RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME Dsc. Dsc. DD. SUNDAY JUNE 08 2025 A CUE FROM DAVID Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37). 1 Samuel 17 tells us how the Israelites were embroiled in conflict with the Philistines, a prominent enemy nation. The Philistines had gathered a formidable army and their champion, Goliath, stood defiantly, challenging the Israelites to send out a warrior to face him in single combat. For forty days, Goliath taunted and mocked the Israelite soldiers. The Israelite army found themselves petrified by dread at the thought of confronting Goliath. But in the midst of this dire situation, young David, a stripling, not qualified to be in the army, arrived at the front lines and heard Goliath’s taunts echoing in the valley. Incensed by the giant’s defiance against Israel and its God, David began to inquire about the situation and what would be done for the man who killed the Philistine champion. However, David’s inquiries were met with scepticism from his oldest brother, Eliab, who questioned his motives. “Why did you come down here?” Eliab demanded. His words dripped with contempt, suggesting that David was merely a shepherd and naive for thinking he could challenge Goliath. Undeterred by Eliab’s reproach, David continued to make inquiries until he was brought before King Saul. There, he confidently recounted his experiences as a shepherd: "...I've been a shepherd, tending sheep for my father. Whenever a lion or bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I'd go after it, knock it down, and rescue the lamb. If it turned on me, I'd grab it by the throat, wring its neck, and kill it. Lion or bear, it made no difference--I killed it. And I'll do the same to this Philistine pig who is taunting the troops of God-Alive" (1 Samuel 17:34-36 MSG). What a response David gave! David didn’t argue with Eliab or try to prove himself. Instead, he calmly shared his testimony of God’s faithfulness. By doing so, he shifted the focus from his brother’s cynicism to God’s power working through him. Of course, David defeated Goliath, decapitated him, and walked through the streets holding the giant’s head. Summarily, no one dared to challenge him anymore. His victory spoke louder than any words ever could. Always remember David’s example when doubters and detractors try to talk you down. Stay focused on your calling and your assignment. Trust in God’s grace and ability at work in you, and your victories will silence your hecklers. PRAYER / CONFESSION Dear Father, thank you for the wisdom and boldness you’ve given me. I refuse to be intimidated by opposition or the voices of doubt and unbelief, for the greater One lives in me. I take on challenges with the assurance of victory, for you have made me more than a conqueror. My success and exploits silence every opposition, and through me, your glory is revealed, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. *FURTHER STUDY* 1 Samuel 17:45-47 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands. 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN John 21:1-25; 1 Chronicles 26-29 2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Mark 15:33-47; Deuteronomy 6 👇👇👇 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaLuHv58F2p8EoYuga1t 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 We trust you have been blessed by this devotional. We invite you to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life by praying this: “𝐎 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐝, 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐒𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐨𝐝. 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐇𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐦 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝. 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐇𝐞’𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞, 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞; 𝐈’𝐦 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥! 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝. 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐣𝐚𝐡!” Congratulations! You are now a child of God. God bless you. |❤️ Like||💬 Comment||🔄 Share||