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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
WED. 4TH JANUARY 2023
IT’S FROM YOUR HEART
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Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
Pastor Chris Says
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Anything you want or could ever want won’t come to you from heaven or from anywhere else but from your heart. Your heart is the origin of all things, including matter. That’s what we read in our opening verse above.
Remember, universal matter came from the heart of God; everything was inside Him before He spoke them into being. You're made in the image and likeness of God; meaning that you look like Him and function like Him. Therefore, everything you’ll ever need in your life will come out of you—out of your heart.
That business you want to start, the new structure you want to set up, that new facility you need, including the capital; they’re all in your heart! Bring them forth from within you! The Bible says God has set, that means deposited, eternity in our hearts: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Your heart has the potential for infinite capabilities and possibilities. You can bring forth anything from within your spirit. Think about it: if your heart can contain God (for He lives in your heart; you’re the temple of the Holy Spirit), then it means heaven and earth, life, success, victory and joy—all the good things you could ever imagine or desire—are in your heart.
The reverse is also true for the one who isn’t born again: his heart is the habitation of evil, darkness, wickedness, failure and death. Recall the words of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 12:35: “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.”
Being born again, you’re the “good” man that Jesus talked about. You’re the one to produce whatever God wants in the earth: we permit and bring forth only the things that are consistent with His perfect will. Our hearts or spirits scrutinize everything and decide that only the will of the Lord will be done in our world and upon the earth (Romans 12:2). Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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From within, I bring forth success, victory, health, prosperity, joy and all the good things I desire. I walk in the glory of God today, and in the full blessings of the Gospel as I impact those in my world with the life and nature of Christ in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 12:34; O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Luke 6:45; A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Romans 12:2; And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 4 & Genesis 9-11
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 2:13-23 & Genesis 4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 2ND JANUARY 2023
JOY IN THE REALMS OF SALVATION
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For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the realms of salvation is joy. That's because all the blessings of God, all the blessings that exist in Christ, are in salvation. So, we're full of joy all the time because we have all things. The Bible says, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17). There's no room for frustration in our lives. We don't give vent to sadness, anger or bitterness. We give vent to the joy of the Lord-joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Consider what the Spirit says through Paul to the saints in Thessalonica: "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost" (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Despite the affliction, they were full of joy. Isn't that what James also said? James 1:2 NIV: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."
That's how come Paul and Silas could be singing praises to God while in prison, with their hands and feet in stocks. They joyfully praised God, not so He would deliver them (even though He did), but because that's the life of the new creation-it's the extrusion and manifestation of true joy; it just flows.
If that hasn't been your experience, it's because you're not acting on the Word. Being joyful is your life. The Bible says, "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation" (Isaiah 12:3). Without joy, you can't experience the awesome blessings that God has delivered to you when you received salvation.
Joy is one of the intrinsic attributes of your recreated spirit; you only need to express and exude it always, irrespective and independent of circumstances. That's where your strength lies-strength for an ever-victorious life: "...for the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).
🙏 P R A Y E R
Righteous Father, I've put on the new man which, after you, is created in righteousness and true holiness. Therefore, I'm full of joy and strengthened by the Holy Spirit today. My life is the testimony of your grace and goodness, and I rejoice always with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
1 Peter 1:8; whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Romans 14:17; for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 2 & Genesis 3-5
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 1:15-25; Genesis 2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 31ST DECEMBER 2022
A BLANK CHEQUE FROM GOD
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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
Pastor Chris Says
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Imagine that someone, a very rich person that you know, gives you a signed cheque and says, "Fill in any amount you want!" God gave Solomon a blank cheque by asking him, "What do you want?" Solomon asked for wisdom and understanding (1 Kings 3:8-9). God didn't send an angel from heaven to make Solomon wise. All He said was, "Solomon, you have it!" The moment God spoke those words, Solomon became what God said.
It's such a blessing to hear God and to receive His Word. His Word to you at any time in your life regarding any situation is all you need. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus said, "... If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." He just told you nothing shall be Impossible unto you. That's a blank cheque from God waiting to be cashed. All you have to do is fill in the blanks; the cheque has already been signed. When was it signed?
It was signed when the Holy Ghost came into your heart to live in you. The Bible says, "It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free -signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13 MSG). So, it's been signed!
It's time for you to fill it out. But how? It's with your mouth! The Bible says, "...my tongue is the pen of a ready writer" (Psalm 45:1). You fill in the blanks by speaking: as you declare words of faith in agreement with God, you're writing in the Spirit; you're composing a good matter! Hallelujah!
If life has been somewhat difficult and you've found yourself struggling, it's because you haven't filled in the blanks. The cheque has been signed, meaning that you've been authorized. Don't wait anymore; start talking and watch your life go from glory to glory.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I accept my new reality and Identity In Christ. I'm whom God says I am: holy, unblameable and unreproveable in His sight. I'm born of the incorruptible seed of God's Word. I'm unconquerable and indestructible because the Word of God is my life. God's nature of righteousness is in my spirit and I live In absolute mastery over circumstances. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Hebrews 13:5-6; Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear What man shall do unto me.
2 Corinthians 4:13; We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
1 Corinthians 2:12-13; Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 22 & Malachi 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 22:11-21 & Malachi 3-4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 28TH DECEMBER 2022
SPEAK BLESSINGS IN HIS NAME
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Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways (Job 22:28).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you pray, learn to speak words of blessings; speak things into being. Ecclesiastes 11:3 says, “If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth….” There’re clouds that are calamitous, catastrophic, ruinous and tragic, but our clouds carry spiritual waters of blessings, prosperity and victories.
In John 7:38, Jesus said, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow, rivers of living water.” The 39th verse says, “(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified).”
The Holy Spirit in you is a fountain of life. That’s why there's a gusher, an outflow of life and blessings as you speak. Always speak blessings; words that cancel Satan’s plans. Even now, make a decree concerning your nation, your city, your life or about anything, and it shall be established unto you (Job 22:28, Ecclesiastes 8:4).
Remember, it’s by the blessing of the upright that the city is exalted (Proverbs 11:11). Speaking blessings over anyone, anything, any city or nation can be done by giving thanks. Therefore, give thanks as the Word enjoins us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority….”
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the light of the glorious Gospel that continues to shine in all the nations of the world, with signs and wonders taking place as the Gospel is preached. Indeed, the knowledge of your glory is covering the earth as the waters cover the sea, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Job 22:28 AMPC; You shall also decide and decree a thing, and it shall be established for you; and the light [of God's favor] shall shine upon your ways.
1 Peter 3:9; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Proverbs 11:11; By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 19:11-21 & Zechariah 9-11
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 21:1-12 & Zechariah 11-12
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 25TH DECEMBER 2022
DIVINE LOVE WITH THE FATHER
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Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
Pastor Chris Says
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Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. He was born to fulfil the will of the Father. He was God’s love manifested to us. He was God’s sacrificial lamb to die and pay the price for the salvation of the world, to bring men into divine fellowship with the Father.
Ephesians 1:5-6 says, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Before the foundation of the world, God planned that you’d live in His love.
He planned that in Christ, you’d be the proof of His goodness. Ephesians 2:10 AMPC says, “For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”
Jesus experienced the love of the Father the way no man ever did. He said in John 14:10, “...I am in the Father, and the Father is in me....” He walked in the Father, and the Father walked in Him. We’re to do the same as admonished in Ephesians 5:1-2 AMPC: “THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.”
He saved us with His own love and gave His life for us, so we could experience the Father’s love through fellowship. Now we can better understand the Angel’s message to the shepherds in Luke 2:11-14: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, you’re awesome, glorious, righteous, holy, just and true. I love you, Lord. You’re gracious and ever-kind. Thank you for the honour of being in fellowship with you, to experience your divine love in ways beyond human comprehension, and for making me an expression of you and of your love. Amen.
📖 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.
John 3:16; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 17 & Zechariah 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 19:1-10 & Zechariah 5-6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 15 & Zephaniah 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 18:1-12 & Zechariah 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 22ND DECEMBER 2022
FLOURISHING THROUGH WORDS
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A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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Your real personality is revealed in words; you're no different from your words. Your words represent you. Think about this: before Jesus was manifested in the flesh, He was the living Word; He was God's Word. The Word that the Father spoke became flesh; as it is written, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory…” (John 1:14 NKJV).
This is why your words are so important. Your words are “you.” If your words were capsulated and made flesh, what would that flesh look like? Will you be happy with what you see? If not, you can change it. Your life can reflect the beauty and glory of God. Begin by studying and meditating on the Word. Let the Word fill your heart and mind; for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).
Speak wholesome words. When you speak beautiful, faith-filled words, your life takes on the shape of those words and you receive a beautiful outcome.
Some people speak ugly and hurtful words to others all the time. Let that not be your description. Be gracious always in your speech and help others flourish through your words.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Out of the abundance of God’s Word in my heart, my mouth speaks. My words are gushers of living water with which I tame the world, change circumstances, give life, uplift and edify others. My life is beautiful, and I beautify the lives of others with my wholesome words.
📖 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
TUES. 3RD JANUARY 2023
FAITH—OUR LIFESTYLE IN THE KINGDOM
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For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the Kingdom of God where we live, faith is our lifestyle. It isn’t something we try to acquire; it’s inherent in us. It came to us in the Gospel: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Romans 12:3 says, “…God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
Therefore, to live triumphantly in the Kingdom, you must put your faith to work. Failure to grow and exercise their faith is one of the reasons many Christians suffer for a long time. Rather than acting their faith, they’re more focused on their condition, complaining bitterly about what they’re going through.
That's not the way to function in the Kingdom of God. What you must understand is that God has given you authority and power in the Holy Spirit to effect changes. It only takes you acting on the Word, and that’s what faith is. Through faith, we activate the blessings and provisions of Christ made available to us in the Gospel. It’s the reason Jesus taught the message of faith to the people in His day. But being born again, we’re creatures of faith. Faith is our lifestyle. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S IO N
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I have the mindset of possibilities and victories only. I apprehend and call real, things that the physical senses can’t perceive but are revealed in God’s Word. My God-given vision, idea, target or dream is possible because I live by faith in God’s Word. I’m living in the spiritual realities of our divine Kingdom, in absolute prosperity and unending success! Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 17:6; And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Hebrews 11:1; Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Romans 10:17; So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 3 & Genesis 6-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 2:1-12 & Genesis 3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN 1ST JANUARY 2023
FOCUS ON THE ESSENCE NOT THE PROCESS
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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report (Hebrews 11:1-2).
Pastor Chris Says
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I've often said that there's no better definition of faith than what we have in Hebrews 11:1. It says faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of unseen realities. That means faith is the essence of hope. Therefore, in acting your faith, your focus shouldn't be on the medium or process; what matters is the source. Faith is the essence, not the process.
The Bible says about Abraham: being not weak in faith, he considered not his body now dead, neither the deadness of Sarah's womb, but he was strong in faith -in the essence. Hallelujah! Abraham's focus wasn't on how the baby Isaac would come but on God from whom he'd come, for God had given him His Word of promise and he counted God faithful to His Word. He saw the baby with the eyes of faith.
Today, what are you seeing? What has your faith pictured? What has your spirit taken a hold of? Hold on to the picture that you want and refuse to worry about how it'll navigate to you! Don't think, "Who does God have over there to make this or that happen for me? How am I going to get the money for this project?" No! Your part is to stay focused on Him; stay your heart and your mind on what you want. Your hope shouldn't be on someone helping you with the money but on God-your source.
Every so often, make bold faith proclamations and refuse contrary signs, feelings or fears, giving glory to God! Remember, what you see is what you get. The Bible says Abraham staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but he was strong in faith, giving glory to God. He held on to the picture, because when you look away, it dissipates. But when you look at it, you see it in action, and it manifests.
It makes no difference the kind of odds they say are against you. It doesn't matter the troubles that you face; can you see the picture of your glorious life? Can you see the picture of the greater, successful, triumphant and excellent you? That's what's important. Hold on to it.
P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, you've set eternity in my heart. I have an extraordinary capacity to contemplate, envision or see pictures of possibilities and the glorious life you've called me to live. By the Spirit, I comprehend the immeasurable, unlimited and surpassing greatness of your power at work in me. My faith is alive, producing results always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Hebrews 11:1-3 TPT: Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.
2. This testimony of faith is what previous generations were commended for.
3. Faith empowers us to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated by the power of God’s words! He spoke and the invisible realm gave birth to all that is seen.
Genesis 13:14-15; And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
15. for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 1: Genesis 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 1:1-14; Genesis 1
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 29TH DECEMBER 2022
YOUR ROLE IN THE GOSPEL
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For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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As God’s children, our role in the Gospel is clearly defined. Our Lord Jesus said, “...Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). In Matthew 28:19, He said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Like the Apostle Paul, you ought to personalize your role in the Gospel and say, “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust" (1 Timothy 1:11). The Gospel has been committed to your trust; how faithful are you to its spread around the world? Has it dawned on you that you’re a soldier, and taking the Gospel to every man’s world as Jesus asked us to do means war?
In every nation, you have the civilians and you have the army. The army has a role that's clearly defined for them: to defend the nation, protect vital national interests and fulfil national military responsibilities. You’re in God's army (2 Timothy 2:3-4), working in sync and in partnership with an unseen heavenly host, to cover the earth with God’s righteousness.
These heavenly hosts, by God's principles, can’t do the things they need to do without us and there’s a whole lot we can’t do without them. You have a role in the scheme of things. You’re God’s watchman, His mouthpiece and messenger.
You’re a co-labourer with God; His minister of reconciliation: “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19). While there’s a raging battle for the souls of men, God needs you to prevail in prayer, and preach the Gospel with all fervency.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for raising passionate, committed and fearless labourers for the end-time harvest fields around the world. I thank you that the people’s hearts are made ready to receive the Gospel gladly and be converted to the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 1:8-9; Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9. who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Romans 10:13-15; For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?
14. and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
2 Corinthians 5:18-20; And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19. to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 20 & Zechariah 12-14
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 21:13-27 & Zechariah 13-14
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON .26TH DECEMBER 2022
OUR TRUE PURPOSE
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For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening verse is an important food for thought. No man can truly “gain” the world without Jesus because it belongs to Him. He owns the world. You may own a piece of property today, but many years ago, that same property belonged to someone else who must have walked through its length and breadth and boasted “Look what I got!”
I ask people, “Where are the Pharaohs of Egypt and the Emperors of Europe? Where are the Caesars?” They’re long gone. Though they conquered the world at a point in their lives and thought they’d rule it forever, they had to leave it after a while, and someone else took over.
The natural man will give anything to live forever. But no matter how he tries to find a cure for death, he still has to answer the call whether or not he wants to.
Jesus taught about a rich man who had such a bountiful harvest that he needed to tear down his storehouses and build new ones to store his crops. He was excited to have laid up so much supplies for himself that could last for years. While he was thinking about this, God came into his room and said, “...You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luke 12:20 NIV).
What’s the purpose for your life in this world? Why are you here? I’ll tell you: It’s to make sure the Gospel of Jesus Christ goes to the ends of the earth. In Acts 26:16, the Bible says, “But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee.”
This is the reason God left you here and it should be your passion. It should be what excites you. You may not be a pastor, teacher, prophet, an evangelist or an apostle, but you are called to be a soul winner.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m an ambassador of God and a witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I’ve been sent from the heavenly Kingdom for the salvation of souls in the earth. My heart is set on my divine purpose and not on the mundanities of life. My daily passion is to establish the Kingdom of God in the earth and in the hearts of men; and I do this by the power of the Holy
of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 5:18-20;And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19. to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Colossians 3:1-2; If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 18 & Zechariah 4-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 19:11-21 & Zechariah 7-8
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 24TH DECEMBER 2022
HIS GOODNESS LEADS TO REPENTANCE
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…despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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Romans 2:4 highlights something very powerful about the goodness of God: it provides the opportunity for repentance. In the Old Testament, the threat of judgment didn't get the children of Israel to repent or obey God. But in the New Testament, He didn’t threaten us with judgments, because we’re His obedient ones (1 Peter 1:14). We’re described as having “obeyed” His Word of truth from the heart (Romans 6:17). Thus, He brought us into His goodness and love. Instead of judgment, He shows us His mercy.
God knows that if we would preach and tell the world about His love and goodness, they’d repent and turn to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:18 (NIV) says, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” This is the difference. He knows we've sinned, but in Christ, He’s not counting our sins against us.
Joel in his prophecy (Joel 2:10-13), along with Zephaniah, said the people’s sins were being counted against them and because of that, judgment was coming to them (Zephaniah 1:14-15). But in our day, it’s different. The problem of sin was taken care of through the sacrifice of Jesus in our behalf. As a result of that sacrifice, God reconciled the world to Himself; He brought humanity into peace with Himself. Now He has sent us to take the message of His goodness and love to the world and reconcile people to Him.
Therefore, make this Christmas count for someone who hasn’t yet known the Lord. You’ll meet them at the mall. They’ll be at that family function you plan to attend. They’ll be at the park you’re taking your kids to play. You’d see some of them on your way home from Church. Let them know God isn’t punishing them for their sins. He already laid the punishment on Jesus Christ in their place and if they’d only believe, eternal life and righteousness will be imparted to their spirits. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Lord, I pray that as your children minister the Gospel today around the world, righteousness is poured forth upon the nations, resulting in an avalanche of souls coming into the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 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.