2093
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 20TH JUNE 2024
BEYOND AN EXPERIENCE
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Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you tell the natural man or those who are unlearned in the things of God, “I'm born again,” they think it’s just another religious cliché that suggests you just had a new experience. Some even think being born again means to turn over a new leaf or make new resolutions to be a better person. No!
Being born again is not an experience, and it’s beyond these outward expressions. When you're born again, you don't essentially “experience” a thing; rather, “you” are the experience; you happened. You came to be, as it were.
It’s like when a baby is born; you don't say, “Oh, this baby has had an experience”; no! It's the baby that happened, and everyone rejoices because the baby has come on the scene. Therefore, being born again is that you were dead but have come alive; you're alive now.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:1, "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." Also, he said in Colossians 2:13, "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses." The word “quicken” means “to come alive.”
Interestingly, being born again means you don't have a past, so you can’t say, “something happened to me.” The old “you” died in Christ, and the new “you” has the resurrection life. It’s not the same person that died in Christ that’s alive now. That’s why the Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your “past” has ceased to exist; buried with Jesus, and backdated to Calvary.
So from the moment you’re born again, you’re like a new born baby before God. That’s why the Bible says in 1 Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” The one who’s born again is enjoined to learn and keep growing in the knowledge of the Word. God’s Word builds you and transforms your life from glory to glory
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for my new life in Christ; your divine nature in me has made me a master over circumstances, with dominion over the systems of this world. I’m growing unto maturity by the Word. My spirit is built up strong and educated as I study and meditate on God’s Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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2 Corinthians 5:17; Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1 Peter 2:2 NIV; Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
Romans 6:4; Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 9:1-31 & 2 Chronicles 35-36
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 6:11-18 & Isaiah 7
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 18TH JUNE 2024
ABSOLUTE DOMINION OVER ALL DEVILS
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Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).
Pastor Chris Says
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In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul unveils the reality of the spiritual warfare we are engaged in and describes the hierarchy of demoniacal forces. We’re up against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).
Observe it says spiritual wickedness in high places, not “wicked spirits in high places.” All of those listed are also wicked spirits, but some demons are more wicked than others. However, it makes no difference the hierarchy of demons and how wicked they’re described; they’re all under your feet, including their boss—Satan, himself!
You have superior authority in the spiritual because you function in and by the Name of Jesus Christ. You live and function in the Kingdom of light where Satan has no rights. You live in the victory and authority of Jesus Christ.
You have something that the devils can’t withstand— the Name of Jesus. Use it, and triumph gloriously, always! Exercise your dominion in Christ and cast out devils everywhere. Take charge of your nation, city, town and environment. Take charge of your life. Refuse to allow Satan run rampage in your home. You’re superior to him and his cohorts of hell; Jesus gave you absolute dominion over them. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S IO N
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I live and function in the Kingdom of light, with authority over Satan and the cohorts of darkness. I’ve been vested with all power and authority to subdue and decimate satanic forces and activities. I speak in the authority of Jesus even now, and declare that God’s will, plans and purposes for the nations of the world are established; His righteousness rules in men’s hearts and God’s Kingdom is established in the earth, and in the hearts of men, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Mark 16:17; And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Matthew 10:7-8; And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
[8] Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Luke 10:17-19; And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
[18] And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
[19] Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 7:54-8:1-8 & 2 Chronicles 31-32
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 & Isaiah 4
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
SUN. 16TH JUNE 2024
OUR PRIMARY PURPOSE
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And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).
Pastor Chris Says
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God raised us for a purpose; He didn't leave us here on earth to simply wait until His return, doing nothing. Our primary purpose is to share His message with others while we grow in grace, knowledge and character. We’re here to carry out His mandate; to ensure the Gospel is preached in all the earth and that it impacts every man, woman, boy and girl.
He said in Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” The Gospel has been committed to your trust. You have a personal responsibility for the Gospel.
The Lord Jesus gave the great commission in Mark 16:15 as we read in our opening scripture. He said, “… Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” The question is, can He rely on you to accomplish it? Your driving force and purpose should revolve around promoting the Gospel and spreading the knowledge of salvation throughout the earth.
Consider your role in your office, place of work or business as that of an ambassador of Christ; a custodian of the Gospel. I love the way the Apostle Paul personalized it in 1 Timothy 1:11; he said, “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”
Notice that he didn’t say, “…which was committed to our trust.” He understood the preaching of the Gospel as his primary purpose. That’s how it ought to be. God intends to use you as a vessel to impact the lives of all those around you and beyond. You’re His partner in spreading the good news of His saving power to the ends of the earth.
Like the Apostle Paul, let’s all feel the weight of this responsibility, understanding that preaching the Gospel is not merely an option but a necessity: “…necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the renewed passion in my spirit for spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. I’m an effective minister of reconciliation, spreading the message of salvation with zeal and dedication. Thank you for your wisdom at work in me and the effectual working of your power as I reach others with the Gospel, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Matthew 28:19-20; Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16:15; And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Acts 1:8; But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 6:1-15 & 2 Chronicles 26-28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 & Isaiah 2
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
[20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 4:32-5:1-11 & 2 Chronicles 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 3:11-18 & Songs Of Solomon 7-8
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 13TH JUNE 2024
BEING IN A LOCAL CHURCH IS SACROSANCT
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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).
Pastor Chris Says
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There’s a subtle but dangerous movement orchestrated by Satan to diminish the importance of church membership. The notion that one can serve God without being a part of a church community is a deceptive ploy aimed at pulling Christians away from the security and support systems established by God for families.
In God's design, children are placed under the care of tutors and governors until they mature to a certain level. In Galatians 4:1-2, for example, Paul explains, "Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child…is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father."
Likewise, churches serve as spiritual families where you’re nurtured and guided in your Christian walk. Rejecting the importance of church membership exposes individuals to satanic attacks, as they lack the protective covering provided within the church community.
It is crucial not to heed the voices of ignorance or those influenced by Satan, seeking to undermine the work of God through His established structures. These structures are ordained for the edification and training of God's people in their Christian walk.
God’s design isn’t for you to merely participate in multiple churches online or via television. He doesn’t want you hopping from one congregation to another without commitment either. Such practice leads to spiritual instability and undermines the unity and accountability found in local church fellowship.
Never be conditioned to forsake church attendance. Remain vigilant and educate others about the importance of active participation in a local church for spiritual growth and protection. In Hebrews 10:25 the Spirit warns us not to abandon or relegate church attendance as some are in the habit of doing.
Being an integral, committed member of a local church is sacrosanct. David understood this and sang of its amazing blessings in Psalm 122:1-4, saying, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.”
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I recognise the Church as the pillar and ground of truth. I value and actively engage in the fellowship and teaching provided by the Church; thus, I’m edified, instructed, built up and nurtured unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Hebrews 10:25 AMPC; Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.
Ephesians 4:11-13; And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
[13] till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
1 Timothy 3:15; But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 4:1-31 & 2 Chronicles 16-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 3:1-10 & Songs Of Solomon 5-6
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 11TH JUNE 2024
BRING FORTH GOOD THINGS
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That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus (Philemon 1:6).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says in Matthew 12:35, “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” The good things you’re expecting to happen are actually inside you; bring them forth.
There’s no point praying, “Oh Lord, please bless my business. Please give my family more favour.” No! He already did everything He was supposed to do. The Bible says, “…the works were finished from the foundation of the world” (Hebrews 4:3). Just enter into that which was written concerning you.
The Bible talks about good things that are in you in Christ Jesus: “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus” (Philemon 1:6).
What God expects is for you to step into that which has been written concerning you by declaring, “I have only good things inside me. From within me, I produce good things, so I’m a package of good things. When I arrive, good things start happening. If they were already happening, I bring in additional ones.” Think like this and practise it because it’s the truth. Glory to God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I bring forth good things today from within me, and in all that I do, I exude excellence, perfection and righteousness. I have insight into mysteries and secrets as I bring forth creative ideas and divine prosperity from within, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Matthew 5:16; Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 12:35; A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Ephesians 2:10; For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 2:22-47 & 2 Chronicles 8-11
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 2:1-7 & Songs Of Solomon 1-2
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 9TH JUNE 2024
THE ETERNAL NATURE OF HIS MINISTRY
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I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye (Psalm 32:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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If Moses, David, Isaiah, Job, King Solomon, Micah, or any of the prophets of old were to show up on the scene today, what will they say to us? If the apostles Peter, Paul, James or John were to appear to you today to minister to you, what would they say?
I can tell you what they would say to you. They would say to you exactly what's in their writings. They wouldn't say anything more because their ministries were sealed with those writings. They can't add to it. But with the Lord Jesus, it’s different.
The difference with Jesus is that His death didn't end or seal His ministry. He arose and continued His ministry till this day. So, if the Lord Jesus were to appear to you today, He could say new things, but they'll be consistent with what He already said. In John 16:12-15, He said, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”
The difference between the Lord Jesus and the prophets and apostles of old is the eternal nature of His ministry. He sent the Holy Spirit to continue His ministry among us. His words possess an eternal relevance that transcends time and circumstances. He said of the Holy Spirit, “He shall take of mine and show it to you.”
The Holy Spirit imparts the essence of Jesus' ministry to us, teaching us, speaking to us, and guiding us into all truth. This divine partnership ensures that the extraordinary ministry of the Lord Jesus endures in us, through us and among us, even in this present age. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the eternal nature of your ministry. I discern your voice amidst the clamour of the world, and I yield myself to the Holy Spirit, who guides me into deeper revelation of your truth. I’m indeed a conduit of your love and grace as you continue to transform and impact lives through me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 16:13 AMPC; But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].
John 14:26 AMPC; But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 1:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 1-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 & Ecclesiastes 9-10
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 7TH JUNE 2024
WE REIGN IN LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
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For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17 NIV).
Pastor Chris Says
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Observe what Paul elucidates in the opening verse; we’re to reign in life through Jesus Christ. There’re those who say, “We’ll reign through Him in the future,” but that’s incorrect. It says “in life”; that’s in the earth, right now. So it isn't relegated to some distant future.
From the resurrection of Jesus Christ until the rapture of the Church is the exclusive time when we reign through Him. That’s the Church Age and the sole period during which we exercise authority through Jesus Christ.
After the Church Age, we will reign with Him, not through Him anymore. These two phases are distinct, and it’s worth re-emphasising. During the Millennium, that is, the one thousand years of peace when Jesus reigns on earth, we will reign with Him. Following this, we'd continue to reign with Him forever. But in this present age, we reign through Him, exercising authority and dominion through His Name.
Understanding this truth empowers you to live victoriously, knowing that you’ve been appointed a ruler and an heir with Christ. It's not a time for complacency, no! Assert your authority in Christ and manifest His Kingdom on earth. Seize the opportunity accorded to us in the Church Age to rule over Satan, the forces and adversities of life. Demonstrate the power, love and righteousness of Christ in your world and spheres of influence.
Remember, each of us has our own world, and we’ll be held accountable for what we did with His Kingdom that He conferred on us. So be sure to effectively utilise His Name in this world. Let Christ reign through you in your sphere of influence.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your grace bestowed on me to reign in life through Jesus Christ. I walk in the authority and dominion of Christ, impacting my world with your power, love and righteousness, leading many into this same triumphant life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Romans 5:17 AMPC; For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God's] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
Ephesians 1:19-23; and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
[20] which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
[21] far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
[22] and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Revelation 5:10; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 20:19-31 & 1 Chronicles 23-25
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 16:1-12 & Ecclesiastes 5-6
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 5TH JUNE 2024
THE INHERITANCE IS ALREADY YOURS
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...that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me (Acts 26:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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Every child of God is born into an incorruptible inheritance in Christ. There’s an inheritance for you. The Apostle Paul refers to it in Ephesians 3:8 as unsearchable riches: “…the unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out]” (AMPC).
If this is true, and thank God it is, why then are there many people who are struggling in life when they ought to be living in God’s abundant blessings? It’s because of their ignorance of God’s truths. God said in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge….”
No wonder Paul said in Acts 20:32, “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.” The inheritance is already yours; but through study and meditation on the Word, you enjoy that which is already yours in Christ.
Everything that God has placed in this world is not for the angels or Himself but for us! If it is true, why should a Christian labour endlessly just to get something which belongs to him in Christ? Something is wrong.
The Bible says He’s already blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). God already did everything He needed to do about the salvation, health and prosperity of every man, woman, boy and girl on the face of earth. Now, He wants everyone to live in blessings and enjoy their inheritance.
2 Peter 1:3 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness….” Can you now see that there’s no need for you to struggle in life? You’ve been brought into a life of manifold blessings.
The Bible says, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits…” (Psalm 68:19). Psalm 18:19 says, “He brought me forth also into a large place….” That’s the place of honour, wealth and great glory; your place of inheritance in Christ where you prosper and all your needs are met. The inheritance is already yours; so wake up and enjoy that which belongs to you in Christ.
🙏P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I rejoice in the unsearchable riches that are mine through the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, I declare my faith in your Word and walk in the fullness of the incorruptible inheritance I have in Him. I function from the place of blessing and abundance in Christ; the place of honour, wealth and great glory, where all my needs are met in your supply system, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Ephesians 1:11; in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Colossians 1:12; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Hebrews 9:15; And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
1 Peter 1:3-4: Blessed be the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
[4] to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 19:17-42 & 1 Chronicles 17-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 15:40-49 & Ecclesiastes 1-2
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 3RD JUNE 2024
TO KNOW HIM IS TO LOVE HIM
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But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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How God loves man; think about what we just read! It brings to mind a related message in 2 Corinthians 5:19; it says, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them….” Hallelujah!
Certain folks don’t like it when we preach and teach about the love of Christ and how God isn’t holding anyone’s sins against them. They say we’re giving people a license to do wrong; but how could that be? The love of Christ never gives anyone liberty to sin.
The truth is that the more you learn about the Lord, the more you love Him; to know Him is to love Him. And the more you love Him, the less you want to do anything that’s offensive to Him. That’s the fact! The Bible says, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).
Notice that it doesn’t say, “The judgments of God make men repent and love Him.” All He ever does is love, help and bless us. It’s that love that we reciprocate. The Bible says, “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). So, it’s not true that the love of Christ makes people want to do wrong and think they can get away with it. No! He enjoins us to take advantage of His grace and love, but not against Him; not to do wrong. His Word demands that you abstain from sin. Romans 6:1-2 says, “…Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
No one deliberately hurts or offends the one who loves them genuinely. God said in Jeremiah 31:3, “…Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Think about that! The result of His love for us is that we love Him in return. And because we love Him, we keep His Word; we do what He wants. That’s what Jesus said: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15 NKJV). No one gets to truly know Jesus, how loving He is, without loving Him.
The Bible says we know He loves us from the message He sent to us, and we received that message and came into fellowship with Him. Now that you’re in fellowship with Him, all you want to do is to walk worthy of Him, pleasing Him in all things.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Loving Father, I’m forever grateful for the revelation of your boundless love demonstrated towards us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross. I walk worthy of you, pleasing you in all things; I’m compelled by your love to preach the Gospel and turn sinners from sin into righteousness and the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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John 3:16; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 John 4:10; Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Ephesians 3:17-19; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
[18] may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
[19] and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Romans 8:38-39; For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:1-27 & 1 Chronicles 11-13
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 & Proverbs 30
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 1 JUNE 2024
EXCELLENT IN EVERY GOOD WORK
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And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening verse says God is able to direct all the grace you require for an excellent life towards you. James 4:6 says, “...he giveth more grace...”; He endows you with the competencies, special skills and abilities required for excellence in all things. Hallelujah!
It brings to mind the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:5 AMPC: “Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God.” Blessed be God! This is the life God has given you. He’s made you so efficient, effective and capable of any good work.
This should give you the mindset of endless possibilities. You have grace to excel in your job, academics and daily pursuits. You’re up to any task. So, like Paul, you can boldly affirm “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
Once you’re chosen for something, there’s an assurance that it would turn out excellently. You make great things happen, because you’re specially graced to produce excellence. Read the words of the psalmist in Psalm 1:3 (NKJV). It says, “He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” That’s you; glory to God! Then Colossians 1:10 says, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I excel in every good work. Once I’m chosen for something, there’s an assurance that it would turn out excellently. I make great things happen because of God’s divine power at work in me. He has endowed me with the competencies, special skills and abilities I require for excellence in all things. Blessed be God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC; And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].
Colossians 1:9-10 NIV; For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,
[10] so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
Ephesians 2:10 AMPC; For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 16:17-33 & 1 Chronicles 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 15:1-10 & Proverbs 28
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 30TH MAY 2024
HIS LIGHT IS IN YOUR SPIRIT
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The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly (Proverbs 20:27).
Pastor Chris Says
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As God’s children, we’re never in the dark about anything. You can know anything because the light of God is in your spirit. The Lord Jesus said in John 8:12, “...I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
You’re not supposed to walk in darkness about your finances, your health, your career, business, and ministry or in any area of your life. If you ever find yourself in a situation where it seems you’re at a loss for answers concerning a situation, speak in tongues.
As you speak in tongues, the mystery about that situation will come to your understanding. If you have concerns about your health, don’t just run to the doctors or places you think you might find help. Consult with the Holy Spirit first; you’ll be amazed how quickly His light and wisdom will well up within you, showing you precisely what to do.
He’s in you to help you understand certain things about yourself and about life. He’ll show you the future and guide you to take specific steps in line with His plans for your life. John 16:13 says, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” Learn to follow His light and guidance from within you.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, as I speak in tongues today, the eyes of my understanding are flooded with light. I walk in divine wisdom and my life is upward and forward only because I follow the light and guidance of the Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 1:17-18 AMPC; [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,
[18] By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
Romans 8:26-27; Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
[27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Jude 1:20; But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:1-17 & 1 Chronicles 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 14:20-30 & Proverbs 26
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 28TH MAY 2024
OUR ADVOCATES
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...And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1).
Pastor Chris Says
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Some have said that since Jesus went to heaven, He’s been begging the Father on our behalf to have mercy on us and forgive us our sins. That’s absolutely absurd. If that’s what He’s been doing since He ascended to heaven, why then did He come to die for our sins in the first place?
Jesus Christ is our advocate, but with the Father. He’s our advocate on the Father’s side. He’s not bringing arguments to the Father in order to convince the Father not to punish us; no! He’s the Father’s lawyer, appointed by the Father on our behalf.
He’s the one who helps us insist on what belongs to us. He sees to it that we walk in the vital reality of all that His death, burial and resurrection consummated for us. The Father isn’t against us; rather, He "employed" Jesus as our lawyer against our accusers.
Imagine you have a case where an accuser is charging you with an offence, and your dad hires the best lawyer to represent you. Jesus Christ is that lawyer; He’s not defending you from the Father’s wrath, for God isn’t your accuser. We’re not appointed to wrath: “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
It’s the devil who accuses God’s people (Revelation 12:10). But the Father got Jesus as your advocate. But did you know the Holy Spirit is also your advocate? Yes, He is. In John 14:16, Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter….”
The Amplified Classic gives us six synonyms of the word “Comforter” translated from the Greek “Parakletos”, and one of them is “Advocate.” The Holy Spirit is your advocate—counsel for the defence. He doesn’t just watch from the background as we grapple with forces and circumstances that assail us; He comes right into the middle of the heat and takes charge with us. He engages our adversaries.
Never forget this: Jesus is our advocate with the Father, while the Holy Spirit is the Father's advocate with us. So, there's one advocate in heaven, and there's another one here on earth in us and with us. How can we lose? How could we ever be disadvantaged? It's impossible
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for loving me and making provision for me in heaven and in the earth to live free of condemnation and accusations, producing fruits of righteousness, and manifesting the love of Christ today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:34; Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25; Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Romans 8:26-27; Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
[27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
John 14:16 AMPC; And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever–
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:31-14:1-14 & 2 Kings 23-25
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 14:1-9 & Proverbs 24
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 26TH MAY 2024
MANIFESTING THE GLORY OF THE KINGDOM
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All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom (Psalm 145:10-12).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening verse tells us something striking about God’s Kingdom that we’re a part of: it’s a Kingdom with glory and power! A word I’d like to elaborate on is “glory.” The Bible says God’s saints shall speak of His glory. It also says they’ll make known the glorious majesty of His Kingdom. But what does glory mean?
Many times, people use the term “glory” without knowing what it really means. Glory is that which inspires, produces or causes honour. When something happens and that thing causes you to give honour, admiration and respect to another, that thing is said to be glorious.
Therefore, to say a meeting was glorious means that it inspired people to worship the Lord; they were inspired to praise Him. The meeting caused the attendees to respond in honour of God.
When Jesus turned water to wine at a wedding ceremony, the Bible says, “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him” (John 2:11). When they saw what He did by turning water to wine, they were amazed. He manifested forth His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. They honoured and revered Him.
Now, you can understand when the Bible says, “They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom…” (Psalm 145:11). What’s in the Kingdom of God that we’re talking about? It’s a kingdom where sickness isn’t real, where defeat doesn’t exist; it’s a kingdom where life and immortality reign.
This is the Kingdom of God that we’re born into in Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 (AMPC) says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” As you walk in the light of who you are in Christ, you’re showing forth the glory of the Kingdom
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the glory of your Word in my life. You’ve called me into your glorious Kingdom, making me a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light! I walk in your glory, dominion and power today, manifesting your excellence to my world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Isaiah 60:1; Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Romans 8:19; For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
John 2:11 AMPC; This, the first of His signs (miracles, wonderworks), Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory [by it He displayed His greatness and His power openly], and His disciples believed in Him [adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 12:20-50 & 2 Kings 18-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 12:22-31 & Proverbs 22
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 24TH MAY 2024
THE SANCTIFYING POWER OF HIS WORD
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Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:2-3).
Pastor Chris Says
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There’s no better way to purify God’s people than sharing the Word with them. Just share the Word of God. A pastor, for instance, could be concerned that some people in the church might not be living right. What he needs to do is to keep speaking and teaching the Word of God, and the people will be cleansed.
Notice that Jesus said, “You’re clean through the Word that I have spoken unto you.” As they hear the Word, it’ll purge their spirits and cleanse them. The Word has that sanctifying power. The Bible says, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:25-26).
The Word of God washes. That’s why, when people come to church and listen to the Word, they feel like they’re in the best place ever. As they listened to the Word of God, it purified them. That’s what the Word of God does to your spirit.
That’s why when the true Word of God is taught in a local assembly, people will always come to hear that message that purifies, empowers and inspires them. It will even propel them to become soul winners, for the Word makes them fishers of men as He did the disciples (Matthew 4:19).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the purifying power of your Word; it cleanses me, renews my mind, transforms my life, and reprogrammes my thoughts in the direction of your perfect will for my life. My mind is reconditioned for supernatural growth, prosperity and divine health, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Psalm 119:9; Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
2 Timothy 3:16; All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
John 15:3 NIV; You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 11:17-57 & 2 Kings 13-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 & Proverbs 20
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 19TH JUNE 2024
PRACTICAL WISDOM
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In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence (Ephesians 1:7-8).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Ephesians 1:7-8, the Apostle Paul unveils a profound truth: every kind of wisdom has been lavished upon us in Christ.
Read the 8th verse in the Amplified Classic; it says, “Which He lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence).” Pause and let the weight of this revelation sink in.
Recall the words of Jesus in Matthew 12:42; He said, "The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here." Solomon was given practical wisdom; it’s the same word that’s translated in our theme verse as “Prudence.”
The Greek Septuagint tells us that the wisdom that God gave to Solomon was “Phronesis.” In Luke 1:17, it’s described as “the wisdom of the just”: “And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
“Phronesis” is practical wisdom, and it’s available to us in Christ. Christ has been made unto you wisdom from God. That practical wisdom empowers you to apply, utilize and immerse yourself in various fields with divine insight. Whether in politics, law, business, medicine, or any profession, you become exceptional.
This wisdom is a spiritual elixir that locates you within the framework of God's will, beyond your natural understanding, causing you to do God's things God's way, in God's time for God's purpose. It's also a mind-set; an excellent mind-set that causes you to think in a certain way and to say the right things in the right way at the right time for the right purpose in the right place. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I affirm that in Christ, I have access to practical wisdom. I walk in divine wisdom; I do and say the right things at the right time, in the right way, for God’s purpose. Christ, my wisdom, effectively works in me to produce fruits and works of righteousness to the glory of God. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Proverbs 2:6; For the LORD giveth wisdom: Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Colossians 2:2-3; that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
[3] in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
1 Corinthians 1:30; But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 8:9-40 & 2 Chronicles 33-34
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 & Isaiah 5-6
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 17TH JUNE 2024
UNDERSTANDING THE WORD
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And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given (Matthew 13:10-11).
Pastor Chris Says
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There’re those who grumble about their inability to understand the Scriptures. Often, they’d complain, “These words are too difficult to understand; no matter how I study the Bible, I just don’t seem to have a grasp of it.” No; never talk that way. It’s your divinely given right and ability to understand the Scriptures. Read the words of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 13:11; He said, “...it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."
One of Satan's tactics is to deceive God's children just as he attempted with Jesus, questioning His identity. The Bible tells us, "And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread" (Matthew 4:3). Same way, he’ll attempt to put doubts in your heart. Don't yield to the Devil's deception that you lack understanding. The power lies in accepting and declaring God's truth.
Accept, endorse and confess it. Align your words with God's Word. Declare, "I understand," and your understanding will be illuminated. The Bible recounts in John 20:22 how Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “...Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” When He did, their minds were opened to understand the Scriptures. It’s a similar miracle that occurred when you received the Holy Spirit.
It's the Spirit who enlightens your heart and enables you to receive and understand His truths. Always boldly affirm that you have the understanding of the righteous; you possess soundness of mind; you’re alert and imbued with keen insight.
You have the mind of Christ, which is an excellent mind (1 Corinthians 2:16). You’re super-intelligent and your mind is anointed to understand the Scriptures; you have quickness of understanding. Have this mindset as you diligently study and meditate on the Word.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I have the divine ability to comprehend mysteries. The wisdom of God is at work in me to produce excellent results in everything I set my heart to do! Life is not a mystery to me, because as I meditate on the Word, the Holy Spirit unveils spiritual realities to me, enlightening my heart to walk in paths ordained for His glory. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 2:6; For the LORD giveth wisdom: Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Matthew 13:23; But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Luke 24:45; Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 7:1-53 & 2 Chronicles 29-30
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 & Isaiah 3
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 15TH JUNE 2024
PROCLAIM HIS LOVE AND GRACE
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To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Pastor Chris Says
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This is one of the most profound verses in the Pauline epistles. It unveils the magnitude of the Father’s love for all men, His overwhelming and everlasting love! Think about it: God was in Christ, reconciling the world of sinners (not Christians) to Himself, not counting their sins against them. Amazing!
Most don’t realize the truth that Jesus was God, taking the place of sin and sinful man on the Cross. He accepted the most gruesome pain and punishment for the love of man.
It brings to mind how the prophet Isaiah described Him in Isaiah 53:2-3. He explained that He had no form or comeliness, no royal or kingly pomp that they should look at Him. There was no beauty that they should desire Him. He was described as one from whom men hid their faces; despised and unesteemed.
Yet, the world didn’t know that the Creator of the universe, the One who had made each and every one of us, was the one who hung on that Cross in their behalf. They failed to recognize Him; they were oblivious to His presence. But that’s why He sent us to proclaim His love.
The whole world needs to know that Jesus is the embodiment of God's love, sent to reconcile humanity to Himself, not holding their sins against them. Even the vilest offender is loved by God. He harbours no anger or resentment for anyone.
The Bible says He’s not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). It’s our duty to proclaim this message: to reveal who Jesus is, to declare His love and the worth of His sacrifice. It’s our responsibility to proclaim this Gospel of His love and grace.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for entrusting me with the Gospel of your love and grace. As I boldly proclaim the truth of your love, many hear and are translated into the Kingdom of your Love-Son to walk in the glorious inheritance you’ve prepared for them, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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1 John 4:10; Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Romans 5:8-10; But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
[9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
[10] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
John 3:16; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 5:12-42 & 2 Chronicles 23-25
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 & Isaiah 1
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 14TH JUNE 2024
THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
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For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life (Romans 5:10).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says in Ephesians 4:11-12 that God “… gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Here, the Apostle Paul refers to the five-fold ministry gifts which are for the edification and perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry.
Since these five ministry gifts are for the building of the body of Christ and perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, then what exactly is this “work of the ministry”? First, it's important to understand that there’re two kinds of ministries for the saints: primary and secondary.
The secondary ministry involves edifying one another within the Church, that is, within the Body of Christ. This is often referred to as the “body ministry” or ministry within the body. But I want to draw your attention to the first kind of ministry of the saints, which Paul referenced in 2 Corinthians 5:18—the ministry of reconciliation.
There, it says, "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation."
The same God who reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ has given us (the reconciled ones) the ministry of reconciliation: “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19).
It reminds us of what the Lord Jesus said in Acts 1:8, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me...." In Mark 16:15 He said, “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” This is a charge to every Christian.
We’re His ministers of reconciliation. We bear witness to the truth that God was in Christ, actively reconciling the world to Himself through Christ's redemptive work, not counting men’s sins against them. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Dear Father, I testify that you were in Christ, actively reconciling the world to yourself, not counting men’s sins against them. I’m an ambassador, and a representative of the Kingdom! The Lord is building His body through me, by my vital participation in the spread of the Gospel. Praise God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 2:13-16; but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
[15] having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
[16] and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Colossians 1:20-22; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
[21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
[22] in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
2 Corinthians 5:18-20; And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
[19] to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 12TH JUNE 2024
DON’T LEAVE THEM HANGING
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As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Christianity, there’s a Christian way of life. But Christianity itself is not a way of life. Therefore, when we lead souls to Christ, it's important to guide them to be actively involved in a local church. We must ensure they become integral members of a church, not leaving them to navigate their newfound faith alone. They must be nurtured in the Christian way of life.
Once they receive salvation, show them that receiving salvation is only the beginning; they have to live the Christian life. And the only way they’re going to learn it and grow as they should is by learning God’s Word. 1 Timothy 3:15 says, “…the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” So, the Church is the place to learn the Word of God.
It brings to mind what the Apostle Peter said in 1 Peter 2:2: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” How do children learn? Children learn not just by instruction but also by observation. By actively participating in the church, spiritual children or “babes” can observe and emulate the attitudes and practices of mature Christians.
It’s one of the ways they know how to pray and cultivate the right attitudes and spirit of prayer. Also, in church, they learn how to worship God and sing the right songs; they learn how to conduct themselves with decency; they learn how to apply their faith in the face of belligerent challenges.
Learning how to do these things isn’t just by instruction alone, it also comes through observing the behaviour, communication, and actions of other Christians in the Faith. The same Spirit lives in them and causes them to do the things that we do. So, when you win souls, ensure that they’re fully engrafted into the local church. Pray for them; follow them up until they become rooted and grounded in the faith and established in the Word. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I pray for new converts all over the world today, that Christ be formed in their hearts; they’re rooted and grounded in God’s overwhelming love, being fully persuaded that in Christ alone lies their joy and total fulfilment. I declare that they’re strengthened to become effective witnesses of Christ's love and truth in the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Ephesians 4:11-14; And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
[13] till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
[14] that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Hebrews 10:24-25; and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
[25] 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.
Colossians 3:16; Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5:11; Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 3:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 12-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 2:8-17 & Songs Of Solomon 3-4
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 10TH JUNE 2024
ACKNOWLEDGE CHRIST AS YOUR WISDOM
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But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Pastor Chris Says
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Oftentimes, many Christians acknowledge Christ as their righteousness, sanctification, and justification, yet they overlook the profound reality that Christ is their wisdom. Read the first few words of our opening scripture again; it says, “…Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom….”
It brings to mind what Paul said in Colossians 1:27; “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” When man sinned, he fell short of the glory of God, but Christ in you, glory restored. In the same way, Christ in you, wisdom has come. Christ is your wisdom, so don’t ask Him for wisdom anymore.
Have you ever encountered individuals who don't reason soundly or correctly? During a discussion, their responses leave you bewildered, their thought pattern reeks of thoughtlessness; it’s like foolishness on rampage. Sadly, they’re oblivious to their own lack of insight. When prompted to express themselves publicly, for example, their utterances become disconcerting. This is because wisdom eludes them.
Wisdom is not something acquired in the classroom, and it doesn't necessarily come with age; it’s from God. As a Christian, you have access to divine wisdom because Jesus Christ is the embodiment of all wisdom. But you see, you must boldly affirm that He’s your wisdom to walk in the reality of it.
Even now, declare, “Christ is my wisdom; therefore, I have wisdom over all crises of life and for every situation.” Hallelujah! When you walk in divine wisdom you don’t give vent to foolish reasonings or communications; your ideas, thoughts and words are sound and excellent. You’re sagacious, discerning, perceptive and prudent. You’ll always, and at all times, make accurate judgments and decisions.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you, for I’m born after the image of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Christ is my wisdom; therefore, I make wise, right and perfect decisions in line with your divine destiny for my life. I live in your will, guided, guarded and propelled by wisdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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1 Corinthians 2:6-7; Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
[7] but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Proverbs 3:13; Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding.
Colossians 2:2-3 NIV; My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
[3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 2:1-21 & 2 Chronicles 5-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 & Ecclesiastes 11-12
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 8TH JUNE 2024
YOU IN CHRIST AND CHRIST IN YOU
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I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).
Pastor Chris Says
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In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound truth about the new creation and salvation. It says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Observe he says, “...if any man be in Christ...”; salvation is you in Christ!
We see another truth in Colossians 1:26-27. There, he beautifully encapsulates the very essence of Christianity: “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Now, while salvation is you in Christ, Christianity is Christ in you. Christianity is Christ alive and manifested in you every day. No wonder in Ephesians 5:30, Paul tells us something so profound: “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” This powerful imagery reinforces the inextricable union we have with Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:15 NKJV says, "Do you not know that your bodies are the members of Christ...?" In other words, your limbs are the limbs of Christ. Your hands, feet and voice are all imbued with His presence and power. When you speak, it's Christ speaking through you. When you minister to others, it's Christ ministering to them through you.
The Master Himself declared, "He that heareth you heareth me..." (Luke 10:16). This is the profound reality of Christ in us. Therefore, knowing this truth, you can boldly proclaim, "Every fibre of my being, every bone of my body, every cell of my blood, from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, is all fully inundated with the life of God."
You’re the embodiment of God's glory; everywhere you go, you carry His presence and manifest His glory. You have the privilege of being the conduit of divine verities.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the blessing of having the fullness of Christ in me. I live in the consciousness of your glory, and your presence shines through me, blessing others and glorifying your Name, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 1:27; to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Acts 17:28; for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
1 John 4:4; Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Galatians 3:27; For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 21:1-25 & 1 Chronicles 26-29
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 16:13-24 & Ecclesiastes 7-8
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 6TH JUNE 2924
WE HAVE RECEIVED A KINGDOM
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And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me (Luke 22:29 NIV).
Pastor Chris Says
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A short while before the Lord’s crucifixion, He said something remarkable to His disciples. He acknowledged and commended them for their steadfastness, noting their faithful support during His trials. For that reason, He said, “…I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me” (Luke 22:29 NIV).
Hebrews 12:28 further helps us understand the depth of this proclamation. It says, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” At first glance, if not studied with caution, and in context, one might perceive this as a future promise. But that's not the case. It’s in the affirmative.
If you read it from the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB), it conveys the sense of it being in the affirmative. It says, "Therefore, since we have received an unshakeable kingdom...." We have received an unshakeable kingdom; in this day and in this hour of our lives, we’re operating a kingdom. We live in a kingdom right now, and we exercise the authority, power, dominion and influence of that kingdom.
It’s a kingdom with an extraordinary heritage, but so many aren’t aware of this. While you're in this world, you actually belong in another operational world; so, you're living in two worlds at the same time, but you belong only to one of them, which is the Kingdom of God.
It’s the reason you must know the life and modus operandi of the Kingdom of God to which you belong and superimpose it on this natural world, which is the lesser world. You were sent to be a witness of the Kingdom to this natural world.
You’re the voice, the expression and the messenger of God’s Kingdom to the world. You’re to let the world know of the reality of the Kingdom and get them to become a part of God’s Kingdom; you’re the one with the keys to bring them in. What an honour that we were raised, authorised and commissioned to make this happen. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for conferring on us a kingdom of unshakeable authority and glory. I live in the reality of this truth and walk in the full blessings and extraordinary heritage of the Kingdom. I exercise the authority, power, dominion and influence of the Kingdom and walk on in victory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 22:29 CJB; Just as my Father gave me the right to rule, so I give you an appointment,
Luke 12:32 NIV; “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Colossians 1:13; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 20:1-18 & 1 Chronicles 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 & Ecclesiastes 3-4
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 4TH MAY 2024
WALKING IN HIS PREORDAINED PATH
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For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live] (Ephesians 2:10 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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You can live in God's perfect will for your life as you follow Him in and through the Word. You can know and walk in His preordained paths for you. Some people are in the wrong job, business, relationships, etc. and as a result, they’re frustrated. But Romans 12:2 tells us to renew our minds with the Word of God so we can discern the good, the acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Nothing about your life should be outside the will and purpose of God for you, including those you meet, where you go, the things you do, and so much more. It’s the reason you must walk in sync with the Holy Spirit. The Bible says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). When you yield yourself to the Spirit to lead and guide you, you’d meet only those He planned to be in your path, and are integral to fulfilling your destiny in Him.
Nothing compares to walking in God’s exact plan and purpose for you at any given time. Before you take major steps or decisions, be sure they’re in sync with God's perfect will. Spend time to meditate on the Word and fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and there’ll be a light in your spirit; you’d have the consciousness of what you’re supposed to do.
Knowing and walking in the will of God shouldn’t be a mystery to you. Once you recognise and yield yourself to the leading of the Spirit, He illumines your heart and your path to comprehend and apprehend His purpose for your life.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, you’ve granted me wisdom and understanding to know and walk in your perfect will. I thank you for my life which you’ve preordained for glory, honour and beauty, as I manifest your righteousness and produce fruits of eternal life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Romans 8:29-30; For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
[30] 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.
Ephesians 2:10 AMPC; For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:28-19:1-16 & 1 Chronicles 14-16
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 15:29-39 & Proverbs 31
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 2ND JUNE 2024
THE LIGHT OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
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That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Matthew 5:14 NKJV, the Lord Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” It bears comparison to what we read in our opening scripture. In Isaiah 60:2, the prophet prophesied, “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.”
In Christ Jesus, the glory of the Lord is resident in us, so much so that the Word declares that we are His glory! We’re the light of His righteousness in a dark and cynical world. Hallelujah! It makes no difference what the darkness and problems in the world are; you’re the hope and the solution that the world needs.
The Lord Jesus said in John 9:5, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 1 John 4:17 says, “…as he is, so are we in this world.” The problems and hardships in the world today are your opportunities to shine and manifest the glory and light of His righteousness.
As long as you’re in the world, you’re the light of the world. Light gives direction. You’re the one to show the world how to live, what to do, and how to be successful in the midst of the darkness. In John 8:12, Jesus said, "...I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Again, it brings to mind the words of the Prophet Isaiah, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Isaiah 9:2). Yes, through you, they’re seeing this great light. That’s your ministry—to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God (Acts 26:18).
There’s no greater light than the light of His righteousness and we’re the bearers of His righteousness—taking the light of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Praise God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m the bearer of God's righteousness—taking the light of the Gospel, which has been committed to my trust, to the ends of the earth. Through me, many are turned from darkness to light and catapulted into their inheritance in the Kingdom of Light. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Acts 26:16-18; But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
[17] delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
[18] to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Matthew 24:14; And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Mark 16:15-16; And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
[16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 17:1-26 & 1 Chronicles 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 15:11-19 & Proverbs 29
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 31ST MAY 2024
THE TRUTH, THE GOSPEL, AND THE WORD
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Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17).
Pastor Chris Says
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Observe the underlined portions of our theme scripture; they all have to do with using the Word of God. Was this just a repetition or do they refer to different things? These are actually different things. Let’s start with truth. Truth refers to the whole counsel of God.
Jesus said concerning the Word of God, “… thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Truth is what God has said concerning you, the world, the past, the present, the future, and anything else about life, about death, the spiritual, and the material. This means God holds the truth about anything and everything.
Number two is the Gospel of peace. The Bible says “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace… that publisheth salvation…” (Isaiah 52:7). The Gospel of peace therefore refers to the message of salvation.
Now, the whole Word of God isn’t necessarily about salvation, but it points to it. This means the message of salvation is a part of that body of Truth because after salvation, there’s still a life to live. So, what we’re dealing with here is the preparation of the Gospel. It says, “... your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace...”; meaning that God is sending you with the message of salvation.
Then the third one is “...the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God.” This isn’t just the Word revealed and kept within your spirit; it’s dealing with the spoken Word, the “Rhema” of God—God’s Word on your lips. It’s called the sword of the Spirit because it’s for combat.
As long as the Word is inside you, that’s Truth; you’re keeping the Truth in you, which is wonderful. Then the preaching of the Gospel saves, heals and delivers, but there’s a “war.” And the sword of the Spirit, which is the spoken Word of God, is your offensive weapon against the adversary. Therefore, speak the Word always and keep the enemy subdued. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your Word is the true Light. I’ll never walk in darkness, because your Word guides my path in victory and glory. Your Word is in my heart and in my mouth, prevailing mightily in my life, city and nation as I speak it forth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 2:15; Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Ephesians 1:13; In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Hebrews 4:12; For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:18-16:1-16 & 1 Chronicles 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 14:31-40 & Proverbs 27
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 29TH MAY 2024
WE’RE LIKE HIM IN HIS GLORIFIED STATE
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Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is (1 John 3:2).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you read this epistle of John, you have to be careful to read everything; otherwise, you may conclude that there are contradictions. For example, in our opening verse, the epistle says, “…it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” This therefore means we’re not yet like Him.
But when you go right to the next chapter, the Bible says, “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). I thought we just read that we shall be like Him later when He appears? But here, it says we’re like Him in this world now; we’re just as He is. Is this a contradiction? No, it's not.
The first one is about your appearance, your outward appearance. Look at it again, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God….” We’re already the sons of God in our spirits. The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
That recreation took place in your spirit when you were born again. You were born of the Word of God and with the life of God. So, he says, “now are we the sons of God.” Now, your spirit is like Him, but your physical appearance isn’t like Him yet.
So when it says, “…it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is,” he’s referring to the Rapture where, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, we shall be changed. We will be clothed with our celestial bodies, and we shall be like Him in appearance. Glory to God!
Observe that 1 John 4:17 says, “as He is...,” not “as He was.” We’re like Him now, not as He was before His death. When He was raised from the dead, we were raised together with Him, and we came alive with a new kind of life: the resurrection life. So, as He is now, the glorified Son of God, so are we in this world!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I’m born of God and have His nature of righteousness in my Spirit. Every fibre of my being, every bone of my body, every cell of my blood is replete with God. As Jesus is, in His glory and righteousness, so am I. Blessed be God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 15:48-49; As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
[49] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Colossians 3:3-4; For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
[4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 14:15-31 & 1 Chronicles 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 14:10-19 & Proverbs 25
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 27TH MAY 2024
A CONSTANT PURIFICATION PROCESS
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But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
Pastor Chris Says
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I love the Word of God, because living according to what it says takes the stress out of your life. It takes the struggle out of Christianity. Think about what we just read in our opening scripture; it simply means there’s no need for you to be sin-conscious because in Christ you’re constantly purified.
All you have to do is walk in the light as He is in the light. He says as you do, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses you from all sin. It’s automatic cleansing. Notice He didn’t say you should pray for the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse you from sin. He says, “The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin,” meaning that it happens without you asking. It’s a constant purification process.
Why is this necessary? It’s because the world around us is smothered in sin and darkness. However, by walking in the light, all your errors, mistakes, and missteps that you didn't even know about are cleansed. So be sure that you’re functioning or walking in His light; His light is His Word.
Remember what Jesus said, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3). His Word is a cleanser; it purifies. If you’ve been born again and still find yourself praying the prayer of salvation every week, that’ll be because you’re looking at yourself under a different light that’s showing you that something is wrong.
See yourself under God’s light. His light shows that you’re the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. See yourself thus and walk accordingly. God’s light is God’s Truth, and God’s Truth is God’s Word. To walk in the light therefore means to walk in the Word of God which purifies your soul and purges your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for your grace and the power of your righteousness at work in me. As I walk in your light, I’m automatically cleansed and purified by the blood of Jesus. I’m justified by the grace of Jesus Christ, and I walk in His righteousness, free from the accusation of the evil one. Your righteousness is expressed in my thoughts, words and actions, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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1 Corinthians 6:11; And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
John 15:3 AMPC; You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you].
Ephesians 5:25-26 NIV; Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
[26] to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:1-30 & 2 Kings 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 & Proverbs 23
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 25TH MAY 2024
HE’S CHOSEN TO FAVOUR YOU
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And God said…I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy and loving-kindness on whom I will show mercy and loving-kindness (Exodus 33:19 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Isn’t the Lord wonderful? When He chooses to bless and favour you, there’s nothing anybody can do about it. David recognised this and said, “Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel” (1 Chronicles 28:4).
The Lord chose David above all his family members, yet David had nothing to do with it. He wasn’t the first son, neither was he the second, but the Lord loved him and chose him. God hasn’t changed; He still chooses to favour people today, and He’s chosen to favour you. It’s nobody’s job to question His choice.
Psalm 102:13 says, “Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.” Not only is it God’s choice, it’s also His set time to favour you. Believe this. Paul, writing to Timothy, said: “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1).
That’s what you ought to do; take advantage of the grace that’s in Christ Jesus. He likes you and He's favourably disposed towards you; be conscious of it. You can get that job or promotion that you desire. You can rebuke that ailment from your body. The Bible says it’s by His grace, not of works lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
There’s grace for you from God for whatever you require right now: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for loving me and for choosing to favour me. Your matchless love for me gives me the required boldness and confidence to be the success you created me to be. I take advantage of your great grace and lead others into this knowledge, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Romans 9:11-16; (for the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
[12] it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
[13] As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
[14] What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
[15] For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
[16] So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Psalm 102:13 NIV; You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.
2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC; And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 12:1-19 & 2 Kings 16-17
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 12:12-21 & Proverbs 21
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 23RD MAY 2024
CONQUER UNRESTRAINED ANGER
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Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath (Ephesians 4:26).
Pastor Chris Says
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Have you noticed how some infants sometimes exhibit signs of anger? Unfortunately, some individuals carry this unchecked anger into adulthood. It is crucial to acknowledge and conquer unrestrained anger that may have been acquired during early life.
It brings to mind the story of Moses in Numbers 20. When the children of Israel were thirsty for water in the wilderness, they cried to Moses. When Moses spoke to the Lord about it, He instructed Moses to speak to the rock before the children of Israel and water would come out (Numbers 20:8).
The instruction was for Moses to speak to the rock to give them water; he wasn’t to strike it. But out of anger, and frustration due to the people's complaints, he struck the rock instead. The Bible says, “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them” (Numbers 20:12).
Yes, water gushed forth, but the consequence was dire: God declared that Moses would not enter the Promised Land. This story gives a poignant example of how uncontrolled emotions can impede one's journey. Moses allowed his anger to govern his actions, and his unbridled anger prevented him from entering the Promised Land.
James 1:20 says, "For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." Your anger will never produce God's righteousness; it’ll lead to actions contrary to God's will. Anger causes people to take actions they otherwise wouldn’t have taken, and by the time they recollect, it might be too late.
Therefore, conquer anger with the Word. Ephesians 4:26-27 TLB says, “If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry—get over it quickly; for when you are angry, you give a mighty foothold to the devil.”
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Dear Father, your Word is my life; thank you for the transformation, light and guidance that I receive today through your Word. My heart and mind are stayed only on your true and living Word. As I contemplate on it, I experience victory, divine health, and blessings and I’m continually metamorphosed from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Proverbs 14:29; He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
James 1:19-20; Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: [20] for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Colossians 3:8; But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 11:1-16 & 2 Kings 10-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 & Psalm 145-1461 Corinthians 11:30-34 & Proverbs 19
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional