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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 14TH JANUARY 2023
PRAYING FOR LEADERS
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I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority… (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Acts 13:6-12, we find a very interesting story about the missionary work of Barnabas and Paul in Paphos—a city known for a combination of immorality and darkness. In the course of their evangelical work in the city, the deputy, Sergius Paulus, wanted to hear God’s Word and sent for Barnabas and Paul.
But one of his very influential officials—a noted false prophet and sorcerer—attempted to frustrate their missionary efforts. He didn’t want his boss to hear the Gospel. But Paul, having observed Elymas’ deceptive and malicious tendencies, firmly expostulated with him and said, “And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season…” (Acts 13:11). Suddenly, the man went blind and got out of their way. Hallelujah!
Sergius Paulus was a prudent man; he wasn’t a corrupt official, but he was unaware of the kind of influence that Elymas would have on him, having been planted by Satan. These are often part of Satan’s ways of getting across to government and political leaders, to influence them and get them to do the wrong things.
Therefore, in praying for the leaders of your city, state or country, remember that there’re times Satan plants his own people among them, to distract them from hearing the Word and from getting to know God. Therefore, using the Name of Jesus, break the power of Satan over those who work with leaders and seek to influence or counsel them to go against the will and purposes of God.
Furthermore, command the devil to loose his grip over their minds so the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ would shine unto them. Affirm that their hearts are open to receive the Gospel willingly and as a result, righteousness springs up in their hearts and the wisdom of God guides their thoughts. Pray for leaders and all men this way as admonished in 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Lord, your desire is for the leaders and peoples of the nations to be saved and for your righteousness to rule their hearts and guide their thinking. Therefore, I pray for leaders of nations, that their hearts be opened and receptive to the Gospel. I pray that your Word will have free course and be glorified and have prevailing power in their lives, effectively cutting off every negative influence from among them, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Timothy 2:1-4; I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2. for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4. who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Jeremiah 29:7; And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
Proverbs 21:1; The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, As the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 10:24-42 & Genesis 34-35
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 6:1-13 & Genesis 14
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 12TH JANUARY 2023
HIS LOVE TOWARDS US
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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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Contrary to what many think, it doesn’t take much to be born again. All that’s required is to come into Christ. Romans 10:9 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” That’s all the sinner needs to do.
Once the sinner comes into Christ, suddenly, old things are passed away. The Bible doesn’t say he or she should try to change the old things. God isn’t waiting for sinners to change their old ways before coming to Him. If they could do that themselves, they wouldn’t need Jesus.
Romans 5:10 says, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” How gracious the Lord is! We were reconciled to Him at a time we didn’t even know Him—while we were still enemies. Ephesians 2:4-5 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).”
He loved us even when we were dead in sin: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Romans 4:4-5 shows us how this happened. It says, “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
Our God justifies the ungodly. 2 Corinthians 5:19 says, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” This is the Gospel: it’s about Christ Jesus and His great love for all humanity! It’s about the eternal life and righteousness that He’s freely made available to all, which becomes a vital reality in the life of the one who accepts this truth by confessing the lordship of Jesus Christ.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear heavenly Father, I pray for the unsaved around the world, declaring open channels for the Gospel to reach and impact them today. Every resistance is broken and they receive the truth with understanding, and embrace your Word for their salvation, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 5:19-20; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Colossians 1:21-22; And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22. in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 9:18-38 & Genesis 29-30
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 5:31-40 & Genesis 12
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 10TH JANUARY 2023
WE’RE LIKE HIM
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Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our theme verse is somewhat too big for some to grasp. They wonder, “How can we be like God?” Well, we didn’t know we were like Him until He told us. We read it: as He is, so are we in this world. We’re like Him because we’re born of Him; we were created in the image of Him that created us (Colossians 3:10). Blessed be God!
Being born again, we have the same life and nature as Jesus. It’s the reason we can think, talk, and live as He did, for we’re one with Him: “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17).
The Bible says He’s the embodiment of all wisdom and knowledge: “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). The same is true of you because you’re complete in Him (Colossians 2:10). You’re the custodian of divine knowledge and wisdom, for John 1:16 says, “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” Hallelujah!
You’re full of God as Jesus was full of God, because you have received of His fullness. That’s not all: You’re the effulgence of His glory just as He was and is the glory of the Father. If you’d live with this consciousness, it’ll transform your life. You’d walk in victory and dominion over circumstances, every day. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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As Jesus is the glory of the Father, so am I in this world. God reigns, establishes, and spreads His righteousness on earth today through me, as I rule and reign in the dominion of Christ. Blessed be God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Peter 2:9; 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 John 5:11-13; And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 8:1-27 & Genesis 25-26
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 5:11-20 & Genesis 10
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 8TH JANUARY 2023
NEVER GET FRANTIC
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And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Scriptures show us how to respond when we’re confronted with challenges. Always, the Lord tells us not to fear. Never get frantic or flustered. We’re creatures of faith and not fear.
In Mark 4, Jesus was in the boat with His disciples and there was a tempest: “And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full” (Mark 4:37). Rattled by fear, the disciples cried out to the Master who was peacefully asleep at the rear of the boat. He wasn’t one to be flustered by circumstances.
When He woke up, He didn’t say, “This storm is quite tumultuous and a serious threat to our lives! I need to talk to the Father.” No! His amazing and inspiring response to the storm was, “Peace, be still!” Hallelujah! Some Christians find themselves in similar situations and respond in fear. They start speaking in tongues out of panic; no. Speak in tongues, but never out of fear.
Praying out of frenzy negates your faith; it’s ineffective. It’s not wrong to immediately start speaking in tongues when you’re in certain situations, but you must know why you’re speaking in tongues at such times. It should be to stir your spirit to pick the right words to deal with the situation.
While speaking with tongues, the Holy Spirit will also give you utterance in spiritual incantations which are coded words for the circumstances. Hallelujah! Refuse to fear, and remember who you are; then speak as the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I live by faith in the Word of God, and I keep my mind steadfastly focused on Christ and the realities of the Kingdom of God! No matter what happens around me, I refuse to fear, because I’m born of God and I’ve overcome the world. Greater is He that’s in me than he that’s in the world. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 27:1-6; The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2. When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, They stumbled and fell.
3. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6. And now shall mine head be lifted up, Above mine enemies round about me: Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Isaiah 41:10; Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Psalm 107:29; He maketh the storm a calm, So that the waves thereof are still.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 6:19-7:1-6 & Genesis 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 4:12-25 & Genesis 8
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 6TH JANUARY 2023
SEE THE KINGDOM WAY
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For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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Think about what we just read; an amazing reality! It makes no difference how much persecution and adversities you’re facing right now; they’re “light afflictions,” with fleeting lifespans. That’s not all: those “light afflictions” produce for you an eternal weight of glory. Blessed be God!
That crisis you thought came to crush you has a transient lifespan! If you would stay focused on the Word, there’s a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that’s sure to result from the situation.
Then the Spirit tells us how this happens in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. It says, “…for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Quit looking at the visible things in the natural world; remain focused, looking at the unseen. That’s because those unseen things are real.
The “things” your physical eyes or senses can relate with are not real; they’re temporary—here today, gone tomorrow. They’re subject to change! It’s like what we read about Elisha and his servant when they were surrounded by enemy chariots, horses and a great army. Terrified, Elisha’s servant cried out, “Master, we’re surrounded; what shall we do?”
Elisha replied, “Don’t be afraid; those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see” (2 Kings 6:17). The servant was looking at the wrong thing. The real armies and chariots were the unseen host of angels that surrounded Elisha, but the servant didn’t know it. So, in your life, see the unseen! Look and see spiritually. See the Kingdom way. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Lord, thank you for the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that I experience as I walk in your Word. I rejoice always, knowing that you, O Lord, are the strength of my life by whom I triumph gloriously in every situation, reigning in righteousness, grace, wisdom, and in the knowledge of Christ. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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James 1:2-4 TPT; My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!
3. For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance.
4. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 AMPC; Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day.
17. For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!],
18. Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 5:21-48 & Genesis 15-17
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 3:10-17 & Genesis 6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
WED. 4TH JANUARY 2023
IT’S FROM YOUR HEART
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Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
Pastor Chris Says
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Anything you want or could ever want won’t come to you from heaven or from anywhere else but from your heart. Your heart is the origin of all things, including matter. That’s what we read in our opening verse above.
Remember, universal matter came from the heart of God; everything was inside Him before He spoke them into being. You're made in the image and likeness of God; meaning that you look like Him and function like Him. Therefore, everything you’ll ever need in your life will come out of you—out of your heart.
That business you want to start, the new structure you want to set up, that new facility you need, including the capital; they’re all in your heart! Bring them forth from within you! The Bible says God has set, that means deposited, eternity in our hearts: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Your heart has the potential for infinite capabilities and possibilities. You can bring forth anything from within your spirit. Think about it: if your heart can contain God (for He lives in your heart; you’re the temple of the Holy Spirit), then it means heaven and earth, life, success, victory and joy—all the good things you could ever imagine or desire—are in your heart.
The reverse is also true for the one who isn’t born again: his heart is the habitation of evil, darkness, wickedness, failure and death. Recall the words of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 12:35: “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.”
Being born again, you’re the “good” man that Jesus talked about. You’re the one to produce whatever God wants in the earth: we permit and bring forth only the things that are consistent with His perfect will. Our hearts or spirits scrutinize everything and decide that only the will of the Lord will be done in our world and upon the earth (Romans 12:2). Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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From within, I bring forth success, victory, health, prosperity, joy and all the good things I desire. I walk in the glory of God today, and in the full blessings of the Gospel as I impact those in my world with the life and nature of Christ in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 12:34; O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Luke 6:45; A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Romans 12:2; And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 4 & Genesis 9-11
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 2:13-23 & Genesis 4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 2ND JANUARY 2023
JOY IN THE REALMS OF SALVATION
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For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the realms of salvation is joy. That's because all the blessings of God, all the blessings that exist in Christ, are in salvation. So, we're full of joy all the time because we have all things. The Bible says, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17). There's no room for frustration in our lives. We don't give vent to sadness, anger or bitterness. We give vent to the joy of the Lord-joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Consider what the Spirit says through Paul to the saints in Thessalonica: "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost" (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Despite the affliction, they were full of joy. Isn't that what James also said? James 1:2 NIV: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."
That's how come Paul and Silas could be singing praises to God while in prison, with their hands and feet in stocks. They joyfully praised God, not so He would deliver them (even though He did), but because that's the life of the new creation-it's the extrusion and manifestation of true joy; it just flows.
If that hasn't been your experience, it's because you're not acting on the Word. Being joyful is your life. The Bible says, "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation" (Isaiah 12:3). Without joy, you can't experience the awesome blessings that God has delivered to you when you received salvation.
Joy is one of the intrinsic attributes of your recreated spirit; you only need to express and exude it always, irrespective and independent of circumstances. That's where your strength lies-strength for an ever-victorious life: "...for the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).
🙏 P R A Y E R
Righteous Father, I've put on the new man which, after you, is created in righteousness and true holiness. Therefore, I'm full of joy and strengthened by the Holy Spirit today. My life is the testimony of your grace and goodness, and I rejoice always with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
1 Peter 1:8; whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Romans 14:17; for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 2 & Genesis 3-5
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 1:15-25; Genesis 2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 31ST DECEMBER 2022
A BLANK CHEQUE FROM GOD
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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
Pastor Chris Says
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Imagine that someone, a very rich person that you know, gives you a signed cheque and says, "Fill in any amount you want!" God gave Solomon a blank cheque by asking him, "What do you want?" Solomon asked for wisdom and understanding (1 Kings 3:8-9). God didn't send an angel from heaven to make Solomon wise. All He said was, "Solomon, you have it!" The moment God spoke those words, Solomon became what God said.
It's such a blessing to hear God and to receive His Word. His Word to you at any time in your life regarding any situation is all you need. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus said, "... If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." He just told you nothing shall be Impossible unto you. That's a blank cheque from God waiting to be cashed. All you have to do is fill in the blanks; the cheque has already been signed. When was it signed?
It was signed when the Holy Ghost came into your heart to live in you. The Bible says, "It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free -signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13 MSG). So, it's been signed!
It's time for you to fill it out. But how? It's with your mouth! The Bible says, "...my tongue is the pen of a ready writer" (Psalm 45:1). You fill in the blanks by speaking: as you declare words of faith in agreement with God, you're writing in the Spirit; you're composing a good matter! Hallelujah!
If life has been somewhat difficult and you've found yourself struggling, it's because you haven't filled in the blanks. The cheque has been signed, meaning that you've been authorized. Don't wait anymore; start talking and watch your life go from glory to glory.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I accept my new reality and Identity In Christ. I'm whom God says I am: holy, unblameable and unreproveable in His sight. I'm born of the incorruptible seed of God's Word. I'm unconquerable and indestructible because the Word of God is my life. God's nature of righteousness is in my spirit and I live In absolute mastery over circumstances. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Hebrews 13:5-6; Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear What man shall do unto me.
2 Corinthians 4:13; We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 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.
13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 22 & Malachi 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 22:11-21 & Malachi 3-4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 28TH DECEMBER 2022
SPEAK BLESSINGS IN HIS NAME
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Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways (Job 22:28).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you pray, learn to speak words of blessings; speak things into being. Ecclesiastes 11:3 says, “If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth….” There’re clouds that are calamitous, catastrophic, ruinous and tragic, but our clouds carry spiritual waters of blessings, prosperity and victories.
In John 7:38, Jesus said, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow, rivers of living water.” The 39th verse says, “(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified).”
The Holy Spirit in you is a fountain of life. That’s why there's a gusher, an outflow of life and blessings as you speak. Always speak blessings; words that cancel Satan’s plans. Even now, make a decree concerning your nation, your city, your life or about anything, and it shall be established unto you (Job 22:28, Ecclesiastes 8:4).
Remember, it’s by the blessing of the upright that the city is exalted (Proverbs 11:11). Speaking blessings over anyone, anything, any city or nation can be done by giving thanks. Therefore, give thanks as the Word enjoins us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority….”
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the light of the glorious Gospel that continues to shine in all the nations of the world, with signs and wonders taking place as the Gospel is preached. Indeed, the knowledge of your glory is covering the earth as the waters cover the sea, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Job 22:28 AMPC; You shall also decide and decree a thing, and it shall be established for you; and the light [of God's favor] shall shine upon your ways.
1 Peter 3:9; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Proverbs 11:11; By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 19:11-21 & Zechariah 9-11
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 21:1-12 & Zechariah 11-12
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 25TH DECEMBER 2022
DIVINE LOVE WITH THE FATHER
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Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
Pastor Chris Says
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Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. He was born to fulfil the will of the Father. He was God’s love manifested to us. He was God’s sacrificial lamb to die and pay the price for the salvation of the world, to bring men into divine fellowship with the Father.
Ephesians 1:5-6 says, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Before the foundation of the world, God planned that you’d live in His love.
He planned that in Christ, you’d be the proof of His goodness. Ephesians 2:10 AMPC says, “For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”
Jesus experienced the love of the Father the way no man ever did. He said in John 14:10, “...I am in the Father, and the Father is in me....” He walked in the Father, and the Father walked in Him. We’re to do the same as admonished in Ephesians 5:1-2 AMPC: “THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.”
He saved us with His own love and gave His life for us, so we could experience the Father’s love through fellowship. Now we can better understand the Angel’s message to the shepherds in Luke 2:11-14: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, you’re awesome, glorious, righteous, holy, just and true. I love you, Lord. You’re gracious and ever-kind. Thank you for the honour of being in fellowship with you, to experience your divine love in ways beyond human comprehension, and for making me an expression of you and of your love. Amen.
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Ephesians 2:4-7; But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5. even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6. and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7. that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
John 3:16; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 17 & Zechariah 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 19:1-10 & Zechariah 5-6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 15 & Zephaniah 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 18:1-12 & Zechariah 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 22ND DECEMBER 2022
FLOURISHING THROUGH WORDS
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A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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Your real personality is revealed in words; you're no different from your words. Your words represent you. Think about this: before Jesus was manifested in the flesh, He was the living Word; He was God's Word. The Word that the Father spoke became flesh; as it is written, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory…” (John 1:14 NKJV).
This is why your words are so important. Your words are “you.” If your words were capsulated and made flesh, what would that flesh look like? Will you be happy with what you see? If not, you can change it. Your life can reflect the beauty and glory of God. Begin by studying and meditating on the Word. Let the Word fill your heart and mind; for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).
Speak wholesome words. When you speak beautiful, faith-filled words, your life takes on the shape of those words and you receive a beautiful outcome.
Some people speak ugly and hurtful words to others all the time. Let that not be your description. Be gracious always in your speech and help others flourish through your words.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Out of the abundance of God’s Word in my heart, my mouth speaks. My words are gushers of living water with which I tame the world, change circumstances, give life, uplift and edify others. My life is beautiful, and I beautify the lives of others with my wholesome words.
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Matthew 12:36-37; But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Proverbs 15:4; A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: But perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
Proverbs 16:24; Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 13:11-14:1-20 & Habakkuk 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 17:11-18 & Haggai 2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 20TH DECEMBER 2022
THE WORD GIVES YOU A FRESH START
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And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Pastor Chris Says
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In the world, there's no system or process that can help get rid of the wrong information that the human system has amassed over the course of mental and physical development. The storage is permanent. In the world are all kinds of people whose characters are the sum total or end result of all the negative information that has gone into them.
However, when you’re born again, the only material that has the capacity to erase, or delete all the wrong stuff from your mind and give you a fresh start is the Word of God. It’s the only material that cleanses the heart, purifies the soul and renews the mind.
The Word has sanctifying power. Jesus said in John 15:3, “...Ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” Acts 20:32 says, “And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up….” With the Word of God, you can reconstruct your life, you can frame your world; you can decide you want to fix something in any area of your life—whatever it is.
Always take time to meditate on the Word and you’ll make apparent progress and experience good success in all your affairs. There’ll be an outburst of prosperity in every area of your life, to the praise and glory of God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I’m yielded to be built, edified, energized and strengthened by your Word for a life of greatness, victory and triumphs. Through the ministry of the Word, I'm programmed; my mind is reconditioned for supernatural growth; there’s an outburst of prosperity in every area of my 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.
1 Peter 2:2 AMPC; Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation,
1 Peter 1:23; being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 12 & Micah 6-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 16:11-21 & Zephaniah 3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 18TH DECEMBER 2022
GIVE HIM TRUE WORSHIP
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We should be grateful that we were given a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And in this kingdom we please God by worshiping him and by showing him great honor and respect (Hebrews 12:28 CEV).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the greatest honours that we have as God’s children is the privilege to worship Him. Our worship of the Lord is so sacrosanct; it’s not something you do halfheartedly and irreverently. Some people could be in an environment of worship and be distracted by several things. Some could even be using their phones or exchanging pleasantries while worship is going on. That’s irreverent.
The Lord deserves and demands true worship. True worship is from the heart, offered without distractions. And true worshippers are the ones who have known the Father. Recall the conversation between the Master and the lady from Samaria in John 4. In verse 20, the woman said, “Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.”
The Lord responded, saying, “…Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:21-22). Observe that Jesus didn’t say the Samaritans weren't worshipping at all; rather, He said they didn't know whom they were worshipping.
Then He said, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him” (John 4:23). So, there’re true worshippers! When you learn to worship God truly from your heart, it’ll build your life and bring you tremendous blessings.
Take your times of worship seriously, especially worship in praise to God in the church. We worship God in our service to Him, in the things we do for Him; we worship Him in prayer as part of worship, but we also worship Him in praise and that's the most important of them all. Always maintain not just an attitude, but a life of reverence, where you give true worship to the Lord.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the majesty and the splendour; you’re gracious, holy, righteous, pure and kind; you alone are God! You’re exalted as head over all, and I thank you, in holiness and truth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Philippians 3:3 NIV; For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Revelation 4:10-11; the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 10 & Micah 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 15:1-8 & Habakkuk 3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 15TH DECEMBER 2022
HIS GREATNESS IS FOR OUR ADVANTAGE
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By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening scripture is referring to the Lord, Jesus Christ. By Him, we’re to continually offer spiritual sacrifices to God in praise. Praise is thanksgiving: thanking and extolling God’s Majesty and greatness; acknowledging Him in His acts of kindness, for which you’re grateful and thankful.
But here’s the beautiful thing: in praising Him, in acknowledging His greatness, we’re thankful that His greatness is directed towards us for our advantage, in loving us, taking care of us, blessing us and all the numerous things He’s done for us.
The Spirit’s prayer through Paul in Ephesians 1:19 further explains it. It says, “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.” For example, when God demonstrated that great power in raising Jesus from the dead, He raised us up together with Him. Hallelujah!
Everything He’s revealed to us about His power and His greatness is all about blessing us. He created all things: the stars, the moons, the sun, all the planets, the things we know and don't know, and the ones we see and don't see; they’re all for us.
No wonder the Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:17 that He gives us all things richly to enjoy. He shared all of what He's got with us! 2 Peter 1:3 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things….” Think about that! Then He said in 1 Corinthians 3:21, “…all things are yours.” Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Thank you, blessed Father, for the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing riches of your grace in your kindness and goodness of heart directed toward me in Christ Jesus. You’re the only true and wise God, who reigns and rules in the affairs of men; the One who is the blessed and only Sovereign. To you, Lord, be all glory, honour, majesty, dominion and praise, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Ephesians 2:4-7; But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5. even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6. and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7. that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Hosea 14:2; And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.
Hebrews 13:15; By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 7 & Amos 5-9
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 13:11-18 & Micah 7
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 13TH JANUARY 2023
CHRIST OUR LIFE
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When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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Christ is our life! Blessed be God! Just the thought causes the power of God to course through my being. We’re not ordinary. When you received Christ, something actually transpired: the life and nature of God was imparted to your spirit. You no longer have the human life; you have the Christ-life, the divine life.
This was the Apostle Paul’s summation when he declared, “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 (in this body) I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). What an overwhelmingly deepseated conviction!
Paul referenced the same thought in Colossians 3:10 when he said that as new creations, we’ve put on the new man who’s been renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ. In other words, the more you learn about Him and experience Him in knowledge, the more He’s expressed in and through you. That’s Christian growth.
When the knowledge of the divine life in you sinks into your spirit through meditation, it becomes your constant consciousness. It becomes your practice, experience and way of life. How could anything go wrong with your liver, heart, or kidney when Christ is your life?
The Bible says if Christ is in you, even if your body were dead or ravaged by sickness or disease because of sin, the Spirit gives it life because of righteousness— the life and nature of God in you (Romans 8:10). The depraved, defeated, destroyed and broken human life has been supplanted by the Christ-life—the divine life of righteousness, honour, peace and glory. Glory to God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Christ is my life! Christ is my righteousness. Christ is my wisdom. Christ is my all! Christ in me is the hope of glory! Today, I fully express the essence of my divine nature, impacting my world with the righteousness, honour, peace and dominion of Christ. Hallelujah!
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Colossians 1:26-27; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27. to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Colossians 3:3-4; For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Romans 8:10-11 ESV; But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 10:1-23 & Genesis 31-33
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 5:41-48 & Genesis 13
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 11TH JANUARY 2023
MANIFESTING FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
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Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:11).
Pastor Chris Says
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Jesus said, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20). You can’t have fruits of something you’re not. An orange tree can only produce orange fruits. So, our theme verse is letting you know that if you’re righteous, you’ll have fruits of righteousness. In John 15:5, Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches….” And as common knowledge, the beauty of a tree is in its branches.
Being the “branch” of Jesus Christ means you carry the beauty of the Son of God. Hallelujah! You’re the fruit-bearing part of the vine, and you bear fruits of righteousness. That’s what your life is about: the manifestation of His righteousness.
You’ve been established as a tree of righteousness, to produce fruits and works of righteousness. Meaning that the things that come out of your life—your words and your actions—bring praise and glory to God. Isaiah 61:3 calls us trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord of hosts that He might be glorified. God’s glory and excellence are expressed through you.
The people of the world should see you and recognize the excellence and elegance of the Spirit. When Jesus restored sight to the blind, unstopped deaf ears, healed the crippled, raised the dead, fed the hungry, comforted the afflicted, and spoke divine words to encourage and bless people, He was manifesting fruits of righteousness. And as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). Glory to His Name forever!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I am the righteous; I flourish like the palm tree and grow like the cedar in Lebanon. I’m planted in the house of the Lord, and I flourish in the courts of our God. I produce fruits and works of righteousness; my life is the testimony of God’s glory and grace. His beauty is expressed through me; this is my heritage in Christ. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 5:21; For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Philippians 1:9-11 NIV; And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
10. so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
11. filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Proverbs 11:30 ESV; The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 8:28-9:1-17 & Genesis 27-28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 5:21-30 & Genesis 11
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 9TH JANUARY 2023
AFFIRMING THE WORD IN FAITH
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Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23).
Pastor Chris Says
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What we read in our opening scripture reminds us of what Abraham did: “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Romans 4:20). How do you give glory to God? It’s through your affirmation of His Word; your affirmation of His greatness, power, majesty and love.
When we talk about affirming the Word of God, there’re those who wonder, “Must I say it?” Yes! It’s a principle of the Kingdom that works for salvation (Romans 10:9-10) and everything else. In Mark 11:23, the Lord Jesus said, “You shall have what you say.”
Understand this: You’re a spirit. You may pray and cry about a particular situation, but if you don’t declare what the Word says about that situation, nothing will change. Until you say what God has said concerning you, it’s not established in your life!
Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “…for he hath said…So that we may boldly say....”
You might have been praying, “Oh Lord, establish your Word in my life”; meanwhile, you’re the one to establish it. The Bible says, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). But you don’t live in heaven; you live on earth. You’re to establish His Word on earth. When God says it, you establish it by declaring the same thing.
You may be wallowing in debts and desperately hard up for money, but you should say, “All things are mine! I have all things that pertain to life and godliness! God is able to channel all the resources that I need to me and much more; and He has, because He’s my shepherd.” Hallelujah! Make such proclamations continually and your whole spirit, soul and body, including circumstances, will conform to your affirmations.
Refuse to fret. Keep affirming the Word. Your faith proclamations produce realities. Refuse to waiver, cower or stagger; be strong in faith, giving thanks to the Lord. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m a victor forever! My confessions of faith create realities. I know who I am—the seed of Abraham! The world belongs to me. I’m triumphant always, because I’m in Christ and He’s the glory of my life. Hallelujah!
📖 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.
Joshua 1:8; This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Mark 11:23; For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 7:7-29 & Genesis 23-24
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 5:1-10 & Genesis 9
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 7TH JANUARY 2023
FOUNDED ON THE ROCK
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The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (Psalm 18:2 NIV).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible tells us about the spiritual rock that accompanied the children of Israel on their journey through the wilderness; that rock was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). He is the rock of our salvation. Anything that’s founded on Him is eternally fortified and unshakable.
It brings to mind the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:24- 27. He said, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
Notice the Lord didn’t say if you built your house on the rock, the winds would come and turn away, or that the floods would come and flow away. No! He said they’d beat upon the house. But because it’s on the rock, it'll remain standing. That's how your life is when you live in the Word of God. It doesn’t matter the fiery darts and tempest from Satan; you’re unflustered and unscathed.
Build your ministry on the Word. Build your life, your finances, your business, your relationships—all your endeavours—on the Word, and they’ll never crumble. Recall what the Bible says through the Prophet Isaiah, which parallels what we read from the Master in Matthew 7:24-27. He said, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2).
This is your heritage as one in Christ. You’re unconquerable. All things work together to produce blessings for you! You’re divinely protected because Christ is your rock and your fortress. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your Word, which is my sure and firm foundation. My life is built on Christ, the Rock on which I stand secured, strengthened, rooted and grounded, set for an upward course—the transcendent, victorious and prosperous life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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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.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11; According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Matthew 7:24-27 NIV; “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
26. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
27. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 6:1-18 & Genesis 18-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 4:1-11 & Genesis 7
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 5TH JANUARY 2023
HIS FULLNESS IN US
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For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell (Colossians 1:19).
Pastor Chris Says
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Though Abraham, Isaac and Jacob knew God as El Shaddai, God introduced Himself to Moses as Jehovah (Exodus 6). On this was based the hope of the Old Testament, revealed in the name Emmanuel—“God, with us!” (Matthew 1:23).
But God wasn’t satisfied with “Emmanuel”; His plan was different as revealed to us in Colossians 1:26-27: “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Blessed be God!
God's plan from the beginning wasn’t to be with us or amongst us but to be in us in His fullness. You may dance, scream and rejoice that God is with you; but until the reality and realization of His indwelling dawns on your spirit, your life will be empty. Your life of glory begins with the realization that Christ literally lives in you.
We see this in Paul’s beautiful prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19. It says, “…That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith…that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” That’s God’s plan right there: that you might be filled (replete) with all the fullness of God, as Jesus was filled with the fullness of God.
You have a role in this; otherwise, the Spirit’s prayer through Paul in Ephesians 3:14-18 wouldn’t have been necessary. That's why He told you to be filled with the Spirit always, and Ephesians 5:18-20 shows you how: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Christ in me is the hope of glory! I'm eternally grateful for the privilege to be filled with the Spirit always for an all-day, all-time life of victory and dominion through the Holy Ghost! I'm led by the Spirit; synchronized with Him to fulfil God’s plan and purpose for my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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John 1:16; And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
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.
Colossians 2:10; And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 5:1-20 & Genesis 12-14
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 3:1-9 & Genesis 5
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
TUES. 3RD JANUARY 2023
FAITH—OUR LIFESTYLE IN THE KINGDOM
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For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the Kingdom of God where we live, faith is our lifestyle. It isn’t something we try to acquire; it’s inherent in us. It came to us in the Gospel: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Romans 12:3 says, “…God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
Therefore, to live triumphantly in the Kingdom, you must put your faith to work. Failure to grow and exercise their faith is one of the reasons many Christians suffer for a long time. Rather than acting their faith, they’re more focused on their condition, complaining bitterly about what they’re going through.
That's not the way to function in the Kingdom of God. What you must understand is that God has given you authority and power in the Holy Spirit to effect changes. It only takes you acting on the Word, and that’s what faith is. Through faith, we activate the blessings and provisions of Christ made available to us in the Gospel. It’s the reason Jesus taught the message of faith to the people in His day. But being born again, we’re creatures of faith. Faith is our lifestyle. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S IO N
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I have the mindset of possibilities and victories only. I apprehend and call real, things that the physical senses can’t perceive but are revealed in God’s Word. My God-given vision, idea, target or dream is possible because I live by faith in God’s Word. I’m living in the spiritual realities of our divine Kingdom, in absolute prosperity and unending success! Glory to God!
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Luke 17:6; And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Hebrews 11:1; Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Romans 10:17; So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 3 & Genesis 6-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 2:1-12 & Genesis 3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN 1ST JANUARY 2023
FOCUS ON THE ESSENCE NOT THE PROCESS
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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report (Hebrews 11:1-2).
Pastor Chris Says
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I've often said that there's no better definition of faith than what we have in Hebrews 11:1. It says faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of unseen realities. That means faith is the essence of hope. Therefore, in acting your faith, your focus shouldn't be on the medium or process; what matters is the source. Faith is the essence, not the process.
The Bible says about Abraham: being not weak in faith, he considered not his body now dead, neither the deadness of Sarah's womb, but he was strong in faith -in the essence. Hallelujah! Abraham's focus wasn't on how the baby Isaac would come but on God from whom he'd come, for God had given him His Word of promise and he counted God faithful to His Word. He saw the baby with the eyes of faith.
Today, what are you seeing? What has your faith pictured? What has your spirit taken a hold of? Hold on to the picture that you want and refuse to worry about how it'll navigate to you! Don't think, "Who does God have over there to make this or that happen for me? How am I going to get the money for this project?" No! Your part is to stay focused on Him; stay your heart and your mind on what you want. Your hope shouldn't be on someone helping you with the money but on God-your source.
Every so often, make bold faith proclamations and refuse contrary signs, feelings or fears, giving glory to God! Remember, what you see is what you get. The Bible says Abraham staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but he was strong in faith, giving glory to God. He held on to the picture, because when you look away, it dissipates. But when you look at it, you see it in action, and it manifests.
It makes no difference the kind of odds they say are against you. It doesn't matter the troubles that you face; can you see the picture of your glorious life? Can you see the picture of the greater, successful, triumphant and excellent you? That's what's important. Hold on to it.
P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, you've set eternity in my heart. I have an extraordinary capacity to contemplate, envision or see pictures of possibilities and the glorious life you've called me to live. By the Spirit, I comprehend the immeasurable, unlimited and surpassing greatness of your power at work in me. My faith is alive, producing results always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Hebrews 11:1-3 TPT: Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.
2. This testimony of faith is what previous generations were commended for.
3. Faith empowers us to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated by the power of God’s words! He spoke and the invisible realm gave birth to all that is seen.
Genesis 13:14-15; And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
15. for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 1: Genesis 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 1:1-14; Genesis 1
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 29TH DECEMBER 2022
YOUR ROLE IN THE GOSPEL
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For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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As God’s children, our role in the Gospel is clearly defined. Our Lord Jesus said, “...Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). In Matthew 28:19, He said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Like the Apostle Paul, you ought to personalize your role in the Gospel and say, “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust" (1 Timothy 1:11). The Gospel has been committed to your trust; how faithful are you to its spread around the world? Has it dawned on you that you’re a soldier, and taking the Gospel to every man’s world as Jesus asked us to do means war?
In every nation, you have the civilians and you have the army. The army has a role that's clearly defined for them: to defend the nation, protect vital national interests and fulfil national military responsibilities. You’re in God's army (2 Timothy 2:3-4), working in sync and in partnership with an unseen heavenly host, to cover the earth with God’s righteousness.
These heavenly hosts, by God's principles, can’t do the things they need to do without us and there’s a whole lot we can’t do without them. You have a role in the scheme of things. You’re God’s watchman, His mouthpiece and messenger.
You’re a co-labourer with God; His minister of reconciliation: “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19). While there’s a raging battle for the souls of men, God needs you to prevail in prayer, and preach the Gospel with all fervency.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for raising passionate, committed and fearless labourers for the end-time harvest fields around the world. I thank you that the people’s hearts are made ready to receive the Gospel gladly and be converted to the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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2 Timothy 1:8-9; Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9. who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Romans 10:13-15; For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?
14. and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
2 Corinthians 5:18-20; And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19. to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 20 & Zechariah 12-14
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 21:13-27 & Zechariah 13-14
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON .26TH DECEMBER 2022
OUR TRUE PURPOSE
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For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening verse is an important food for thought. No man can truly “gain” the world without Jesus because it belongs to Him. He owns the world. You may own a piece of property today, but many years ago, that same property belonged to someone else who must have walked through its length and breadth and boasted “Look what I got!”
I ask people, “Where are the Pharaohs of Egypt and the Emperors of Europe? Where are the Caesars?” They’re long gone. Though they conquered the world at a point in their lives and thought they’d rule it forever, they had to leave it after a while, and someone else took over.
The natural man will give anything to live forever. But no matter how he tries to find a cure for death, he still has to answer the call whether or not he wants to.
Jesus taught about a rich man who had such a bountiful harvest that he needed to tear down his storehouses and build new ones to store his crops. He was excited to have laid up so much supplies for himself that could last for years. While he was thinking about this, God came into his room and said, “...You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luke 12:20 NIV).
What’s the purpose for your life in this world? Why are you here? I’ll tell you: It’s to make sure the Gospel of Jesus Christ goes to the ends of the earth. In Acts 26:16, the Bible says, “But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee.”
This is the reason God left you here and it should be your passion. It should be what excites you. You may not be a pastor, teacher, prophet, an evangelist or an apostle, but you are called to be a soul winner.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m an ambassador of God and a witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I’ve been sent from the heavenly Kingdom for the salvation of souls in the earth. My heart is set on my divine purpose and not on the mundanities of life. My daily passion is to establish the Kingdom of God in the earth and in the hearts of men; and I do this by the power of the Holy
of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!
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2 Corinthians 5:18-20;And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19. to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Colossians 3:1-2; If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 18 & Zechariah 4-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 19:11-21 & Zechariah 7-8
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 24TH DECEMBER 2022
HIS GOODNESS LEADS TO REPENTANCE
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…despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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Romans 2:4 highlights something very powerful about the goodness of God: it provides the opportunity for repentance. In the Old Testament, the threat of judgment didn't get the children of Israel to repent or obey God. But in the New Testament, He didn’t threaten us with judgments, because we’re His obedient ones (1 Peter 1:14). We’re described as having “obeyed” His Word of truth from the heart (Romans 6:17). Thus, He brought us into His goodness and love. Instead of judgment, He shows us His mercy.
God knows that if we would preach and tell the world about His love and goodness, they’d repent and turn to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:18 (NIV) says, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” This is the difference. He knows we've sinned, but in Christ, He’s not counting our sins against us.
Joel in his prophecy (Joel 2:10-13), along with Zephaniah, said the people’s sins were being counted against them and because of that, judgment was coming to them (Zephaniah 1:14-15). But in our day, it’s different. The problem of sin was taken care of through the sacrifice of Jesus in our behalf. As a result of that sacrifice, God reconciled the world to Himself; He brought humanity into peace with Himself. Now He has sent us to take the message of His goodness and love to the world and reconcile people to Him.
Therefore, make this Christmas count for someone who hasn’t yet known the Lord. You’ll meet them at the mall. They’ll be at that family function you plan to attend. They’ll be at the park you’re taking your kids to play. You’d see some of them on your way home from Church. Let them know God isn’t punishing them for their sins. He already laid the punishment on Jesus Christ in their place and if they’d only believe, eternal life and righteousness will be imparted to their spirits. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Lord, I pray that as your children minister the Gospel today around the world, righteousness is poured forth upon the nations, resulting in an avalanche of souls coming into the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Romans 1:16-17; For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Romans 5:6-10; For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Romans 10:13-15; For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 16 & Haggai 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 18:13-24 & Zechariah 3-4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 23RD DECEMBER 2022
GREATER WISDOM
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And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart… (1 Kings 4:29-31).
Pastor Chris Says
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One day, the Lord was talking to me, and He told me how far greater and more excellent the divine wisdom we have in Christ is than what Solomon had. I was surprised and said, “Lord, Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived.” Then, the Lord replied, “Yes, but your wisdom is my wisdom,” for Christ is made wisdom unto us (1 Corinthians 1:24,30).
He then instructed me to go into the Scriptures to see the things Solomon talked about: “…he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes” (1 Kings 4:32-33).
Solomon talked about trees, plants, beasts and so on, and he was wiser than all men. But the Lord showed me that in Christ, we talk about higher things than what Solomon knew. We speak mysteries; mysteries that baffle men: “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7). We speak of higher things of the Spirit realm and the Kingdom of God.
One of the ways we bring the hidden wisdom into this world is through the Spirit, when we speak in tongues. The Bible says, “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries” (1 Corinthians 14:2). By the Holy Ghost, we speak mysteries. Then by the gift of interpretation, we know what those mysteries are.
When you pray in other tongues and the interpretation starts coming to you, sometimes you’d find that you spoke out a scripture or an explanation of something in the Spirit or from the Word. These are mysteries. When next you’re praying in tongues, be alert in your spirit because wisdom speaks through you. If you continue in prayer, the interpretation will come to you, or else ask and receive the gift of interpretation of of tongues.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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God’s wisdom, righteousness, love and grace are at work in me even now, causing me to know and have deeper and fuller insight into mysteries and secrets of the Kingdom. The eyes of my understanding are enlightened to the realities and truths of the Gospel. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 1:8-9; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9. having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
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 Corinthians 2:6-13; Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7. but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
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.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 21ST DECEMBER 2022
THE DAY OF HIS MERCY AND GRACE
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…Mercy triumphs over judgment! (James 2:13 NIV).
Pastor Chris Says
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Someone might see the evil, wickedness, deception, suffering and cruelty in the world today and conclude they’re a result of God’s judgment due to sin. But that’s not entirely true. We’re in the day of God’s mercy and His grace; we’re in a new dispensation; so it’s different today from how it was in the Old Testament.
The evil happenings in the world today aren’t judgments from God; rather, they’re actions and orchestrations of Satan upon the world. You can easily discern this by the Spirit and through the Word. It’s the reason God expects us to respond by addressing Satan, cutting off his influence from our world and from men’s lives.
There’s sin, but Jesus already paid the price for sin on behalf of all men. The Bible says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...” (Romans 8:1). The word translated “condemnation” is the same as judgment. Jesus was judged in our place, and not just for us, but for the whole world. The Bible says, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).
Satan wants to make people believe that God is mad at them, punishing them, inflicting them with pain, whereas God isn’t the one behind it, but Satan. Our job, therefore, is to let the world know that God isn’t mad at them; rather, He’s made righteousness and eternal life available and free in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:19).
The Bible says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Lamentations 3:22 says, “It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” We’re in the dispensation of His overflowing grace and mercy. Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I manifest your glory and establish your will and righteousness in the earth today, winning souls and bringing men out of darkness into your marvellous light. I spread your love everywhere. Thank you for your overflowing grace, mercy and goodness that brings men to repentance, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Acts 10:38;how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Romans 3:23-25; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24. being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25. whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Ephesians 2:13-15; but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15. having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 13:1-10 & Nahum 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 17:1-10 & Haggai
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 19TH DECEMBER 2022
LET THE WORD CONTROL YOUR MIND
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Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the characteristics of adulthood is self-awareness. In other words, you know yourself; you know how you think, and you can even predict your own actions. You can say, “In such and such circumstances, I’d react or respond to issues this or that way.”
Now, consider this: the way you are or reason today— your current mindset—is a result of several factors. First is your parentage. From your parentage, you inherited certain traits. Then the society in which you grew up, the materials you consumed (the books you read, the films you watched, the things you listened to) all make up who you are today.
All the information that came to you through your senses were recorded by your mental faculty and your physical body. Your body has a mind. Your cells have memory. The physical members of your body have memory; they store information. So, all the information you ever received actually got stored in you.
Thus, each adult is an amazing conglomerate of massive storage facilities. Think about it: Your head has its own storage; your hand, your feet, all the systems of your body have so much inside them. All of these eventually lead to how you react to stimuli and how you respond to information or actions of other people.
No wonder the Bible says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). Through conscious meditation on the Word, your mind is organized, reorganized, programmed or reprogrammed. Its contents and processes are synchronized with God’s thoughts and perfect will for your life. That's what brings about the transformation.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the transformational power of your Word; it renews my mind, transforms my life, reorganizes and reprogrammes my thoughts in the direction of your perfect will for my life. My mind is inundated with thoughts of prosperity and health, peace and possibilities, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 2:15; Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Proverbs 4:20-22; My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21. Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22. For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 11 & Micah 4-5
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 16:1-10 & Zephaniah 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 16TH DECEMBER 2022
A PRINCIPLE FOR ALL MEN
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That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10).
Pastor Chris Says
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It’s important to note that the Bible doesn't say, “With the heart, Christians believe”; rather, it says, “Man believes.” It's a principle for all men—all human beings— regardless of who they are, where they come from, what they have; they can only believe with the heart—the spirit: that’s the way to be made righteous. But that’s not all.
Every man, woman, boy and girl ever born, and that’ll ever be born into this world has already been “saved” by Jesus Christ. When He died, He died to save all humanity. However, salvation is only a vital experience in the life of the one who not only believes, but affirms the lordship of Jesus over his or her life. In other words, upon believing in Jesus, there’s the further step of affirming His lordship: with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. That’s the second part of the principle.
To receive salvation isn’t by your tears or good works. Salvation is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8), received by the affirmation of His Word. Once you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, and confess with your mouth that He’s Lord over your life, your spirit is reborn instantly, through the impartation of eternal life by the Holy Spirit.
It’s not difficult at all to receive salvation; some think they have to atone for their sins first, to be made right with God. Your own sacrifice will never suffice. It’s not about your good deeds; it’s about your faith in Christ’s vicarious death and resurrection. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the power of the Gospel, and your grace for salvation that’s poured out upon all flesh. Even now, there’s a great harvest of souls into the Kingdom as we, your children, proclaim the Gospel today, all around the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 10:6-10; But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
7. or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9. that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Hebrews 3:15-19 NIV; As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”
16. Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?
17. And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness?
18. And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed?
19. So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
Romans 10:13; For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 8 & Obadiah
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 14:1-10 & Nahum 1-3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED 14TH DECEMBER 2022
ACTIVATING HIS POWER
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The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening scripture lets us know that God’s might, His power of deliverance, is activated through singing. There’re many problems that some Christians go through, but if they’d apply this scripture, they’ll experience great victories. The Spirit of God responds to singing, and He’ll save you from trouble with rejoicing.
Throughout history, great victories have been wrought because God’s people sang. Think about it: In 2 Chronicles 20, Judah was surrounded and completely outnumbered by three enemy nations that were ready to attack them—Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir.
When the king was informed, he didn’t first consult with his army generals. He gathered all Judah to seek the Lord in prayer and fasting, and God said through a prophetic message, “…fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17).
Jehoshaphat then appointed singers and placed them ahead of the army to praise the Lord. But here’s what I want you to observe: He gave them a simple Psalm to sing; just a short phrase. They sang, “...Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21).Then, the Lord confused the enemy’s camp, causing them to turn their swords against one another until they completely destroyed one another. Hallelujah!
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were falsely accused and incarcerated. But “…at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed” (Acts 16:25-26).
They didn’t ask God for deliverance; they only sang praises to God. They knew that if they’d praise the Lord, His power would be activated for their deliverance. In both examples we saw in the Scriptures, their salvation came, not before they would praise, but as they praised the Lord. Hallelujah!
When there’s trouble, when it seems the odds are against you, when there’s heat from every side, sing praises to God! Activate His power through songs of praise. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, to you belong all greatness and might. All in heaven and earth are yours. You’re exalted above all. I love you, Lord; and I thank you, for you’re gracious, holy, righteous and true, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
11. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
12. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
13. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
Psalm 106:1-2; Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.
2. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can shew forth all his praise?
Psalm 145:4; One generation shall praise thy works to another, And shall declare thy mighty acts.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 6 & Amos 1-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 13:1-10 & Micah 5-6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional