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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 13TH JUNE 2023
IT BEGINS WITH THE MIND
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In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable (Philippians 4:8 GNB).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3). The Hebrew word translated "peace" is "Shalom"; It doesn't just mean peace in terms of quietness; it also stands for health, prosperity and rest. It refers to the rest of God with prosperity, health, strength and salvation.
However, these things are essentially determined by the content and quality of your mind. When your mind is stayed on the Lord and His Word, you'll experience perfect prosperity, health, rest, and strength. It's that simple.
Your mind is very important to God. That's where He seeks to work. If He can get a hold of your mind, you can be everything He wants you to be. You can become as healthy, prosperous, and successful as you ever want to be. So, it begins with the mind. Why is your mind so Important? It's because God has fashioned the mind as the instrument for your transformation.
The Bible says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2). There're no limits to what you can achieve, and absolutely no restrictions to how high you can propel yourself in the highway of victory when your mind is governed and regulated by the Word.
With your mind established on the Word, the possibilities are endless. So always fix your mind on the beautiful realities of the Word. It's an effective way to create the ideal framework and system for your life and make the most of the unique life and blessings God has given you.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, my mind is fixed on your Word and the transcendent realities of the Kingdom. Therefore, I walk in supernatural peace, with prosperity, health, strength and salvation. My mind is inundated with thoughts of progress and possibilities, and I experience higher levels of glory and victory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Philippians 4:8 AMPC; For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
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.
Isaiah 26:3 AMPC; You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 4:1-31 & 2 Chronicles 16-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:26-38 & Deuteronomy 11
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 11TH JUNE 2023
CUSTODIANS OF TRUTH
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Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in (Isaiah 26:2).
Pastor Chris Says
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I'Il like you to observe two things that qualify a nation to come into the gates of God. The first is righteousness. The second is that the nation must have and walk in the truth. What nation is this custodian and observer of the truth?
God's Word is Truth, and His truth was given to us in Christ Jesus. Thus, the Church of Christ is this nation that keeps the truth. Paul, writing to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:15 called the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. We belong in the Church which is the custodian of the truth. The Church is a righteous nation. We're God-like in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24).
The Bible says, "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" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Everyone who has accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour has been made righteous!
In Ephesians 4:24 (AMPC), Paul highlights that we were created in true righteousness and holiness: "And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness." If you walk with sin consciousness, you wouldn't know that you're righteous. But His gate is opened to the righteous ones-the Church! What a blessing!
Peter corroborates this in his first epistle when he called us a holy nation: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9 AMPC).
We're a peculiar nation, born in righteousness, producing fruits of righteousness, and proclaiming His truth in righteousness.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Righteous Father, your peace and prosperity reign in the nations of the world, as we, your Church, proclaim your truth and righteousness around the world. We overturn the structures, systems and schemes of satanic propagation of deception and fear across the nations, and we declare that your will be done in all the earth, as it is in heaven, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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3 John 1:3-4; For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
1 Timothy 3:15; But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 2:22-47 & 2 Chronicles 8-11
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:1-10 & Deuteronomy 9
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 9TH JUNE 2023
DEMONSTRATING YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IN GIVING
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Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everything -every moment and in every way. He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do (2 Corinthians 9:8 TPT).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the ways to live a life of influence, honour and impact in the Kingdom of God is to be a real giver, generous to the cause of the Gospel. It's so inspiring to see those who are filled with the utmost zeal to spread the Gospel into every nook and cranny of the world. See yourself as responsible for reaching everyone in your world and in regions beyond with the Gospel before the Lord's return.
Think about the impressive testimony of Rhapsody of Realities devotional being available in all known and active languages of the world, making it the most translated material in the whole world. This happened because many around the world made themselves available, giving their time and resources to see that billions of people can read the message of the Gospel in their native language. You can choose to be a part of this today.
The Bible says, "(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness)" (2 Corinthians 9:9-10).
Giving is righteousness, and by sowing seeds of righteousness, you produce fruits of righteousness. He says, "his righteousness remaineth forever." Yes, Christ has made you righteous, but there're fruits of righteousness and they come from your works of righteousness. Works of righteousness are seeds of righteousness, and being manifested primarily in your giving, they'll return in an abundant harvest. Amen.
📅 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for making all grace-every favour and earthly blessing-come to me in abundance so that I may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need, be self-sufficient, possessing enough to require no aid or support, furnished in abundance, for every good work, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 3:9-10; Honour the LORD with thy substance, And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Proverbs 11:24-25; There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25. The liberal soul shall be made fat: And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
2 Corinthians 9:8-11; 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:
9. (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever.
10. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11. being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 1:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 1-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 16:1-11 & Deuteronomy 7
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 7TH JUNE 2023
COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL EFFECTIVELY
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For a true servant of our Lord Jesus will not be argumentative but gentle toward all and skilled in helping others see the truth... (2 Timothy 2:24 TPT).
Pastor Chris Says
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I remember years ago, I was preaching to a class of little children less than ten years old. A trained child evangelist had invited me, and he stood at the back as I preached to the children. While sharing the Word with them, I turned over to the evangelist and saw him weeping profusely.
As I wondered why he was crying, he walked up to me and said, "You just preached Jesus, not only to these children in here, but also to me." My speech and my preaching to those kids weren't with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:4).
As you grow in your Christian walk, it's important for you to know how to articulately and effectually communicate the Gospel. As a young preacher, that was one of my biggest concerns; knew if I didn't communicate right, people wouldn't hear me right. If they didn't hear me right, they wouldn't believe right. And if they didn't believe right, their faith would be in jeopardy.
To communicate the Gospel effectively, you have to first give yourself to the study of God's Word: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). When you study the Word and it gets into your spirit, it inspires, transforms, informs, educates, and cultures you.
Also, you have to trust the power of the Holy Spirit to help you convey the message in a way that'll transform lives. The Lord Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38). This refers to the Holy Spirit pouring out through you.
As the Word enjoins us to be filled with the Spirit, do accordingly. Ephesians 5:18-20 says, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your righteousness is revealed in and through me always. My words are conveyed in the power and wisdom of the Spirit, inspiring faith, hope and love in the hearts of my hearers, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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2 Timothy 4:2; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5; And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5. that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 20:19-31 & 1 Chronicles 23-25
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 15:25-32 & Deuteronomy 5
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 5TH JUNE 2023
BEGIN WITH THE MESSAGE OF LOVE
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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 (John 3:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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When preaching the gospel, some Christmas focus primarily on the subject of sin, emphasizing the need for people to repent of their sins. The message of repentance was apt for the Jews because they were under the Law. What was required of them was to turn away from wrong when they sinned, unto God.
However, non-Jews-the Gentiles-had nothing to turn away from because they were never under the Law, which in itself was their condemnation. The Bible says, "For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law" (Romans 5:13).
But then, the Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This includes both Jews and Gentiles. If the Gentiles didn't break the Law because it wasn't given to them, where then was their sin?
We learn in the book of Genesis that when God created Adam and Eve, they were in the presence of a holy God. They lived in His glory. But they were cut off from that glory when Adam sinned against God.
Romans 5:19 says, "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." Through one man's offense, all men fell short of the glory, but now, in Christ, the glory is restored: "...Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). Hallelujah!
This is why your approach of the Gospel shouldn't begin with the issue of sin; rather, it should begin with the message of love. That's the key; that's how Jesus puts it in our opening scripture. Love was His motivation.
Notice in that verse that He said nothing about sin. That's the Gospel of Christ. It's a message of love and a message of life-the life and nature of God-that His death, burial and resurrection has made possible and available to everyone who believes.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your love that's expressed, unveiled, and embraced as many all around the world hear and receive the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the resultant gift of righteousness. Today, they experience your steadfast and everlasting love and the glory of your grace, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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John 3:16 AMPC; For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 19:17-42 & 1 Chronicles 17-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 15:1-14 & Deuteronomy 3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 3RD JUNE 2023
TESTIFY OF HIS DEATH
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For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Pastor Chris Says
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The synoptic Gospels, Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, and Luke 22:19-20 capture for us the words of Jesus the night He was betrayed. Luke 22:19-20 tells us, "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
The Apostle Paul, by the Spirit, reiterated this in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, part of which we read in our theme scripture. Notice the underlined word, "shew"; it's the Greek, "kataggello," which means to proclaim, declare, and make known. As often as you take communion, you're announcing, proclaiming, declaring, and making known the Lord's death. What's the benefit of that?
First, understand the significance of His blood-which we will forever talk about-that He shed for us; that's the blood that purges, cleanses and speaks for you when anything goes wrong. When we talk about "His blood," we're actually referring to His death.
1 John 2:2 says "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." He made a new will- the New Testament in His blood. And a will is of no effect until the testator dies. So, we proclaim His death because we know God raised Him from the dead. But He died that we might live. His death is the ratification of the will or testament of Jesus Christ, the Seed of Abraham and Son of God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm forever grateful for the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed for me, which purges, cleanses, and rids me of all unrighteousness. Thank you for Christ's vicarious death in my behalf and by whose resurrection I'm now an associate of the God-kind, ushered into the divine life of unending victory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Matthew 26:26-28; And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28. for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
1 Corinthians 10:16; The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
1 Corinthians 11:26 AMPC; For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are representing and signifying and proclaiming the fact of the Lord's death until He comes [again].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:1-27 & 1 Chronicles 11-13
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:53-65 & Deuteronomy 1
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
THURS. 1ST JUNE 2023
YOUR REVELATION OF THE GOSPEL
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For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you believed in Jesus Christ, you became a Christian and started living out your understanding of Christianity. Your life became a daily expression of your idea or perception of Christianity. Consciously or unconsciously, you became a reflection of your "gospel."
“My Gospel?” you may be wondering. Yes! Every one of us has a “Gospel.” Your gospel is your perception of Christ: who He is and what He came to do. You can’t live above your revelation of the Gospel. Whatever you believe about Jesus will affect your speech, thinking process, and outlook on life. You’ll see everything through your “Gospel screen,” as it were.
This is why it’s important to have an accurate knowledge of the Gospel of Christ. What’s your understanding of the Gospel? What’s your opinion of Christ? Who is He, and what do you believe about Him?
One of the things I did for myself in my early years was to ask myself, “What do you really believe about Jesus?” Using the Word of God, I began to probe my heart to find out what I truly believed about Jesus, and I wrote my answers in a notebook.
There’re things you need to address for yourself as a Christian because you can only give to others what you have. You may preach the Gospel to people, but have you preached it to “you”? Do you have personal convictions about it?
Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Have you come to that conclusion about the Gospel? If you truly believe and understand the Gospel, you’ll preach it with fervour and urgency. You won’t spare anything to ensure it permeates your community, city, country, and every man’s world. Let your convictions of Christ drive you.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of taking the same message the apostles preached to my world. I have a clearer understanding of the Gospel, convinced that it’s the only hope and power there is for the salvation of men. I proclaim it with boldness today, to the praise and glory of your Name. Amen.
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1 Corinthians 1:17; For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1 Corinthians 9:16; For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
Romans 2:16; in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 16:17-33 & 1 Chronicles 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:32-42 & Numbers 35
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 30TH MAY 2023
KNOWING WHO THE CHRISTIAN IS
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But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people... (1 Peter 2:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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You may read the four gospels and not get a picture of the Christian life and who the Christian really is. This is because the gospels don't completely give us the full picture of the life of Jesus after His resurrection. The account of His life before His ascension was very brief.
It's part of the reasons He told His disciples about the Holy Spirit -the Spirit of truth-who would show them things to come and guide them into all truth (John 16:12-13). Therefore, the most appropriate reference point for the Christian, as you study the New Testament, are the epistles.
Someone might ask, "How about the Book of Acts?" The Book of Acts is a catalogue of the acts of a baby Church. The Church in the Book of Acts had just started out in the Faith; so, it might not be the best expression of the Christian life, though it's a good place to start. But for deeper and greater insights into the life of God's new creature in Christ, you'd have to study the epistles!
For example, Paul's epistle to the Roman church-the Book of Romans-is an extraordinary exposition of the doctrine of the supremacy of Christ and of faith in Christ as the source of salvation. Also, consider his beautiful letter to the Ephesian church; it detalls how new converts can grow in their spiritual knowledge of God and in the realities of the Kingdom.
Think about Peter's writings; in chapter one verse four of his second epistle, he said, "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature...." What a description of who the Christian Is: we're participators or sharers of God's divine nature; associates of the God-kind-carriers or conveyors of the God-life. What a blessed reality!
There's also the prophetic word on the millennial reign of Christ: everything the Lord promised to the Jews in the millennial reign is what He already gave the Church to enjoy today.
Therefore, if you want to know about the Christian life and who the Christian is, you need the Book of Acts, the revelations and admonitions in the epistles, and all the promises prophetically given to the Jews in the Millennium. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm thoroughly nourished, nurtured, sustained and fortified to attain spiritual maturity through the study of the realities of the new life in Christ. I make progress by the Spirit, and my profiting by the Word is unstoppable, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 1:26-27; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27. to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
2 Corinthians 5:17; Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1 Peter 2:9 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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:1-17 & 1 Chronicles 3-42
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:12-21 & Numbers 33
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 28TH MAY 2023
SUMIT TO HIS WILL
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...Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will... (Psalm 40:7-8).
God loves you more than you love yourself. He knows what’s best for you and always wants the best for you. Therefore, you can trust Him with your life. In Isaiah 1:19, He said, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” The Living Bible renders it in a rather fascinating way. It says, “If you will only let me help you, if you will only obey, then I will make you rich!”
Thank God we’re His obedient children! So you can trust Him to make you rich and make your life glorious. Your responsibility is to submit to His will by living in His Word. It’s those who are ignorant of God’s Word and of His love that struggle and try to wrest the steering-wheel of their lives from His grasp. They haven’t fully yielded to His Word, to His will and purpose.
When you know Him, you’re at rest. You discover that He’s more passionate for your success than you could ever be. That discovery changed my life many years ago. It made me submit to His choices and follow His Word wholeheartedly.
Accept His love. Colossians 1:13 AMPC says He’s transferred us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love. Have confidence in His love. Dare to believe Him, and submit to the destiny that He’s chosen for you. It’s a unique destiny. And in His Word, He’s laid out the blueprint for your life: how you should live. Follow His Word, for that’s how you submit to His will. His Word is His will expressed.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for strengthening me by your Spirit to do your will always. I live for you alone, fully submitted to your plans and purpose for my life. My life is a daily expression of your will, and I fulfil your purpose and destiny for me with glory and joy, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 22:41-42 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Philippians 2:13 AMPC [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.
Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 13:31-14:1-14 & 2 Kings 23-25
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 13:24-37 & Numbers 31
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 26TH MAY 2023
THREE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
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The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
Pastor Chris Says
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There're three important questions in life: "What?" "How?" and "Why?" To know "what" is to begin to live; to know "how" is to begin to succeed; and to know "why" is to begin to reign; because that's when you're fulfilling purpose.
Whether you're asking these questions in your personal life, for your personal growth, business, job, finances, family, or ministry, these three questions will locate you. However, the most important of them is "Why?" It's the age-old question that mankind through all generations has grappled with.
Why were you born? Why are you here on this earth at this time? Why are you a teacher, a doctor, a farmer, a politician, a soldier, a singer, or a minister of the Gospel? Why do you do what you do? Your "Why" is your purpose, your reason for being.
Purpose is the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. It refers to intent, design, and the reason for a cause or action; and it also alludes to the relevance or usefulness of a thing.
So, have you discovered your purpose? Do you know why you're in this world? What are the intents, designs or reasons for the actions you take and the things you do? Why were you recreated in Christ? The Word of God gives clear answers and insights into your purpose in the earth.
For example, 1 Peter 2:9 AMPC says, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." You were created to bring God glory-to show forth His praise-to set forth His wonderful deeds and display His virtues and perfections in the earth. Thus, your life should be about living for Him, pleasing Him and fulfilling the purpose for which you were born again. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm filled with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, and your purpose for my life is established in my heart. My purpose is to please you in all things, doing the good works which you've prearranged ahead of time. I live to fulfil my destiny in Christ and bring you glory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 1:8-9; Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9. who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
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.
Ephesians 2:10 AMPC; For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 12:20-50 & 2 Kings 18-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 13:1-11 & Numbers 29
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 24TH MAY 2023
ADVANCING THE KINGDOM
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...For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen (Matthew 6:13).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the concluding part of the format of prayer Jesus gave to His disciples, He taught them to say, "Thine is the Kingdom." He was referring to the Kingdom of God. But in St. Mathew's gospel, there's another expression, "the Kingdom of heaven," which, though Interchangeably used with the Kingdom of God, is different.
While the Kingdom of God refers to the rulership or dominion of God, which transcends territories and is universal, the Kingdom of heaven is applied particularly in connection to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and His messianic reign. It's that part of the Kingdom of God that's established in the earth and is headed by Jesus.
The vision of the Kingdom of heaven is the establishment and expansion of the Kingdom of God in the earth; it's the work of Jesus Christ, of which we, the Church, are a vital part. It's important for us to know our role. Each one of us actually has a responsibility, first, to see to the expansion of the Kingdom of God, because we belong in that Kingdom: "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
The Lord's injunction for us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness calls for every one of us to reappraise our priorities and walk accordingly. Your ultimate desire should be that the Kingdom is advancing through you as you impact your world with the Gospel.
Devote your time, efforts and resources to the furtherance of the Gospel. There's so much more you can do to ensure God's Word prevails in your city, region or country, and the world.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm determined, more than ever, to spread, to the ends of the earth, the glorious news of Christ's salvation and His wondrous works towards mankind. The Kingdom of God has been set up in my heart: the peace, beauty, glory, grace and life of God are fully functional in my spirit, expressed in and through me. Through me, the Word prevails in my city, region, country, and the world. Blessed be God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 3:3-7; Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Matthew 10:7; And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 11:17-57 & 2 Kings 13-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:28-34 & Numbers 27
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 22ND MAY 2023
A NEW LIFE FOR THE NEW CREATION
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Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him (Colossians 3:9-10).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you were born into this world, you came with the human life from your parents. This was the life you lived until you were born again and received another life: the life and nature of God. Does this, therefore, imply that you have two lives in you: a human life as well as the divine one? Absolutely not!
As a Christian, you only have one life, and it's the God-life. The human life ceased to be because it was replaced by this life and nature of God. You didn't receive an additional life; it was a supplanting of the old with the new. Hallelujah!
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." The use of the word "creature" in the verse lets us know that what's being described is something new and strange that the world can't recognize because it has never seen it before.
That's like what the Bible says in 1 John 3:1, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." Now that we're the sons of God, the world doesn't recognise us because we're changed.
We're no longer subject to sickness, disease, failure, or death. We're new creations, born with the life and nature of God that transcends the ordinary human life. This is the message of Christ. This is why He came: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I affirm that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life, and His life and nature that transcends the ordinary human life has been imparted to my spirit. My old life has been completely supplanted by the divine life, which is superior to sickness, disease, defeat and the depravities of the natural man. Praise God forevermore!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 John 5:11-13; And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21; For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Ephesians 1:4-6 AMPC; Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.
5. For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]–
6. [So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 10:22-42 & 2 Kings 8-9
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:13-17 & Numbers 25
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 20TH MAY 2022
KNOW AND WALK IN TRUTH
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And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).
Pastor Chris Says
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When people don't know the truth, they believe a lie, and as a result, they suffer in life. God said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). This is really touching; it's one of the reasons we're teaching God's people His Word through this devotional so they'll walk in truth and in the realities of the new life in Christ.
What is truth and how does God see you? Truth is reality; truth is the Word of God. In John 17:17, Jesus said in prayer to the Father, "thy Word is truth." Many have their lives in jeopardy and experience defeat, sadness, gloom, failure and sickness because of their ignorance of God's Word.
But thanks be unto God! The Bible says through knowledge shall the just be delivered (Proverbs 11:9); the knowledge of who you are in Christ and your heritage in Him will transform the entire quality of your life. Understand that as a Christian, you're a different breed. The Bible says, "But ye are a chosen generation..." (1 Peter 2:9). The word "generation is the same word for "breed. You're a special breed, superior to sickness, disease and everything of darkness and the devil.
Also, you have an incorruptible life-a life of victory, success, excellence and great glory. It's a life that can't be infected by any plague or disease. You can't be poisoned or destroyed. Jesus said, "And these signs shall follow them that believe....if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them..." (Mark 16:17-18).
You have to know and consciously affirm these truths about yourself every so often. You're a partaker of the divine nature. The life in you is divine and sustained by the Spirit of God who lives in you: 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). Live with this consciousness and exercise yourself in these truths!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in me; therefore, I'm vitalized by the power of God-spirit, soul and body. I exercise myself in these truths and walk on in health. As a result of the divine life in me, I live triumphantly above sickness, disease and infirmities, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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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.
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.
Psalm 82:5-7; They know not, neither will they understand; They walk on in darkness: All the foundations of the earth are out of course.
6. I have said, Ye are gods; And all of you are children of the most High.
7. But ye shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 9:1-41 & 2 Kings 4-5
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 11:27-33 & Numbers 23
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 18TH MAY 2023
FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE
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Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:19).
Pastor Chris Says
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From our theme scripture, we observe the connection between faith and a good conscience. You need both for a balanced and effective Christian life. Your conscience is the voice of your spirit. Your conscience can be trusted, but it'll only be dependable if your spirit is educated with the Word of God.
Some people do terrible things; they sponsor or participate in acts of wickedness, violence and bloodshed. And their conscience allows them to do such things. Why? It's because of the condition of their spirits. Their conscience has been educated to permit such evil and wickedness. Their conscience has been seared with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:2). But if your spirit is conditioned by the Word of God, you'll have the voice of God in your heart, and it'll be different.
The Bible says out of your heart-your spirit-are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). It's therefore important that you train your spirit with the Word to be a sure guide. Never allow negative thoughts and Ideas- thoughts of bitterness, wickedness, evil, violence or terror-grow in you.
Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..." Store the Word of God richly in your heart, and you'll be able to bring every negative thought into captivity to the obedience of the Word (2 Corinthians 10:5). Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The Word of God has imparted wisdom to my spirit and renewed my mind to think divine thoughts; thoughts that are consistent with God's eternal purpose and will for my life! I bring forth good things from within my spirit today, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 4:20-23; My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21. Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22. For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.
23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
1 Timothy 1:19 AMPC; Holding fast to faith (that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence) and having a good (clear) conscience. By rejecting and thrusting from them [their conscience], some individuals have made shipwreck of their faith.
1 Timothy 4:15 AMPC; Practice and cultivate and meditate upon these duties; throw yourself wholly into them [as your ministry], so that your progress may be evident to everybody.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 8:31-47 & 1 Kings 22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 11:1-11 & Numbers 21
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 16TH MAY 2023
THE POWER RESTS WITH US
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And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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Immediately after the Lord Jesus made the extraordinary statement in our theme verse, He charged us to go into every man's world on account of ALL power that's been given unto Him and preach the Gospel to every creature.
We're the extension of His Kingdom, of His reign and rulership in the earth. It's part of the reason He charges us to pray. He said in Luke 18:1, "Men ought always to pray and not give up." He wants us to be relentless and persistent in prayer and effect changes in our world and in the lives of men everywhere.
He's charged us with the responsibility, and He gave us the authority, to transform our world. He knew we would contend with evil forces, so He gave us dominion over them. We have the right arsenal- the Name of Jesus and the Word of God on our lips-to deal with demoniacal forces.
When you observe, for example, that things are going awry in your nation, get to praying fervently in the Spirit. Rebuke Satan and his cohorts of darkness responsible for deception, hardships and wickedness, and reassign angels to take charge where they had held sway. Pray often like this to hinder the works of darkness in your nation and around the world.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the authority in the Name of Jesus to enforce your will in the earth and in the lives of men. Your Name is glorified in all the earth, and your Kingdom is exalted. Thank you for pouring down righteousness and salvation upon the nations; the whole earth is filled with your glory. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 18:1; And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Romans 8:26-27; Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 7:25-8:1-11 & 1 Kings 18-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 10:32-45 & Numbers 19
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 12TH JUNE 2023
GIVE WITH THE RIGHT MENTALITY
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And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred (Mark 4:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the most profound principles in the Word of God that guarantees a continuous increase in finances is the principle of giving. Your giving is a channel to facilitate your receiving, for there can be no receiving without first giving.
Sadly, a lot of people give to God with the mentality of lack or loss. No, that's not wise. Such a mentality stops the miracle of receiving from taking place. Kingdom consciousness of giving is different. When you give to God, be more conscious of the promise on your giving.
Remember what Jesus said about the sower who sowed his seeds on good ground. He said it yielded fruits that sprang up and Increased and brought forth thirty, sixty, and a hundred fold harvest (Mark 4:8). So, you could have a thirtyfold return, a sixtyfold return, or a hundredfold return on your giving.
With the right mentality, you can set in motion all the miracle- power of God to cause a thirtyfold, a sixtyfold, or a hundredfold return on what you've given! Train yourself to become positive with God in your giving. When next you give an offering or a seed to God, do it with the mentality of someone who is in the Kingdom and you'll have amazing testimonies.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the mighty harvests of blessings and miracles that I receive as I give for the propagation of the Gospel and the expansion of your Kingdom. Thank you Lord, for you've made all grace available to me to have all sufficiency in all things, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC; And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].
Luke 6:38; give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 3:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 12-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:11-25 & Deuteronomy 10
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📖 SAT. 10TH JUNE 2023
TAKE POSSESSION OF YOUR INHERITANCE
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But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions (Obadiah 1:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Lord spoke through Moses concerning Joshua and Caleb and said, "...The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance, you and your children's, forever. Yes, you have lived totally for GOD" (Joshua 14:9 MSG).
The Lord had said specifically to Caleb, "Hebron shall be yours," but Hebron had giants-the Anakims- who were in large walled cities. Caleb was unfazed; he professed that he was just as strong to possess the land as he was forty-five years prior when he spied out the land; very Inspiring!
Caleb converted the inheritance to a possession; he took possession of Hebron and it became his and his family's land to this day (Joshua 14:13-14). It's one thing to have an inheritance, but it's another thing to have it in your possession. An inheritance can be allotted to you, but "the giants" might try to prevent you from taking possession of it. But you should stand your ground in faith and declare, "In the Name of Jesus, I take possession of all that belongs to me in Christ Jesus!"
The Lord has qualified and made you fit to become a partaker of the glorious inheritance of the saints in light; there's an inheritance for you (Colossians 1:12). Let nothing cheat you out of God's best. By the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God in your mouth, take full possession of all that's yours in Christ, irrespective of the circumstances.
As you study and meditate on the Word, not only will you discover your inheritance in Christ, but you'll also begin to relate with and enjoy all that God has made available to you. The inheritance was already yours, but through the knowledge of God's Word and your faith-filled words, you take possession. Hallelujah!
📖 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for making me a partaker of the glorious inheritance of the saints in light! My understanding is enlightened today, to know the hope of your calling, and the riches of the glory of your inheritance for me, in Christ Jesus. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 1:12 AMPC; Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light.
1 Corinthians 2:12-13; Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
Acts 20:32; And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 2:1-21 & 2 Chronicles 5-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 16:12-20 & Deuteronomy 8
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 8TH JUNE 2023
THE CURE FOR DECEPTION
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Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character (1 Corinthians 15:33 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Lord Jesus warned us to be wary of deception. In Matthew 24:4, He cautions "...Take heed that no man deceive you." In the epistles, the Apostle Paul repeatedly warned of the dangers of deception. Notice what he said in the opening text, "Do not be so deceived and misled...", because it's easy to be deceived.
Satan's capital strategy in derailing Eve was deception. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul captures it; it says, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." Therefore, by understanding how Satan deceived Eve, you can gain insight into how to stay ahead of him and prevent yourself and others from being deceived.
Remember that Paul was speaking to God's people when he said, "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God..." (1 Corinthians 15:34). The knowledge of God keeps your heart in the right place. So, get your mind on the right subject, get your heart in the right direction! The cure for deception, therefore, is the knowledge of the truth: the accurate knowledge of the Word; this will both deliver and protect anyone from deception.
Keep in mind what the Bereans did in Acts 17:11: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Also, note Paul's admonition to Timothy, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the knowledge of your Word in my heart, causing me to walk in faith, dominion, glory and power. Through the revelation knowledge of your Word, I live above the deception, trickery, manipulation and lies of the adversary. I function in absolute victory, now and always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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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.
Ephesians 1:17-18; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18. the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
John 8:32; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 21:1-25 & 1 Chronicles 26-29
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 15:33-47 & Deuteronomy 6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 6TH JUNE 2023
OUR DIVINE NATURE
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But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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Some people would easily agree with you when you describe yourself as a child of God, but when you say you're divine, they pause and warn you of going too far. But, isn't it contradictory to disagree that a child of God is divine?
Being a child of God isn't merely a religious rhetoric. Rather, it means you're an associate of the God-kind. You're a God-man or God- woman. The Bible says, "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4).
If you follow the tenses carefully, you'll realize that this isn't a promise; He's already done it. He's made us partakers of the divine nature. The actual Greek rendering says, "Associates of the God-kind," like when you say "mankind." So, who really are you?
If you're born again, you've been brought into the God-kind: a divine pantheon. You have the divine life. The Bible says in 1 John 5:13 NIV, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
God wants you to know you have eternal life. That's the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The life you got from your parents when they gave birth to you has been supplanted by eternal life. You now have the divine life that dispels and obliterates all sicknesses, diseases, and afflictions. This is what makes us invincible in life. This life dispels darkness, poverty, failure and death. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I'm an associate of the God-kind, in vital, inseparable oneness and union with divinity. I'm superior to Satan, and I'm above the forces of darkness, because I've been brought into the God-kind, a divine pantheon. Divinity is at work in me. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Peter 1:4 AMPC; By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.
1 John 5:11-13 AMPC; And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12. He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life.
13. I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, yes, eternal life.
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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 20:1-18 & 1 Chronicles 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 15:15-24 & Deuteronomy 4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 4TH JUNE 2023
TAKE THE COMMUNION WITH UNDERSTANDING
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When we drink the cup of blessing, aren't we taking into ourselves the blood, the very life, of Christ? And isn't it the same with the loaf of bread we break and eat? Don't we take into ourselves the body, the very life, of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16 MSG).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Holy Communion is a very important sacrament in the Church, but many take it without understanding its spiritual import and impact. When you take the Holy Communion, you aren't only fellowshipping with the body and blood of Christ, you're administering life to your body because it has curative powers! It's more potent than any medication.
In explaining the parable of the sower to His disciples in Matthew 13:3-4 and 18-19, the Lord Jesus revealed that the ones who received seed by the wayside represented those who hear the Word but don't understand it. As a result of their lack of understanding, Satan comes immediately and steals the Word sown in their hearts, and they lose out.
God's Word mixed with understanding produces divine results. Henceforth, have the understanding that when we "break bread," we're commemorating the vicarious death of Christ, the sacrificial Lamb that was given up for you. Also, the "Cup" signifies the New Testament sealed in His blood. His divine blood was shed for us for the remission of sins, so that sin should not have dominion over us.
So, today, it doesn't matter what the condition has been; you might have been diagnosed with lung, kidney, heart, stomach or skin problems; take the Communion and declare, "No cancerous growth, weakness, disease, infirmity or sickness can thrive or survive in my body. I'm healthy, vibrant and strong." Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the body of Jesus that was broken for me so that I'll never be broken, sick, weak, or defeated. Thank you for His blood that was shed for the remission of sins, and by which I've become a partaker and distributor of the divine life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 10:16-17; The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17. For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
1 Corinthians 11:23-25; For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24. and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:28-19:1-16 & 1 Chronicles 14-16
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:66-72 & Deuteronomy 2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 2ND JUNE 2023
WE'RE HIS HOLY SANCTUARY
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The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel (Psalm 68:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). That means you're God's house, His holy sanctuary.
In Hebrews 3:1, the Bible says, "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling...." Colossians 1:22 (CEV) says, "...God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent." Think about that! Then Ephesians 1:4 says, "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." Hallelujah!
In Exodus 19, when Moses brought the people from the camp to meet God, the Bible tells us that God descended on Mount Sinai with a terrible display of power. the mountain shuddered in huge spasms, with smoke billowing from it, so much so that the people trembled before the Lord. God only stepped on it and it was declared a holy mountain.
His presence made it holy. Now, think about the fact that He didn't indwell the mountain; but He indwells you! Hallelujah! You're more holy than Mount Sinai. No wonder He tells us in Ephesians 5:25-27 that Christ gave Himself for us-the Church-that He might sanctify and cleanse us with the washing of water by the Word, and present us to Himself glorious, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that we should be holy and without blemish. Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your divine presence in me that makes me holy, unblameable and unreproveable in your sight. I walk in the light of this truth, and reign over sin, Satan and circumstances. I'm victorious all the way, serving you joyously in love, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Colossians 1:21-22; And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22. in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17. If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Hebrews 3:1; Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 17:1-26 & 1 Chronicles 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:43-52 & Numbers 36
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 31ST MAY 2023
BEING RAISED BY THE WORD
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If we say we are his, we must follow the example of Christ (1 John 2:6 CEV).
Pastor Chris Says
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There is the education of the human mind, but there's also the education of the human spirit, in these last days, through the ministry of the Word and the Spirit, we're raising God's people to become effective witnesses.
The Body of Christ is growing, and thanks be unto God for making it possible for a whole lot more people to hear the Word of God and be raised. It's akin to watching newborn babies grow up; it evokes some kind of excitement in parents as they watch their children go through various stages of growth.
At a certain level of growth, all that the parents are required to do is give the required instructions, guidance, supervision and direction. They ensure the babies are feeding well, getting the right treatment, living in the right environment, exercising their bodies, and so on.
But soon enough, through observation, the babies begin to talk and attempt to act like the parents. That way, they're being raised, the things you do affect them, and they tend to become more and more like you. It's the same thing spiritually. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
Now, because the Lord is in fellowship with us, talking to us, teaching us, feeding us and doing things before us, and we have His Word to give us a good picture, we become more and more like Him, acting, talking, relating with others as He would.
The Bible says, "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). Open your heart to be raised by the Word. Receive with meekness the love, hope, faith, power, prosperity, truth, strength, soundness of mind and body that the Word brings to you. Embrace the Word, which is able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, my life is the expression of all that Christ is. I unveil Him to my world today through my thoughts, words and actions. The world sees Jesus in my eyes; I show them love they can't deny. His divine life is manifested through me. I live in the consciousness of my divine life and origin in Christ, knowing that His wisdom, ability and power are working in and through me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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2 Corinthians 3:18; But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
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.
2 Timothy 3:16-17; All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17. that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:18-16:1-16 & 1 Chronicles 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:22-31 & Numbers 34
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 29TH MAY 2023
JESUS IS LORD AND GOD
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...He [God] was made visible in human flesh, justified and vindicated in the [Holy Spirit, was seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, [and] taken up in glory (1 Timothy 3:16 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening verse leaves no doubt about who Jesus is; He is God, made visible in human flesh, justified and vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and taken up in glory! Hallelujah!
It brings to mind the story of the hastily prearranged prosecution of Jesus in Mark 14:60-63. The high priests conspired with the Jewish Council to find some evidence against Jesus by which they could sentence Him to death, but they couldn't find any. Then they asked Jesus, "...Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"
The Master's response was unambiguous and unequivocal. 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." For this, they condemned Him to death and took Him away because He dared to declare Himself to be God in human flesh. But that's who He is. To say "Jesus is the Son of God" means He's God in human flesh.
God came to us in a human body. That was what He was crucified for. No wonder Paul said the fullness of the Godhead, that is, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit- the totality of Deity-is tabernacled in Jesus (Colossians 1:19).
When you stand before the throne of God, you aren't going to be seeing some blinding light as the Father, and then the Lord Jesus standing beside Him on the throne; neither will you see the Holy Spirit like a bird on top of the throne, no! Jesus is on the throne and the Father is in Him. He is the complete embodiment of Deity. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Blessed Lord Jesus, you're God who appeared in human form, believed on in the world, and taken up to heaven. How excellent is your Name in all the earth, O, Lord! You're the complete embodiment of Deity. I worship you for who you are, and thank you for revealing yourself to your Church. Your glory is everlasting. Amen.
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John 10:30-33; I and my Father are one.
31. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying,
33. For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
Philippians 2:5-6; Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6. who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Colossians 1:19 AMPC; 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.
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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 14:15-31 & 1 Chronicles 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:1-11 & Numbers 32
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 27TH MAY 2023
KNOWING THE WORD OF GOD
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The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes (Psalm 19:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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When we emphasize the importance of knowing the Word of God, some think we mean acquiring "Bible Knowledge" from a university or religious institution. That may have its place, but knowing the Word by revelation and guidance of the Holy Spirit is different.
There're Bible scholars who studied Bible knowledge as a course but have no idea what the Word of God is. All scripture is God-breathed; that is, the contents and the message of the Bible came from God and are Inspired by His Spirit. It's His document of truth, and it's trustworthy and dependable.
2 Timothy 3:16 AMPC says, "Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action)." Hebrews 4:12 further tells us something extraordinary about the Word of God. It says, "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."
But then, what is the Word of God? The Word is that message from God that reveals or communicates His works, will, thoughts, plans, purposes and pursuit to bring men into, or promote, fellowship with Him in love. It's His message of truth with the content and power to build His image into the life of the hearers.
Now, the content of the Word is the embodiment of Christ's revelations, provisions, perfections and instructions, profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction and for training in righteousness. Therefore, knowing or having the knowledge of the Word means knowing God in His thoughts about anything. You know His thoughts, opinions, ideas, and agenda; you're looking into God's mind or His heart about anything! What a wonder!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your Word that propels, empowers, inspires, uplifts, motivates and gives me clarity of purpose. I'm educated to know your thoughts, opinions, ideas and agenda in the earth, as your Spirit guides me into all truth, teaching me to make the right choices and decisions that are consistent with your perfect will always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Psalm 19:7; The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
2 Peter 1:21; For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Timothy 3:14-17; But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15. and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17. that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:1-30 & 2 Kings 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 13:12-23 & Numbers 30
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 25TH MAY 2023
A TRAINING FOR GREATER RESPONSIBILITIES
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For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God's power (1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT).
Pastor Chris Says
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In our previous study, we learnt about the Kingdom of heaven and how its purpose is to establish the Kingdom of God in the earth. But what's the Kingdom of heaven? It refers to the political government of Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "...and the government shall be upon his shoulder..." (Isaiah 9:6). This is dealing with His structures and political arrangement.
Even though the Kingdom of heaven is in the earth and ruling the spirit world, it's not yet governing the people. To understand this, think of a political party that's already active with members, but hasn't assumed authority over the government of the state or nation.
When that party eventually takes over the government, everything changes. In the same way, once the Kingdom of God is truly and duly established in the earth, then the Kingdom of heaven takes over! But for now, the political structures in the world today will continue to nose- dive, and the world will keep having more problems until the Rapture takes place. The period of tribulation will then follow, after which the Lord Jesus will appear from heaven.
The Bible says in Daniel 7:27 "And the Kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the Kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him." At His second coming, the Lord Jesus gets the Kingdom! He'll establish His political structures on earth and take over. Hallelujah! He'll reign and rule and, in the end, deliver the Kingdom to God the Father.
Understand that all the things we're doing for the Lord on earth today aren't an end in themselves; they're trainings for greater Kingdom responsibilities ahead. Therefore, serve the Lord wholeheartedly, and make up your mind to accomplish big things for the Kingdom, knowing that there's a "hereafter".
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I consciously invest time, energy and resources in the education and training of my spirit for greater Kingdom responsibilities ahead. I'm inspired and fortified for the Kingdom-life, in and by the Word. I'm positioned for greatness, living the triumphant, prosperous life through the power and effectual working of your Word in me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Mark 1:14; Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Matthew 3:1-2; In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa,
2. and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 10:7; And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 12:1-19 & 2 Kings 16-17
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:35-44 & Numbers 28
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 23RD MAY 2023
A DIFFERENT TYPE OF PROMISE
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Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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The word translated as "promises" in our opening verse needs to be properly understood. In the New Testament, the same Greek word "epaggella" was translated as "promise" more than fifty times. However, in 2 Peter, another Greek word 'epaggelma' was translated as "promise" twice. This was a different type of promise, but the Bible translators didn't distinguish between the two. I'll explain.
The first type of promise is futuristic. It's like when one says, "I'll give you $200,000 tomorrow." That's a promise. But there's another type when someone tells you, "I'll give you $200,000" and then proceeds to write a cheque that's dated today. Now, that cheque is the promise, not the money.
The promise is that if you take the cheque to the bank, the money will be there. So, it depends on whenever you want to cash it. If the first type of promise falls, there might be no consequences; but not the second one; it must not fail. If it fails, that's a criminal offence in financial terms, because it'll be a dud cheque.
This second type of promise is what's written in our opening verse. These aren't futuristic promises but promises backed already with fulfillment. They're real already, waiting for whenever you want them "cashed."
Observe again what the Bible says: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature..." This means that by "cashing" these precious promises, we become associates of the Godkind. Hallelujah!
It's time to cash your cheques and start participating in the divine experience. But how do you cash them? It's by speaking God's language; it's by declaring words of faith in agreement with God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm immensely grateful for the privilege to participate in the divine experience. I'm an associate of the God-kind, transfigured in spirit into the image and likeness of the Son of God! I function from the place of advantage, victory, dominion and power, guided and propelled by His divine wisdom to do your will and fulfil my destiny in Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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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.
Galatians 3:16; Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:20; For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 11:1-16 & 2 Kings 10-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:18-27 & Numbers 26
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 21ST MAY 2023
YOU'RE ACCEPTED OF HIM
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According as he hath chosen us in him... unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ... wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:4-6).
Pastor Chris Says
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Some people live their lives in the hope that God will accept them on the basis of their good works. But our good works aren't enough to give us a right standing with God. You may even be going through a situation and thinking, "When I look at my life, I can't even find any sin; so, why am I going through this?"
Well, the Bible says "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Furthermore, Galatians 2:16 says, "...by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
The struggle to live right, to please God so as to be accepted by Him, is unnecessary. Why should you work so hard, struggling to be accepted by Him, when the Spirit already calls us through the Word as, "...accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6 )? You've been accepted and declared righteous before God. Accept this truth and now live to please Him accordingly.
God chose you before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame before Him in love, and He predestined you to be accepted in His presence. It's part of what His righteousness in your spirit has produced for you; you can boldly stand in the presence of God without guilt, inferiority or condemnation. In Christ, you have right standing before God. Hallelujah!
Now that you're born again, you dwell in God's presence, and you're at liberty to serve Him as He desires. Until and unless this becomes your present-hour consciousness, your Christian walk will be a struggle. Christianity for you should be an everyday experience of divine fellowship.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for your love, grace, and righteousness at work in me. Thank you for choosing me to be holy and without blame before you in love. I walk in wisdom today, fulfilling your good pleasure and producing works of righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:1-2; There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Ephesians 2:8-10; 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.
10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 1:4-6 AMPC; Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.
5. For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]–
6. [So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 10:1-21 & 2 Kings 6-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:1-12 & Numbers 24
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 19TH MAY 2023
FOCUS ON YOUR ASSIGNMENT
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...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the beautiful things about discovering your divine purpose in life is that it keeps you focused. Your purpose defines your life, giving you a focus and a direction. A synonym for purpose is "intent" or "design." Intent or design is never general; it must be clear, definite and specific for it to be realistic and effective.
Our Lord Jesus had a clear purpose for coming into the world, and He expressed it unequivocally. He said, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it to the full" (John 10:10).
The Word says in 1 John 3:8: "...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." Then in Luke 19:10, Jesus declared, "... The son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." His purpose was very clear: He came to do the will of His Father.
He said, "... My nourishment comes from doing the will of God who sent me, and from finishing his work" (John 4:34 TLB). We see from this statement of Jesus, a very powerful principle of life revealed: the pursuit and fulfilment of your divine purpose is the true sustenance of life; it's the fuel that keeps your engine running while you're on the face of this earth. Even in the natural sense, few things stimulate, keep alive, or stir courage as much as going after a goal and accomplishing it.
We also see purpose expressed in Paul's narrative of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 26:13-16). He appeared to Paul to make him a minister and a witness (Acts 26:16). He further reveals to Paul that he was "to open the eyes of the Gentiles and 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 Christ Jesus" (Acts 26:18).
This was Paul's reason for being; this was his life's mission, and he said in verse 19, "...I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision." Then in 1 Corinthians 9:26, he said, "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air." In other words, I'm focused on my mission; I'm definitive about carrying out God's plan for my life. That's how it ought to be. Be focused on your assignment, on your God-given purpose. Glory to God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm unwavering, steadfast, resolute, firm and focused on my mission and the purpose for which I was created. I serve you wholeheartedly as a witness of the Gospel of Christ, definitive about fulfilling your purpose for my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Acts 26:16-18; But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17. delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18. to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Acts 23:11; And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 8:48-59 & 2 Kings 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 11:12-26 & Numbers 22
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 17TH MAY 2023
PROPHECY AS A WEAPON
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This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare (1 Timothy 1:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh" (2 Corinthians 10:3). In other words, though we live in the human body, our war isn't according to the flesh. Then the 4th verse tells us about the weapons of our warfare: "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds)." These weapons aren't manmade or invented by human understanding; rather, they operate through God to the pulling down of strongholds.
It doesn't matter what kind of strongholds they are, whether they be intellectual strongholds, mental strongholds, political strongholds, scientific strongholds, or medical strongholds! We have weapons to dislodge these evil strongholds and render them ineffective and futile. Hallelujah!
The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, tells us about one of these effectual weapons of our warfare in our opening scripture- prophecy! Use prophecies as a weapon as you wage spiritual warfare by faith. God's Word about you is prophecy. Therefore, always speak forth His Word.
The Word of God from your lips is the sword of the Spirit (the "rhema" of God). This is an inspired utterance of the Word of God from your mouth. It's a prophetic word. With it, you chart your course in life from glory to glory. You can re-frame and re-plan your life. You can override the sequence of unpalatable events in your life or circumstances.
What has God said about you? What has He said about lost souls? What has He said about your situation? Use those words to make war and cause His will to be established in your life, in your nation, and in the lives of men and women around the world.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I declare that righteousness is established in the hearts of people around the world; and through the truth of the Gospel, salvation, healing and health, prosperity and success, deliverance, wholeness, preservation, peace and joy spread in the nations of the earth, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 14:3-5; But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
5. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
6. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1 Corinthians 14:39 NLT; So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 8:12-30 & 1 Kings 20-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 10:46-52 & Numbers 20
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 15TH MAY 2023
DON'T BE A PRISONER OF YOUR PAST
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Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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There are those who are haunted by guilt and memories of the past. They're fighting so hard to overcome painful memories. They're in bondage to their past, probably because of some terrible things they had done or the hurt they suffered, and they've been living with the pain ever since.
You need to understand what it means to be born again, to be a new creation: you're a brand new person. You're not the same person who had those horrible experiences. That person died in Christ. The new "you" is absolved of all guilt, free of errors and imperfections.
Romans 5:18 says, "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." Jesus wasn't only delivered on account of our sins, He was also raised for our justification (Romans 4:25). What does this mean?
It means you were declared "not guilty"; no charge against you. The reason is simple: you're a new creation; a brand new person without a past. So, even if you did something wrong in the past that still makes you feel guilty, it's all based on memory and emotions. In Christianity, we don't walk by our feelings; we walk by faith. We live on the affirmation of God's Word.
Don't recollect a bitter experience you might have had many years ago and start crying that God should forgive you. Refuse to be held captive by guilt or memories of the past.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for my new life in Christ; your divine nature in me has made me a master over circumstances, with dominion over the systems of this world. I serve you always with joy unspeakable and full of glory, unencumbered by sin or reproach! Thank you for making me righteous, holy and irreproachable in your sight, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Galatians 6:14-16; But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
John 1:12-13; But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13. which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Romans 6:4; Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 7:1-24 & 1 Kings 15-17
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 10:23-31 & Numbers 18
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional