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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 24TH DECEMBER 2022
HIS GOODNESS LEADS TO REPENTANCE
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…despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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Romans 2:4 highlights something very powerful about the goodness of God: it provides the opportunity for repentance. In the Old Testament, the threat of judgment didn't get the children of Israel to repent or obey God. But in the New Testament, He didn’t threaten us with judgments, because we’re His obedient ones (1 Peter 1:14). We’re described as having “obeyed” His Word of truth from the heart (Romans 6:17). Thus, He brought us into His goodness and love. Instead of judgment, He shows us His mercy.
God knows that if we would preach and tell the world about His love and goodness, they’d repent and turn to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:18 (NIV) says, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” This is the difference. He knows we've sinned, but in Christ, He’s not counting our sins against us.
Joel in his prophecy (Joel 2:10-13), along with Zephaniah, said the people’s sins were being counted against them and because of that, judgment was coming to them (Zephaniah 1:14-15). But in our day, it’s different. The problem of sin was taken care of through the sacrifice of Jesus in our behalf. As a result of that sacrifice, God reconciled the world to Himself; He brought humanity into peace with Himself. Now He has sent us to take the message of His goodness and love to the world and reconcile people to Him.
Therefore, make this Christmas count for someone who hasn’t yet known the Lord. You’ll meet them at the mall. They’ll be at that family function you plan to attend. They’ll be at the park you’re taking your kids to play. You’d see some of them on your way home from Church. Let them know God isn’t punishing them for their sins. He already laid the punishment on Jesus Christ in their place and if they’d only believe, eternal life and righteousness will be imparted to their spirits. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Lord, I pray that as your children minister the Gospel today around the world, righteousness is poured forth upon the nations, resulting in an avalanche of souls coming into the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 1:16-17; For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Romans 5:6-10; For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Romans 10:13-15; For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 16 & Haggai 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 18:13-24 & Zechariah 3-4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 23RD DECEMBER 2022
GREATER WISDOM
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And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart… (1 Kings 4:29-31).
Pastor Chris Says
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One day, the Lord was talking to me, and He told me how far greater and more excellent the divine wisdom we have in Christ is than what Solomon had. I was surprised and said, “Lord, Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived.” Then, the Lord replied, “Yes, but your wisdom is my wisdom,” for Christ is made wisdom unto us (1 Corinthians 1:24,30).
He then instructed me to go into the Scriptures to see the things Solomon talked about: “…he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes” (1 Kings 4:32-33).
Solomon talked about trees, plants, beasts and so on, and he was wiser than all men. But the Lord showed me that in Christ, we talk about higher things than what Solomon knew. We speak mysteries; mysteries that baffle men: “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7). We speak of higher things of the Spirit realm and the Kingdom of God.
One of the ways we bring the hidden wisdom into this world is through the Spirit, when we speak in tongues. The Bible says, “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries” (1 Corinthians 14:2). By the Holy Ghost, we speak mysteries. Then by the gift of interpretation, we know what those mysteries are.
When you pray in other tongues and the interpretation starts coming to you, sometimes you’d find that you spoke out a scripture or an explanation of something in the Spirit or from the Word. These are mysteries. When next you’re praying in tongues, be alert in your spirit because wisdom speaks through you. If you continue in prayer, the interpretation will come to you, or else ask and receive the gift of interpretation of of tongues.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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God’s wisdom, righteousness, love and grace are at work in me even now, causing me to know and have deeper and fuller insight into mysteries and secrets of the Kingdom. The eyes of my understanding are enlightened to the realities and truths of the Gospel. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 1:8-9; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9. having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
1 Corinthians 1:30; But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1 Corinthians 2:6-13; Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7. but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8. which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, Neither have entered into the heart of man, The things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 21ST DECEMBER 2022
THE DAY OF HIS MERCY AND GRACE
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…Mercy triumphs over judgment! (James 2:13 NIV).
Pastor Chris Says
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Someone might see the evil, wickedness, deception, suffering and cruelty in the world today and conclude they’re a result of God’s judgment due to sin. But that’s not entirely true. We’re in the day of God’s mercy and His grace; we’re in a new dispensation; so it’s different today from how it was in the Old Testament.
The evil happenings in the world today aren’t judgments from God; rather, they’re actions and orchestrations of Satan upon the world. You can easily discern this by the Spirit and through the Word. It’s the reason God expects us to respond by addressing Satan, cutting off his influence from our world and from men’s lives.
There’s sin, but Jesus already paid the price for sin on behalf of all men. The Bible says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...” (Romans 8:1). The word translated “condemnation” is the same as judgment. Jesus was judged in our place, and not just for us, but for the whole world. The Bible says, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).
Satan wants to make people believe that God is mad at them, punishing them, inflicting them with pain, whereas God isn’t the one behind it, but Satan. Our job, therefore, is to let the world know that God isn’t mad at them; rather, He’s made righteousness and eternal life available and free in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:19).
The Bible says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Lamentations 3:22 says, “It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” We’re in the dispensation of His overflowing grace and mercy. Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I manifest your glory and establish your will and righteousness in the earth today, winning souls and bringing men out of darkness into your marvellous light. I spread your love everywhere. Thank you for your overflowing grace, mercy and goodness that brings men to repentance, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Acts 10:38;how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Romans 3:23-25; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24. being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25. whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Ephesians 2:13-15; but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15. having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 13:1-10 & Nahum 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 17:1-10 & Haggai
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 19TH DECEMBER 2022
LET THE WORD CONTROL YOUR MIND
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Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the characteristics of adulthood is self-awareness. In other words, you know yourself; you know how you think, and you can even predict your own actions. You can say, “In such and such circumstances, I’d react or respond to issues this or that way.”
Now, consider this: the way you are or reason today— your current mindset—is a result of several factors. First is your parentage. From your parentage, you inherited certain traits. Then the society in which you grew up, the materials you consumed (the books you read, the films you watched, the things you listened to) all make up who you are today.
All the information that came to you through your senses were recorded by your mental faculty and your physical body. Your body has a mind. Your cells have memory. The physical members of your body have memory; they store information. So, all the information you ever received actually got stored in you.
Thus, each adult is an amazing conglomerate of massive storage facilities. Think about it: Your head has its own storage; your hand, your feet, all the systems of your body have so much inside them. All of these eventually lead to how you react to stimuli and how you respond to information or actions of other people.
No wonder the Bible says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). Through conscious meditation on the Word, your mind is organized, reorganized, programmed or reprogrammed. Its contents and processes are synchronized with God’s thoughts and perfect will for your life. That's what brings about the transformation.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the transformational power of your Word; it renews my mind, transforms my life, reorganizes and reprogrammes my thoughts in the direction of your perfect will for my life. My mind is inundated with thoughts of prosperity and health, peace and possibilities, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 2:15; Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Proverbs 4:20-22; My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21. Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22. For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 11 & Micah 4-5
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 16:1-10 & Zephaniah 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 16TH DECEMBER 2022
A PRINCIPLE FOR ALL MEN
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That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10).
Pastor Chris Says
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It’s important to note that the Bible doesn't say, “With the heart, Christians believe”; rather, it says, “Man believes.” It's a principle for all men—all human beings— regardless of who they are, where they come from, what they have; they can only believe with the heart—the spirit: that’s the way to be made righteous. But that’s not all.
Every man, woman, boy and girl ever born, and that’ll ever be born into this world has already been “saved” by Jesus Christ. When He died, He died to save all humanity. However, salvation is only a vital experience in the life of the one who not only believes, but affirms the lordship of Jesus over his or her life. In other words, upon believing in Jesus, there’s the further step of affirming His lordship: with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. That’s the second part of the principle.
To receive salvation isn’t by your tears or good works. Salvation is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8), received by the affirmation of His Word. Once you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, and confess with your mouth that He’s Lord over your life, your spirit is reborn instantly, through the impartation of eternal life by the Holy Spirit.
It’s not difficult at all to receive salvation; some think they have to atone for their sins first, to be made right with God. Your own sacrifice will never suffice. It’s not about your good deeds; it’s about your faith in Christ’s vicarious death and resurrection. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the power of the Gospel, and your grace for salvation that’s poured out upon all flesh. Even now, there’s a great harvest of souls into the Kingdom as we, your children, proclaim the Gospel today, all around the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 10:6-10; But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
7. or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9. that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Hebrews 3:15-19 NIV; As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”
16. Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?
17. And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness?
18. And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed?
19. So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
Romans 10:13; For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 8 & Obadiah
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 14:1-10 & Nahum 1-3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED 14TH DECEMBER 2022
ACTIVATING HIS POWER
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The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening scripture lets us know that God’s might, His power of deliverance, is activated through singing. There’re many problems that some Christians go through, but if they’d apply this scripture, they’ll experience great victories. The Spirit of God responds to singing, and He’ll save you from trouble with rejoicing.
Throughout history, great victories have been wrought because God’s people sang. Think about it: In 2 Chronicles 20, Judah was surrounded and completely outnumbered by three enemy nations that were ready to attack them—Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir.
When the king was informed, he didn’t first consult with his army generals. He gathered all Judah to seek the Lord in prayer and fasting, and God said through a prophetic message, “…fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17).
Jehoshaphat then appointed singers and placed them ahead of the army to praise the Lord. But here’s what I want you to observe: He gave them a simple Psalm to sing; just a short phrase. They sang, “...Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21).Then, the Lord confused the enemy’s camp, causing them to turn their swords against one another until they completely destroyed one another. Hallelujah!
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were falsely accused and incarcerated. But “…at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed” (Acts 16:25-26).
They didn’t ask God for deliverance; they only sang praises to God. They knew that if they’d praise the Lord, His power would be activated for their deliverance. In both examples we saw in the Scriptures, their salvation came, not before they would praise, but as they praised the Lord. Hallelujah!
When there’s trouble, when it seems the odds are against you, when there’s heat from every side, sing praises to God! Activate His power through songs of praise. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, to you belong all greatness and might. All in heaven and earth are yours. You’re exalted above all. I love you, Lord; and I thank you, for you’re gracious, holy, righteous and true, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
11. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
12. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
13. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
Psalm 106:1-2; Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.
2. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can shew forth all his praise?
Psalm 145:4; One generation shall praise thy works to another, And shall declare thy mighty acts.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 6 & Amos 1-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 13:1-10 & Micah 5-6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 12TH DECEMBER 2022
POINT THEM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
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Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
Pastor Chris Says
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From a very young age, through inspiring Bible stories, first from home, and then the children's church, I began to learn about faithful Bible characters and the things to emulate from them. For example, I learnt of Samson, a legendary Israelite and a Nazarite from birth; a warrior and judge, renowned for his prodigious strength. He led and rescued the people of Israel from Philistine oppression (Judges 13–16).
Also is the amazing story of David and his decapitation of the belligerent Goliath of Gath who terrorized the children of Israel. David won the victory for Israel and brought the fear of Jehovah upon the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:20-58).
The story of Mordecai and Esther was also very inspiring to me. I read how they championed the course of the Jews amidst the threat of complete annihilation by Haman, a sworn enemy of God’s people (Esther 3:5-6). These stories of the prophets and apostles in the Bible helped to shape my mindset and character as I was growing up. Most of all was the God-evincing life of Jesus.
I was able to quickly distinguish the right role models in the Bible in my formative years. This is why it’s important to train children in the way they should go; get them exposed early to God’s Word and the right Bible characters.
We have Rhapsody of Realities for kids, early readers, and for teenagers. Use these and all our other materials for children to raise and train your children, young siblings, and other children around you. Influence them to think like champions and world changers. Position them to think differently, to be innovative and solution providers.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I pray for an increased work of grace and greater boldness in the hearts of children all over the world, and utterance to bring the message of Christ’s love to others in their schools, homes, and among their peers, with signs, wonders and miracles, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 3:15; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 22:15; Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Proverbs 23:13-14; Withhold not correction from the child: For if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
14. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, And shalt deliver his soul from hell.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 4 & Hosea 11-14
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 12:1-10 & Micah 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 10TH DECEMBER 2022
THE DIVINE “LOGOS”
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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).
Pastor Chris Says
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“Word” in our opening scripture above is the Greek, “Logos.” It describes God's Word presented to us as His opinions, thoughts, ideas, doctrines, treatise, accounts, wisdom, knowledge, plans and purposes. Thus, our knowledge and understanding of the Word is so crucial.
When God speaks His Word to you, even if all He says to you is, “Go ye therefore”; that phrase will guide and guard your life in everything. That’s because all of Him and all that He represents are in His Word (the divine logos). Hallelujah!
This Logos of God made all things: “The same was in the beginning with God; All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:2-3). Suddenly, we observe that the Apostle John gives a personality to the Logos of God; he uses the personal pronoun “Him,” instead of “it.” Then in verse 14, it becomes even clearer; it says, “And the Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
Imagine all of God's ideas, all of God's knowledge, all of God's wisdom, all of who He is: in personality, in quality, all of His ability to perceive—all of that in the divine Logos— became flesh and dwelt among us. This is Jesus! The Word that was spoken, which was “speech,” became a man; took on humanity!
Jesus is the divine Logos. When they saw Him in Bible days, as He walked by, they saw the totality of the mind of God. He was the totality of the will of the Father. He was God's message in flesh. John said, “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth!” Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for your opinions, thoughts, ideas, doctrines, treatise, accounts, revelations, and comprehension encapsulated in the Word. As I study and meditate on the divine truths and wisdom in the Scriptures, your Word puts me over and above all situations, causing me to excel in everything, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Hebrews 4:12-13; 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.
13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
John 1:1-4; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 2:18-3:1-6 & Hosea 3-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 11:1-10 & Jonah 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 8TH DECEMBER 2022
SET YOUR FOCUS ON THE WORD
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Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest (Joshua 1:7).
Pastor Chris Says
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When I was a teenager, I engaged the Spirit of God on several issues. I didn't want to live my life dabbling into different things, guessing and trying to figure out God’s purpose for my life. I wanted to know exactly where to go, what to do, and how to set my sail. I wanted to know God’s direction for my life, because I figured since He already knew my future, there wasn't anything wrong with my asking Him.
Guess what? He directed my mind and my spirit to His Word. He said to me, “My Word is your compass; it illuminates your path. If you follow my Word, you’ll never lose your way; you’ll prosper in all that you do.” That’s what He said to Joshua in our theme scripture.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” The Lord Jesus said in John 8:12, “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” He is the Word. Hallelujah!
Set your focus on the Word and you'll never fail: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night… for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8). God’s Word is absolute truth; you can depend absolutely on it.
Don't be afraid to believe God and stay on His Word. You can't do that and make a mistake or regret it. Those who regret following God's Word never really knew the Word; they weren’t following the Word but the desires of their own hearts. When you go for the Word, you stay focused no matter what tries to distract you. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your Word is my light and the compass by which I navigate my way through life; it’s the light that guides me in the path of success, victory and greatness. Through your Word, I receive insight into the mysteries and realities of the Kingdom. Thank you for the blessing of being guided and regulated by your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Joshua 1:8 AMPC; This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
Matthew 24:35; Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Isaiah 55:10-11; For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11. so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 1 & Daniel 11-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 9:11-21 & Amos 8-9
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 6TH DECEMBER 2022
THE ESSENCE OF HOPE
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NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses] (Hebrews 11:1 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Hope is usually in the future, something you look forward to or desire in front of you. It’s a picture or an image of a desired future; a picture of a future accomplishment, possession or fulfilment. Faith, however, is the essence of hope. In other words, until you hope, that image or picture has no life. That's why hope is so important.
Hope is powerful. When people become hopeless, they could give up, and die. But once you have hope, then the thing you’re hoping for suddenly becomes a possibility; you see that it exists.
Hope is like “potential energy”; which means it’s a possibility that could be realized if you could “look” at it with your spirit, because that's when it becomes real. This is why hope must translate to faith for it to produce results. With hope, you see the blessings that could result from acting on God’s Word. But with faith, you take possession, you walk in the blessing. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the blessed hope we have in Christ. I see pictures of possibilities as I apply your Word in my health, finances, life and ministry, and I have the confident assurance that Christ in me means glory in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Hebrews 6:18; that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
1 Thessalonians 5:8; But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3; We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3. remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 3 John & Daniel 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 8:1-13 & Amos 5-6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 5TH DECEMBER 2022
A GOOD REPORT FROM GOD
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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report (Hebrews 11:1-2).
Pastor Chris Says
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How would you like to have a good report from God? Our opening verse says through faith, the elders in our spiritual family obtained a good report from God. If you want to be celebrated by God, if you want to have praise of Him, it’s got to be through your actions of faith. No wonder He says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him…” (Hebrews 11:6).
The Bible says, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:8-10). As a result, James 2:23 says, “…Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”
How about Enoch? Genesis 5:24 says, “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Hebrews 11:5 tells us more; it says, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hallelujah!
Read about all the other heroes of faith in Hebrews 11; the likes of Abel, Noah, Samuel, Isaac, Sarah, Joseph, Moses, Barak, Samson, etc. The Bible says they all obtained a good report through faith. However, we notice something striking that the Bible tells us: they didn’t receive the promise, because God provided something better for us: “These were the true heroes, commended for their faith, yet they lived in hope without receiving the fullness of what was promised them. But now God has invited us to live in something better than what they had—faith’s fullness...” (Hebrews 11:39-40 TPT).
Thus, we have no excuse; every day, give expression to your faith. Live the faith life. Practise God’s Word, for faith is acting on the Word! That’s the way to obtain a good report from God and walk in the glory and blessings of Christ.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My faith grows by the Word, prevails and triumphs over contrary winds and opposition. My life is regulated by the eternal realities of the Kingdom, and the blessings therein are unleashed into my world. My faith works by love, and I obtain a good report from God as I live victoriously every day, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 4:16-18; For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18. while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Hebrews 10:38; Now the just shall live by faith: But if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Hebrews 11:4-7; By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
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.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 3RD DECEMBER 2022
PRAY ALWAYS IN THE SPIRIT
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Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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To pray always means to be in constant communication and fellowship with the Lord; it’s always ongoing. That’s what the Lord instructs us to do; He wants us in fellowship with Him all the time. It’s a continual communication of spiritual intelligence, where information is constantly being given to us to put us at an advantage.
The Amplified Classic version of our opening verse reads, “Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty....” Praying in the Spirit, therefore, becomes the accompaniment for all other kinds of prayer. Whether it’s the prayer of faith, the prayer of intercession—whatever kind of prayer it is—praying in the Spirit should be part of it.
In 1 Corinthians 14:14-15, Paul said, “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 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.” This shows that praying in the spirit is a priority. From the Spirit, you’ll know what words to use. Your tongue will be arranged and inspired to say the right things.
As you go out to win souls, you may not know what you’re going to say right away, but pray in the Spirit first, and He’ll give you the right words. You'll say things that are consistent with His divine purpose, because you’re in timely fellowship with Him, through the Spirit.
It reminds of what Jesus said in Matthew 10:19-20: "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." Hallelujah! Therefore, make it a habit to always pray in the spirit, and with the Spirit.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for enlightening me to pray effectively in the Spirit. As I speak in tongues even now, my spirit is lifted to function from a vantage position of boldness, accuracy and victory, resulting in a life of dominion in Christ. I don’t struggle but enjoy unstoppable growth and progress as I receive guidance from you, 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;
Jude 1:20; But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Philippians 4:6-7; Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 4 & Daniel 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 6:11-17 & Joel 3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS.1ST DECEMBER 2022
THE INNER SANCTUARY
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“The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly” (Proverbs 20:27).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the Old Testament, God gave Israel the tabernacle, which He divided into three parts. The first was the inner sanctuary, where the Ark of God was. It was also called the Holy of Holies or the Most Holy Place. The second part was the outer sanctuary, which was called the Holy Place. The third part of the tabernacle was the outer court, where the brazen altar and laver were.
This tabernacle of Moses gives us the picture of the human person: the spirit, soul and body. Man’s body is the outer court, the soul is the first sanctuary, while the spirit is the inner sanctuary.
The Holy Spirit resides in the inner sanctuary, which is the recreated human spirit. When a man is born again, his spirit is recreated; eternal life is imparted to his spirit and right away, the Ark of God is set up there. What was in the Ark in the Old Testament? It was the Word of God written on two tablets of stone (1 Kings 8:9; 2 Chronicles 5:10).
Where is the Word of God today? It is in our hearts, our spirits. The Lord said, “…this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts…” (Hebrews 8:10). No wonder Paul said we are the words of Christ written by the Spirit, not on tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart (2 Corinthians 3:3).
This shows us the importance of the human spirit. That is where the Word of God is today. That is where God lives. Being born again is the recreation of the inward man – the human spirit – to become God’s dwelling place; His holy tabernacle. The premium, therefore, must be on the education of your spirit, which is only achievable by receiving and meditating on the Word of God.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My spirit is God’s dwelling place, where He lives in His glory and majesty. I carry God’s divine presence in my heart and impact my world with the blessings of my divinity. I am heaven’s ambassador to this world; everywhere I go, God goes, because I am His living tabernacle, His home and headquarters. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 3:1-3; Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
2. Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
3. forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Hebrews 10:16; This is the covenant that I will make with them After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, And in their minds will I write them;
1 Corinthians 3:16 ; If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 2:15 – 3:1-10 & Ezekiel 45-46
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Revelation 5:1-14 & Joel 1
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 29TH NOVEMBER 2022
THERE’S SOMETHING IN YOUR PATH
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For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live] (Ephesians 2:10 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Every one of us has a path that’s preordained by God for us to walk in life. It’s a path of success and greatness. However, as you journey, you’ll collide with forces or situations that’ll test your faith. For David, there was a bear and a lion. Afterward, there was a Goliath and the armies of the Philistines, and then lots of other armies. But he defeated them all. Hallelujah!
I’m not sure what’s in your path, but there’s surely something in your path. But one thing is certain: you’ve already won. That’s why the Bible says “Count it all joy when you go through diverse tests” (James 1:2).
The challenges or obstacles in your path are a mirage. When you get to them, don’t cry. Don’t start begging God to do something. Don’t cower. When you meet that “masked devil,” which could mean a stumbling block in your business or job, a limitation or restriction in your soul-winning or evangelical efforts, or some issues in your health, you say, “In the Name of Jesus Christ, get out of my way!” When you say that, it may seem the obstacle is still there; refuse to recognize it and keep journeying. Don’t keep observing it; instead, close your eyes against it and begin to utter incantations of the Spirit, speaking in tongues. Then, as David charged towards Goliath, charge towards that obstacle and walk through in the Name of Jesus, as the Spirit inspires you.
God took care of it before you got there. Now you understand the reason He tells you not to worry. It’s because when you face the biggest troubles, He steps in. You don’t need to shout. You don’t need to kick. You don’t need to push. Just keep going; just walk through! Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Thank you, Father, for I walk only in the path that you’ve prearranged for me, and it’s a path of righteousness, great glory, greatness and unending victories. I’m yielded to the Holy Spirit, to His guidance, counsel and wisdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 16:11; Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Romans 8:37; Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
1 John 4:4; Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 3 & Ezekiel 41-42
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 3:11-22 & Hosea 11-12
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
SUN. 27TH NOVEMBER 2022
THE WORD IMPARTS FAITH
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So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Word of God imparts faith. You might have noticed that sometimes as you sit listening to, or studying God’s Word, your spirit becomes energized. At such times, all the challenges you may have been facing suddenly seem like nothing. The reason is that at that moment, the Word you’re receiving stirs faith in your heart.
The Word of God is spiritual; therefore, it’s even more real than the physical things that your senses perceive. That’s why, when you receive the Word into your spirit, a spiritual reaction is ignited between your spirit and the Word of God that gives you dominion over circumstances. When that reaction takes place, faith rises in you like a giant and you have the assurance of victory.
Even if you thought your faith was little or small, Jesus said that little faith can do great things; it can literally move a mountain (Matthew 21:21). Or, perhaps, you’re thinking, “I don’t have faith”; our opening verse tells us how to get it: faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Whenever you think you don’t have enough faith, it means it’s time for you to hear more of God’s Word. The Word will of a necessity impart faith to you; it’s a principle of the Kingdom of God. You don’t have to struggle for it to happen; if you’d pay attention to the Word of God, faith will come to you.
It reminds me of a certain young man who came to one of our meetings years ago. He came in saying he didn’t believe and wasn’t going to believe any of the things we were sharing. But his friends convinced him to come nonetheless. So, he sat in the meeting, trying not to believe. But he was “hearing” the message (remember, faith comes by hearing).
Later on, when I had a chat with him, he said, “Somehow, I found myself accepting the things you shared; I believe everything you said.” He couldn’t escape it, because faith comes when you hear the Word! Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, as I study and meditate on your Word, I discover my inheritance in Christ, and I also receive the faith to relate with and enjoy all that you’ve made available to me in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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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.
Romans 4:19-20; And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:
20. he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Matthew 21:21; Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 1 & Ezekiel 37-38
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 2:13-29 & Hosea 7-8
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 15 & Zephaniah 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 18:1-12 & Zechariah 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 22ND DECEMBER 2022
FLOURISHING THROUGH WORDS
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A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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Your real personality is revealed in words; you're no different from your words. Your words represent you. Think about this: before Jesus was manifested in the flesh, He was the living Word; He was God's Word. The Word that the Father spoke became flesh; as it is written, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory…” (John 1:14 NKJV).
This is why your words are so important. Your words are “you.” If your words were capsulated and made flesh, what would that flesh look like? Will you be happy with what you see? If not, you can change it. Your life can reflect the beauty and glory of God. Begin by studying and meditating on the Word. Let the Word fill your heart and mind; for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).
Speak wholesome words. When you speak beautiful, faith-filled words, your life takes on the shape of those words and you receive a beautiful outcome.
Some people speak ugly and hurtful words to others all the time. Let that not be your description. Be gracious always in your speech and help others flourish through your words.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Out of the abundance of God’s Word in my heart, my mouth speaks. My words are gushers of living water with which I tame the world, change circumstances, give life, uplift and edify others. My life is beautiful, and I beautify the lives of others with my wholesome words.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 12:36-37; But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Proverbs 15:4; A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: But perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
Proverbs 16:24; Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 13:11-14:1-20 & Habakkuk 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 17:11-18 & Haggai 2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 20TH DECEMBER 2022
THE WORD GIVES YOU A FRESH START
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And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Pastor Chris Says
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In the world, there's no system or process that can help get rid of the wrong information that the human system has amassed over the course of mental and physical development. The storage is permanent. In the world are all kinds of people whose characters are the sum total or end result of all the negative information that has gone into them.
However, when you’re born again, the only material that has the capacity to erase, or delete all the wrong stuff from your mind and give you a fresh start is the Word of God. It’s the only material that cleanses the heart, purifies the soul and renews the mind.
The Word has sanctifying power. Jesus said in John 15:3, “...Ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” Acts 20:32 says, “And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up….” With the Word of God, you can reconstruct your life, you can frame your world; you can decide you want to fix something in any area of your life—whatever it is.
Always take time to meditate on the Word and you’ll make apparent progress and experience good success in all your affairs. There’ll be an outburst of prosperity in every area of your life, to the praise and glory of God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I’m yielded to be built, edified, energized and strengthened by your Word for a life of greatness, victory and triumphs. Through the ministry of the Word, I'm programmed; my mind is reconditioned for supernatural growth; there’s an outburst of prosperity in every area of my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖FURTHER STUDY:
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Joshua 1:8 AMPC; This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
1 Peter 2:2 AMPC; Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation,
1 Peter 1:23; being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 12 & Micah 6-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 16:11-21 & Zephaniah 3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 18TH DECEMBER 2022
GIVE HIM TRUE WORSHIP
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We should be grateful that we were given a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And in this kingdom we please God by worshiping him and by showing him great honor and respect (Hebrews 12:28 CEV).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the greatest honours that we have as God’s children is the privilege to worship Him. Our worship of the Lord is so sacrosanct; it’s not something you do halfheartedly and irreverently. Some people could be in an environment of worship and be distracted by several things. Some could even be using their phones or exchanging pleasantries while worship is going on. That’s irreverent.
The Lord deserves and demands true worship. True worship is from the heart, offered without distractions. And true worshippers are the ones who have known the Father. Recall the conversation between the Master and the lady from Samaria in John 4. In verse 20, the woman said, “Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.”
The Lord responded, saying, “…Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:21-22). Observe that Jesus didn’t say the Samaritans weren't worshipping at all; rather, He said they didn't know whom they were worshipping.
Then He said, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him” (John 4:23). So, there’re true worshippers! When you learn to worship God truly from your heart, it’ll build your life and bring you tremendous blessings.
Take your times of worship seriously, especially worship in praise to God in the church. We worship God in our service to Him, in the things we do for Him; we worship Him in prayer as part of worship, but we also worship Him in praise and that's the most important of them all. Always maintain not just an attitude, but a life of reverence, where you give true worship to the Lord.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the majesty and the splendour; you’re gracious, holy, righteous, pure and kind; you alone are God! You’re exalted as head over all, and I thank you, in holiness and truth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Philippians 3:3 NIV; For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Revelation 4:10-11; the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 10 & Micah 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 15:1-8 & Habakkuk 3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 15TH DECEMBER 2022
HIS GREATNESS IS FOR OUR ADVANTAGE
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By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening scripture is referring to the Lord, Jesus Christ. By Him, we’re to continually offer spiritual sacrifices to God in praise. Praise is thanksgiving: thanking and extolling God’s Majesty and greatness; acknowledging Him in His acts of kindness, for which you’re grateful and thankful.
But here’s the beautiful thing: in praising Him, in acknowledging His greatness, we’re thankful that His greatness is directed towards us for our advantage, in loving us, taking care of us, blessing us and all the numerous things He’s done for us.
The Spirit’s prayer through Paul in Ephesians 1:19 further explains it. It says, “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.” For example, when God demonstrated that great power in raising Jesus from the dead, He raised us up together with Him. Hallelujah!
Everything He’s revealed to us about His power and His greatness is all about blessing us. He created all things: the stars, the moons, the sun, all the planets, the things we know and don't know, and the ones we see and don't see; they’re all for us.
No wonder the Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:17 that He gives us all things richly to enjoy. He shared all of what He's got with us! 2 Peter 1:3 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things….” Think about that! Then He said in 1 Corinthians 3:21, “…all things are yours.” Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Thank you, blessed Father, for the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing riches of your grace in your kindness and goodness of heart directed toward me in Christ Jesus. You’re the only true and wise God, who reigns and rules in the affairs of men; the One who is the blessed and only Sovereign. To you, Lord, be all glory, honour, majesty, dominion and praise, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 2:4-7; But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5. even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6. and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7. that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Hosea 14:2; And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.
Hebrews 13:15; By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 7 & Amos 5-9
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 13:11-18 & Micah 7
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 13TH DECEMBER 2022
KEEP THE DEVIL ON THE RUN
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Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
Pastor Chris Says
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Satan never plays fair; so you have to always be on the offensive against him. Our opening scripture says to resist him; but how do you resist him? It’s with the Word—the Sword of the Spirit. Don’t think the devil is sleeping; he’s not! The Bible says he prowls to and fro like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).
Don’t wait for his fiery darts before putting him in check. What the devil likes to do is to get your attention, so that you're always on the defensive, fighting to get your peace back, to get your health and strength back, or to get things back to normal; ever fighting to restore something; no! Don’t let yourself be hemmed in such a position.
While with your faith you’re neutralizing all the fiery darts Satan throws at you, always be on the offensive with the “Rhema” of God in your mouth. In Ephesians 6:10-16, the Apostle Paul gave a list of the protective part of our armour. Then in the 17th verse, he gave the only offensive tool: “the sword of the Spirit,” which is the “Rhema” of God.
Rhema is Greek for the "spoken word." In this case, it’s your proclamation of the inspired Word of God for the hour and the season. It’s always a word said, or a word in saying; otherwise, it’s not a sword; it’s not a weapon. Always put the Word on your lips; that’s what you use to discomfit the enemy and all adversities.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your Word is in my heart and in my mouth, prevailing as I speak it forth! I speak forth righteousness, wisdom, prosperity, victory and abundance. And with the shield of faith, I extinguish and render ineffective the fiery darts, lies, tricks and stratagems of the adversary, walking on in the victory of Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 6:10-17; Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
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.
13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15. and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16. above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
1 Peter 5:8-9; Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9. whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 5 & Joel 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 12:11-17 & Micah 3-4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 11TH DECEMBER 2022
SINGERS OF HIS PRAISE
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Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works (Psalm 105:2).
Pastor Chris Says
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All the great men or women of God you find in the Bible were singers of the Lord’s praise. No wonder they lived an extraordinarily victorious life in every way. It’s time for us to learn to praise and sing unto the Lord Most High; we’re to sing songs of the Spirit, for we’re singers of His praise!
For example, after crossing the Red Sea and witnessing how the Egyptian warlords perished in it, Moses broke out in songs of praise: “…I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously…The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name” (Exodus 15:1-3).
When the Israelites fought against King Jabin and destroyed him, Deborah and Barak sang to the Lord with these beautiful words: “Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel…Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel” (Judges 5:2-3).
How about Miriam’s poetic acknowledgement of Israel’s miraculous deliverance from the charging Egyptians: “…Sing to the LORD, because he has won a glorious victory; he has thrown the horses and their riders into the sea” (Exodus 15:21 GNB).
Over in the New Testament, we read the prophetic utterance about Jesus that says, “...in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee” (Hebrews 2:12). The prophetic utterance about Jesus declares that He would sing praises to the Lord in the midst of the church, among His brethren. And He did. Hallelujah! The night before He was betrayed, after He had served His disciples the Holy Communion, the Bible says, “They sang a hymn and went directly to Mount Olives” (Matthew 26:30 MSG). Then in Luke 10:21, He did something beautiful: He sang a psalm. Psalms are spiritual songs. Glory to God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I praise your Name, and worship your majesty, for you’re the healer, the supplier of all good things, and you’re greater than all. Thank you for granting me the grace to prevail always over circumstances, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 150:1-6; Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: Praise him in the firmament of his power.
2. Praise him for his mighty acts: Praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: Praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: Praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6. Let every thing that hath breath Praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 9:11; Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: Declare among the people his doings.
Psalm 13:6; I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 3:7-22 & Hosea 7-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation11:11-19 & Jonah 3-4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 9TH DECEMBER 2022
INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
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Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the Kingdom of God, in the realm of the supernatural, are infinite possibilities. That’s the realm in which we live; that’s the realm into which we were born. There’s no limit to your success. Hallelujah! Jesus said in our opening scripture, “All things are possible to him that believes.”
The Bible says in Romans 10:10 “With the heart (spirit) man believes”; your spirit has the capacity for infinite possibilities. When your spirit takes a hold of God’s Word, there's no telling what you can do; there's no telling what you could be; there’s no telling what you could have!
If you'd only believe, there’ll be a complete metamorphosis of your life. It doesn't matter what limits have been placed on you; whether from your family, your friends, your location, your job, or your training—it makes no difference—you’re open to infinite possibilities. If you can only believe! Dare to believe God.
Dare to believe and act on His Word, and your path in life will be one of endless progress, victories and prosperity. Every so often, declare, “I go above and beyond the limits in the Name of Jesus. All things are possible to me. I have ability for all things. Amen.”
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your Word which brings to my heart the pictures of infinite possibilities, as there’s no limit to the extent, reach and capacity to which my spirit can envision, contemplate and create. I thank you for enlightening me to know and understand the greatness of your power at work in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 10:10; For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV; He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Matthew 12:35; A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 2:1-17 & Hosea 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 10:1-11 & Obadiah 1
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 7TH DECEMBER 2022
THE POWER OF SPEECH
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Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God… (Hebrews 11:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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Genesis chapter one shows us how God created all things; it was through words. He spoke, and everything He said, became. That’s because speech (words) create sound waves—energy. This is one reason why meditating on the Word is so important.
Meditation has three phases or levels. Level one is when you speak under your voice. Then in the second level, you’re literally talking or muttering. The third and final level is when you shout or roar; you’re talking aloud. This final phase is so important because of the power of sound or energy of words.
This is why when you read scriptures, you should oftentimes read them aloud. Read your Rhapsody of Realities aloud, including the prayers and confessions. Your affirmation of the Word is very important. God gave us a tongue so we could talk, and when you talk, energy is released.
Through the energy of words, God recreated and brought order to the world, which hitherto was a chaotic mass (Genesis 1). Ephesians 5:1 tells us to emulate Him as His beloved children. What God did in Genesis 1 was for us to emulate. With words, you’re to maintain the beauty and glory of your life, and change circumstances and situations in line with God’s will. By your words, you can chart your course in victory and success.
Jesus said you shall have what you say (Mark 11:23); so don’t keep quiet. There's a reason for speaking. Even the very principle of salvation stresses the importance of speaking. It says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). Confession here means, "saying what God has said in agreement with Him." It’s translated from the Greek word "Homologeo"—which primarily means to say the same thing as another in agreement. That’s what makes His Word effectual in your life.
It's not enough to “believe” the Word of God with your heart; you have to declare it with your mouth to experience the blessings therein. The Bible says Christ is your life. Christ is your wisdom. Christ is your righteousness. Christ in you, the hope of glory. For the rest of today, meditate on these truths about Christ, saying them aloud every so often.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the gift and power of speech. As I speak forth your Word, your light manifests and obliterates every form of darkness in my path. My life is beautiful, excellent and full of glory. I walk in health and strength, prospering in all that I do, 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.
Proverbs 18:21; Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Matthew 12:37; For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Jude & Daniel 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 9:1-10 & Amos 7
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
7. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 John & Daniel 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 7:11-17 & Amos 3-4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN 4TH DECEMBER 2022
SAMPLES AND PATTERNS
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For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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When studying the Bible, be diligent to observe principles, samples and patterns. As you read about the amazing life of the fathers, prophets and apostles, you’ll see samples of faith, and how they framed the course of their lives with the Word. 1 Corinthians 10:11 says, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
The use of the word, “ensamples” in the King James isn’t exactly the same thing as “example”; it actually means “samples.” A sample is a specimen, an original that's shown to you, like you say, “This is what it’s supposed to be.” It’s like a pattern or print given to you.
Hebrews 11 gives us a pattern. The Bible says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:1-2). When you read further, you’ll be inspired by the extraordinary feats of these great men and women of faith: what their faith accomplished for the kingdom of God (Hebrews 11:32-33).
These champions of faith subdued kingdoms and did wondrous things in their time; they ruled their world! That’s not all! Hebrews 11:3 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.” In other words, the various eras were framed by the Word of God (the "Rhema" of God). The use of the Greek, "Rhema" here indicates that the Word of God referred to was spoken through the lips of men.
It’s vital to note in this verse that God didn’t frame the “aions”; rather, through faith, the world’s systems—with respect to socio-economic structures and environmental management—were programmed through God’s Word that came out of these men and women of faith. Hallelujah! It shows what you can do today: you can frame things in your life and in your world to synchronize with God’s perfect will by speaking forth God’s Word.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I follow the prescribed pattern of faith and the spoken word. My mind is renewed by the Word to think the right thoughts and speak the right words that transform my life and circumstances. The structure and administration of my life are perfected in line with God’s perfect will for me, and I dwell in health, peace and abundance every day, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 3:16; All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Romans 15:4 AMPC; For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope.
1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV; These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 5 & Daniel 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 7:1-10 & Amos 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 2ND DECEMBER 2022
WE OUGHT ALWAYS TO PRAY
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And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1)
Pastor Chris Says
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Someone once said, “I have so much to do in very little time; it leaves me with very little time to pray.
So, in the mornings, I pray for only five minutes because I always have a busy day.” That’s a big mistake.
Never skip or reduce your times of fellowship with the Lord for other things you might consider “important.” The wisdom, guidance and strength you need for success comes from the Lord. Always remember that.
When you have so much to do, that’s when you need to pray. In fact, you’ll need to pray more at such times because you require spiritual help to achieve results in a shorter time and in the best way. Instead of feeling too busy to pray, a wise person will say, “I have so much work to do that I’ll need to give more time to prayer.” You receive a boost in your energy and inspiration, which will give you speed.
Jesus said men ought always to pray and not to give up (Luke 18:1), letting us know that we were made to pray.
It’s something God built within the human system. In other words, there’ll always be the need for that spiritual fellowship with God.
Through such fellowship, we can be built, encouraged, directed and obtain the Lord’s mercy, grace and intervention in our circumstances. Not only should you desire to pray, you should pray always. We don’t pray just because we require a miracle; we pray because we’re in a loving relationship with a real loving heavenly Father.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the privilege and blessings of prayer. Thank you for the opportunity of fellowship with you, loving and gracious Father! You’re my source and ability; and I’m confident that my future is secure, as I remain yielded to your Spirit and guided by your wisdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Thessalonians 5:17; Pray without ceasing.
James 5:16-18;Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
17. 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.
18. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Ephesians 6:18 NIV; And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 3:11-24 & Ezekiel 47-48
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 6:1-10 & Joel 2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 30TH NOVEMBER 2022
THE SURE FOUNDATION
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Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste (Isaiah 28:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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It matters the foundation upon which your life is built. The Bible says, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). Christ is the only sure foundation. He must be the foundation of your success. That way, when you face the adversities of life, you’ll remain standing, because you’re founded upon the Rock, Christ Jesus!
The Prophet Isaiah, in our opening verse, spoke prophetically about the “stone” that the Lord God would lay in Zion, and I want you to observe the way this “stone” is described. First, he refers to it as “a tried stone.” Then he calls it “a precious cornerstone.” Thirdly, he refers to it as “a sure foundation.”
Being a “tried stone” means it’s been tested and proven. As “a precious cornerstone,” it means it’s the most important stone for the stability of the building. As a “sure foundation,” it means you can stake your life on it. That’s who the Lord Jesus is; He’s the only true foundation upon which you should build your life.
No wonder He said in Luke 6:47-49: “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.”
Remember, the foundation is what makes the difference. Both houses in the illustration given by Jesus above were confronted by the same flood, but the one without foundations came to ruin. Let Christ, the Solid Rock, be the anchor of your life! Be a doer of God’s Word, for that’s how to build your life on the rock. That’s what will keep you standing when all else fails. That’s what will keep you in success and prosperity all your life.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Dear Father, thank you for your Word, which is my sure and firm foundation; upon it, I rest secure and immovable, strengthened, rooted and grounded. Your Word is the rock that holds me, for it’s dependable, reliable, and true. Thank you, Lord, for my triumphant life in and through the Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Acts 20:32; And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Mark 13:31; Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
1 Peter 2:5-6; ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 1-2:1-14 & Ezekiel 43-44
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 4:1-11 & Hosea 13-14
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 28TH NOVEMBER 2022
YOUR “NEED” ACTIVATES YOUR FAITH
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And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 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 (Mark 11:22-23).
Pastor Chris Says
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Someone once said, “I’ve never seen anybody move a mountain with faith; was Jesus just using symbolism or did He mean what He said in Mark 11:22-23? Can you really command a mountain to move?”
Yes, Jesus meant it. But Jesus wasn’t talking about a game. He wasn’t saying that we go out in the street and say, “I’m here to show you how powerful I am”; then you start commanding mountains and buildings to move. No!
The question is, why would you want to move a physical mountain; to what intent and purpose? Our faith is always connected to our needs. If there’s no need for it, there’ll be no faith to it. So, you may find yourself trying to make something happen that’ll not happen because there’s no need to activate faith in the first place.
Faith is activated only when there’s a need for it. When you find yourself in a situation and you have a “need,” don’t despair; that need will activate your faith. It’s like the woman who was told she’d never be able to get pregnant. That news activated her faith, and soon enough, she had her baby. Until she heard that she would never have a baby, she didn’t know she could have one with her faith.
The same can be said of the fellow who was healed of cancer; he didn’t know he could make it happen until he was told he had only one month to live. The news triggered his faith, and he began to declare, “I shall not die but live,” and indeed, he was healed. Hallelujah!
Never be overwhelmed with your need; rather, let your needs connect to your faith. Let your needs excite you. Once you connect to a need, that’s your opportunity to overwhelm your need with your faith. Praise God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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In Christ, I’m self-sufficient. I was born into an incorruptible, inexhaustible inheritance. My faith is the victory that overcomes the world! I’ve overcome the world and its systems and structures. My path is that of glory and excellence, victory, success, joy, health, and prosperity which God has ordained for me. I walk in dominion. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 4:19-20; And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:
20. he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
2 Corinthians 4:17-18; For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18. while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Philemon 1:6; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 2 & Ezekiel 39-40
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 3:1-10 & Hosea 9-10
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 26TH NOVEMBER 2022
DOMINION OVER DEATH AND HELL
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I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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Following Adam’s disobedience, the Bible says death came upon all men: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). Death was associated with sin, so when Adam committed high treason back in the Garden of Eden by obeying Satan, death began to work in every man. Satan gained liberty to afflict men with sickness, disease, destruction and ultimately death, at his will.
But when Jesus came, things changed. Men and women who were all their lifetime subject to bondage because of the fear of death were liberated through the victory of Jesus Christ over death and the grave (Hebrews 2:14-15). Jesus went right into hell—Satan’s domain— paralyzed Satan and his cohorts, and obtained the keys of death and hell! He dealt with the problem of death when He triumphantly rose from the dead and ushered man into a new life.
Today, anyone who’s born again needs not fear death, for death has been defeated by Jesus. No wonder the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, “...Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
He’s given us victory over death and the grave. Today, Satan can no longer take anybody’s life at will because he doesn’t have the power of death anymore. Christ has given us life to live to the full. In His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures evermore: “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” (John 10:10 AMPC).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m crucified with Christ, nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God! I’ve been brought into life and immortality. I’m fearless, for death has been paralysed—defeated by Jesus, and when He did it, I was in Him! Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 6:9-11; knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Timothy 1:8-10; Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9. who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
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:
Hebrews 2:14-15; Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15. and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 5 & Ezekiel 35-36
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 2:1-12 & Hosea 5-6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional