Rhapsody of Realities November 29th 2024. STAY ENCOURAGED AND PRESS ON

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD

I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy (Romans 11:11).

In your efforts to win souls, disciple new converts and bring them to church, there’re those who may never accept your message or agree to join your local fellowship; don’t be discouraged. Take a cue from how God dealt with the world. First, Jesus took His message to the Jews, His own people, for He came from among them. He brought them the message of the Kingdom but they rejected Him. What did He do? He then took the message to the Gentiles—to the rest of the world. And even today, many continue to receive that message.

Paul experienced the same thing. As a Jew, he first preached to the Jews, but they argued with him and rejected his message even though he was one of them. They knew him as the man who once persecuted Christians, and when he turned to Christ, they wouldn’t listen to him. Many of them even turned against him. But Paul didn’t let that stop him.

When the Jews wouldn’t accept his message, he turned to the Gentiles and had great success. Your focus should be on those who are open to receive the Gospel. Luke captured some of these. In Acts 13:46, for example, the Bible says, “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” 

Also, Acts 18:6 tells us, “And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.” Apply the same principle. Don’t allow those who reject your message to determine the condition of your spirit or your mood. Pray for them, intercede on their behalf, but don’t let their rejection control your heart. Focus on winning others. 

As you succeed in reaching more people, one day, those who rejected your message will be provoked by your success and drawn to Christ, just as the Bible tells us that the Jews will be provoked by the salvation of the Gentiles and eventually believe in Jesus Christ. Stay encouraged and press on; keep your focus on the mission, knowing that as you prosper in the work of the Lord, others will be drawn to your light.

Prayer / Confession

Dear Father, I thank you for the wisdom of your Word that guides me to focus on reaching more and more people with the Gospel. Even now, many are drawn to your message of salvation and are converted and established in your Word as your children minister the Gospel around the world today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further study

Matthew 10:14-15; Acts 13:46; Acts 18:6 NKJV

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Daily Affirmations:

There’s no death in my life, family, finances, business, or job because the One in me is greater. I am a life-giving spirit and everything I touch or connect to receives life. Christ’s glory is manifested in my body as I flourish in divine health every day of my life. I live above sickness and disease. My life is excellent and full of glory. I walk in, and manifest, the dominion of Christ today. My life is the revelation of the graces and realities of God’s Word! I live triumphantly over sickness, disease, Satan, and the systems of this world. I live the supernatural life; a life of victory, glory, peace, and dominion. I’ve passed from death to life, from sin to righteousness, and from sickness to health.

I am of God. I live in the ageless and deathless zone. I have eternal life; therefore, no disease or infection can fasten itself to my body. I do not suffer from diseases of old age, for I am renewed daily by the Word. I am bursting forth in divine health always. I have the eternal life of God; therefore, I am not affected by anything that hurts. My life is a life of ever-increasing glory and peace. There is no turmoil here because I flourish in God’s rest. I am not a victim of circumstance but an absolute victor in Christ Jesus. God’s Word is producing what it talks about in my life. God’s Word is alive in me; therefore, I cannot die. Every time I receive the Word of God, it goes into my spirit and permeates my body.

Christ is made unto me wisdom. In him, I have access to all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Therefore, I have limitless wisdom. I am prudent. I have knowledge of witty inventions. I am skillful, proficient and knowledgeable. I devise the best solutions in every circumstance. I have discretion. Counsel is mine. I am full of sound wisdom. I have sound knowledge and understanding. I have strength, might, and power. I speak excellent and princely things. I have an understanding heart. The opening of my lips is for the right things. My words are all righteous. I speak the truth always. God has given me wisdom. There is nothing I cannot handle. I have a wise and discerning heart. Christ is my excellent wisdom. Everything that concerns me prospers exceedingly in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Speak in tongues.