2093
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 9TH DECEMBER 2023
UNRIVALLED AUTHORITY IN HIS NAME
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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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Some people brag about having authority in specific places, perhaps in a nation, city, street etc. For some, it's even in classrooms, such that they become bullies and terrorize their classmates. But there's one whose authority transcends the universe and extends to all of heaven, the earth, and under the earth. His Name is Jesus! Blessed be God!
The Bible says no one and nothing is exempted from His rule, His dominion and authority. Ephesians 1:20-22 MSG sheds more light on the unrivalled and unparalleled authority that He wields. It says, "...God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything...."
The most exhilarating part of this is the fact that His authority is given to us because we're one with Him. We're His seed and we prolong His days. He rules through us. Isaiah 9:6 says, "...and the government shall be upon his shoulder...." His shoulder refers to the Church us; we're His body in and through which He speaks and acts today.
This should help you understand why soon after He affirmed in Matthew 28:18 that all authority is His both in heaven and in earth, He immediately charged us in the ensuing verse 19 to go and teach all nations. That's extraordinary, because it means we sit on His seat. We function by His authority.
It's the reason we can do the same works that He did. He gave us power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases (Luke 9:1). Read what the Bible says in Mark 16:17 NKJV: "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons...."
You have unrivalled authority in the Name of Jesus to cast out devils and tame circumstances. There's nothing you can't do, and there's no hopeless situation you can't change. You can do all things in His Name. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the unparalleled authority and power that the Lord Jesus has given to the Church, to exercise authority over devils, teach all nations and catapult many from the domains of darkness into the Kingdom of light. Thank you for the victory we have in Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 1:19-21 WNT; and what the transcendent greatness of His power in us believers as seen in the working of His infinite might
20. when He displayed it in Christ by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His own right hand in the heavenly realms,
21. high above all other government and authority and power and dominion, and every title of sovereignty used either in this Age or in the Age to come.
Colossians 2:15; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Philippians 2:9-11; Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
[10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
[11] and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 2:1-17 & Hosea 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 19:1-12 & 2 Chronicles 19-20
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 7TH DECEMBER 2023
HE SEES THE HEART
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And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15).
Pastor Chris Says
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Often times, we've witnessed certain people being promoted, honoured, esteemed, and respected by men. However, while men may promote and esteem from the outside, it is God who truly knows the heart. Luke 16:15 tells us that what is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Consider the case of Haman in the Bible, a wicked and malevolent fellow. Haman served as an advisor to King Ahasuerus in the Persian Empire and was greatly respected and promoted to the highest-ranking office in the government. Yet, his heart was filled with hatred and evil intentions.
Haman's wickedness was evident in his intense hatred for Mordecai, a Jewish man who refused to bow down to him. He even plotted to exterminate all the Jews and spearheaded a decree to annihilate them. But through the heartfelt prayers of the Jews, the Lord foiled his evil plans, and in the end, Haman faced the consequences of his wickedness.
Jeremiah 17:10 reminds us that God searches the heart and examines the mind, getting to the root of things. He sees men as they truly are, not as they pretend to be. Similarly, 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that God looks beyond outward appearances and sees the heart.
So, as you journey through life, be mindful of your heart and intentions. Don't deceive yourself, thinking that you can deceive others, for the Bible says God cannot be mocked. Let your heart be filled with His righteousness, love, and compassion, for that's what matters most to God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
Dear Father, I thank you for guiding me to walk in faith, hope, love, and humility. Thank you for sanctifying my heart to serve you passionately, pleasing you in all things, as I walk in your perfect will, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
1 Samuel 16:7; But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Proverbs 16:2; All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Hebrews 4:12; For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂 TO OUR DEAR MAN OF GOD; REV. CHRIS OYAKHILOME DD.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Jude & Daniel 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:19-27 & 2 Chronicles 15-16
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 5TH DECEMBER 2023
WE GIVE VENT TO HIS WILL
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But test and prove all things (until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast (1 Thessalonians 5:21 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Romans chapter 12, the Spirit of God, through the Apostle Paul, lets us in on something absolutely remarkable. He 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). How do you renew your mind?
It's by changing your way of thinking, exchanging your thoughts for God's thoughts. And when that happens, you'll be able to "prove" the good, the acceptable and the perfect will of God.
The English rendering of the word "prove" doesn't give us the best expression of what the Spirit conveys in that verse. The Greek word is "dokimazo"; and it means to examine or scrutinize. It parallels the activities at the customs service section at the entry port of any country. Passengers are scrutinized, and in high-alert cases sophisticated machines are used to provide animated images of suspicious items. At that moment, the traveller's eligibility is ascertained either for entry or denial into that country.
You're God's man or woman who decides, after scrutinizing, to allow only things that are consistent with the good, acceptable and perfect will of the Father to come into your world. This is easy to understand because we are His righteous ones; we give vent to His glory; we give vent to His will. It's our calling. Hallelujah!
Recall the words of the Master in Matthew 16:19: "...whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." When you disallow or permit something on earth, heaven gives the authority and backs what you've said.
Consciously and vehemently refuse the works of evil and forbid them in your nation, in your body, family, job and around you. Allow only the divine realities of the Kingdom into your world. It begins with the renewing or transformation of your mind. With a renewed mind, you'll think, permit and express only God's thoughts, His righteousness, love, kindness, joy and peace in your life and your environment. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm yielded to the transforming power of your Word, enabled to discern and walk in your perfect will always. I'm your agent in the earth, allowing only that which aligns with your perfect will to come into this world and vehemently forbidding anything contrary to your purpose, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 16:19 AMPC; I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven.
Philippians 4:8; Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 John & Daniel 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:1-9 & 2 Chronicles 11-12
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 3RD DECEMBER 2023
ABSOLUTE DOMINION OVER THE ADVERSARY
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And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven (Luke 10:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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Genesis 3 tells us that the serpent beguiled Eve. He is further described as "the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world" (Revelation 12:9). In the 10th verse of Revelation 12, he is called "... the accuser of our brethren...." Peter, in 1 Peter 5:8 calls him your adversary: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
An adversary is an enemy, an opponent, an opposer. Some people are trying to make Satan look good by introducing new songs with lyrics that portray him as your friend. Don't be deceived; Satan is not and could never be your friend! He's your adversary, howbeit, a defeated one.
The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 pens another identity of Satan's personality, referring to him as the god of this world. But thanks be unto God; you're not of this world! You don't belong in Satan's jurisdiction; therefore, he's not in any way a factor, because you're superior to him; give him no place or chance in your life.
You have dominion over Satan and the rulers of darkness to keep them defeated, to keep them subdued under your feet. The Lord Jesus said in 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."
Your dominion and authority over the adversary and adversities is supreme; it's incontestable; recognize it and exercise it always.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm not deceived by Satan's lies, manipulations, tricks, schemes and strategies or enticed by his deceitful ways. I stand firm in the truth of the Word and resist him in truth and in faith; I walk on in the victory I have in Christ, living above all the negativities of this world, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 6:12; For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
1 John 4:4; Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
James 4:7; Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 4 & Daniel 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 17:11-21 & 2 Chronicles 7-8
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
[22] And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church], [Ps. 8:6.]
[23] Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 2:15-3:1-10 & Ezekiel 45-46
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 16:23-33 & 2 Chronicles 3-4
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 30TH NOVEMBER 2023
THE SWORD IS IN YOUR MOUTH
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Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand (Psalm 149:5-6).
Pastor Chris Says
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Psalm 149:5 exhorts the saints to be joyful in glory and sing aloud upon their beds. The ensuing verse 6 says, "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand." This is a prophecy from the Old Testament, and you have to understand that the revelation of the New Testament Church was hidden from the prophets of the Old Testament. Thus, when the passage speaks of "a two-edged sword in their hand, it reflects their viewpoint based on their perception of the Kingdom.
However, a fascinating shift takes place in the New Testament: the two-edged sword isn't in the hand; rather, it's in our mouths. Talking about Jesus, the Apostle John writes, "And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength" (Revelation 1:15-16).
Notice it says this two-edged sword protruded from his mouth and not his hand. We don't fight with a sword in our hand; the sword is in our mouth. Again, in Revelation 19:15, the Bible says, "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations...." That is remarkable.
In the 21st verse, it says, "And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh" (Revelation 19:21). This sword is the prophetic Word of God in your mouth. That's our weapon of war today in the Kingdom.
Jeremiah 51:20 says, "Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms." With the Word on our lips, we cut the enemy asunder. We paralyze all the works of the devil everywhere. Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the revelation of your Word and the blessings of the New Testament. With the sword in my mouth, I speak forth righteousness into the nations. I declare that the effort of those who secretly or openly sponsor or promote violence and hostility against the Church is fruitless. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 6:17; And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Ecclesiastes 8:4; Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
Hebrews 4:12; For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 1-2:1-14 & Ezekiel 43-44
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 16:12-22 & 2 Chronicles 1-2
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 28TH NOVEMBER 2023
YOUR CONFESSIONS RULE YOU
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Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21).
Pastor Chris Says ━━━━━━━━━━
As a Christian, never speak death. Speak life only. Your words rule your life; they control your future. Who you are today, what you've become, is the result of your words. That's the reason you must train yourself to talk right.
Proverbs 6:1-2 says, "My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth." Those who have found themselves in certain precarious situations are snared, taken captive, or bound by their words.
Our affirmations rule our lives; they affect us. So, when it comes to words, never say anything that's inconsistent with the Word of God about your life. For example, never jokingly say something that is against your body or your life, because you're going to have what you say (Mark 11:23).
If you speak death, you're going to have death! On the other hand, if you speak health, prosperity, strength, courage and life, that's what you'll have! The same way you can build your life with your words, you can destroy your works with your own mouth.
The Bible says, "A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" (Proverbs 18:20-21). When it says, "A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth, it's referring to words!
Notice also it says, "And with the increase of his lips shall he be filled..."; that's referring to the words of wisdom pouring out of your mouth. Speak life to your finances, your home, your children, your business or job; speak righteousness to your nation and peace within its borders. Always remember that your words are infused with divine energy to create new and glorious realities, transform circumstances, and change situations to conform to God's provisions, plans, and purpose for you in Christ.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for showing me the way to a life of continuous victory through my faith-filled confessions in accordance with your Word! I'll never be discouraged nor subject to the crippling principles of this world, because the Word of God on my lips is God talking. I reign triumphantly over all the negativities of life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 10:9-10; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Mark 11:22-23; And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
[23] For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 2 & Ezekiel 39-40
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:20-27 & 1 Chronicles 28
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 26TH NOVEMBER 2023
THE PROPHETIC WORDS
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Despise not prophesyings (1 Thessalonians 5:20).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the Apostle Paul's defense of the Gospel before King Agrippa and Bernice, as recorded in Acts 26, Paul emphasized the importance of prophecy. He did it by confronting King Agrippa with a direct question. He asked him, "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest" (Acts 26:27).
Paul challenged Agrippa's understanding and faith in the prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah. God's only proof for the people at the time was prophecy. There were so many prophecies about the Saviour-the Messiah-and they had to keep searching the Scriptures for these prophecies. They had to turn to the words of the prophets.
For example, the prophet Isaiah had prophesied, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). In Isaiah 9:6, he further prophesied, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Prophecy is like a guiding light. Our opening verse charges us not to despise prophecies. The prophetic words of scripture and of the Spirit are important. The same Paul who asked the king Agrippa the question above said to Timothy, "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).
Like Timothy, trust the prophetic words of Scripture and the prophetic words of the Spirit to you, and use them to make war.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I declare that my life is for your glory; my future is that of success, progress and prosperity. I continually dwell in peace and divine health, and I experience your grace in every area of my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Acts 2:17-18; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams:
[18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
1 Corinthians 14:3-5; But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
[4] He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
[5] 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.
2 Peter 1:16-19; For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
[17] For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
[18] And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
[19] We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 5 & Ezekiel 35-36
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:1-10 & 1 Chronicles 26
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 24TH NOVEMBER 2023
YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF HIM
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According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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There's nothing you could ever need or desire for a godly life that's not already yours. But the way to make all that's already yours in Christ a reality in your life is a function of your knowledge of Him. Read our theme scripture again: it's about your knowledge of Him. This kind of knowledge is full, exact knowledge-"epignosis" (Greek).
God's provisions aren't going to come to pass in your life just because they're written in the pages of the Bible; there's a knowledge of Him that you must have, knowledge that unites the knower with that which is known.
Something so beautiful and powerful about knowing Him is that not only do you get to know and are able to appropriate all that He's given to you, but you also get to know yourself. The more you know Him, the more you know yourself. His Word mirrors you; in Him, you see you. You can never really know yourself as God knows you until you know Him.
The way to know Him, and get to discover you, is to study and meditate on the Word. 2 Corinthians 3:18 shows the Word to be the mirror of God that reveals your true description. It says, "... 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."
Search and discover who you really are by looking into the mirror of God; by getting to know the Lord. The moment you get a hold of what the Word says is yours, or who the Word says you are, respond by affirming accordingly. That's how you endorse His Word to come to pass in your life.
Ephesians 1:3 says God has blessed you with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, and 1 Corinthians 3:21 declares, "...all things are yours." God has given you everything you require to live victoriously and be a success in life.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for giving me everything I need for a godly life of success and victory in this world. I'm full and loaded with blessings; and as I look into your Word, I'm transfigured; your glory is revealed in and through me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Philippians 3:10; that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
John 10:15; As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Ephesians 1:15-18; Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
[16] cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
[17] 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,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 3 & Ezekiel 31-32
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 14:10-21 & 1 Chronicles 24
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 22ND NOVEMBER 2023
BEYOND ASSUMPTIONS
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And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true... (1 John 5:20)
Pastor Chris Says
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The Greek word translated "know" above is "Ginosko." It's a kind of knowledge gained by revelation or impartation. For example, being born again, we have the witness in our spirits that we're the children of God (Romans 8:16-17). Having received eternal life from Jesus Christ, there's a knowledge in your heart that God is your Father. This isn't an assumption; it's knowledge imparted to us by the Holy Spirit that we're born of God. We're heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.
How could you be broke, or live an ordinary life, with the knowledge that you're a joint heir with Christ? Being a joint heir with Christ means everything that belongs to Jesus Christ belongs to you in the same way that it belongs to Him. He doesn't own any more of it than you do.
Also, through the same knowledge of God in our spirits, we've come to realize that nothing can work to our disadvantage. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God...." Notice the phrase "we know," meaning that the knowledge is absolute. This isn't an assumption.
The knowledge that we've overcome the world is in our spirits; we're more than conquerors and victors in Christ Jesus. It doesn't matter how dark and gloomy things get; be unruffied. The knowledge we have and by which we live is beyond the senses.
Likewise, when we pray, our prayers transcend the arena of assumptions. Our prayers produce results because of our deep and intimate knowledge of the One to whom we pray. Our relationship with Him is based on our knowledge of Him; it transcends religious rituals and formulas.
Therefore, when we pray about something, it's because we're confident that it's in accordance with the Father's will. If it's not His will, we don't desire to pursue it. Our knowledge of Him causes us to trust Him completely, following His guidance.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the spirit of wisdom and insight into the deep and intimate knowledge of you. My spirit is alert to discern your promptings, and have a deeper understanding of the mysteries of your Kingdom. I grow in grace and in my relationship with you, with a replete knowledge of your perfect will, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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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 17:3; And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
1 John 5:20 AMPC; And we [have seen and] know [positively] that the Son of God has [actually] come to this world and has given us understanding and insight [progressively] to perceive (recognize) and come to know better and more clearly Him Who is true; and we are in Him Who is true–in His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). This [Man] is the true God and Life eternal.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 1:1-21 & Ezekiel 27-28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:31-38 & 1 Chronicles 22
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 20TH NOVEMBER 2023
DEAL WITH IT WITH THE WORD
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He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (Psalm 107:20).
Pastor Chris Says
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Most times, people become sick when an outside force attacks their bodies. It could be a virus or germ, which is a spirit of infirmity. "Spirit of infirmity" refers to anything from very small entities to sizable spiritual beings; they function alike, but they're not part of your body. They're all external forces that can come against (attack) your body.
Whether it's some bacterial, viral, or a demonic force, you ought to deal with all three of them the same way. You've got to repel them; otherwise, they'll cause harm. You should never be a victim. Jesus said, "...if they (Christians) drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them..." (Mark 16:18). Believe the words of Jesus!
Once any symptom shows up, that's the time to deal with it with the Word. If you don't act as radically as you should, the pain could become so excruciating that it becomes difficult for you to pray. Satan's goal is for you to get weaker and weaker until you're too weak to pray or make any confession.
You've got to act when you still can. The Bible talks about certain characters who lose their appetite for all food due to sickness (Psalm 107:17-18). When people fall sick, it becomes difficult for them to eat, and as a result, they get weaker and weaker towards death.
Don't wait till you get too weak to pray. Put your faith to work. Meditate on the Word of God. The Word of God is medicine to your physical body (Proverbs 4:22). No wonder our theme verse says, "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."
He didn't send drugs; He sent His Word, because His Word produces healing and health for the sick. No matter how severe the sickness might be, just keep meditating on the Scriptures. Keep affirming your healing and health and before long, the infirmity will be repelled and you'll come out victorious!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I refuse to be sick! The Spirit of Him that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in me, and that Spirit has made my body alive. Therefore, I give no place to sickness, disease or infirmity in my body! With the Word of God on my lips, I repel the depravities and negativities of this world and their corrupting influences. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Isaiah 33:24; And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.
3 John 1:2; Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Proverbs 4:20-22; My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
[21] Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
[22] For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.
Romans 8:10-11 ESV; But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
[11] If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: James 3:14-4:1-12 & Ezekiel 22-23
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:12-20 & 1 Chronicles 20
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 18TH NOVEMBER 2023
TONGUES OF PRAISE AND INTERCESSION
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For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries (1 Corinthians 14:2)
Pastor Chris Says
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Recall the account in Acts 10 of Peter ministering in the house of Cornelius. The Bible says, "While Peter was still speaking...the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to the message. And the believers from among the circumcised [the Jews] who came with Peter were surprised and amazed, because the free gift of the Holy Spirit had been bestowed and poured out largely even on the Gentiles. For they heard them talking in [unknown] tongues (languages) and extolling and magnifying God..." (Acts 10:44-46 AMPC).
Notice the latter part, the people were praising—extolling and magnifying God—as they spoke in other tongues. When you praise the Lord from your spirit like that, His glory will be manifested in your behalf. Acts 16:25 says Paul and Silas, in prison, prayed and sang praises unto God and as they did, there was a miracle in the prison; they were supernaturally released.
Furthermore, while you're praying in other tongues, besides praise or prophetic revelation, some of those tongues could also be coming forth through your spirit as intercession. This means that at such moments, in the spirit, you're praying for someone or some group; it could be your country, your city, or the Church.
Oftentimes, it could go from speaking in tongues into deep sighs and groanings, and you can't explain it, except the Holy Spirit interprets to you in your understanding what the prayer is about. These and more could happen as you pray in tongues. Glory to God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I extol your majesty, for you alone are deserving of all adoration. Your grace knows no bounds, and your mercy knows no end. Your love is immeasurable, and your loving- kindness surpasses understanding. Thank you Lord forw your peace, progress and prosperity reign in the nations of the world, in Jesus' Name. Amen. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 14:2-4; For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
[3] But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
[4] He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1 Corinthians 14:14-15; For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
[15] What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: James 1 & Ezekiel 17-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 12:42-50 & 1 Chronicles 18
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 16TH NOVEMBER 2023
SET YOUR FOCUS ON THE WORD
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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 (Acts 20:32).
Pastor Chris Says
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Did you notice that the Bible doesn't tell you to build yourself with the Word; it says the Word will build you. So, all you have to do is digest the Word; have it inside you so that you can talk it and live it. The Bible says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..." (Colossians 3:16).
Not only is the Word able to build you up, it's able to give you an inheritance. Maybe your friend got a large inheritance from his grandfather that made him rich, but you didn't quite get anything from yours; it makes no difference. Your inheritance in Christ supersedes and outclasses any inheritance you could ever get in this world.
As an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ, you're the inheritor of everything God owns, which includes the whole world. Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." In Haggai 2:8, He said, "The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts."
Also, read Psalm 50:10-12; the Lord said, "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine...for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof." This should give you an idea of your inheritance in Christ.
The inheritance was given to you in Christ Jesus the moment you were born again. You were given all things that pertain to life and godliness. But Satan, being a rebel, may try to cheat you out of God's best. Stand your ground and keep your focus on the Word of God. Every so often, declare, "I'm what God says I am, and I have what God says I have. The whole world is mine. Glory to God!"
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your Word is my guide, my strength and my inheritance. I grow and flourish in every area of my life; I'm built up and strengthened by the Word. Thank you for the power and glory of your Word in my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Deuteronomy 32:46-47; and he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
[47] For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
1 Peter 1:23; being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Hebrews 4:12; For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 12:14-29 & Ezekiel 13-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 12:20-29 & 1 Chronicles 16
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
[24] Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
[25] He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
[26] Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came forth of the midst of the fire.
[27] And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
[28] Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
[29] Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.
[30] Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, in the province of Babylon.
Psalm 91:2-11; I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.
[3] Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the noisome pestilence.
[4] He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
[5] Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
[6] Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
[7] A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; But it shall not come nigh thee.
[8] Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold And see the reward of the wicked.
[9] Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, Even the most High, thy habitation;
[10] There shall no evil befall thee, Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
[11] For he shall give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 11:17-40 & Ezekiel 8-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 12:1-11 & 1 Chronicles 14
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 13TH NOVEMBER 2023
ALWAYS EXERCISE YOUR FAITH
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... God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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Observe what our opening verse says: God has given to every man the measure of faith. He's already done it. Each one of us was given the same measure of faith when we received the Gospel.
According to the Lord Jesus, with the smallest ounce of faith, you can do the impossible: "...verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matthew 17:20). But what is faith? How does the Bible define faith?
The answer is in Hebrews 11:1. It says, "Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see..." (AMPC). How does faith come? It's through the Word: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).
The Lord doesn't want you to remain at the level of small faith; He wants your faith to grow and be strong. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. The emphasis is on "hearing, that is, the continued bombardment of your spirit with the Word of God. But the way to build your faith strong and make it effective is by exercising it, that is, acting on the Word.
Your faith will be weak if you don't exercise it. Weak faith causes people to stagger, and as a result, fear grips them and they're defeated by the crisis of life. However, the cure for weak faith is putting the Word to work, acting on the Word.
The Bible says about Abraham, "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Romans 4:20). Build your faith strong by using it even in the seemingly small or simple matters of life. Exercise your faith all the time. Act on the Word, and build your faith strong.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for your Word that builds my faith and causes me to see the invisible and do the impossible. By faith in the Word, I consciously take advantage of my inheritance in Christ, walking in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Hebrews 11:1-3; Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.
[3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Hebrews 11:6; But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 10:38-39; Now the just shall live by faith: But if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
[39] But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 11:1-16 & Ezekiel 5-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 11:47-57 &1 Chronicles 13
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 8TH DECEMBER 2023
WALK AS HE WALKED
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But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked (1 John 2:5-6).
Pastor Chris Says
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Being born again, the love of God is already perfected in us. His love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who lives within us (Romans 5:5). It's no use praying, "O, Lord put more of your love in my heart!" No! You possess the fullness of God's love in your heart. You can love as He loves. That's why the Bible enjoins us to "... walk, even as he walked" (1 John 2:6).
If you claim to abide in Christ, you should live as He did; emulate Him. He was love personified. Ephesians 5:1-2 tells us to emulate Him in our love-walk: "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma" (NKJV).
We can live, act and think like Him because we have the same life with Him. 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, "... But we have the mind of Christ." So, like the Master, never be intimidated by circumstances. In every situation, manifest the glory and power of divinity. Nothing could limit Jesus. He exercised absolute dominion over the forces and elements of this world.
Never be intimidated by the challenges that you face, no matter how tough they are; walk as Jesus walked! Today, you're the manifestation of Him, you're the expression of Him. This is what true Christianity is-living the Christ-life-the unveiling and outworking of Christ in and through you. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the profound truth of your Word that's building my spirit strong and transforming my life from glory to glory. Your love is perfected in my heart, and it flows through me to bring succour to a hurting world. I'm the expression and manifestation of Christ; His glory, power and righteousness today, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 John 4:16; And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
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.
Ephesians 5:1-2 AMPC; THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].
[2] And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 1 & Daniel 11-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:28-40 & 2 Chronicles 17-18
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 6TH DECEMBER 2023
HEIRS OF HIS KINGDOM
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...Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand... (Mark 1:14-15).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Lord Jesus brought and offered the Kingdom to the Jews; He preached to them saying. "The kingdom of God is at hand" (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 10:9).
However, they rejected His message and turned down His offer of the Kingdom. As a result, He declared to them, "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit" (Matthew 21:43 NIV).
The Kingdom was offered, and all those who accepted its message received eternal life. Christians are those who have accepted the message of the Kingdom, received eternal life into their spirits, and are now members- citizens and heirs of that Kingdom.
No wonder the Bible tells us in Romans 8:16-17 (NKJV), "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."
Despite living in a world filled with wickedness and evil, He has granted us this extraordinary privilege to be heirs of His Kingdom. We're not of this world. We don't belong in Satan's realm; we're not under Satan's jurisdiction or authority.
The Bible says in Colossians 1:13 that God has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the Kingdom of His Love-son. Blessed be God! Also, He's made us kings and priests in His glorious Kingdom to produce fruits of the Kingdom-fruits of righteousness and eternal life.
We're the ones Peter referred to when he said, "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). Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for making me an heir of your glorious Kingdom. I recognize that I have received eternal life and have become a citizen and member of this Kingdom; therefore, I'm alienated from the depravities, corruption and decadence in this present world. I'm enthroned with you, far above principalities and powers, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:16-17 AMPC; The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.
[17] And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.
Ephesians 1:18-21; 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,
[19] and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
[20] which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
[21] far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Colossians 1:13; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 3 John & Daniel 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:10-18 & 2 Chronicles 13-14
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 4TH DECEMBER 2023
REDEMPTION AND CHRISTIANITY
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Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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Many don't realize that the Christian isn't actually the "redeemed." If Christianity were all about redemption or salvation from sin, there wouldn't have been the need for Jesus to rise from the dead. His death on the Cross would have been enough; it paid for all our sins and guaranteed complete propitiation. But that's redemption and not Christianity.
Redemption refers to saving someone by paying a price. So when Jesus died, He paid the price for man's redemption with His own life; He did that for all humanity, not for Christians. The Christian is the result of Christ's resurrection, not His death.
This should make it clearer: when Jesus hung on the Cross, in the mind of God, every human person was hanging on the Cross too (in Him), for He was our substitute. When He cried out, "It is finished" and gave up the ghost, we also died in Him. Hallelujah! Now, when He came out of the grave, when He resurrected, we were also in Him.
Resurrection of Jesus Christ gave us something far beyond redemption; it ushered us into a newness of life. We've been raised up together with Christ (Ephesians 2:6).
Romans 10:9 lets us know that salvation comes by believing in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and the subsequent confession of His lordship. A Christian, therefore, is one who identifies with the resurrected Christ.
Thus, just as Christ was raised from the dead into a newness of life, the Christian has no past. That's why the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature..."; meaning that he is a new species, one that never existed before.
Being born again, therefore, you're not the "redeemed"; you're the fruit of the redemptive work of Christ. Redemption was consummated with His death, but Christianity came from the resurrection. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Just as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, I also have been raised into a newness of life to walk therein. I'm a new creation, conscious that I've been raised together with Christ and made to sit together with Him in the place of victory, authority, and dominion forever, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 5:17; Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galatians 2:20; I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Romans 10:9-10; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 5 & Daniel 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 17:22-26 & 2 Chronicles 9-10
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 2ND DECEMBER 2023
ALWAYS TESTIFY
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And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony... (Revelation 12:11).
Pastor Chris Says
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It's important that you always testify of God's goodness and the victories He's wrought in you and through you. Our opening verse says, "... they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony...." Learn to testify always! Let your environment feel the impact of your testimonies.
Firstly, testify the Word. Declare the Word as it concerns you. Say what the Word says. Secondly, testify of His works of grace and love. Now, apart from your testimonies glorifying God and inspiring faith in others, they also cause Satan and his demons to take notice of you and flee from you.
Demons really can't tell what you think or know, but when they hear your testimonies, they'll transmit the message to their cohorts to stay away from you, because they can see that you know who you are. This is because they're very proud figures and they don't like to be disgraced. They know if they try to mess around you, you'll cast them out.
So, make it a habit to always testify of the power of God, the integrity of His Word, and the power of the Spirit in your life. Not only will it cause you to experience more blessings, it causes consternation in hell. Never consider anything the Lord does for you or through you to be too small to talk about. There's power in your testimony to completely neutralize the adversary and cause him to back off.
It makes no difference what daunting challenges the enemy throws at you-testify that the greater One lives in you; therefore, you're marvellously helped of the Lord and have overcome the adversary and all adversities. As you do, the Lord's power and glory will be manifested in your situation. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for your kindness, faithfulness, and love. I thank you for the miracles you've wrought in my life and the many blessings that I enjoy. I thank you for the power of your infallible Word that has brought me into a place of glory, strength, power, rest, and dominion, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Mark 5:20; And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
Psalm 89:1; I WILL sing of the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness from generation to generation.
Luke 17:11-19; And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
[12] And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: [13] and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
[14] And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
[15] And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
[16] and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
[17] And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
[18] There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
[19] And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 3:11-24 & Ezekiel 47-48
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 17:1-10 & 2 Chronicles 5-6
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 1ST DECEMBER 2023
IT’S FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CHURCH
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“…He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places], Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come” (Ephesians 1:20-21 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Many today still don’t understand the authority that’s vested in the Name of Jesus and the power of attorney given to us to use it. That’s why they’ve never fully enjoyed the benefits of it. Jesus has a Name that’s superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. So learn to use His Name.
The Weymouth New Testament describes the transcendent greatness of His power and might, the supremacy and dominion of His Name, His reign and glory both in this age and in the age to come. He’s in the “…heavenly realms, high above all other government and authority and power and dominion, and every title of sovereignty used either in this Age or in the Age to come” (Ephesians 1:18-21).
The most beautiful part is that His authority, rulership, reign and dominion are for the good of the Church: “…Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well. God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything” (Ephesians 1:21-22 CEV).
He is all that He is for our advantage. His Name wields all the power that it wields for our benefit: “God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church” (Ephesians 1:22 NLT).
Never live as a victim. Don’t live an ordinary life. Use the Name of Jesus. He said, “All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Then on the basis of that authority, He said, “Go ye therefore…” (Matthew 28:18-19). Devils, angels, life, death, hell, the world, circumstances, living and non-living things hear and respond to us in His Name. Therefore, be conscious of the transcendent greatness of His Name; live and do all things in His Name (Colossians 3:17).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The Lord Jesus is set in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that’s named. Therefore, all of nature, angels and demons hear and obey when I speak, because I stand and speak in the authority of Jesus Christ. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Isaiah 45:23 ; I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Ephesians 1:17-23 AMPC; [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,
[18] By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
[19] And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,
[20] Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],
[21] Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 29TH NOVEMBER 2023
FAITH IS OF THE HEART
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We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak (2 Corinthians 4:13).
Pastor Chris Says
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There're those who complain, "I thought this faith thing works! I believe in the Word for my health, why isn't it working?" For such people, it could be that they've only mentally assented to the Word; that's not what works. True faith is of the heart.
The Apostle Paul in (Romans 1:16) tells us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God that works; in other words, it brings or causes salvation for everyone who believes. The one who doesn't believe it can't have the benefit of it, and believing is of the heart and not the head (Romans 10:8-10), It's your spirit that makes contact with God.
Faith is not a response of the brain or the mind; it's not some kind of magic or a formula, no! Faith is the response of the human spirit to the Word of God. In Luke 6:6-10, for example, when Jesus encountered a man with a withered arm while teaching in a synagogue, He instructed the man to stretch out his hand, which he did, and his hand was restored.
There's no way the man would have received a miracle if he had tried to rationalize the Master's instruction in his head. But he responded with his spirit to the Word! The man heard Jesus in his spirit and acted from his spirit.
It reminds of a similar account in Mark 2 when the Lord Jesus healed a man sick of the palsy. He said to the man, "...Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house" (Mark 2:11). The hitherto paralyzed man stood up and walked away, offering praises to God.
The man couldn't have risen unless he responded from his spirit. You see, his spirit wasn't crippled, as the ailment or infirmity resided in his body. So, how could a man with that condition have risen? The answer is simple: When he heard the words of the Master, he acted from his spirit, and it produced results. Once you can believe the Word with your heart and voice it from your mouth, it'll produce results. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I respond to the Word from my spirit. I'm convinced by the Word that I'm a victor and a success in Christ Jesus. I walk in health, prosperity and victory; I'm what God says I am; I have what He says I have, and I can do what He says I can do. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 10:8-10; But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
[9] that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1 John 5:4; For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Hebrews 11:3; Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 3 & Ezekiel 41-42
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 16:1-11 & 1 Chronicles 29
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON 27TH NOVEMBER 2023
PARTAKERS AND DISPENSERS OF HIS LIFE
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But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8:11).
Pastor Chris Says
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In relation to our opening scripture above, an important question to ask would be, does the Holy Spirit live in you? If the answer is yes, then it means the Holy Spirit has given life to your hitherto death-doomed or death-prone body. Hallelujah!
That means there's no death in your body. Life works in you. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of life; He's the life-giver, and because He lives in you, He has given life to your physical body.
Often, we say the Christian isn't an ordinary person; he's one with the Lord, on the same mission and purpose with the Lord. In John 10:10, the Lord Jesus declared, "...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." He came to give eternal life to those who would believe in Him.
Now that you're born again, you've become one spirit with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17). The Bible calls Jesus, "a life-giving Spirit." 1 Corinthians 15:45-47 NIV says, "So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven."
That also makes you a life-giving spirit, because as He is, so are you (1 John 4:17). Not only has He made you a partaker of His life, you're also a dispenser or distributor of eternal life. It's your life's purpose to bring the lost into the life of righteousness through the Gospel.
2 Timothy 1:10 lets us know that Jesus Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Eternal life is unveiled through the preaching of the Gospel. As people listen to you preach, eternal life, which encompasses salvation, prosperity and the righteousness of God is unveiled to them.
The Lord Jesus said in John 20:21, "...as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." He's chosen you to manifest the God-life to the nations. He sent you as a bearer of His Gospel, to bring others into the glorious life in Christ. Praise God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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As Jesus is, so am I; I'm a life-giving spirit, a dispenser and distributor of eternal life, and the eternal realities of the Kingdom. I bring joy to many today as I share the Gospel with them, which is the power of God to transform their lives and catapult them into their inheritance in Christ. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 1:9-10; 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,
[10] but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
John 3:16; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2 Corinthians 5:20; Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 1 & Ezekiel 37-38
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:11-19 & 1 Chronicles 27
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 25TH NOVEMBER 2023
PRAYING TO EFFECT CHANGES
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... The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working] (James 5:16 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening verse is quite instructive. It says the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available, dynamic in its working. Who is a righteous man? That's you!
2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that God has made you righteous. In the mind of God, you are as righteous as Jesus is righteous because the righteousness that you have is the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Blessed be God!
In the 17th verse of James chapter 5, Elijah is cited as an example of a righteous man whose prayer was effective: "Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months."
Elijah prayed that way because of the sins of the nation. The nation had regressed and turned to the worship of Baal. So, he prayed for a change and one of the things he wanted was for there to be no rain for three and half years, to get the people's attention.
When the people repented, the Bible says Elijah prayed again, and the heavens gave rain. We can make remarkable changes through prayer that even heaven will respond.
Elijah's prayer was deeply heartfelt and continued; he displayed unyielding persistence. That's how you pray when you're set to effect changes. You don't give up; you don't give in. You persist until there's a change.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the privilege to pray and side with you to enforce your will in the earth and in the lives of men. Through my heartfelt, continued prayer, I make tremendous power available for peace, tranquillity, advancement, abundance, and prosperity for the nations of the world, that they may experience your goodness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 18:1; And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Ephesians 6: 18 AMPC; Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
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: 1 Peter 4 & Ezekiel 33-34
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 14:22-31 & 1 Chronicles 25
Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 23RD NOVEMBER 2023
THE NEW MAN IN CHRIST
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...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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The new creature in our opening verse, is a new type of man, a mystery to the world. He's the dream of the Father. Being born again, you're not like anything the world has seen before. You're the first and the best of everything that God made (James 1:18). You're top-class, superior to Satan.
The new man in Christ is the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" Now that the Holy Spirit has taken up His abode in you, your physical body is no longer subject to decay, decadence and corrupting influences of this world.
Death, sickness, disease and everything of darkness can't, and shouldn't, reign in your physical body, because your human life was supplanted by God's divine life. You live by the Spirit now, not by blood: "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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13). This is the amazing life of the new man in Christ!
2 Corinthians 6:16 says, "...for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them...." God's dream from the foundation of the world is fulfilled in the new man in Christ. The mystery that was hidden from ages and generations has now been made manifest, and fulfilled in us. That mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:26-27). Hallelujah! What does this mean to you even now? It means you ought to walk in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel of Christ. You received the fullness of God's blessing when you received Christ.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The creator of all things lives in me in His fullness; I'm a carrier and sharer of His life and glory. I'm conscious of my divine nature and heritage, and I manifest the Christ-life in me to my world by the power of the Spirit, to influence men and women in righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 4:20-24; But ye have not so learned Christ;
[21] if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
[22] that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
[23] and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
[24] and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
1 John 4:4; Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Colossians 3:8-10; But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
[9] Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
[10] and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 1:22-2:1-25 & Ezekiel 29-30
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 14:1-9 & 1 Chronicles 23
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 21ST NOVEMBER 2023
A PROFOUND PRINCIPLE
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Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening scripture is very insightful. It unveils a profound principle in the concluding part of the 6th verse. With an understanding of this principle, you hold the key to amazing possibilities: "...he hath said... So that we may boldly say." In other words, God gave us His Word-He said what He said—so that we can boldly respond in agreement with Him.
Your response to God, to His Word, is where the blessing is. Let's read it again: "...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Hebrews 13:5-6). Notice it doesn't say, "He hath said, so that you might quietly say"; no! You're to boldly affirm His Word.
Faith is boldly affirming what He has said! In this context, you declare "The Lord is helping me right now, He has said 'I will not leave you helpless. Therefore, I'm helped from heaven; I'm helped from above!" When you respond this way on the basis of what He has said, you'll always win.
For example, Jesus said in Matthew 28:20, "...lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age." I therefore boldly declare that the Lord is with me; therefore I have no fear but walk in favour, victory and dominion always and in all things.
Even now, release words on the basis of what God has said. Declare, "I'm abundantly supplied (2 Corinthians 9:8). I have everything I require for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). No weapon fashioned against me shall prosper, and I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. Amen." Such declarations activate your dominion and position you above the forces of this world.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I have dominion over circumstances and adversities. I'm seated with Christ; therefore, I speak with His authority. I'm healthy, strong and prosperous; all that concerns me flourishes exceedingly. God's grace for increase and expansion is multiplied in my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Mark 11:23; For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
2 Corinthians 4:13; We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
Romans 10:8-10; But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
[9] that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: James 4:13-5:1-20 & Ezekiel 24-26
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:21-30 & 1 Chronicles 21
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 19TH NOVEMBER 2023
BUILD AND USE YOUR OWN FAITH
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And he said unto them, Where is your faith?... (Luke 8:25).
Pastor Chris Says
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Sometimes, as long as you're under the cover of someone else, that person may exercise authority over you and your circumstances and it'll produce results, to a certain degree. For example, as a young Christian many years ago, I went on a trip with a friend of mine and a couple of others. We had some preaching engagements.
This happened at a time when I used to experience serious stomach problems. So while we were on this trip, I wouldn't eat anything because I would throw up whatever I ate within a few minutes of eating it. I had to watch others eat until my friend, who couldn't take it anymore, asked me: "Are you fasting?"
I opened up and explained the situation to him and he said to me, "In that case, as long as we're together on this trip, you'll not have any problem with your stomach; eat." I yielded myself immediately to his words, more like riding on his faith, and started eating normally.
And guess what? There was no problem throughout the trip. But when I got back home, the very first thing I'd eat, I threw it all up. The stomach trouble resurfaced. I understood exactly what happened. I submitted myself to my friend's authority throughout that journey, and it worked.
But there's just how far such faith can go in helping you deal with life's issues. I realized I had to put my own faith to work and when I did, I got the victory. You've got to keep growing your own faith by increasing your knowledge of the Word and strengthening it by putting it to work. Life is spiritual and you're responsible for your life-the things that happen with you.
When the disciples ran to Jesus in desperation during the turmoil on the sea, as read in our theme verse, Jesus asked them, "Where is your faith?" He made them realize they could have done something about the situation without necessarily coming to Him.
It makes no difference what has happened or is happening with your finances, job, health or in any area of your life; don't fret or cry for help! Use your faith. Declare words of faith. The Bible says, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (Hebrews 11:3).
With your faith affirmations, you can repair, arrange and reconstruct things and circumstances to synchronize with God's perfect will for your life.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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It makes no difference what has happened or is happening around me; with the Word of God on my lips, I repair, arrange and reconstruct things in line with God's perfect will. With my faith, I frame my life in the path of glory and excellence. I'm healthy and strong! Glory to God
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Mark 11:23; For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Hebrews 10:38; Now the just shall live by faith: But if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Matthew 17:20; And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: James 2-3:1-13 & Ezekiel 20-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:1-11 & 1 Chronicles 19
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 17TH NOVEMBER 2023
"ASK, SEEK, KNOCK"
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Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Matthew 7:7).
Pastor Chris Says
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In our opening verse, the Lord tells us to do three things: To ask, seek, and knock. This seems to suggest a difference between the three of them. When you study the Bible, you'll clearly see the difference.
Jesus said, "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened" (Matthew 7:8). When you ask, it's either you're asking God or you're making a demand on the basis of your faith. Like when the Lord says, "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession" (Psalm 2:8). He says when you ask, you'll receive.
In seeking, you're not asking anybody; you're actually in pursuit of something. For instance, you may be seeking knowledge or information on a subject matter. You may even be seeking opportunities in a certain industry. He says, "seek, and ye shall find." Seek, and you'll get it.
Imagine that you asked the Lord for your community and He gave it to you. Even though you've received it in your spirit, you still have to go out as an act of faith to get it. That's what the Master did: "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). As you go out and take your steps by faith, you'll find what you're looking for.
Knock" teaches importunity in prayer. Jesus gave an example of a certain man who had a friend come to him at midnight. He didn't have bread to give him, so he went to knock on another friend's door to ask for bread. His friend refused to get up because he and his family had already gone to bed, but the man didn't stop knocking.
Then, Jesus said, "I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth" (Luke 11:8). Jesus used these three to teach His disciples never to give up, and that faith works.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm grateful to know that all the provisions necessary for a fulfilling life and a godly existence have already been made accessible to me through Christ. Therefore, I take advantage of the open invitation to ask anything in the Name of Jesus and receive answers. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 21:22; And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Jeremiah 29:13; And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Luke 18:1; And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 13 & Ezekiel 16
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 12:30-41 & 1 Chronicles 17
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 15TH NOVEMBER 2023
YOUR LABOUR IS NOT IN VAIN
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For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister (Hebrews 6:10).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says in Proverbs 14:23 that there's profit in all labour. Everything you do or sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel is recorded (Malachi 3:16), and the Lord also rewards you for it. This gave me immense joy decades ago when the Lord showed me that He's not unrighteous to forget my work or labour of love.
I had been told I was wasting my time and my life for preaching the Gospel and holding crusades in remote villages. But then I saw our opening verse and wept for joy. I praised, screamed, and worshipped the Lord.
There're times you're about the Lord's work and there seem to be persecutions from all angles. And it's as though you're wasting your time and wasting your life; at such times, always remember that God isn't unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love.
He'll reward you for all that you do and have done in the propagation of the Gospel. He'll reward you for all your prayers for souls to be saved, your financial contributions to the spread of the Gospel, your personal evangelical efforts to win souls to Christ, and all your sacrifices.
Remember the words of Jesus: "...Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30). Your blessing isn't deferred until you get to heaven; it begins here on earth.
Whatever you're doing for the Lord, keep at it. Keep spreading His Word. Keep spreading His righteousness. Keep impacting your world with His glory. Remain steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, my heart is filled with joy to know that my labour and sacrifices in and for the Kingdom are not in vain! I remain steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that there's a great reward for my labour in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Revelation 22:12; And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Colossians 3:23-24; and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
[24] knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Isaiah 40:10; Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 12:1-13 & Ezekiel 11-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 12:12-19 & 1 Chronicles 15
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 14TH NOVEMBER 2023
A CUE FROM SHADRACH, MESHACH AND ABEDNEGO
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...O Nebuchadnezzar...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up (Daniel 3:16-18).
Pastor Chris Says
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Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were threatened by the government of the day to bow down to the king's golden image or burn in the fiery furnace. They refused to compromise, choosing rather to die than to cower. Their inspiring statement of conviction and absolute commitment to the Lord is what we read in our theme scripture.
Their unwavering faith in God infuriated the king who ordered that they be thrown into the fiery furnace. The fire was so intense that it burnt and killed the men that threw them in. Howbeit, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were unscathed. The Lord protected them.
When Nebuchadnezzar noticed they were unhurt by the blazing furnace, he repented and declared, "... Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him... Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort" (Daniel 3:28-29).
That's what happens when you stand your ground in faith, in spite of fierce and daunting opposition. Soon enough, your detractors will be inspired by your faith and convictions, which could lead to their salvation. So, serve God with your life
Your job may be taken away from you for preaching the Gospel, but they can't take away the joy of the Lord that's in your spirit. They may liquidate your company, but they can't liquidate your spirit. God is able! Trust Him. Never find yourself apologetic, intimidated, or reluctant to express your convictions about Christ and the message of the Gospel. He's greater than any government, institution or power. He's the Monarch of the universe.
Therefore, stand your ground for Him in faith. Take a cue from Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The Word of God is in my spirit so strong; it's as fire shut up in my bones and nothing can hinder the affirmation of my faith and my proclamation of the Gospel of Christ. I'm strengthened and energized by the Holy Spirit who lives in me, and He's made me an absolute victor. Blessed be God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Daniel 3:16-30; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
[17] If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. [18] But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
[19] Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
[20] And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
[21] Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
[22] Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. [23] And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 12TH NOVEMBER 2023
EXALTED WITH HIM IN GLORY
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But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us... hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-6).
Pastor Chris Says
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To be seated with Christ in the heavenly realms means you've been exalted to the highest position of authority, dominion and power. Ephesians 1:21 gives further insight into your exalted position in Christ. It describes where you are as, "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named...." How profound this is!
The Lord Jesus has been set far above all the different classes of spiritual beings-principalities, powers, might or thrones, dominions and every name that is named-and you're in Him. The Father set Him in this high place of glory, placed all things under His feet, and legally declared Him to be the head over all things for the benefit of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23).
The Church is His body, therefore, you're elevated with Him in glory. Someone might say, "Isn't that going too far? Should we really think so highly of ourselves?" Emphatically yes! We didn't ask for it; it's the result of His grace and love. Read our opening scripture again.
What the Bible says is that you shouldn't think of yourself more highly than you ought to think (Romans 12:3). God wants you to think highly of yourself but not more highly than you ought to think. In other words, don't think you're higher than your fellow brothers or sisters in Christ, because we're all together in this exalted place in Christ. We're all equal, and valuable to God. We're chosen, royal and peculiar.
See how Paul describes it in Ephesians 2:6 AMPC: "And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One)." Hallelujah! How could you read this and not think highly of yourself? You're exalted with Him in glory; it's a joint sitting in the heavenly sphere.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I'm seated with Christ, far above all principality, power, might, dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come! I'm exalted with Him in glory; I know who I am: chosen, royal and peculiar!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 2:5-6; even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
[6] and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Galatians 3:28; There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Romans 12:4-5; For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
[5] so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 10:19-39 & Ezekiel 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 11:35-46 & 1 Chronicles 12
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional