickness and all the corrupting influences of the world. I am born of God’s Spirit; I have the very life and nature of my heavenly Father. I am not ordinary, for I am of the uninfectible breed that doesn’t get sick. When men are cast down by sicknesses, diseases, and infirmities, there is lifting for me because I operate by the principles of God’s Kingdom. I have been authorized to reign and rule in life.

The good life of victory, dominion, and perfect health characterizes my daily life because my mind continually stays on the Word. I am fully fortified with the whole armor of God. No evil can come near me. I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. My faith prevails over all the enemy’s fiery darts of sickness, disease, and wickedness. I affirm that my whole being is saturated with light. I radiate God’s glory with health, success, prosperity, and excellence. The Lord God is mighty in me. He has blessed me with everlasting life—a life of grace, truth, and agelessness. My life is ever-increasing in glory and peace in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen! Speak in tongues.