2093
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 19TH AUGUST 2024
IT’S YOUR JOB TO LET THEM KNOW
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For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved…and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher (Romans 10:13-14).
Pastor Chris Says
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Many around the world are still living under the dominion of sin, unaware that Jesus Christ came to set them free from the power of sin. They don’t know He came to give them life so they can live righteously as God wants them to. It’s however our job to let them know.
We’ve been given the Holy Spirit to help others find truth and to lead them in the way of salvation. That’s why you’re here; the Spirit of God has filled your life with the presence, power and the grace of God to make His Word known through you to your world.
Everyone has his world. There’s a world you live in, your sphere of contact. When someone comes into your world, they should learn about Jesus. Only through you will they know how kind and gracious He is and all that He’s done for them.
Your world should be a place where people come to hear and receive God’s Word to transform their lives. So, I ask you: What’s happening in your world? Are you making Christ known to your world or are you prioritizing some other things? Talk about Him and make His presence available to others.
Understand that though the Holy Spirit is here on earth, He doesn’t have His own body, so He uses our bodies. When Jesus walked the earth, the Holy Spirit lived in the body of Jesus. He was the one Jesus called, “my Father that lives in me” (John 14:10). That’s the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit needs your body to function. If you’ll yield to Him, He’ll come into your world and bless it. He’ll change their lives; He has the power to do it. The Bible says, “…for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27). He can do anything, but He needs you to express Himself.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the privilege to share the message of salvation with those around me, and to be a conduit of your eternal blessings. Through me, many more will come into the knowledge of the truth, their lives will be transformed, and they’ll become fully aware of their inextricable oneness with you, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Mark 16:15-16; And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
[16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 5:18-20; And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
[19] Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
[20] And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
John 4:28-30 NLT; The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone,
[29] “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?”
[30] So the people came streaming from the village to see him.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 4 & Psalms 113-116
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 4:14-23 & Jeremiah 4
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 17TH AUGUST 2024
NO CONTRADICTIONS IN THE BIBLE
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All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible is a trustworthy material that contains the inspired Word of God and provides guidance and direction for us to live by. Some people however try to discredit it by claiming some of its details don’t add up.
An example is about the resurrection of Jesus; the Bible says He resurrected on Sunday morning after being in the grave for three days and three nights. So, they ask, “How could it have been three days and three nights from Friday to Sunday morning? It doesn’t add up.”
Well, the Bible never said Jesus died on Friday. Some religious people assumed this to be so because they read in the Bible that Jesus died the day before the Sabbath and they knew that Saturday was Sabbath. What they didn’t know was that the Sabbath the Bible was referring to wasn’t the weekly Sabbath but the Passover Sabbath.
This Passover Sabbath was a special event that took place on the 14th day of the month of Nisan every year. It therefore wasn’t fixed to any particular day of the week. It’s just the same way Christmas is on the 25th of December for most of the world, but the 25th of December doesn’t fall on a Monday every year.
That year, the 14th day of Nisan fell on a Thursday. And so, Jesus was crucified on a Wednesday, the day before the Passover Sabbath. The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke didn’t mention that this was Passover Sabbath, but John clearly stated it, “…the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was Passover week)...” (John 19:31 NLT).
The purpose of this isn’t to criticize the celebration of Good Friday; no. Rather, it’s to show that Jesus was accurate when He said, “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40).
He was crucified on Wednesday, and before dawn on Sunday, He had risen. This also shows that the Bible is trustworthy. You can trust its writings because it’s more than a religious book; it’s the testimony of God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your Word is trustworthy and true; it’s a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I’m strengthened, firmly grounded in the accuracy and reliability of the Scriptures, for it’s profitable for every aspect of my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 33:4; For the word of the LORD is right; And all his works are done in truth.
Psalm 119:160; Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
Romans 3:3-4; For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
[4] God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, And mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Hebrews 4:12; For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 2 & Psalms 107-108
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 4:1-7 & Jeremiah 2
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 15TH AUGUST 2024
SUSTAINED BY THE SPIRIT
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But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8:11).
Pastor Chris Says
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By the Spirit, the Apostle Paul explained something profound in Ephesians 5:30. He said, "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." This statement goes beyond us being the members of a local church. By referring to us as members of Christ's body, of His flesh, and of His bones, it describes our inextricable oneness with Him—our unity and intimacy with Christ Himself.
But did you notice that Paul didn’t say, "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, his bones, and of his blood?" You need to understand that Christ's body doesn't have any blood anymore. Jesus gave His blood as a sacrificial offering during His crucifixion. His blood was entirely drained out when a Roman soldier pierced His side with a spear, causing blood and water to gush out (John 19:34). By the time Jesus was buried, there was no blood left in His body.
However, on the third day, the Holy Spirit came upon Him, quickened His dead body and brought Him back to life. Therefore, Jesus' resurrected body does not contain blood but is sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit. And as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).
Before you were born again, your body lived by blood. But now that the Holy Spirit lives in you, even though there’s blood in your body, your sustenance is by the Spirit. No wonder Paul asserts in Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
Often, you should declare, "I don't live by blood. I live by the Holy Ghost. Therefore, cancer, blood disorders, or any form of infection can’t thrive in my body because I am sustained by the Holy Ghost.”
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the Holy Spirit who lives in me and gives life to every fibre of my being, keeping me in divine health. Every part of my body is vitalized and strengthened by your Spirit, from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:11; But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20;What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Galatians 5:25; If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 16:1-27 & Psalms 102-103
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 3:1-12 & Isaiah 66
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 13TH AUGUST 2024
THE MASTER’S CLAIM AS SON OF MAN
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The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man (John 12:34).
Pastor Chris Says
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In various instances, the Lord Jesus referred to Himself as "the Son of man," and the Jewish people understood the profundity of those words. They knew that He claimed to be the Christ. For example, in Matthew 8:20, He said, “...The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." Also, in Mark 14:62, He said, “...I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." Luke 9:26 tells us, "For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed…."
However, it's crucial to understand that in these various instances where Jesus referred to Himself as "the Son of man," it wasn’t a generic term denoting His humanity. He wasn’t describing Himself as “a son” of man but as “the Son” of man, indicating a specific reference to Daniel's prophecy in Daniel 7:13, “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven….”
Daniel's vision of "the Son of man" coming with the clouds of heaven is closely connected to Jesus' proclamation during His trial before the high priest in Matthew 26:59-66. The high priest had asked Jesus if He was the Christ, the Son of God, and He replied: "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "...But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Matthew 26:64 NIV).
The high priest immediately accused Jesus of blasphemy, tore his clothes and declared that Jesus was worthy of death. The council agreed, affirming that Jesus should be condemned to death. By calling Himself "the Son of man," Jesus was actually asserting His identity as the Christ.
This distinction was clear to the Jewish congregation who recognised the weighty implications of the Lord’s claim. The ‘Son of man’ was a title of the Christ. Jesus is God in human flesh, our great God and Saviour who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:13-14).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to us as God in human flesh. I acknowledge and confess that you are the Christ, the embodiment of Deity, my Lord and my God, and the reason for my existence. Thank you for your everlasting love, grace and tender mercies. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 16:13-16; When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
[14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
[15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mark 8:38; Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Luke 5:24; But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 15:5-13 & Psalms 94-98
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 2:12-18 & Isaiah 64
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 11TH AUGUST 2024
IMMUNE TO POISON
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And these signs shall follow them that believe...if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (Mark 16:17-18).
Pastor Chris Says
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Are you aware that now that you’re born again, it’s not possible for you to be poisoned? No infection can thrive in your body. The life of God in you will nullify and neutralize the effects of any venom in your body. Paul proved it. While on the island of Melita, he was bitten by a venomous viper. The people expected him to swell, fall down suddenly and die as a result of the venom from the snake, but the Bible says, Paul shook off the viper into the fire and felt no harm (Acts 28:5).
It doesn’t matter how venom is injected or ingested into your body; it’ll have no effect on you. That’s what the Lord Jesus meant when He said, “...if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them…” (Mark 16:18).
The word "drink" in the Greek is "pino," which means to imbibe, suck in, absorb or assimilate. That means the deadly thing doesn't have to have gone in through your mouth; if your body absorbs, ingests, assimilates or receives any deadly thing, in whatever form, such substances will have no effect on you.
Someone says, “I got malaria because I was exposed to mosquito bites.” No! The life in you destroys parasites and disease-causing pathogens; it’s poison-resistant. Have this consciousness; live every day with the understanding of who you are in Christ. You’re of the “uninfectable” breed, immune to any venom or poison. Glory to God! Amen.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I'm immune to every form of toxins, poison or venom. I walk in the reality of who I am in Christ, a new creation with the indestructible and “uninfectable” life of God in me. I walk in health, strength and victory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Acts 28:1-6; And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
[2] And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
[3] And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
[4] And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
[5] And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
[6] Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
Isaiah 54:17; No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Luke 10:19; Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 12:17-13:1-14 & Psalms 89
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 1:23-30 & Isaiah 62
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 9TH AUGUST 2024
THINGS HAVE CHANGED
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And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Lord Jesus sent us to preach the Gospel; the Gospel is good news. It’s not exactly good news when all you know or hear is “God is going to change things for you”; that’s hope. But the good news is that “things have changed.” So, stop hoping for things to change because they’ve already changed! Hallelujah!
This should further help you understand what the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” You’re not the weak seeking strength. The Lord Himself has become your strength (Psalm 27:1).
Perhaps you were sickly before you were born again; now, that has changed! Old things are passed away. You’re a new creature in Christ with an incorruptible life that’s sickness-proof.
The same change occurred in your finances. Your state and estate changed when you came into Christ. 2 Corinthians 8:9 says, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” You’ve been made rich. Glory to God!
Furthermore, you don’t have a problem with sin now that you’re in Christ. You’ve been justified to walk in newness of life: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
The sin-nature was supplanted by God’s nature of righteousness when you were born again. You’re now, not just righteous, but also the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. See yourself in this light. You weren’t merely set free from sin; you have a life, a nature that’s sin-free.
These are some of the realities for the one who’s born again. You didn’t do anything to achieve any of these; it’s simply the result of what Christ has done; and that’s good news. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I continually walk in the reality of my heritage and identity in Christ. I’m righteous, healthy, prosperous and victorious. I walk in the newness of life, enjoying the fullness of the blessings of Christ.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
[18] 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.
[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.
Ephesians 2:4-9; 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.
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] not of works, lest any man should boast.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 11:25-36 & Psalms 82-84
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 1:9-14 & Isaiah 60
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 7TH AUGUST 2024
OUR LIMITLESS WEALTH
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Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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The term "unsearchable" in Greek encompasses a depth that is difficult to properly communicate in English. The Amplified Classic version offers a more comprehensive understanding. It says, “...the unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out].” This description paints a vivid picture of the amazing magnitude of Christ's wealth, “...the riches of Christ!” These are extraordinary riches beyond the grasp of human exploration.
How can we even begin to search out Christ's riches? Where would we start, and where would we end? It all depends on the one being described. And if Christ is indeed God, then we are dealing with riches that are truly beyond measure. Remember, we’re one with Him. Thus, our heritage is one of unimaginable wealth and abundance in Christ!
The Lord Jesus is designated as the heir and lawful owner of all things: “[But] in the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order]” (Hebrews 1:2 AMPC). According to Matthew 13:44, He purchased the entire field, and thus, the entire world belongs to Him.
In Romans 8:16-17, the Bible says, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ....” This means everything that belongs to Jesus belongs to us. This is our inheritance, and it's important that you lay hold of it. We walk in the footsteps of Abraham, for the Bible says, “…if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). The entirety of the earth belongs to us in Christ. It clarifies Paul’s bold assertion in 1 Corinthians 3:21 that “...all things are yours.”
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I walk in the fullness of the unending, boundless, fathomless, incalculable and exhaustless riches of Christ; I was born into it when I was born again. I have unlimited access to all the treasures and resources of the Kingdom, which is beyond the grasp of human exploration. I live in abundance and manifest the glory and righteousness of the Kingdom of God everywhere I go. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Romans 8:16-17 NIV; The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
[17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Ephesians 3:8 AMPC; To me, though I am the very least of all the saints (God's consecrated people), this grace (favor, privilege) was granted and graciously entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out],
1 Corinthians 3:21; Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 9:30-10:1-21 & Psalms 78
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 6:21-24 & Isaiah 58
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 5TH AUGUST 2024
PREPARING FOR OUR ETERNAL CITY
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And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:1-2).
Pastor Chris Says
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Did you know that the major reason we're in this world is to prepare for another world? This world was never God's final dream. This is the place of preparation. Everything we do here, in this earth, is all in preparation for the eternal city. We will be moved into this eternal city, which will come from God and be established in the new earth.
God's intention was never for us to relocate to heaven and live there forever. God's plan is to have another city and another earth. The Bible tells us that this current earth will be burnt up—completely destroyed and replaced with a new one—with new heavens over it to regulate its conditions.
There’ll be a city in that new earth where you and I will be with the Lord and his holy angels forever—a massive city. The height of the city is as the length of it; think about that. The height is like taking a six-hour flight; that's the distance, both in length as well as in height. What a city! Everybody isn’t going to be there; it’s for only the saints of God.
There’ll be natural men and women who’ll populate the earth outside the city. There’ll be nations of men. The Bible says they will come regularly through the gates of the city to worship the King. But we, the saints, will always be with Him in the city, the New Jerusalem. Hallelujah! That’ll be the headquarters, and we’ll be functioning with Him at the headquarters.
So, your life here on earth is in preparation for that city, that eternal city. Keep working for the Lord. Keep doing what He's asked you to do, and don't be found wanting. Do everything He’s called you to do, and finish it. The most important thing to Him is the human soul. That's why Jesus came. So, keep winning souls and impacting the lives of those in your world with the Gospel. Prepare them to also live eternally with the Lord in our great and eternal city when the time comes.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Thank you blessed Father for the blessing, privilege and honour of serving you and living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world as we look forward to the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the grace to fulfil your destiny for my life and finish the work that you called me to do, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Revelation 3:12; Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Revelation 21:1-4; And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
[2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
[3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
[4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 8:18-39 & Psalms 70-73
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 6:1-9 & Isaiah 56
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 3RD AUGUST 2024
TALK TO YOUR BODY AND IT WILL HEAR YOU
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For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12:37).
Pastor Chris Says
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Words are the most important things in the world. They’re also the most potent forces on earth. God made everything with words and sustains everything with words—the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). And as read in our theme scripture, words would determine where you live eternally. Death and life are based on words (Proverbs 18:21).
So, what have you done with words? How do you use words? One of the things you have to practise is talking to your body—using your words to keep your body in health and perfection. Every so often, declare that you’re strong; you’re in health; every fibre of your being and organ in your body is perfected by the Holy Spirit.
Talk to your body and it will hear you. The human body is like an “animal” that needs to be trained. Insist on what you want your body to do, and it will start yielding to you. Every part of your body has intelligence; give your body instructions and insist that it obeys you, and in the process of time, it’ll get used to listening to you.
This is something you have to consciously practise if you haven’t been doing it. Talk to your brain, your head, your lungs, your liver, your kidneys, your heart, your blood, etc. If any part or organ in your body has been hurting or seems to have an issue, tell it to be healed and it will comply.
Remember what the Bible says in James 3; you can control and tame your whole body with your words: “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us…Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things..." (James 3:2-5).
Keep your body in health by speaking life to it. The Bible says the wholesome tongue is a tree of life. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you and has given life to your physical body. He’s brought you into life and immortality. Make these and similar affirmations every so often. You say, “The Holy Spirit is the life of my body; therefore, I live free of sickness, disease, infirmities and the elements of this world.” Blessed be God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My physical body is alive and inundated with the pulsating life of God. As a result, I walk in divine health and vitality. I live free of sickness, disease, infirmities and the elements of this world. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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3 John 1:2; Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Ecclesiastes 8:4; Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
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: Romans 7:7-25 & Psalms 64-67
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 5:17-24 & Isaiah 54
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 1ST AUGUST 2024
YOU’RE A VICTOR, NOT A VICTIM
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But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Pastor Chris Says
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God didn’t bring you into this world to be a victim of circumstance, social structure, politics, the economy, or the government of the day; no. You’re not a victim of the town, city or nation where you live; you’re more than a conqueror; you’ve overcome the world.
The Bible says, “…whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world…” (1 John 5:4). Hallelujah! In the preceding chapter four, verse four, it says, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
You have to come to the understanding that God is no longer trying to give you anything, make you anything, or help you out of any predicament. That’s because there isn’t anything you require today that He hasn’t already made available to you.
Many have only related to God with a victim’s mentality, and that’s wrong. They only see Him as the One who “brings” them out of trouble. So all their lives they’re looking up to this great God who “will” help them out, lift them up, bless them, and so on, unaware of what He’s already done.
Ephesians 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” 2 Peter 1:3 tells us that His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Then in 1 Corinthians 3:21, Paul, by the Spirit, declares, “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.”
It’s time to wake up to the reality of God’s Word and live in its present truths. Today, God doesn’t have any plan to prosper you, because He’s already done it. He’s not planning to heal you, because He already gave you something greater than healing—the divine nature that comes with divine health. He gave you a life that’s immune to sickness, disease, infirmity and death.
But if you don’t know these truths, you’ll live as a victim. God said, “My people perish for their lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Have the Christ mentality; you’ve been brought into the transcendent life in Christ. Talk, act, and live accordingly.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’ve been brought into the transcendent life in Christ; I’m not a victim of circumstances. I’m empowered by the Spirit to overcome every obstacle that comes my way. I have everything I need to live a triumphant life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:31-39; What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
[32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
[33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
[34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
[36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
[37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 2:14; Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 6:1-14; Psalms 56-59
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 5:1-8; Isaiah 52
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 30TH JULY 2024
INCREASING IN THE “EPIGNOSIS” OF HIM
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For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9-10).
Pastor Chris Says
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What we just read is the Spirit’s prayer for the Church through the Apostle Paul. God wants you to be fruitful in every good work while simultaneously increasing in the knowledge of God. How important this is! What's intriguing about Paul's choice of words here is his use of “Epignosis” (Greek) for knowledge.
That term wasn't commonly used in everyday conversations in Bible days. Interestingly, it was also used by Peter only in his second epistle, possibly influenced by Paul's message. “Epignosis” refers to precise, correct knowledge. The power of “Epignosis” lies in its ability to relate with that which is known; it’s knowledge with intimacy.
Paul introduced this kind of knowledge which the Jews generally weren’t acquainted with; they focused on memorising the Law, reading, internalizing and repeating it. But God wanted more; He didn’t want them to have just mere head knowledge of Him but the “epignosis” of Him.
No wonder He said, "…this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me…" (Isaiah 29:13). The Lord Jesus reiterated the same words in Matthew 15:8, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”
For them in the Old Testament, there was no real relationship even though they could recite every detail or aspect of the Law. Therefore, Paul introduced this higher form of knowledge, a knowledge that includes fellowship with that which is known.
“Epignosis” surpasses mere observation; it involves a profound spiritual connection. So, when you engage with the Scriptures, it's not merely about routine learning; it's about deepening your relationship and interaction with the Lord and His divine truths. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m filled with the precise and exact knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. I walk worthy of Him, pleasing Him in every way, being fruitful in every good work even as my “epignosis” of Him increases, and I experience the power thereof, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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2 Peter 1:2-3; grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
[3] according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2 Peter 3:18; But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 5:1-11 & Psalms 49-51
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 4:17-24 & Isaiah 50
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 28TH JULY 2024
WE’RE THE RESTRAINING FORCE
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Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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In 2 Thessalonians 2, the Apostle Paul issued a solemn warning against deception, emphasising the necessity for discernment. He asserted that before the Day of the Lord, there’d first be a falling away and the revelation of the man of sin, the son of perdition—a reference to the Antichrist.
This Antichrist is described as one who opposes and exalts himself above all that is worshipped, even declaring himself to be God. Paul reminded the Thessalonians of his previous teachings on this matter, urging them to recall what was holding back the revelation of the Antichrist until the proper time.
This withholding serves a purpose—to ensure that the Antichrist is revealed only at the proper time as predetermined by God. Who or what is restraining the Antichrist from full manifestation? It’s the Church! The Bible says, “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming” (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8).
Our presence on earth serves as a barrier against the full unleashing of Satan's malevolent intentions. Through our collective resistance and spiritual authority as Christians, we exert a preserving influence on the world, thwarting Satan's schemes and safeguarding humanity from utter chaos and devastation.
Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Church to understand what our crucial role is in this divine timeline. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we hold back the forces of darkness until the appointed time decreed by God. Also, we use the mighty Name of Jesus Christ, for all of God's authority is vested in His Name, and that Name has been given to us to live by.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear father, thank you for your grace at work in me to fulfil my role in your divine plan to restrain the power of evil until the appointed time. By the power of the Holy Spirit and in the Name of Jesus, I dispel the works of darkness and thwart the plans of the enemy, for the preservation of lives and for many to be transformed by the Gospel, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 NIV; He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
[6] And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time.
[7] For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.
[8] And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 NIV; Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 3:1-31 & Psalms 42-44
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 4:1-10 & Isaiah 48
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 3:1-12 & Isaiah 46
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 25TH JULY 2024
GUARD AGAINST SUBTLE DECEPTIONS
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And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many (Matthew 24:4-5).
Pastor Chris Says
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Jesus issued a poignant warning against deception, forewarning us of the cunning strategies that Satan would employ, particularly in the last days. It’s the same deceptive tactics he utilised in the beginning at the garden of Eden.
In Genesis 3:1-5, the Bible tells us how the serpent cunningly questioned Eve about God's instruction not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Eve explained the command, but the serpent deceived her, suggesting that eating the fruit would make her wise like God to discern both good and evil.
The serpent insidiously twisted God's instruction, leading Eve to question its validity. Essentially, Satan accused God of deception, insinuating that He was withholding something beneficial from Adam and Eve: “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5).
When confronted by God, Eve acknowledged that she had been deceived by the serpent. However, by then, the damage had been done. The repercussions of her deception led to their expulsion from the garden, marking the beginning of humanity's struggle with sin and deception.
This tactic of deception, casting doubt on God's truthfulness and goodness continues to be employed today and will be used at the end of the age. In Revelation 12, the serpent is identified as the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world.
But the time in which he’ll successfully deceive the world is after the rapture of the Church, particularly during the second half of the Tribulation period. Until then, his attempts to deceive and mislead will not be very successful, because of the work of the Church, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the spirit of Truth.
Remain vigilant. Stay in the Word, as that’s the only way to discern truth from falsehood amidst the myriad of deceitful schemes orchestrated by the adversary. Stand firm on God’s truth and you’ll guard against the subtle deceptions that seek to ensnare, while preaching the truth of Christ to all the world. Amen.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I’m alert, full of discernment to recognise the deceitful schemes of the enemy. I stand firm on your truth, and guard my heart and mind against deception. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, and I’m yielded to it, as it guides me continually in the path of life, never swayed, but steadfast and immoveable to produce works and fruits of righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Revelation 12:9; And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
1 John 4:1-4; Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
[2] Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
[3] and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
[4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Matthew 7:15; Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 1:1-17 & Psalms 32-34
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 2:11-22 & Isaiah 45
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 24TH JULY 2024
GOD’S TESTIMONY OF JESUS
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…and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him….And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:16-17).
Pastor Chris Says
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The scripture above is one of the scriptures that many read and get confused about the deity of Jesus. They claim that even God testified that Jesus is His son, how then can He be co-equal with God?
That’s because they don’t understand the meaning of the expression “Son of God”; and I’ve explained this several times, but it bears repeating. Son of God means God in the flesh. First, understand this: there’re no three separate “beings” in heaven called, God the Father, God the Son, and then the Holy Spirit; no! There’s only ONE; and His Name is Jesus!
The Father is in Jesus. The Holy Spirit is in Jesus. The Bible says in Him (Jesus Christ) dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9). There’s only one God, and His Name is Jesus Christ. He’s the Word incarnate, which makes Him God incarnate (John 1:1 & John 1:14).
Colossians 1:15 describes Him as the exact image of the unseen God; the visible representation of the invisible God. Read the 16th to 19th verses in the Amplified Classic. It says, “For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together)…For it has pleased [the Father] that all the divine fullness (the sum total of the divine perfection, powers, and attributes) should dwell in Him permanently." Blessed be His Name forever!
Also, read Titus 2:13 and see that Jesus Christ is referred to as the great God: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Jesus is the great God whose glorious appearing we’re all looking forward to. Hallelujah!
You have to believe and accept God’s testimony of Jesus Christ. Why is this important? It’s because if you don’t know who Jesus truly is, you can’t serve Him, you can’t live for Him. Moreover, nobody will go to hell today or be condemned because of sin, for Jesus was already condemned for the sins of every man, woman, boy and girl on the face of the earth. He paid the full penalty for sin.
Therefore, the primary reason people will go to hell is for not believing and accepting God’s testimony of Jesus— who He is, and what He came to do.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the revelation of Jesus Christ, in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. I believe and acknowledge Him as the only true God and eternal life to whom is all glory, majesty, dominion and praise forever. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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John 1:1-3; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John 1:14; And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Colossians 1:15-20;Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
[16] for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
[17] and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 18TH AUGUST 2024
HE’S “THE WAY,” NOT “A WAY”
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Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says there’s no salvation in any other, for there’s no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. This statement gives us no chance to think that there might be some other means for salvation. Salvation is only in the Name of Jesus; the Lord Himself was definite about this.
Some people think otherwise and believe there’s more than one way to get to God. In fact, they claim that Jesus is one of the many ways to God. Before taking their claim seriously, one first has to ask them how they came about what they’re saying and on what authority it is based.
They also need to tell if they’ve ever successfully gotten to God. If they can’t answer these questions, then their claims are false, and they have no idea what they’re saying. In John 14:6, Jesus unambiguously declared: “...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
He didn’t say, “I am one of the ways,” neither did He say, “I am a way.” He said, “I am THE way.” So, to answer the question, “How many ways are there to God? The simple answer is: There’s only one way, and that’s Jesus Christ. There’s no other way besides Him.
How do I know this? It’s because Jesus said so, and the same Jesus went to heaven alive. The people who founded the various religions of the world don’t have a similar testimony. When they died, their adherents could only hope they went to heaven. But Jesus went up into heaven alive in the presence of 120 witnesses; they saw Him go. They saw Him levitate and ascend into the clouds before their eyes. Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He’s alive and His Name still has power today; that’s why we see so many mighty miracles happening around the world. These miracles are a testimony that He’s alive. Salvation is only in His Name, and you can receive it today if you’re yet to do so by praying the “Prayer of Salvation,” which you’ll find on page 76 of this devotional.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the blessing of salvation and for the gift of eternal life, which is available to all in Christ. I boldly proclaim the message of salvation to those around me, with conviction and demonstration of the Spirit, such that many may come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 10:8-13; 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.
[11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
[12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
John 3:16; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 John 5:11-12; 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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 3 & Psalms 109-112
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 4:8-13 & Jeremiah 3
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 16TH AUGUST 2024
AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE
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And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him (Mark 4:41).
Pastor Chris Says
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Not only did Jesus live an extraordinary life of the miraculous while He was on earth, even His death, burial, and resurrection were extraordinary. It normally takes at least thirteen hours for a crucified man to die. But when Jesus was crucified, He commanded His own death after six hours.
On the Cross, the Bible says He cried with a loud voice to the Father and said, “…into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost” (Luke 23:46). When He said those words, He released His spirit to die.
To confirm if He was really dead, a soldier took a spear and thrust it into His side. To the amazement of the soldiers and the Jews who were watching, blood, mingled with water, gushed out, showing that His heart had ruptured. They were shocked that He had died within that space of time.
His resurrection was also extraordinary. Upon the request of the Jewish leaders, the Romans had sealed the grave where Jesus was buried with a great stone and assigned armed soldiers to watch it. On the third day, an angel, glittering like the sun, came down from heaven. The angel moved the great stone away and sat on it, and Jesus gloriously came out of the grave. Hallelujah! He was later with His disciples for forty days and forty nights.
On the day He was to leave, He didn’t suddenly disappear. While talking with His disciples and giving them instructions, He levitated from the ground, defying the law of gravity. His disciples watched in utter amazement as He kept ascending, until He went all the way into the clouds. This was a most extraordinary moment.
The Bible says one day, and it’s no longer far away, this same Jesus will return again in an extraordinary fashion, and the whole world will see Him. It’s going to be glorious; and we’re all getting ready for the Master’s soon return. He’s called us to an extraordinary life of glory and wants us to make this life of excellence and grace known to others and prepare them for His glorious return.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Lord Jesus, thank you for the extraordinary life of miracles, power and glory that we have in you. Thank you for making me a vessel to spread the message of salvation and prepare the hearts of men for your soon return. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Matthew 27:50-54;Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
[51] And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
[52] and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
[53] and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
[54] Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
Acts 1:10-11; And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
[11] which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 1 & Psalms 104-106
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 3:13-21 & Jeremiah 1
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 14TH AUGUST 2024
POVERTY ISN’T GOD'S DESIGN
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O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name. Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily (Psalm 74:21-22).
Pastor Chris Says
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Psalm 74 contains a beautiful, emotive prayer from the psalmist Asaph. He prayed, "Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name" (Psalm 74:20-21).
Asaph’s prayer reflected a shared concern for the oppressed. The oppressed could only hope in God for deliverance from those more powerful than themselves. Thus, Asaph's plea for their protection from shame underscored their reliance on God's intervention.
Some time ago, we heard of wildfires that ravaged homes and endangered many families, giving them very little chance of escape. The victims, facing powerful perpetrators who sought to silence them, epitomised the poor and needy for whom we should pray. Through our fervent prayer and actions, we can repel the evil and bring hope to the oppressed. Financial aid alone is insufficient; education and training are essential.
Most importantly, we must intercede for the poor, invoking God's favour and grace to open their eyes to opportunities and empower them to rise above poverty. Psalm 33:5 says, “He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.” Poverty is not God's design.
In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Wherever the Gospel has free course and is preached, the people are transformed and the poor cease to be poor. So, be committed to taking the Gospel everywhere, and more and more lives will be changed. Amen.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I’m empowered as an agent of change in this world and an instrument of God’s love and compassion to bring hope and relief to those in need. I pray for those who’re oppressed to experience divine protection, provision, and empowerment as they receive the light of the Gospel and walk in God’s will for their lives, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Isaiah 58:6-7; Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
[7] Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
2 Corinthians 8:9; For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
3 John 1:2 NKJV; Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 15:14-33 & Psalms 99-101
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 2:19-30 & Isaiah 65
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 12TH AUGUST 2024
HE’S ALREADY “LIFTED”
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And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die (John 12:32-33).
Pastor Chris Says
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Sometimes, Christians sing certain hymns or songs that don’t make spiritual sense. For example, some think they’re praising the Lord when they sing, "We lift Jesus higher” or “We lift Him up!" You might say, “But Pastor Chris, what’s wrong with that? Why can’t we lift Him up?”
First, He’s already in the highest and most exalted place in the heavenly realms; so, where else do you want to lift Him to? Secondly, if your inspiration to “lift Him up” or “lift Him higher” is coming from what He said in John 12:28- 33, then you’ve completely misunderstood the context.
In those verses, the Lord spoke about the judgment of the world and the casting out of the prince of this world. Then in verse 32, He said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” The very next verse 33 captures exactly what He meant by that statement. It says, “This he said, signifying what death he should die.”
When Jesus spoke of being "lifted up," He was referring to His crucifixion, not exaltation. Therefore, singing such hymns may inadvertently imply a call for Jesus to be crucified again, which goes against the very essence of the Faith.
Even if the lyrics suggest exalting Jesus to draw people to Him, such an interpretation overlooks the context of Jesus' statement. It's essential for you to study and know the Scriptures for yourself to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word. You can read the same verses in the Amplified Classic version, which says, “And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw and attract all men [Gentiles as well as Jews] to Myself. He said this to signify in what manner He would die” (John 12:32-33 AMPC).
2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Studying the Word will help you know the right songs to sing in worship so you can praise the Lord in Spirit and in truth as He demands. Without proper knowledge, many walk on in ignorance and misunderstand the true message of the Bible. Therefore, diligently seek and pursue the knowledge of God by studying the Scriptures.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the insight and understanding that I receive from your Word. Thank you for flooding my spirit with light to know and walk in the truth of your Word, rightly applying the Word to my life and circumstances, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 12:28-33; Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
[29] The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
[30] Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
[31] Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
[32] And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
[33] This he said, signifying what death he should die.
2 Timothy 2:15 AMPC; Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
John 5:39; Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 14-15:1-4 & Psalms 90-93
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 2:1-11 & Isaiah 63
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 10TH AUGUST 2024
THE “MIGHTY” AND THE “GODS”
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Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? (John 10:34).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you read the first six verses of Psalm 82 from where the Lord Jesus quoted the verse above, you’d observe something remarkable. It says, “God standeth in the congregation of the mighty…. Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High” (Psalm 82:1-6).
Notice that God calls His people, “the mighty”; and also He says, “Ye are gods.” But then the passage goes further to outline our responsibilities: we’re to “Defend the poor and fatherless…” (Psalm 82:3). We’re to “… do justice to the afflicted and needy.” Don’t turn away from the plight of the needy; you’re the one to deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. You can understand why He calls us saviours in Obadiah 1:21.
The fifth verse of that Psalm is painful; it says, “They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness….” In other words, because these “mighty,” these “gods,” are ignorant of who they are, the earth is in a chaotic condition: “…all the foundations of the earth are out of course” (Psalm 82:5).
It reminds me of a certain young man I met who said He didn’t believe in God. When I asked him why, he said because there were too many poor and suffering people around us. “If there’s a God,” he asked, “why would He allow so many to be wallowing in poverty, pain and misery? It’s not right.”
Then I said to him, “You’re correct; it’s not right. But it’s not God’s fault. Those whom He has sent to save and help the needy aren’t doing it and that includes you.” Thereafter, I preached the Gospel to him, and he was gloriously saved.
You’re the one to rid the poor out of the hands of the wicked. You’re the saviour of the needy. Get to know who you are, and take your place as the helper and the deliverer, the one who’s been endued with power from on high to impact and change your world. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m empowered by the Holy Spirit to make a positive impact in the lives of others and make a difference in the world around me. I walk in the wisdom and courage to defend the poor and needy, to do justice to the afflicted, and to rid them out of the hand of the wicked, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 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:
Matthew 5:14-16; Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
[15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Psalm 82:1-6 NKJV; God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods.
[2] How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah
[3] Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.
[4] Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.
[5] They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable.
[6] I said, “You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 12:1-16 & Psalms 85-88
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 1:15-22 & Isaiah 61
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 8TH AUGUST 2024
APPLY THE WORD AND PUT THE SITUATION RIGHT
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But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22).
Pastor Chris Says
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Did you know that today, in the New Testament, it’s no longer a question of what God can do but what YOU can do? He made the change in Christ and gave us the dominion, the authority and the power to change anything. So it’s up to you today to make your life as glorious as you want it to be; the key is acting on the Word—applying the Word of God.
Many have remained in distressing conditions because they’re “waiting” for God to come into their situation and change things. Even if you shout or sing from sun up to sun down that God will make a way where there is no way, this won’t change your situation. That’s because He already made a way almost two thousand years ago and made you “the way” when you were born again.
You’re “the saved”; you need to get the real picture. He calls us “saviours” (Obadiah 1:21); He saved you and made you a saviour. Many of God’s children need to become more acquainted with this truth. They’re inspired and excited to know what God can do, but they need to be more acquainted with what God says they can do.
The ball is in your court. You’re the one to do something about your situation. How? By learning the Word of God and applying it to the situation you’re facing. When you study the life of the Master, His words, His prayer life, and the instructions He gave, He never suggested for one moment that we should whine, beg and cry to God for anything.
Rather, He put the keys in our hands. He told us to speak to the mountain; in other words, solve the problem; use your mouth; speak faith-filled words. 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.”
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the authority and power you've given me to change any situation through your Word. I’m a doer of your Word, and with my faith-filled words I alter circumstances and cause them to align with your perfect will for my life. I apply your Word effectively in every circumstance, and I walk in victory always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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James 1:22-25; But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
[23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
[24] for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
[25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Mark 9:23; Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
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 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 11:1-24 & Psalms 79-81
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 1:1-8 & Isaiah 59
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 6TH AUGUST 2024
YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT
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Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the… Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father…Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied (1 Peter 1:1-2).
Pastor Chris Says
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Something very remarkable in all of Paul’s epistles is his consciousness of the grace and peace of God. At the beginning of each of the epistles he wrote to the churches, you’d find expressions such as the one in Romans 1:7: “...Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
You also find the same with Peter and even John; they understood the importance and power of grace and peace in the lives of God’s people. But then Peter takes a step further to show us something quite striking about this. At the beginning of his first epistle, as read in our theme scripture, he said, “...Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”
But at the beginning of his second epistle, he pinpoints how this grace and peace can be multiplied in your life: it’s through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord: 2 Peter 1:2: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.”
Multiplied grace in your life means increased capacity, speed, and accuracy to perform. It means more favours and greater excellence in your life with prosperity, dominion and power over adversity. Hallelujah!
But for these to happen, you have to have the knowledge of God; knowledge here is “epignosis” (Greek), which is correct and precise knowledge: a knowledge that relates with that which is known.
It’s up to you how much prosperity with peace you want to enjoy. It’s not going to happen by you praying, “Oh God, multiply your grace and peace in my life; no! He’s already shown you what to do: get to know God more intimately. Study and meditate on His Word. Be deliberate about this. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the abundance of grace and peace that you have made available to me through the knowledge of your Word. My knowledge of you deepens as I meditate on your Word, thus causing your grace and peace to be multiplied in my life, leading to increased capacity, dominion and prosperity, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 1:3; grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:2; grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:2; to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 9:1-29 & Psalms 74-77
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 6:10-20 & Isaiah 57
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 4TH AUGUST 2024
AN EXCELLENT MIND
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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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As one who’s born again, you have an excellent mind because the Bible says we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). That’s a mind that’s sanctified by the Word of God to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy.
An excellent mind doesn’t begrudge anyone but genuinely loves people. It isn’t a garbage dump for gossip and tale-bearing. An excellent mind is impermeable to negative information.
One of the decisions you must make for yourself is to think the right thoughts. Make up your mind to only give hearing to the right things so you can think the right thoughts. You must filter your thoughts if you want to live an excellent life.
Furthermore, an excellent mind is creative and innovative; it completely shuns mediocrity. It does excellent things as a personal policy; no half-measures. Don’t say, “I’m just the cleaner where I work”; let your mind soar. Become more innovative, forward-thinking, and inventive in the way you clean. Do some more research on the best cleaning techniques available. Then, most importantly, pray a lot in tongues about your work, and the Holy Spirit will flood your mind with the most creative measures and strategies to deploy in taking your work to the next level.
God wants to commit so much into the hands of excellent characters. Therefore, show yourself worthy through your appreciation and application of His Word, and you’d be excellent in all things and ready for the much more that the Lord will entrust to you. Amen.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I yield my thoughts and mental processes to your Word and Spirit, choosing to focus on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. I maintain an excellent mind that is creative, innovative, and free from negativity. My thoughts and actions reflect the excellence of my divine nature, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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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.
Proverbs 17:27; He that hath knowledge spareth his words: And a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Daniel 6:3; Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 8:1-17 & Psalms 68-69
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 5:25-33 & Isaiah 55
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 2ND AUGUST 2024
THE WORD IS YOUR COMPASS
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Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path (Psalm 119:105 NKJV).
Pastor Chris Says
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God’s Word is light, and light gives direction. When you want to know God’s purpose and His direction for your life, go to the Word; study God’s Word. The Word is your compass; if you follow it, you’ll never lose your way; you’ll never fail. God’s Word is truth; it’s dependable; you can bet your whole life on it.
One of the things you gain from studying the Word of God is spiritual enlightenment and focus. Your spiritual eyes are open to what you should see, and then you’re guided to be focused on the future that God has created for you.
With the Word of God, you’re focused and know exactly where you’re going and how to get there. Life ceases to be a speculation, a leap in the dark. It reminds of the words of Jesus: “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Remember, He’s the Word made flesh; the way to follow Him is to follow His Word. Hallelujah!
Don’t be afraid to believe and stay on God’s Word. Our opening verse says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). The Word will never lead you astray. Proverbs 3:5 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart….” Joshua 1:8 AMPC says, “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.”
Fix your gaze on the Word of God and align your spiritual vision with what it reveals. Doing this will lead you to the fulfilment of God's purpose for your future. With unwavering focus, you'll gain clarity on your destination and the path to reach it. Praise God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your Word, which serves as a lamp to guide my steps and a light to illuminate my path. I wholly trust in your guidance and follow your Word diligently. I keep my eyes fixed on your truth, knowing that’s the sure path to success and unending prosperity, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Hebrews 4:12; For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
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.
Proverbs 3:5-6 AMPC; Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
[6] In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 6:15-7:1-6 & Psalms 60-63
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 5:9-16 & Isaiah 53
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 31ST JULY 2024
WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU KNOW
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Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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It’s so important that you’re always conscious of who you are in Christ and allow that knowledge control everything about your life. It’s one of the things that made David in the Old Testament so different from everyone else. David won many battles in his lifetime. Recall his encounter with Goliath; when all the armies of Israel, including the valiant King Saul, were terrified of Goliath, David said, "... for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26).
In verse forty-five, addressing Goliath, he declared, “…Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). Subsequently, David decapitated Goliath and won the victory for Israel as a stripling, a young lad too young to be in the army.
The difference between David and the rest of the Israelites was that David knew who he was and was conscious of it. He recognized the covenant between God and Israel and knew that as a result of that covenant, anyone coming against Israel was coming against God.
The others in Israel didn’t function with that knowledge, and that was why they could be bullied by Goliath. God said, “My people perish for their lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). You can, and should always win; it’s the life God has given you.
But you have to know your divine provisions and rights in Christ. If you don’t know who you are, you’ll be disadvantaged in life. Nonetheless, if you know who you are but don’t know what to do with the knowledge, you’ll still be buffeted by the circumstances and adversities of life.
Therefore, every day, live with the consciousness that you’re born of God; you have the same life with Him. You’re superior to Satan, with dominion over circumstances and the elements of this world. Ponder these and similar truths in the Word of God, and you’ll walk in victory consistently.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for making me a partaker of your divine nature and giving me victory in Christ Jesus. I’m conscious of who I am in Christ, and I walk in the knowledge of my divine rights and heritage in Christ. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I am victorious in every situation, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 John 4:4; Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 John 4:17; 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.
Philemon 1:6; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 5:12-21 & Psalms 52-55
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 4:25-32 & Isaiah 51
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 29TH JULY 2024
DECLARE YOUR FAITH THROUGH WATER BAPTISM
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Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Mark 16:15-16, the Lord Jesus delivered a powerful charge to His disciples, commanding them to spread the Gospel to every corner of the earth and to every person, emphasizing the importance of water baptism. He declared, "He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16).
The Master in the scripture above highlighted the significance of water baptism as a tangible expression or proof of your believing in Him. It’s a sign of your complete severance from the world. So, everyone who believes in Jesus should be baptized in water.
That’s why it’s important for church pastors to organise water baptism regularly and frequently, ensuring that Christians have the opportunity to publicly declare their faith through baptism. It is essential not to overlook the importance of baptism in the process of soul-winning, as baptism was a vital practice among the early disciples (Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12, and Acts 10:47-48).
Some believe that when you sprinkle water on people, that’s baptism; but it’s not. If water was merely sprinkled on you and you were told you’ve been baptised, you haven’t been baptized. To 'baptize' means to immerse. It’s from the Greek word "baptizo," which means to immerse or dip completely into.
John employed this method, immersing individuals in water for the washing away of sins, distinguishing it from other ceremonial washings. That was what earned him the name “John the Baptist” or “John the immerser.” Baptism signifies our faith in our union with Him in His death, burial and resurrection (see Romans 6:4). “For in baptism you see how your old, evil nature died with him and was buried with him; and then you came up out of death with him into a new life because you trusted the Word of the mighty God who raised Christ from the dead” (Colossians 2:12 TLB).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the gift of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. I understand the importance of baptism as a public declaration of my faith and commitment to Christ, and also a sign of my complete severance from the world. I boldly and openly declare that Jesus Christ is my Lord, and I’m awakened to the fatherhood of God, having been made one with Him. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Acts 2:38; Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:12; But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 10:44-48; While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 4 & Psalms 45-48
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 4:11-16 & Isaiah 49
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 27TH JULY 2024
POWER TO CRUSH THEM ALL
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Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Luke 10:18, the Lord Jesus said, "...I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Following this, He made the amazing declaration in our opening scripture. What does it mean to tread? It means to press down, stomp on, trample on or crush underfoot. It signifies exerting total dominion and dominance over the adversary and adversities.
Psalm 44:5 says, “Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.” Again, we see the use of the word “tread” in Psalm 91:13; it says, “Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” Psalm 108:13 tells us, “Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.”
Also, Isaiah 14:25 reveals something beautiful; it depicts our divine authority and victory over the “Assyrian” (the spirit of the antichrist): “…I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot...." The Lord is the head, and we are His body—His feet—that treads the Assyrian underfoot. Hallelujah!
Furthermore, the use of "serpents" and "scorpions" metaphorically refer to deceptive and rebellious individuals. For example, in Matthew 23:33, the Lord Jesus addressed the religious leaders as "serpents" and "generation of vipers," denoting their deceitful nature.
Similarly, Ezekiel 2:6 describes rebellious individuals as "scorpions," emphasising their opposition to God's truth: "… though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house."
Both groups mentioned by the Lord Jesus and the Prophet Ezekiel are those who have taken upon themselves to fight God's people, fight God's Word, fight the truth, and walk in deception. But thanks be unto God; the Lord has given us victory over them all. Your dominion and superiority is over all the ability of the enemy—and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Praise God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the authority you’ve granted me over Satan and all the power of the enemy. I wield this authority effectively, standing firm in the matchless Name of Jesus against the deceptive schemes, tricks, manipulation and wiles of Satan. I’m victorious today and always as I walk in the truth of your Word, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 10:19 AMPC; Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.
1 John 4:4; Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Mark 16:17; And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 2:1-29 & Psalms 38-41
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 3:13-21 & Isaiah 47
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 26TH JULY 2024
THE DARKNESS IS OVER
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The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined (Isaiah 9:2).
Pastor Chris Says
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This is marvelous! Notice what we just read; it doesn’t say, “The people that walked in darkness shall see a great light”; rather it says, “They’ve seen a great light.” Also, it doesn’t say, “They that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them shall the light shine”; rather it says, “Upon them has the light shined.”
Darkness represents everything that’s evil or puts men in bondage; it represents Satan and all his evil works. But today, in Christ Jesus, all men have been delivered, transferred from the jurisdiction of darkness into the Kingdom of God’s Love-Son.
Colossians 1:13 (NASB) says, “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” If you are in Christ, darkness has no jurisdiction over you. No wonder Jesus said, “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Now, you’re in His light, you have His light, and you have become a light in a dark and crooked world (Philippians 2:15). 1 Peter 2:9 says He “…called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” You are in His marvellous light; light so divine, so intense; the Bible says, “…and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:5). Hallelujah!
1 Timothy 6:16 says, God dwells in unapproachable light. This same God, according to 2 Corinthians 4:6, has shined in our hearts. What a Gospel! What a message! This means no more poverty, no more sickness, disease and infirmities; no more death; because all these are associated with darkness.
Maybe there’s been a lingering issue at work, in your family, marriage, health, or with your children. Or perhaps it’s a loved one that’s been suffering terribly; Jesus has taken away the pain. He has remedied the situation; the darkness is over. Receive His Word to you now and act your faith. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the glorious Gospel of Christ, through which your power is unveiled, with life and immortality brought to light! Thank you for the grace to preach the Gospel in the power of the Spirit and bring many out of darkness, into your marvellous light and glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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1 Peter 2:9 AMPC; But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
John 1:4-9; In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Matthew 4:16;The people which sat in darkness Saw great light; And to them which sat in the region and shadow of death Light is sprung up.
Acts 26:16-18; But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
[17] delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
[18] to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 1:18-32 & Psalms 35-37
[18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
[19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
[20] and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Titus 2:11-13; whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
[12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
[13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 28:17-31 & Psalms 30-31
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 2:1-10 & Isaiah 44
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 23RD JULY 2024
WHEN GRACE IS MULTIPLIED
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Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening scripture tells us how grace and peace can be multiplied in your life: it’s through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. That means the more you study to know more about God, and the Lord Jesus, the greater the grace of God that’ll be at work in your life.
When the grace of God in your life multiplies, what’s the result? Proverbs 24:5 gives us an idea; it says, “A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.” The Hebrew word translated as “strength” is “koach”; it also means ability.
This means that through the knowledge of God’s Word, you multiply your abilities; you discover that there’s so much more you can do. God gives us responsibilities according to the grace or ability that He’s given to us. Therefore, for anything you’re asked to do, there’s grace for you to accomplish it.
However, you’ll never be able to do beyond the grace or ability of God that’s at work in you. That’s when you need increased or multiplied grace. There’re people who only have the ability to manage a medium-scale business, while some others can only operate on a small scale; yet others have the ability for very large or global operations.
In the area of leadership, it’s the same; you can only lead to the extent of the ability granted you by God. What God does for you when He wants to upgrade your life is to increase your ability and your capacity to do more. James 4:6 says, “But he giveth more grace….”
You might then say, “That means I’ll just wait until God gives me more grace to be able to handle more responsibilities in life”; no! He already told you how to have His grace multiplied in your life: it’s through the knowledge of God—the “epignosis” of God—precise and correct knowledge. With that multiplied grace, you become more efficient, with far greater results. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The knowledge of God’s Word is increasing in my spirit, causing my abilities to increase. Christ is in me; therefore, I’m energized to do all things, being sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency. I recognize the working of God’s divine power in me to accomplish excellently, everything He’s ordained me to do today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 9:8; And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
2 Peter 3:18; But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
2 Peter 1:2 AMPC; May grace (God's favor) and peace (which is perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, precise, and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 28:1-16 & Psalms 26-29
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 1:15-23 & Isaiah 43
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional