Saturday Rhapsody Of Realities - He's Personal With You When He Speaks

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks (Acts 9:4–5).

Wednesday Rhapsody Of Realities - It's To Your Advantage

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Our opening verse shows that no matter what happens in life, you can never be disadvantaged. This is the heritage of the new creation in Christ: It’s not an assumption; the knowledge is definite and for certain that all things work together for good to them that love God. That’s why you ought to count it all joy when you go through diverse tests, trials, and persecutions, because the result is obvious! It would turn out to your advantage.

Tuesday Rhapsody Of Realities - It's Based On Who You Are!

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? (Luke 13:16).

Our authority and superiority over Satan and the cohorts of darkness is based on who we are: the seed of Abraham; associates of the God-kind (2 Peter 1:4). We’re not using our own authority against the devil, we’re using the authority given to us by Jesus Christ Himself! Moreover, He didn’t say if you have faith you can cast out devils; He didn’t base it on any condition, but on who you are: a new creation in Christ.

Theresa May Proposes Even Tougher Rules For Student Visas

                            

Theresa May is considering even tougher restrictions for international students, following the Home Office's decision to give overseas graduates the boot.

The home secretary is floating plans to tighten visa rules for foreign students, meaning they would be required to have even more financial savings when they arrive in the UK.

According to BBC Newsnight, May wrote a confidential letter to fellow ministers arguing universities should "develop sustainable funding models that are not so dependent on international students".

A message from the U.S. Department of Religion to Christians

Following the recent Supreme Court rulings, many Christians have expressed fear that they will be prohibited from practicing their religion by the United States government.We wish to reassure you, that is not the case. The U.S. government is committed to the free exercise of religion, provided it does not promote hate speech or violate anyone’s right not to be offended. For the purposes of this document, “hate speech” is defined as any utterance that does not conform to the Executive Branch’s stated positions on issues of concern to the general public.

Saturday Rhapsody Of Realities - Adopt The Praise Strategy

And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city (Joshua 6:16).

In the verse above, we observe a strategy of the Spirit given to the children of Israel to take over Jericho. The strategy was very specific. There was a time when the victory strategy was for Moses’ hands to be up, for them to defeat Amalek. But this time, it was different. God told them to go round the city of Jericho six days, once every day.

Festival Of Life Manchester!

Festival of Life is an event that aims to bring together people from across the country with the hope of bringing about a change in our churches and communities through prayer, the Word and encouragement. Every year, the programme which takes place in London, North of England and Wales, draws in the region of 50,000 people. Festival of Life is a lively event with people who engage in an awesome time of worship, teaching of the Word and prayers.

Festival of Life usually has a very wide variety of individuals and groups that feature drama, dance, music and guest speakers.

It is happening in Manchester tomorrow and you can't afford to miss it. Be there.

Theme: Everlasting Father Date: 17th July 2015.

Venue: EventCity The Trafford Centre, Off Barton Dock Road, Trafford Park, Manchester. M41 7TB.

Time: Doors open at 7pm and Programme starts at 8pm

Host: Pastor E. A. Adeboye with other men of God.

Thursday Rhapsody Of Realities - Light Gives Direction

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalms 119:105).

The Psalmist used the words, “feet,” and “path,” in the verse above to express certain key points. God’s Word is a lamp unto your feet to walk or chart your course through this world. Secondly, he’s telling you about the path in which you tread. The Word is a light that gives direction and keeps your path illuminated so that you aren’t confused about where you’re going.

Pastor Jailed After Refusing To Marry Gay Couple

A pastor at the Christian Proctor Church in Vermont, USA, has been sentenced to one year in federal prison after refusing to marry gay couples, according to NBC. This comes shortly after the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision ruling that states must allow gay-marriage.

The Christian Pastor, 56-year-old Paul Horner, had his lawyer speak to reporters on his behalf.

Tuesday Rhapsody Of Realities - His Glory In Your Spirit

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Romans 8:30).

Monday Open Heavens Devotional - Fasting Is Relevant

Memorise: In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 2nd Corinthians 11:27

Monday Rhapsody Of Realities - The Ultimate Deliverer

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time (1 Timothy 2:5–6).

The word “Christ” is the English form of the Greek “Christos,” and the Hebrew, “Messiah.” Messiah means “the God-man deliverer.”

Foreign students will be banned from working and forced to leave the UK

Foreign students are to be banned from working in Britain under a fresh crackdown on immigration ordered by Home Secretary Theresa May.

When courses finish they will have to leave the country before reapplying to return for a job.

Ministers say the new rules, which will apply to all those from outside the European Union, will stop colleges being used as a 'back door to a British work visa'.

Saturday Open Heavens Devotional - Connecting Destiny Helpers

MEMORISE: My help cometh from the LORD, which made heavens and earth. Psalm 121:2.

READ: 1 Samuel 10:3-4.
3.Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and
there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Beth-el, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine: 4.And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.

Saturday Rhapsody Of Realities - Honouring God's Ministers

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13).

There’re truths in the Word of God for us to discover and apply in our personal lives; otherwise, you’ll never walk in the blessings they bring. One of them is honouring those whom God has set above you, and are responsible for your spiritual growth.

Thursday Rhapsody Of Realities - Know The Scriptures For Yourself

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified (Acts 20:32).

The Apostle Paul wrote some very inspiring, but instructive words to Timothy, a young man who was nurtured in spiritual things from childhood: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).

Wednesday Rhapsody Of Realities - Look To Jesus

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…(Hebrews 12:2).

The Gospel is about what Jesus already did for you and in you. He died a vicarious death for you, and was raised back to life for your justification—now you’ve been declared righteous. All He’s asking of you now is to fix your gaze on these realities in His Word; accept what He’s done. Don’t look at yourself; look at Him; He’s the author and “perfecter” of your faith.

Tuesday Rhapsody Of Realities - Be Hospitable And Kindhearted

Let love for your fellow believers continue {and} be a fixed practice with you [never let it fail].Do not forget {or} neglect {or} refuse to extend hospitality to strangers [in the brotherhood–being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:1–2 AMP).

Monday Rhapsody Of Realities - Satan Is Not An Illusion

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven (Luke 10:18).

It’s unfortunate that some people don’t believe there’s an adversary called Satan, the devil. Some people don’t even want to talk about him; they say, “There’s no devil,” trying hard to convince themselves in their delusion. Jesus didn’t deny the existence of Satan, though He emphasized his defeat and our triumph over him.

Monday Open Heavens Devotional - The Price Must Be Paid

Memorise: There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua 1:5

Monday Seeds Of Destiny - The Power Of His Presence

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. - Exodus 33:14. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If God is present, it does not matter who is absent, life is complete. 

The understanding of the power of God’s Presence is needed for the maximization of life and destiny. 

Sunday Open Heavens Daily Devotional - Satan Targets The Holy

Memorise: Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. Acts 12:1

Sunday Rhapsody Of Realities: Soul Winning—A Compulsion—Not A Choice!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).

As a Christian, preaching the Gospel isn’t something you choose to do or not to do; you’re called to a life of soul-wining; it’s your primary responsibility on earth. 2 Corinthians 5:18 says God has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation. The ministry of the Gospel has been committed to your trust. So, fulfil your ministry in the Gospel.

Skirts ban for pupils to stop male staff blushing!

Uniform: Pupils Isabel Cartwright, 15, left, and Charlotte Vila-Watkiry, 15,
dressed in the skirt and trousers allowed under the current school rules

A school has banned pupils from wearing skirts because they are 'distracting male teachers and pupils'.

Trentham High School, in Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire, has ordered that all students now wear the same style of 'business-like' trousers to stop pupils coming to lessons in clothing that 'barely covers their bottoms'.

Headmistress Dr Rowena Blencowe said she has been forced to introduce the new rules because staff have started spending more time telling pupils to roll down their skirts than teaching. Male members of staff were embarrassed at having to tell girls at the 750-pupil mixed secondary to stop rolling up their waistbands to make their skirts even shorter, she said.

Girls at Trentham High School, are currently allowed to wear black trousers or black knee-length skirts with black tights. From September, they will be sent home if they are not wearing 'business-like trousers'.

Year 10 pupil Katie Palmer, 15, said: 'It looks really good and it's practical. Most of my fiends are not fussed about it'. But mum-of-two Janet Thomson, 40, thinks that banning skirts is nothing short of 'draconian'.

I think we need to start taking responsibility for what happens in our society and use every available means to bring sanity in the system. What is your view on this?

Source: Metro Friday, July 3, 2015.

Woman resigns rather than issue gay marriage licence in the US

                                    

Linda Barnette has issued marriage licenses in Grenada County, Missisipi for 24yrs. On Tuesday June 30th, she resigned rather than issue gay marriage licenses, writing in her letter of resignation;

"I choose to obey God rather than man. I am a follower of Christ and I believe strongly that the Bible is my final authority. The Bible teaches that a marriage is to be between a man and a woman. Therefore, because of the recent ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court, I can no longer fulfill my duties as Circuit Clerk and issue marriage licenses to same sex couples."

“I told my supervisors a while back if it happened, I would tender my resignation. I had already decided in my heart that I could not issue marriage licenses to same sex couples. It’s my Christian belief. As a follower of Christ, I could not do it. The Bible teaches it is contrary to His plan.” she told a Fox News reporter.

Saturday Open Heavens Devotional - The Anointing Speaks

MEMORISE: But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 1st John 2:27

Saturday Rhapsody Of Realities - Listen To Him In Your Spirit!

And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not (Genesis 28:16).

Friday Open Heavens Devotional - Prayer Can Subdue People

Memorise: He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. Psalm 47:3.

Friday Rhapsody Of Realities - Speak The Word...Speak Wisdom!

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit, which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:12–13).