2093
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 15TH APRIL 2023
OUR PRIESTHOOD IS NOW
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But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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In our previous study, we outlined three important roles of the priest: to offer gifts, intercede in prayer, and teach the knowledge of God. These are responsibilities for us to carry out now, not at the millennial reign of Christ; it’s our ministry now!
A study of the prophetic writings concerning the millennial reign of Christ shows us what Israel will be doing during that time and also our own roles. The millennial reign of Christ is Israel’s restoration and millennial exercise of the Christ-life which we already had throughout the Church age.
Thus, the millennial reign isn’t towards the Church; the Church already reigned in the earth for two thousand years THROUGH Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17), and will reign WITH Him in the millennial period. But when do we function as priests? When do we teach the knowledge of God, intercede for men, and offer gifts? It’s NOW! Our priesthood is now!
Revelation 1:6 says, “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 5:10 also says He has “…made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." We’re in office as king-priests of God, in the earth.
He’s given us the responsibility to alter the course of events and happenings in our world today through intercession, sacrifices of praise to the Name of the Lord, and the propagation of His truth in all the earth. Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, by your Spirit, I fulfil my ministry of intercession as a king-priest, unveiling the mysteries of the Kingdom to my world, and offering spiritual sacrifices to the praise of your Name. I declare that today, your Word prevails in and through me as I proclaim your righteousness and salvation to the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Revelation 1:5-6 AMPC;And from Jesus Christ the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead [first to be brought back to life] and the Prince (Ruler) of the kings of the earth. To Him Who ever loves us and has once [for all] loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood, [Ps. 89:27.]
6. And formed us into a kingdom (a royal race), priests to His God and Father–to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion throughout the ages and forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
Ecclesiastes 8:4 TLB; His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it.
1 Peter 2:9-10 AMPC: 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.
10. Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God's people; once you were unpitied, but now you are pitied and have received mercy.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:25-15:1-10 & Judges 19-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:13-22 & Leviticus 15
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
THURS. 13TH APRIL 2023
ALL BLESSINGS FULFILLED IN CHRIST
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Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:12).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Exodus 19:5, God spoke to Moses and instructed him to tell the Israelites that if they’d obey his voice, then they’d be His treasured possession—a priestly kingdom and a holy nation: “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation…” (Exodus 19:5-6).
But thanks be unto God! The promise that was preconditioned on their obedience to God’s commandment has been given to us and fulfilled in us in Christ. God ushered us into this by the new birth in Christ. Hallelujah!
Hence the Apostle Peter declares in his epistle, “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” (1 Peter 2:9 AMPC).
In Revelation 1:5, observe the tenses used: “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” He loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood!
The 6th verse says He has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. No wonder the Spirit says through Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God in him (Christ) are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for granting me all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I’m delighted to know that I’m your treasured possession, ordained to show forth your wonderful deeds and display your virtues and perfections. Thank you for making me your righteousness and the effulgence of your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 6:17; But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 5:18-19; Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 13:22-35 & Judges 14-16
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 1:40-45 & Leviticus 13
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
TUES. 11TH APRIL 2023
WORDS ARE SEEDS
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Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).
Pastor Chris Says
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While explaining the parable of the sower, the Lord Jesus emphasized in the eleventh verse that the seed the sower sowed was the Word of God. He lets us know that words are seeds and that what you sow is what you reap.
If you sow the right words into your life and future, they’ll produce the right harvest. Always steer your life in God’s direction for you with the right words. You can’t keep speaking negatively and expect to have an excellent life.
Proverbs 15:4 says, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Here, see how Solomon connects words with seed, tree and fruits. A wholesome tongue is one that speaks life, health, healing, righteousness and abundance. That wholesome tongue is a tree of life.
Many unknowingly bruise their spirits by speaking words that are inconsistent with the provisions of the Gospel. This is why you must train yourself to talk right. Speak blessed words. Your life goes in the direction of your words.
Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech (your words) be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” In other words, don’t speak idle, inoperative and uninspiring words, for you’d give account of your words: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).
Your life today is the harvest of all the words you’ve been speaking. Therefore, always speak righteousness, peace, health, wealth and joy.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My life is excellent. I’m the expression of God’s glory, grace, wisdom and righteousness! I’m a testimony of His love, the proof of His goodness. I walk in victory always to the glory of His Name. Blessed be God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 18:21; Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
James 3:2; For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
1 Peter 3:10; For He that will love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 12:49-59 & Judges 10-11
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 1:14-28 & Leviticus 11
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 9TH APRIL 2023
HE DIDN’T DIE FOR “CHRISTIANS”
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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).
Pastor Chris Says
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When we speak generically, we say, “Jesus died for the whole world.” Yes, that’s absolutely correct. But in some sense, He didn’t die for Christians. There’s a huge difference when we say, “all of us,” meaning everyone in the world, and “all of us,” referring to Christians.
In the generic sense, Jesus died for all of us—the whole world; He was judged for us. But when you believed that He died for you and was raised back to life for your justification, it became possible for eternal life to be imparted to your spirit. Once that happened, you were born again; you became a Christian—a new creation.
The new creation is a brand-new man, a brand-new species of being; he has no past. You aren’t the same person that was born of your father and your mother; that’s the “old man” with the sin nature. That “old man” or “old you” died with Christ: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:6).
The new you—the new creation—came from the resurrection: “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” (Romans 6:4). This “new you” is created in righteousness and holiness: “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). Hallelujah!
If it's true that the new creation has no past (and it's true), then he isn’t the one that Jesus died for. Understanding this will help you a great deal in your Christian walk. It’ll make it easier for you to understand why you’re justified. The Bible says Jesus Christ was raised back to life for our justification (Romans 4:25). You’ve been justified in Him. In other words, in the mind of justice, you never sinned. You’re the righteousness of God in Christ.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I worship you Father, Lord God of heaven and earth, for blessing me with your Word. I declare that I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus and the lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places. I refuse to struggle for anything, for you’ve blessed me richly with all things to enjoy. I walk in favour, divine health and prosperity all the days of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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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.
Romans 4:25; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Ephesians 4:24 AMPC; And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 12:1-21 & Judges 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 28:11-20 & Leviticus 9
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 7TH APRIL 2023
THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST
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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 our theme verse, Paul alludes to the faith of the Son of God—the faith of Jesus Christ! Did you know that He had faith in you? The Bible tells us that for the joy, the glory, that was set before Him, He endured the Cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2). You’re that joy and glory He saw for which He gave His life, not minding a criminal’s death. He saw what you'd become by virtue of His vicarious death.
The Bible says God’s dream was to indwell man, for man to be His living tabernacle. In Proverbs 8:31, the Bible says the Spirit rejoiced in the habitable part of His earth; but His delights were with the sons of men. Jesus gave His life to realize God’s dream: His dream of us becoming the glory of God; His dream of us becoming the righteousness of God; His dream of us becoming associates of the Godkind. He gave His life so God’s plan for us to have and enjoy life to the full would be realized.
Now we live in righteousness, prosperity, health, dominion, victory and excellence forever, because of the faith of Jesus Christ! He had faith in what He did. He had faith in you and trusted you with His life. He knew if you’d believe His Gospel, you’d become like Him, and now you’re like Him: “...As He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17).
Believe in what He did, who He is, and what He’s made you. Believe in yourself. Live by His faith. Decide that you’re going to be everything He died and came back to life for you to become, achieve, and enjoy. Make up your mind your life will be for His glory and for His praise as you fulfil your destiny in Him.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I'm what God says I am. I'm an heir of God and a jointheir with Christ; I’m living God’s dream and enjoying the fullness of life. I walk in prosperity, health, strength and victory now and evermore, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 5:15; and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Colossians 3:3; For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 11:14-36 & Judges 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 27:55-66 & Leviticus 7
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 5TH APRIL 2023
WHEN THE SPIRIT TAKES OVER
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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 (Romans 8:26).
Pastor Chris Says
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If as a Christian, you’ve come to a point in your life where it seems everything is now a drag, you don’t seem to be making the kind of progress you desire or that’s expected, there’s a way out! Maybe you’ve even tried everything you know to do, but there’s still no commensurate progress, don’t be frustrated. You can have a complete turnaround today.
First, understand that life is spiritual and except you operate from the realm of the Spirit, you can’t achieve meaningful success. Our opening verse lets us know that we can take charge of our lives and situations from the realm of the Spirit by praying in the Spirit.
When we pray in tongues, the Spirit Himself gives us utterance in spiritual vocabulary. Beyond this utterance in tongues, we have deep sighs or groanings as in the opening verse: “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” (Romans 8:26).
This is a better and higher way to pray. When you’re faced with serious crises in your life, it may get to the point where you don’t know or have words with which to express yourself or deal with the situation. At that point, you might want to just get on the floor before the Lord, in absolute dependence on the Holy Spirit, until He takes over for you. Hallelujah!
With these groanings, the Holy Spirit makes intercession for you and God’s people. You can learn and train yourself in this by giving more time and attention to prayer; yielding yourself to God. These are Kingdom secrets given to us from the Word, for us to live victoriously in life. Glory to God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The circumstances don’t matter. I win by the power of the Holy Spirit. As I speak in tongues even now, the Holy Spirit takes over my vocal cords and gets me in sync with the will of the Father; His visions, promptings, ideas and thoughts are clear to me as He leads me in victory and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 14:16-17 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–
17. The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.
Zechariah 4:6; Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Romans 8:26 AMPC; So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 10:25-42 & Joshua 23-24
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 27:38-44 & Leviticus 5
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 3RD APRIL 2023
USE YOUR FAITH
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For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Romans 12:3, the Bible says, “…God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” We all have faith, and according to our theme verse, the faith that was administered to us from God's eternal Word conquers the world! It’s the faith of the Kingdom. Our hearts are receptive to God’s Word and we can always trust His Word to produce faith in our hearts, and with our faith, we have victory over the world, its system, and its fears. Hallelujah!
We’re not victims in this life. In Mark 9:23, Jesus didn’t say, “Some things (or most) things are possible”; neither did He say, "All things are possible to God." Rather, He declared, “...If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” That means anything is possible to anyone who believes; that includes you. So, how are you going to make all things possible unto you? It’s with your faith! That’s your instrument. You can use your faith for anything.
When you face challenges, put your faith to work. If you ever think that your faith isn’t strong enough, all you have to do is listen to, or study the Word of God. The Word of God will produce faith; that’s the miracle power of God’s Word: it stirs faith. That’s the source of faith in the heart of any man.
That’s why this devotional, Rhapsody of Realities, is very important, because the more you study it, the more faith comes to you. His glory is in His Word; His power is in His Word; His character is in His Word. Therefore, it’s impossible for the Word not to produce faith in you and put you over all adversities. Don’t cry or complain when you face challenges; use your faith and win!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My faith conquers the world! Irrespective of the circumstances around me and the happenings in the world today, I have the faith to rule my world. I open my mind to the Word, the source of faith, and with that faith, I have dominion over circumstances and victory over the world and its systems and fears. Nothing is impossible unto me! Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 6:16; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
1 John 5:4; For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Romans 10:17; So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 9:37-62 & Joshua 16-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 27:11-25 & Leviticus 3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 1ST APRIL 2023
PARALYZE HIS INFLUENCE
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Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2).
Pastor Chris Says
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The expression, "... the power of the air..." in the scripture above refers to an atmosphere or behaviour indicative of some quality or trait; like you'd say, "An air of unbelief." It could be the atmosphere in a region indicative of something foul, evil or dark about that place; it's the work of the prince of the power of the air. But you're to paralyze his influence.
Churches, people, families and individuals could be influenced by "the air" of their city without their knowing. The church that was in Corinth, for example, was influenced by the city of Corinth; likewise the church at Ephesus.
However, through the teaching of God's Word, the apostles made the people understand that only through the Holy Spirit could they rise above the spirit of their environment and break the power of that prince of the power of the air.
The prince of the power of the air brings an air of poverty into a place, a feeling of inadequacy; he causes the destruction, hatred, killings, murders, wickedness and violence in the world today. He can run families, cities, kingdoms and nations, determining a lot of things that happen in them.
But the Bible says, "For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod" (Isaiah 30:31). The Assyrian is prophetic of the Antichrist spirit. The "voice of the LORD" is contextualized for us here as the Word of God spoken by the power of the Holy Spirit. That's the "rhema" of God, which is the sword of the Spirit! It discomfits Satan and the princes of darkness.
With the Word on your lips, you destroy the activities of the prince of the power of the air; you paralyze his influence over your nation, your city, your family, personal life and environment. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I break the power of the spirit of darkness that lures men into destruction; I paralyze his influence over my nation. Christ reigns and rules in my life, family, business, city, and environment. In His Name, I declare peace in the nations, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 28:18-20; And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19. 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.
Philippians 2:9-11; Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10. that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11. and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Psalm 149:5-9; Let the saints be joyful in glory: Let them sing aloud upon their beds.
6. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a twoedged sword in their hand;
7. To execute vengeance upon the heathen, And punishments upon the people;
8. To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron;
9. To execute upon them the judgment written: This honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 9:1-17; Joshua 10-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:69-75; Leviticus 1
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 30TH MARCH 2023
DON’T ENTERTAIN SATAN’S THOUGHTS
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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true...honest...Just...pure...lovely...of good report...think on these things (Philippians 4:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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Some time ago, the report went viral of a 32-year-old nurse who was accused of murdering seven newborn babies, including two brothers from a set of triplets. She carried out this despicable act over the course of a year in the neonatal unit of a certain hospital.
The Police had recovered apparent confession notes from her home after her arrest in which she had penned some of her heinous thoughts. On one of the notes, she had written in capital letters: “I AM EVIL. I DID THIS.” What would make a lady carry out such a diabolic act, and confess herself as evil? Those suggestions were given to her by demons.
There're so many evil things that demons make people do which the people, in their natural minds, would never do. But demons practise on people for some time by suggesting things to them. Those bad thoughts come to their minds again and again until they start enjoying them.
They may be thoughts of suicide or thoughts of hatred. Such thoughts can come to someone for no reason, and when he or she dwells on them, the demons go to the next level of making them act their thoughts.
That’s why Ephesians 4:27 says, “Neither give place to the devil.” You give place to him by giving place to his thoughts and words. Don’t entertain his thoughts. When He comes with those negative, depressing thoughts— thoughts that are contrary to God’s Word—tell him off immediately. Respond with the Word and he’ll flee.
If he tries to run rampage around you, remember what Jesus said would be a sign for those who believe in Him; He said, “...In my name shall they cast out devils…” (Mark 16:17). So, cast him out; cast out his thoughts.
So many things that happen in our world are influenced by demons. That’s because the system of the world was created by Satan. And only men and women of faith in the Word of God can use the Word of God to change things.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Satan has nothing in me! I refuse to harbour fear, anger, grudge, bitterness, or unforgiveness, for love rules in my heart. The Word of God continually purifies my heart, purging it of all unrighteousness. And with the Word in my heart and on my lips, I’ll forever be indomitable. Praise God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 4:27 AMPC; Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].
Proverbs 4:23; Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
Philippians 4:8 AMPC; For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 8:22-39 & Joshua 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:47-56 & Exodus 39
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 28TH MARCH 2023
STAY IN CHRIST
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No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD (Isaiah 54:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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This opening verse is one of the blessings of Israel’s millennial kingdom under the Messiah; but it’s true of us in Christ today. In Him, we live and move and have our being. We’re guaranteed divine protection from all weapons of any nature, formed or used against us.
In Christianity, we dwell in Christ. Christ is our home. In Christ, we’re in safety. We’re immune from hurt or harm. It’s like what God did for the children of Israel in the Old Testament. Exodus 12:22-23 says, "And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you."
He told the children of Israel to stay inside their houses because the death angel was coming to town; there would be no safety outside. Then He instructed them to mark their doorposts and lintels with blood to prevent them from being destroyed along with the Egyptians.
They did as God instructed and they were preserved. As long as they stayed where God told them to stay, the death angel couldn't touch them. It’s the same thing today; as long as you’re in Christ—as long as you stay in the truth of God’s Word—death, evil and peril will "pass over" you. You’ll live perpetually in victory.
When the reality of the Word and who you are in Christ dawns on you, you suddenly come to a place of absolute confidence and independence, where you realize that you’re superior to Satan and nothing he does can affect you. This is our life in Christ. Glory to God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I dwell in the secret place of the Most High, and under the shadow of the Almighty. He is my refuge and my fortress. I'm forever protected and fortified against all evil, wickedness and corrupting influences in the world because I dwell in Christ, the place of safety, glory, dominion and everlasting joy—where I reign and rule over circumstances, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 2:14; Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
Psalm 91:5-9; Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6. Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand;
8. But it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold And see the reward of the wicked.
9. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, Even the most High, thy habitation;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 7:36-50 & Joshua 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:26-35 & Exodus 37
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 26TH MARCH 2023
LOOK TO THE WORD
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Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith… (Hebrews 12:2).
Pastor Chris Says
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In John 3:14, the Lord Jesus said something symbolic. He said, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” This had to do with the Jews in the wilderness, when they were bitten by fiery serpents that caused them burning pain and death.
God then instructed Moses to make a serpent of brass, raise it on a pole, and everyone who looked at it would live. He didn't say they should look at the serpent and pray; there were no ceremonies, no rituals; all they had to do was to look at the brazen serpent and live. And when they looked, they were healed. Hallelujah!
This was symbolic of Jesus at the Cross, taking your place of sorrow, pain, disappointment, sickness and failure, that you should never suffer them. But beyond the Cross, we now have His life. We live because He lives.
By reason of His resurrection, we’ve been brought into a newness of life: “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” (Romans 6:4). The life we have now is divine.
Therefore, what you have to look at today isn’t the Cross, but His Word! In His Word, you see what He’s done for you, who He’s made you, and your heritage in Him. Our opening verse says looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Who is Jesus? He is the Word!
It makes no difference the dire situations and circumstances that you face; don’t gripe or whimper! Look to the Word! Look to the Word and see your glorious and glorified life! Look to the Word and see your success, victory and prosperity. Look to the Word and see that you’re indomitable, full of the Holy Ghost and power. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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As I feed on the Word, success, favours, and grace are multiplied in my life. My life is an endless stream of blessings and the miraculous because I live in, and by the Word. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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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.
Matthew 4:4; But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
John 1:1-3 &14; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 6:17-49 & Deuteronomy 31-32
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:1-13 & Exodus 35
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 24TH MARCH 2023
USE WHAT YOU’VE GOT
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And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him (Mark 1:25-26).
Pastor Chris Says
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As Christians, we’ve been given dominion over Satan and the powers of darkness in the Name of Jesus. We have to use what we’ve got. Don’t negotiate with demons. When you say to them, “Out!” they have to obey because you’re using the authority of the Lord Jesus.
The Bible says the people were amazed at Jesus in His day because with authority He commanded unclean spirits and they obeyed Him (Mark 1:27). The Bible says, “…he cast out the spirits with his word…” (Matthew 8:16). That’s what you’re to do.
Exercise your dominion in Christ; use the power of the Holy Spirit. The Good News Bible translation of our theme verse says, “Jesus ordered the spirit, ‘Be quiet, and come out of the man!’ The evil spirit shook the man hard, gave a loud scream, and came out of him.” They couldn’t resist Jesus; and they can’t resist you.
As you pray and intercede for people and for nations, cast out devils! Command the evil spirits responsible for the wickedness, confusion and darkness in the world to come out of your nation, city, town and village. Command the prince of the power of the air to take his hands off the people so the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ may shine in their hearts to receive salvation.
Satan has no right to run things in your life, in your home or in the lives of your loved ones. Exercise your authority in Christ against him. Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you. Every Christian has the ability to cast out devils. Jesus has given you the authority; walk and live in His Name. Use what you’ve got!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I have authority over demons and the cohorts of darkness in the Name of Jesus. Therefore, I break the cords of bondage over men’s lives! The righteousness of God is established in the nations, cities, towns and villages of the world, in the Name of Jesus! What a life of glory, dominion and power given to us in Christ Jesus, to live above Satan and his cohorts of darkness. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 9:1; Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Luke 10:19; 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.
Mark 16:15-18; 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.
17. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18. they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 5:17-39 & Deuteronomy 28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 25:14-30 & Exodus 33
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 22ND MARCH 2023
WISDOM AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
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The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want…He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake (Psalm 23:1,3).
Pastor Chris Says
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Did you know that wisdom and righteousness are intertwined? The wisdom (Greek: "phronesis") that I’m talking about is practical wisdom. It's the outworking of the righteousness of God in your life. When we talk about the righteousness of God, we’re talking about practical wisdom at work, the expression of "phronesis."
We’re children of righteousness, and you can’t walk in righteousness and fail in wisdom ("phronesis"). The underlined portion of our theme verse says, “…he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness….” Walking in the paths of righteousness is "phronesis." It means you don't go anywhere by chance. You don't meet anybody by chance; in your path, there’re no accidents. Everything is prearranged by God.
In studying the relationship between wisdom and righteousness in Proverbs 8:12-18, Wisdom says, “I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.”
With wisdom leading you in the paths of righteousness, you could never be poor. So, every day, declare, “Wisdom is at work in me today! No chance occurrences in my life. Predestination is at work in me.” Your life was planned by God to be in the paths of wisdom and righteousness. Praise God!
📖 C O N F E S S I O N:
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Wisdom is at work in me today, and I’m set on a preordained path of righteousness! Predestination is at work in me. I don't go anywhere by chance. I don't meet anybody by chance; in my path of life, there’s no death. My life has a purpose with God. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 8:12-21; I wisdom dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge of witty inventions.
13. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, And the froward mouth, do I hate.
14. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
15. By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.
16. By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
17. I love them that love me; And those that seek me early shall find me.
18. Riches and honour are with me; Yea, durable riches and righteousness.
19. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; And my revenue than choice silver.
20. I lead in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of judgment:
21. That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; And I will fill their treasures.
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: Luke 4:14-44 & Deuteronomy 22-24
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 24:45-51 & Exodus 31
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 20TH MARCH 2023
TRIUMPHANT IN CHRIST
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Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Pastor Chris Says
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The world today might be experiencing terribly agonizing times, but the Bible clearly shows that these things aren't new: “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
There were economic hardship, deception, fear, and terrorism back then as there are today. These were, and still are, tricks used by the adversary to oppress people. But our God is faithful throughout all generations. He leads us in perpetual triumph. It doesn’t matter the darkness in the world, refuse to fear.
1 John 4:4 says, “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.” God has ordained your victory, promotion and prosperity in the midst of darkness. He already planned that you’ll be a success in this life, irrespective of what’s going on in the world around you: "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 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" (Romans 8:37-39).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I thank you Father for your glory in my life, for making the lines fall unto me in pleasant places and giving me a goodly heritage. I live and walk in wealth and health. Greater is He that’s in me than he that’s in the world. I'm the glory of God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 37:18-19; The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: And their inheritance shall be for ever.
19. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Psalm 91:5-6; Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6. Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
1 Corinthians 15:57; But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 3:1-38 & Deuteronomy 16-17
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 24:23-33 & Exodus 29
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 18TH MARCH 2023
YOU’RE GOD'S HOPE FOR THE WORLD
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Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God (Hebrews 10:7).
Pastor Chris Says
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Sometimes, we try to get God to do something about the world, about the plight of suffering humanity, not realizing we’re actually His hope for the world. We’re His outstretched arm of blessing to the world. He blessed us, and made us the conveyors of His blessings to our world.
His Word says He made all things beautiful; He created humanity to live in peace, joy, safety, prosperity and abundance. He wants us to keep things that way. We’re supposed to look at the things happening in the nations that aren’t consistent with the will of God and effect changes. We’re the ones to prove His good, acceptable, and perfect will in the earth (Romans 12:2).
It brings to mind the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:18: “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Understand what this means: we give vent to the glory of God in the earth. We give vent to His will. We allow the good things of God to come into this world.
We’re the ones to scrutinize everything in the world and decide which is acceptable or is in the perfect will of God, and then bring that into this earth. It's our calling. No wonder the Bible says, “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God… the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:19-21).
We’re the hope of the world to bring joy, righteousness, peace and prosperity. We’re the ones to deliver the world from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, and we’re at it. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
I’m God’s outstretched arm of blessing to my world; a beacon of hope to a hurting world. Through me, the Lord spreads His righteousness and brings newness, excellence, perfection, beauty and life to all creation, delivering them into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Jeremiah 1:10-12; See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.
11. Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.
12. Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.
Romans 8:19-21 AMPC; For [even the whole] creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God's sons to be made known [waits for the revealing, the disclosing of their sonship].
20. For the creation (nature) was subjected to frailty (to futility, condemned to frustration), not because of some intentional fault on its part, but by the will of Him Who so subjected it–[yet] with the hope
21. That nature (creation) itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and corruption [and gain an entrance] into the glorious freedom of God's children.
Mark 16:15-18; 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.
17. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18. they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 2:1-20 & Deuteronomy 11-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 24:1-11 & Exodus 27
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 14TH APRIL 2023
THREE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PRIESTS
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And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (Revelations 1:6).
Pastor Chris Says
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As God’s people in the earth, we’re king-priests; that is, royal priests. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people….” What are the responsibilities of a priest? The responsibilities of a priest are in three folds.
First, a priest offers gifts to God. When people bring material gifts to the house of God, the priest is empowered by God to convert these from material substance to spiritual substance, useful to God. Without the office of a priest, material things presented to God remain mundane and thus of no spiritual value.
Secondly, the priest is called to intercede for men; he stands between God and men. It is his office to do so, and when he does that, God is also obligated to hear the priest’s voice and respond accordingly.
Thirdly, the priest is called to teach the Word and reveal the principles and way of life of the Kingdom of God to men. He’s called to teach the people how to live for God and towards God. These are the three assignments given to the priest. So, as God’s priests, we offer gifts, we intercede in prayer, and we teach the knowledge of God. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the awesome responsibilities you’ve given me as a king-priest. It’s my joy to bring your will to pass in the earth, leading many into the Kingdom and teaching them the way of the Kingdom. Thank you for the dominion and the authority to alter the course of events in the earth through intercessory prayer, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Peter 2:9 AMPC; 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.
Revelation 5:10 AMPC; And You have made them a kingdom (royal race) and priests to our God, and they shall reign [as kings] over the earth!
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:1-24 & Judges 17-18
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:1-12 & Leviticus 14
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 12TH APRIL 2023
ALIVE TO SPIRITUAL REALITIES
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Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:11).
Pastor Chris Says
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What we just read is absolutely life-transforming: we’re alive to God, alive to spiritual realities of the Kingdom. The Apostle Paul made a similar statement in Ephesians 2:1; it says, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”
To be quickened is to be made alive. When Jesus died, you died in Him. When God raised Him from the dead, you were raised together with Him. You were awakened in God; you came alive in the spirit. This is the reason you can understand the realities of God’s Kingdom.
The one who isn’t born again isn’t alive to God; he’s dead spiritually and gropes in the darkness. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” In Luke 8:10, the Lord Jesus said it is given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.
Every so often, declare that you’re filled with the knowledge of God’s will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Affirm that you have an understanding heart. This is part of your heritage in Christ.
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.” 1 Corinthians 2:12 says, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." You have insight into the mysteries and realities of the Kingdom, into your inheritance, rights, benefits, privileges and blessings in Christ. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I thank you, blessed Father, for granting me insight into the mysteries and secrets of the Kingdom. I’m filled with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. I know the hope of your calling and the riches of the glory of your inheritance for me in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 2:7-12; but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8. which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, Neither have entered into the heart of man, The things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Matthew 13:10-11; And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11. 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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 13:1-21 & Judges 12-13
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 1:29-39 & Leviticus 12
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 10TH APRIL 2023
LIVING IN THE VICTORY OF CHRIST
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Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:35-37).
Pastor Chris Says
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Life may be filled with adversities, but the Word says you’re more than a conqueror through Christ. This should give you comfort, peace and joy. You’re living in the victory of Christ. He assured us of victory over crises and challenges when He said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The Bible says in 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." You’ve been lifted over and above the corrupting influences of this world.
Our opening scripture states clearly that neither tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril nor sword could separate you from the love of God. Then it concludes by saying you’re more than a conqueror. Being more than a conqueror means you conquered in Christ before the foundation of the earth. Hallelujah! There’s nothing to struggle with or try to overcome anymore. When He arose from the grave a victor and a champion, you were in Him.
Don't allow the circumstances of life make you a victim. You were born into the victorious life in Christ: “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Now thanks be unto God who always causes me to triumph in Christ and make manifest the savour of His knowledge in every place! Thank you Father, for my victorious life in Christ! I live in triumph over circumstances, in total fulfillment, joy, glory and dominion, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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James 1:2-3; My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3. knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
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.
1 Corinthians 15:57; But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 12:22-48 & Judges 9
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 1:1-13 & Leviticus 10
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 8TH APRIL 2023
HE’S ALL LOVE
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He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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Oftentimes, we say that God is loving; yes, He is. But it’s important to understand that love isn’t just a quality He possesses; it’s who He is. God is love. Love is His nature. Everything He does is love-inspired.
Ephesians 2:4-5 talks about His great and amazing love. It says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).”
When Jesus restored sight to the blind, healed the deaf, made the lame to walk, restored maimed limbs and raised the dead, they were all acts of love. He was love made flesh; love personified. The Bible tells us how a certain woman who suffered haemorrhage for twelve years pressed through the crowd to touch the hem of His garment for healing. She pressed through the crowd at the risk of her life to get to Jesus. Remember, the Law forbade anyone to make physical contact with others during a blood issue; she’d have been stoned to death if her blood condition was discovered.
But the Bible says she thought to herself, "If I can just put a finger on His robe, I'll get well." She did and was healed instantly. Everything Jesus is and represents is love. His communication and actions pointed everyone to the Father’s love. He was the revelation of God’s love.
He said in John 15:9 (MSG), "I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love.” He loves you unconditionally and unequivocally. Let this inspire you today and always, and provoke in you such audacity of faith.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I’m conscious and grateful for your love for me. I know that above all things, you desire that I fulfil my destiny in Christ, prosper, walk in health and live triumphantly today, and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 John 4:7-8; Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
2 Corinthians 13:14; The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.
Jeremiah 13:3; And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 11:37-54 & Judges 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 28:1-10 & Leviticus 8
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 6TH APRIL 2023
MENDING YOUR WORLD
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Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God… (Hebrews 11:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Greek word, “aion” is what is translated as “worlds” in the verse above. It refers to course of life; an era, or the structure and administration of things as they are in the world. Every now and then, the devil tries to turn the course of this world in his direction; he likes to impose his own system on the world and force us to live in his system. But he’s subject to us, so we can’t allow him to have his way.
For example, when a city or a nation gets new leaders, Satan often attempts to make such leaders follow his agenda. Those leaders may never know when they're being influenced and caused to lie and deceive their people and nation.
Even when the people find out that they’re being deceived, they can’t reverse the damage; they can’t free themselves. But the Bible says, “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God…. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:19-22).
We’re the ones to deliver the world—all of creation— from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. How? It’s with the Word of God (the “rhema” of God) on our lips. With the Word of God, you can repair, construct and reconstruct the course of your life and your world.
That’s what the men and women of faith did in Bible days. Through faith, they framed or repaired their world with the Word of God. It's what God expects of us today: we must frame our era with the Word of God through faith.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear heavenly Father, thank you for giving me dominion over all things. I’ve received the dynamic ability to cause changes, repair, frame, perfect, mend, and restore everything in my world in line with your perfect will. The course of my life stays consistent with your plans and purposes, and I live victoriously over the adversary and the adversities of life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Joshua 1:8 AMPC; This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
Hebrews 11:1-3 AMPC; NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
2. For by [faith–trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report.
3. By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 11:1-13 & Judges 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 27:45-54 & Leviticus 6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 4TH APRIL 2023
LIVING IN THE SPIRIT
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If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
Pastor Chris Says
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As Christians, we don’t go in and out of the Spirit; we live in the Spirit. Our theme verse makes it clear: it says, “Because we live in the Spirit, we should walk in the Spirit.” There’re two common expressions that you find in the Bible for being in the Spirit. One is to be in a vision or trance where your physical senses are more or less suspended. However, that’s a temporal experience.
The other and more important expression of being in the Spirit is being born into the Spirit, where you become aware and alive to the spirit-realm through the Word and the Holy Ghost. You live in that consciousness even though you’re in this world and your physical senses are conscious of your natural environment.
In the latter, you’re living with the mindset of the heavenly being that you are. You see the same things with other people, but you have a different interpretation and a different understanding. You're Spirit-ruled; you see things the Kingdom way; the Word of God dictates your actions and responses to life and everything around you. You dominate your environment with the atmosphere of the Spirit. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Thank you, precious Holy Spirit, for being my peculiar atmosphere and advantage in life. You’ve made my life so different and beautiful. I rule and dominate my world with the atmosphere of joy, peace, success and victory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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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.
Romans 8:9; But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 10:1-24 & Joshua 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 27:26-37 & Leviticus 4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 2ND APRIL 2023
STAY POSITIVE
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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the ways to live happily every day is to always stay positive with the Word, and think good thoughts about other people. Never allow anyone bring some negativities into your life to defile the purity of your heart and the joy of seeing others with the eyes with which God sees them. Stay with the good thoughts about everyone.
God’s love believes only the best about others every time. Some people get in awkward situations for believing all the wrong and negative things they heard about others, and end up losing good relationships. For example, you probably know a lot of things about certain people in your congregation, family or neighbourhood. But never dwell on the negatives.
The Bible shows us clearly what we should give our minds to; how to think and what to think about. That’s what we read in our opening verse. Don’t dwell on allegations against people. When you set your thinking on thoughts that are contrary to those listed in the opening verse, you become the reflection of such thoughts.
But imagine if your life is the reflection of things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. How beautiful your life would be! Your character is the reflection of your thoughts. The more positive your thoughts are, the more peaceful and excellent your life would be.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, as I meditate on your Word, my mind is inundated with thoughts of glory, excellence, success, victory and prosperity. I make my way prosperous and walk in absolute victory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 13:7 AMPC; Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].
Philippians 4:8 TPT; Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 9:18-36 & Joshua 13-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 27:1-10 & Leviticus 2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 31ST MARCH 2023
THIS IS OUR DAY
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For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1 Corinthians 4:20).
Pastor Chris Says
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When Jesus came to this earth, it wasn’t His day. In Luke 22:53, at the verge of His crucifixion, He said to the soldiers, “…this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” So, He allowed Himself to be arrested. When He ministered, He didn’t go beyond the city of Jerusalem (Luke 24:49). That wasn’t His day.
The Day of Christ is when He returns to judge the nations and begin His 1,000-year reign upon the earth. (Read Philippians 1:10, Philippians 2:16, 2 Thessalonians 2:2). The Bible says, “In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:6).
All those things will happen in His days, for 1,000 years! That’s at the Millennium. But this is the day of the Church! Glory to God! Realize this and take advantage of it. This is the day in which we must use all that He’s given us for His glory. You've got to have the manifestation of power in your life! The Kingdom of God isn’t in words only, but in power also (1 Cotinthians 4:20).
The tremendous miracles, signs and wonders performed by Jesus and the apostles were chronicled in the Bible to inspire us and to let us know we can do the same in our day through the power of the same Spirit. Use what you’ve got. Praise God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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This is the day of the Church, and thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph in Christ and makes manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place! Thank you Lord, for this dispensation which you’ve given us for your glory and for the manifestation of your power in our lives. The supernatural has become an everyday experience for the Church, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Isaiah 53:10; Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Romans 8:19-21; For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21. because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 8:40-56 & Joshua 7-9
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:57-68 & Exodus 40
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 29TH MARCH 2023
DEAL WITH IT ON YOUR KNEES
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And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed (Luke 22:41).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening verse reminds of what the Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 3:14-15: “I bow my knees before the Father of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” Learn to bow your knees in prayer. Sometimes people go through tough times and severe persecutions. The way to deal with such situations is on your knees in prayer.
In Luke 18:1-8, the Lord Jesus emphasized the importance of persistence in prayer. This is because being the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, you can change anything through prayer. When Satan stirs persecution against us, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Never allow any crisis or situation take your attention such that you begin to mull it over, feeling helpless. One minute with the Holy Ghost will make a far much greater impact than five hours of melancholy and sad cogitations. So, pray in, and with, the spirit. "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray…" (James 5:13). Ephesians 6:18 says, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit….”
It doesn’t matter the persecution or how unsavoury the economy of your nation is; keep praying about it. Ecclesiastes 11:3 says, “If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.”
Keep watering the clouds with prayer; soon enough, the condensation will take place and there’ll be a deluge: the answers will come pouring down.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The Lord reigns and rules in the affairs of men. The Lord is strong and mighty, the God of all flesh, and there’s nothing too difficult for Him. He’s the God of possibilities, and He’s given me the power of attorney to use the Name of Jesus to effect the changes I desire. Therefore, I live an ever-winning life, with dominion over Satan and his cohorts, spreading the Gospel of Christ in my world and beyond, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 18:1; And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
1 Thessalonians 5:17; Pray without ceasing.
James 5:16 AMPC: Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 8:1-21 & Joshua 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:36-46 & Exodus 38
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 27TH MARCH 2023
THE SPIRIT PRAYING THROUGH YOU
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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 (Romans 8:26).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the most important kinds of prayer is one in which the Holy Spirit Himself prays through you in intercession for the saints. That’s what we read in our opening verse above. There’s the one in which your spirit is praying in tongues, like the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:14: “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.”
However, there’re times your spirit may have been praying and it gets to the level where the Holy Spirit takes over that prayer. At that moment, it’s not your spirit that's praying anymore but the Holy Spirit praying through you with deep sighs and groanings. You find yourself praying with intense, profuse uncontrollable tears; you’re wailing, not out of sorrow or anguish but of soul-travail. No words are being formed; you even have to hold your stomach as though you’re in pain, but there’s no pain. It’s the Holy Spirit travailing in prayer through you.
Read our theme scripture again; it says the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered in articulate speech. This is an amazing way to pray effectively and it’s important that you yield yourself to the Holy Spirit to pray through you like this from time to time. It’s His work through you.
When He prays through you, Romans 8:28 tells us the result: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m ever conscious and yielded to the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my personal life. There’s no disadvantage for me. I'm full of joy and I'm full of love and I walk in righteousness and in prosperity; goodness and mercy follow me every day of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:26-28 AMPC; So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.
27. And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. [Ps. 139:1, 2.]
28. We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
Jude 1:20 AMPC; But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 7:1-35 & Deuteronomy 33-34
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:14-25 & Exodus 36
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 25TH MARCH 2023
EFFECTS AND BENEFITS OF PRAYING ALWAYS
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And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1).
Pastor Chris Says
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Prayer is important for the Christian. There’re certain things that won’t change until you pray. Prayer covers not only the communication—the content of the prayer—but also our meditation during the times of prayer.
Even the seclusion is important; when you have to shut yourself away from everything and everyone else and be alone with the Spirit of God so He can talk to you and open your eyes. As you speak in tongues, rolling your mind through the Scriptures, He’ll unveil Himself and His truth to your spirit. Hallelujah!
These are some of the secrets from God's Kingdom given to His children to be successful in life. You ought to live in victory even in the midst of the storms, and the life of victory in Christ is very simple. Whenever it’s possible to stay away from everything else to pray, do it. Always stir yourself and respond to the call and urgency of prayer from your spirit.
Jesus said, “…men ought always to pray...” (Luke 18:1). Ephesians 6:18 says, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit….” Give attention to praying in tongues. You have to pray always by the Holy Spirit; the words have to be energized, communicated, inspired and anointed by the Holy Ghost. That’s what makes the difference. Praise God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege to fellowship with you in prayer. I receive that discipline to always get stirred and respond to the call and urgency of prayer from my spirit. Through prayer, my spirit and mind are conditioned, until your thoughts become my thoughts, and your words become my words, communicated by the power of the Holy Spirit to cause a change in my world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 6:18 AMPC; Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
Luke 18:1 NIV; Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
1 Thessalonians 5:17; Pray without ceasing.
1 John 5:14-15 NIV; This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
15. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 6:1-16 & Deuteronomy 29-30
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 25:31-46 & Exodus 34
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 23RD MARCH 2023
THE KEY IS YIELDING TO THE WORD
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But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth (James 3:14).
Pastor Chris Says
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The verse of scripture above was written to God's people. It shows that it’s possible to find a Christian who could be walking in bitterness, envy and strife. According to our theme verse, when you notice bitterness, envy, and strife in your heart, take a stand against them. Don't deny them; deal with them, because they’re devilish.
In the ensuing verse 15, still referring to anger, bitterness and strife, it says, “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish” (James 3:15). The word “devilish” above is the Greek, “daimoniodes” which means “demonic” or that which is inspired by a demon.
Don't allow your life to be influenced by demons; don't get into strife. Ordinarily, Satan can’t force his will upon anyone, except those who yield to his antics and influence. Sadly, some people yield themselves to the devil without realizing it. It’s the reason you must walk in the Spirit and in the knowledge of the Word at all times. This is vital for a victorious Christian life.
Galatians 5:16 says, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” The same James who wrote what we read in our theme verse also wrote in James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” You submit yourself to God by yielding to the Word.
Then, being yielded to the Word, resist the devil and he’ll flee from you. That’s the key: it’s being yielded to the Word; giving yourself to the Word by doing the Word! It’ll rid you of envy, strife, pride, jealousy, bitterness, anger and everything unwholesome or unclean. It’ll bring you into a place of sanctification. Praise God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the impact of your Word in my spirit, soul and body. My life is filled with the joy and glory of your righteousness as I walk in the light of your Word. Every darkness is dispelled from my path because I walk in the Spirit and light of your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 4:31; Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
James 1:22-25; But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24. for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 5:1-16 & Deuteronomy 25-27
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 25:1-13 & Exodus 32
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 21ST MARCH 2023
DON’T GIVE UP ON THEM
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Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness… (Galatians 6:1).
Pastor Chris Says
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As Christians and soul winners, we should be concerned enough to know if anyone in our congregation has strayed away or fallen by the wayside. We’re never to give up on anyone. The Lord expects us to account for every soul.
The words of Jesus in John 17:12 should be our inspiration always in dealing with those that the Lord adds to the Church. He said, “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled” (John 17:12). The Lord Jesus accounted for every soul that God gave Him.
Soul winning must have accountability; we have to be accountable for the souls the Lord has given to us. In Luke 15, the Lord Jesus told the parable of a shepherd with one hundred sheep who left the ninety-nine to go search for the one that got missing in the wilderness. When he found it, he carried it home rejoicing, and invited his friends and neighbours to celebrate. Then, the Master said, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). Here, Jesus was ministering to the Jews, but He wasn’t talking about one who had never come to the Lord, but one who had strayed away.
There’s a difference between the one who has never been in the church and the one who’s been in church but strayed away. We must go after them to win them back. So, today, call or visit that brother, sister, or family that you know hasn’t been coming to church. Share the love of Christ with them and keep interceding for them. When you win them back, the Bible says there’ll be great joy in heaven. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Lord, I pray that your grace and mercy locate everyone who’s been in the Church, but for some reason has strayed away. May their love for you be rekindled, birthing a fresh appetite for your Word and the things of the Spirit. I pray that as Christ is formed in them, they’d be deeply rooted and grounded in faith and in your love, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 3:14-19; For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15. of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16. that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17. 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.
Galatians 6:1; Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Luke 15:8-11; Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
9. And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
10. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
11. And he said, A certain man had two sons:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 4:1-13 & Deuteronomy 18-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 24:34-44 & Exodus 30
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 19TH MARCH 2023
HEALING AND HEALTH IN HIS NAME
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And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all (Acts 3:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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It’s amazing what we can do, what we can have—the blessings and glory we can experience—when we use the Name of Jesus. Think about what we just read in our opening verse. The Name of Jesus brings healing and health; perfect soundness to your body. Glory to God!
Throughout the gospels, you find various instances where people touched the hem of Jesus’ garments and received instant healing. An example is the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8. The Bible says she came behind Jesus and “...touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched” (Luke 8:44).
The word “border” in this verse is “Kraspedon” in Greek and it means “fringes” or “tassels.” Also, in Matthew 14, when Jesus came to the land of Gennesaret, the people of that region rushed to Him for healing, and the Bible says they “...besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole” (Matthew 14:36).
The Master didn’t have to do anything; all they needed was to touch the border or fringes of His garment and they were healed. But it’s even more glorious today! You don’t have to touch His garment; at the mention of His Name, every sickness bows; cancers dematerialize; maimed or paralysed limbs are made whole. His Name is the answer today.
In Mark 6:56, the Bible says everywhere Jesus entered: “…villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.” That same power is still available today in His Name.
No wonder He charged us to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers and raise the dead (Matthew 10:8). He said in Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs shall follow them that believe…they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Lord, I pray for your children who may be sick in their bodies, that they rise from that place of limitation and bondage today and be healed in Jesus’ Name. Your life in them makes them whole; Christ in them brings them perfect soundness of mind and body. Hallelujah!
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John 10:10; The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Acts 3:16 AMPC; And His name, through and by faith in His name, has made this man whom you see and recognize well and strong. [Yes] the faith which is through and by Him [Jesus] has given the man this perfect soundness [of body] before all of you.
Philippians 2:9-11; Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10. that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11. and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 2:21-52 & Deuteronomy 13-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 24:12-22 & Exodus 28
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 17TH MARCH 2023
MAKE THE TRUTH KNOWN
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And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).
Pastor Chris Says
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In these last days, the strategy of the enemy is to destroy many with fear and deception. But the way to tackle and cure the effects of deception is by making the truth known.
That’s why we’re so grateful to God for Rhapsody of Realities. Through it, we’re making the truth known every day, in every nation and in every known and living language of the world. Blessed be God!
Be a part of the great crusade of spreading the truth to the nooks and crannies of the earth through the distribution of Rhapsody of Realities in all languages of the world to all nations. God wants to protect His people. He wants to guide and lead them, and He does this through the Word and the Holy Spirit.
Let’s make His truth known. When people don’t know the Word of God, they get deceived, robbed, and destroyed. God said, “My people are destroyed for their lack of knowledge.” Not only should you consciously increase in your knowledge of God, help others to know the Word.
Jesus said in Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations....” In other words, teach them the truth; show them how to live so they’re not deceived. Anyone who’s ignorant of the Word of God is in darkness, because the Word of God is truth and light.
It’s the same for anyone who’s destitute of the Holy Spirit, for the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. He’s the One who guides you into all truth so you can walk in truth and also make it known to others. His truth (His Word) is your shield and buckler (Psalm 91:4). That’s why you need to have your attention on the Word; it liberates you and dispels the darkness.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your Word that causes me to stay in truth and walk in your perfect will. As your children all around the world make your truth known, your righteousness is established around the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 John 4:1; Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1 John 4:5-6; They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Psalm 91:4; He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:57-80 & Deuteronomy 8-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 23:23-39 & Exodus 26
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional