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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 26TH APRIL 2023
THE THRONE OF GRACE
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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).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the Old Testament, there was a place called the Mercy Seat; it was the place of grace. When the High Priest came into the Most Holy Place where the Ark of God was, he consulted with God from between the cherubim of glory, which sat over the Mercy Seat, where the blood was offered.
But in Hebrews 4, writing to the Jewish Christians to help them understand what God had done in the New Testament, Paul said, “…we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God…” (Hebrews 4:14). Jesus is our High Priest. While all the other priests ministered in the first sanctuary, the High Priest alone went into the inner sanctuary.
But Hebrews 4:16 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.” That Mercy Seat in the Old Testament is now called the throne of grace, meaning that grace has now been enthroned! Hallelujah! Romans 5:2 says we have access by faith into this grace.
The word translated “throne” is the Greek, “thronos” and it means seat. Our underlined portion in our theme verse can read as “Let us come boldly unto the seat of grace!” We don’t need an intermediary anymore. We now have access in Christ Jesus into this “throne of grace,” to obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need.
The throne of grace is the place where grace reigns like a king! In that place or seat of grace, you don’t ask God for anything; you “obtain” what you want. The word translated “obtain” is the Greek, “lambano”, which means you come in there to collect or obtain grace!
Do you require grace for anything in your life today? Collect the grace you want; you’re already in the throne room where grace reigns; so boldly obtain the grace you need for that assignment, and for your next and higher level of glory in your walk with God.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency, and His superabundant grace upon my life is sufficient for me in all things. Grace—the lifting power of God that attracts the right people, materials and resources—has put me ahead and positioned me for success and victory. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Hebrews 4:14-16; Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
2 Timothy 2:1; Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 22:1-38 & 1 Samuel 26-28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 5:21-34 & Leviticus 26
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 24TH APRIL 2023
WE’VE RECEIVED THE KINGDOM
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Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32).
Pastor Chris Says
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Hebrews 12:28 tells us something similar to what we just read in our opening verse. It says, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”
The King James almost gives the impression that you’re in the process of receiving the Kingdom, but when you study the verse in the original Greek rendering, that's not what it’s saying; you got the Kingdom already.
The Complete Jewish Bible makes it clearer. It says, “Therefore, since we have received an unshakeable Kingdom, let us have grace, through which we may offer service that will please God, with reverence and fear.” We’ve received the Kingdom that we should live in it and express the life of the Kingdom. What is the life of the Kingdom? How can we know the true Christian life that God expects us to live today?
The first thing to do is to study the Book of Acts. The epistles also give us a lot of insight. Finally, the prophetic Word of blessings to the Jews about the millennial reign of Christ shows us an amazing picture of what the life of the Kingdom is. That’s what He’s already given to us to live in and experience NOW! Anything less than these isn’t full Christianity, and isn’t the life of the Kingdom.
This is the reason we’re raising and educating God's people on the Kingdom-life and the Kingdom-way of doing things. There’s a Kingdom way to think. Now that you’re in the Kingdom, you must learn to live by the principles of God’s Word. His Word is our blueprint and roadmap on how to live the ever-glorious, joyous and transcendent life of the Kingdom.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Righteous Father, I thank you for not only bringing me into the Kingdom, but for also giving me the Kingdom. Thank you for your Word, which educates and enlightens me on the Kingdom-life and the Kingdom-way of doing things; I live the ever-glorious, joyous and transcendent life of the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Mark 1:14;Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Luke 17:20-21 AMPC; Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied to them by saying, The kingdom of God does not come with signs to be observed or with visible display,
21. Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 20:20-21:1-4 & 1 Samuel 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 5:1-13 & Leviticus 24
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 22ND APRIL 2023
BE THE GIVER AND THE BLESSER
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Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand (Philippians 2:4 MSG).
Pastor Chris Says
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As a child of God, be known as one who remembers, cares for, and loves people genuinely. That’s what counts with God. Be the giver and the blesser. The Bible says, “…It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
The blessing you receive because of those who remember you is little compared to that which you receive when you remember others and give to them. When you receive from others, all you have is what you got. God’s promise isn’t to the one who receives but to the one who gives. So, rather than seek attention, give it instead. Don’t seek love; give love.
Demonstrate love to everyone, including those who might have offended you, and the ungodly that have no hope. That’s how God wants you to live. He said in Luke 6:27-31, “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
There’re people who only want to receive from others and enjoy attention from others; they only crave for others to love them. But read what the Lord said, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” You’re the seed of Abraham, and the seed of Abraham reaches out in love; he hears the cry of the needy and responds.
Isn’t that what God said concerning Abraham and His seed? He said in you shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. You’re the answer; you’re the solution. Fulfil your calling as the blesser and the giver; it’s the higher way of life! Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for your grace upon my life to help, lift and build others; thank you for your love that’s shed abroad in my heart, which I dispense lavishly to everyone in my world. I was born as the answer to the cry of millions, and through me, your blessing flows to others today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 9:6-7; But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Proverbs 11:24-25; There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25. The liberal soul shall be made fat: And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 19:28-48 & 1 Samuel 16-17
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 4:21-29 & Leviticus 22
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 20TH APRIL 2023
ENTHRONED WITH HIM
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For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet (1 Corinthians 15:25).
Pastor Chris Says
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Talking about the Lord Jesus, the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:24-25 tells us, “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.” That means He’s enthroned!
Notice that Paul didn’t say, “For he must reign, after he hath put all enemies under his feet,” no! Rather, he explained that He would reign till all enemies are under His feet. When did He start reigning? He started reigning when He sat down on the seat of the Majesty on high—at the right hand of the Father after His ascension.
Thanks be unto God! We’re seated together with Him, far above all principalities and powers. We’re enthroned with Him. He’s reigning right now through us over demons, hell and the grave. Romans 5:17 says, “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
We’ve received abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. Now, we’re in office, reigning through Christ over the world and its systems, circumstances, Satan and his demonic community. Refuse sickness, failure, defeat, and death. Reign in life as a king. Reject everything that’s not of God, and endorse only that which is consistent with His perfect will for you. You’ve been enthroned to reign. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Christ reigns over all things for the glory of God and His Church. I’ve been graced to reign in this life, through righteousness. I exercise dominion through words, and I put Satan, his minions and the elements of this world in their place, for I function in, and with, the dominion of Christ. Hallelujah!
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Daniel 7:13-14; I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
14. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Psalm 110:1-2 AMPC; THE Lord (God) says to my Lord (the Messiah), Sit at My right hand, until I make Your adversaries Your footstool.
2. The Lord will send forth from Zion the scepter of Your strength; rule, then, in the midst of Your foes.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 18:15-43 & 1 Samuel 11-13
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 4:1-12 & Leviticus 20
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 18TH APRIL 2023
YOU HAVE ALL YOU NEED
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And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation] (2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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What we just read is simply mind-blowing. It unveils God’s will for you; the life that He’s given you: it doesn’t require aid or support. Meaning that it doesn’t matter what you face, the solution is inside you. Being born again, you’ve already been given everything you’d ever need: “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3).
Colossians 1:27 says, “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” It doesn’t get better than that! Christ in you is everything. Jesus said in John 14:16, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” The Holy Spirit is in you NOW! With the Holy Spirit in you, you have everything you could ever want in life; you can be anything and can do anything.
No level of greatness or height of success is too lofty for you to attain. You have infinite possibilities, limitless and unparalleled advantages in life. It’s part of the result of the God-life—the God-nature in you. God didn’t create you to be in want of anything. Everything is inside you. Eternity is in your heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
That’s why He said, “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things…” (Matthew 12:35). What are the good things you desire? What do you want? What do you want to see? Bring them forth from within you with your faith-filled words! John 7:38 says, "Out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water"— words of life and power. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for my triumphant life in Christ! Thank you for the Holy Spirit who lives in me and in whom and through whom I can do all things and fulfil my destiny to your glory. Thank you for granting me all that I require for life and godliness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY;
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1 Corinthians 3:21-23; Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;
22. whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's;
23. and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
1 John 4:4; Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Psalm 23:1-2; The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 17:1-19 & 1 Samuel 3-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 3:8-19 & Leviticus 18
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 16TH APRIL 2023
GUARD YOUR HEART WITH THE WORD
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Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness (2 Peter 3:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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Notice some cautions and exhortations to the saints, given by the Spirit through the Apostle Peter in the verse we just read. When you study this same verse from the New International Version, it says, “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.”
Peter, by the Spirit, calls it the error of the lawless. The Living Bible renders it slightly differently. It says, “I am warning you ahead of time, dear brothers, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the mistakes of these wicked men, lest you yourselves become mixed up too.” Here, it’s called the mistakes of the wicked: their miscalculations because of their ignorance.
Then, the Bible also talks about an evil heart of unbelief which comes from disobedience: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12). The Greek word for unbelief is “Apistia” which means disbelief, or arising from disobedience.
Then it says in the 13th verse, “… exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” How do we exhort one another daily? It’s with the Word. The Word is the only material to help us grow and be shielded from the error of the lawless and the miscalculations of the wicked.
With the Word, you can diligently guard your heart against unbelief and anything that tries to change or destroy the excellence that God already programmed in you. Study and meditate on the Scriptures until your whole spirit, soul and body are programmed to only think God’s thoughts and influenced only by His ideas and opinions. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Dear Lord, I delight in your Word and yield to it for exhortation, doctrine and counsel. In your Word, I’ve found life, peace, righteousness and everlasting joy. As I live in your Word, your glory is revealed in my life; I’m constantly transfigured from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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2 Timothy 3:16-17; All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17. that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Colossians 3:16;Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
2 Peter 3:18; But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 15:11-32 & Ruth 1-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:23-28 & Leviticus 16
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 14TH APRIL 2023
THREE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PRIESTS
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And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (Revelations 1:6).
Pastor Chris Says
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As God’s people in the earth, we’re king-priests; that is, royal priests. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people….” What are the responsibilities of a priest? The responsibilities of a priest are in three folds.
First, a priest offers gifts to God. When people bring material gifts to the house of God, the priest is empowered by God to convert these from material substance to spiritual substance, useful to God. Without the office of a priest, material things presented to God remain mundane and thus of no spiritual value.
Secondly, the priest is called to intercede for men; he stands between God and men. It is his office to do so, and when he does that, God is also obligated to hear the priest’s voice and respond accordingly.
Thirdly, the priest is called to teach the Word and reveal the principles and way of life of the Kingdom of God to men. He’s called to teach the people how to live for God and towards God. These are the three assignments given to the priest. So, as God’s priests, we offer gifts, we intercede in prayer, and we teach the knowledge of God. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the awesome responsibilities you’ve given me as a king-priest. It’s my joy to bring your will to pass in the earth, leading many into the Kingdom and teaching them the way of the Kingdom. Thank you for the dominion and the authority to alter the course of events in the earth through intercessory prayer, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Peter 2:9 AMPC; But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Revelation 5:10 AMPC; And You have made them a kingdom (royal race) and priests to our God, and they shall reign [as kings] over the earth!
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:1-24 & Judges 17-18
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:1-12 & Leviticus 14
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 12TH APRIL 2023
ALIVE TO SPIRITUAL REALITIES
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Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:11).
Pastor Chris Says
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What we just read is absolutely life-transforming: we’re alive to God, alive to spiritual realities of the Kingdom. The Apostle Paul made a similar statement in Ephesians 2:1; it says, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”
To be quickened is to be made alive. When Jesus died, you died in Him. When God raised Him from the dead, you were raised together with Him. You were awakened in God; you came alive in the spirit. This is the reason you can understand the realities of God’s Kingdom.
The one who isn’t born again isn’t alive to God; he’s dead spiritually and gropes in the darkness. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” In Luke 8:10, the Lord Jesus said it is given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.
Every so often, declare that you’re filled with the knowledge of God’s will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Affirm that you have an understanding heart. This is part of your heritage in Christ.
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.” 1 Corinthians 2:12 says, "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." You have insight into the mysteries and realities of the Kingdom, into your inheritance, rights, benefits, privileges and blessings in Christ. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I thank you, blessed Father, for granting me insight into the mysteries and secrets of the Kingdom. I’m filled with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. I know the hope of your calling and the riches of the glory of your inheritance for me in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 2:7-12; 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.
Matthew 13:10-11; And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11. He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 13:1-21 & Judges 12-13
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 1:29-39 & Leviticus 12
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 10TH APRIL 2023
LIVING IN THE VICTORY OF CHRIST
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Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:35-37).
Pastor Chris Says
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Life may be filled with adversities, but the Word says you’re more than a conqueror through Christ. This should give you comfort, peace and joy. You’re living in the victory of Christ. He assured us of victory over crises and challenges when He said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The Bible says in 1 John 4:4, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." You’ve been lifted over and above the corrupting influences of this world.
Our opening scripture states clearly that neither tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril nor sword could separate you from the love of God. Then it concludes by saying you’re more than a conqueror. Being more than a conqueror means you conquered in Christ before the foundation of the earth. Hallelujah! There’s nothing to struggle with or try to overcome anymore. When He arose from the grave a victor and a champion, you were in Him.
Don't allow the circumstances of life make you a victim. You were born into the victorious life in Christ: “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Now thanks be unto God who always causes me to triumph in Christ and make manifest the savour of His knowledge in every place! Thank you Father, for my victorious life in Christ! I live in triumph over circumstances, in total fulfillment, joy, glory and dominion, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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James 1:2-3; My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3. knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
1 John 4:4; Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 Corinthians 15:57; But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 12:22-48 & Judges 9
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 1:1-13 & Leviticus 10
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 8TH APRIL 2023
HE’S ALL LOVE
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He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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Oftentimes, we say that God is loving; yes, He is. But it’s important to understand that love isn’t just a quality He possesses; it’s who He is. God is love. Love is His nature. Everything He does is love-inspired.
Ephesians 2:4-5 talks about His great and amazing love. It says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).”
When Jesus restored sight to the blind, healed the deaf, made the lame to walk, restored maimed limbs and raised the dead, they were all acts of love. He was love made flesh; love personified. The Bible tells us how a certain woman who suffered haemorrhage for twelve years pressed through the crowd to touch the hem of His garment for healing. She pressed through the crowd at the risk of her life to get to Jesus. Remember, the Law forbade anyone to make physical contact with others during a blood issue; she’d have been stoned to death if her blood condition was discovered.
But the Bible says she thought to herself, "If I can just put a finger on His robe, I'll get well." She did and was healed instantly. Everything Jesus is and represents is love. His communication and actions pointed everyone to the Father’s love. He was the revelation of God’s love.
He said in John 15:9 (MSG), "I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love.” He loves you unconditionally and unequivocally. Let this inspire you today and always, and provoke in you such audacity of faith.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I’m conscious and grateful for your love for me. I know that above all things, you desire that I fulfil my destiny in Christ, prosper, walk in health and live triumphantly today, and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 John 4:7-8; Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
2 Corinthians 13:14; The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.
Jeremiah 13:3; And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 11:37-54 & Judges 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 28:1-10 & Leviticus 8
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 6TH APRIL 2023
MENDING YOUR WORLD
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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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The Greek word, “aion” is what is translated as “worlds” in the verse above. It refers to course of life; an era, or the structure and administration of things as they are in the world. Every now and then, the devil tries to turn the course of this world in his direction; he likes to impose his own system on the world and force us to live in his system. But he’s subject to us, so we can’t allow him to have his way.
For example, when a city or a nation gets new leaders, Satan often attempts to make such leaders follow his agenda. Those leaders may never know when they're being influenced and caused to lie and deceive their people and nation.
Even when the people find out that they’re being deceived, they can’t reverse the damage; they can’t free themselves. But the Bible says, “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God…. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:19-22).
We’re the ones to deliver the world—all of creation— from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. How? It’s with the Word of God (the “rhema” of God) on our lips. With the Word of God, you can repair, construct and reconstruct the course of your life and your world.
That’s what the men and women of faith did in Bible days. Through faith, they framed or repaired their world with the Word of God. It's what God expects of us today: we must frame our era with the Word of God through faith.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear heavenly Father, thank you for giving me dominion over all things. I’ve received the dynamic ability to cause changes, repair, frame, perfect, mend, and restore everything in my world in line with your perfect will. The course of my life stays consistent with your plans and purposes, and I live victoriously over the adversary and the adversities of 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.
Hebrews 11:1-3 AMPC; 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].
2. For by [faith–trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report.
3. By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 11:1-13 & Judges 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 27:45-54 & Leviticus 6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 4TH APRIL 2023
LIVING IN THE SPIRIT
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If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
Pastor Chris Says
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As Christians, we don’t go in and out of the Spirit; we live in the Spirit. Our theme verse makes it clear: it says, “Because we live in the Spirit, we should walk in the Spirit.” There’re two common expressions that you find in the Bible for being in the Spirit. One is to be in a vision or trance where your physical senses are more or less suspended. However, that’s a temporal experience.
The other and more important expression of being in the Spirit is being born into the Spirit, where you become aware and alive to the spirit-realm through the Word and the Holy Ghost. You live in that consciousness even though you’re in this world and your physical senses are conscious of your natural environment.
In the latter, you’re living with the mindset of the heavenly being that you are. You see the same things with other people, but you have a different interpretation and a different understanding. You're Spirit-ruled; you see things the Kingdom way; the Word of God dictates your actions and responses to life and everything around you. You dominate your environment with the atmosphere of the Spirit. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Thank you, precious Holy Spirit, for being my peculiar atmosphere and advantage in life. You’ve made my life so different and beautiful. I rule and dominate my world with the atmosphere of joy, peace, success and victory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Acts 1:8; But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Romans 8:9; But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 10:1-24 & Joshua 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 27:26-37 & Leviticus 4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 2ND APRIL 2023
STAY POSITIVE
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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the ways to live happily every day is to always stay positive with the Word, and think good thoughts about other people. Never allow anyone bring some negativities into your life to defile the purity of your heart and the joy of seeing others with the eyes with which God sees them. Stay with the good thoughts about everyone.
God’s love believes only the best about others every time. Some people get in awkward situations for believing all the wrong and negative things they heard about others, and end up losing good relationships. For example, you probably know a lot of things about certain people in your congregation, family or neighbourhood. But never dwell on the negatives.
The Bible shows us clearly what we should give our minds to; how to think and what to think about. That’s what we read in our opening verse. Don’t dwell on allegations against people. When you set your thinking on thoughts that are contrary to those listed in the opening verse, you become the reflection of such thoughts.
But imagine if your life is the reflection of things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. How beautiful your life would be! Your character is the reflection of your thoughts. The more positive your thoughts are, the more peaceful and excellent your life would be.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, as I meditate on your Word, my mind is inundated with thoughts of glory, excellence, success, victory and prosperity. I make my way prosperous and walk in absolute victory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 13:7 AMPC; Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].
Philippians 4:8 TPT; Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 9:18-36 & Joshua 13-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 27:1-10 & Leviticus 2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 31ST MARCH 2023
THIS IS OUR DAY
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For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1 Corinthians 4:20).
Pastor Chris Says
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When Jesus came to this earth, it wasn’t His day. In Luke 22:53, at the verge of His crucifixion, He said to the soldiers, “…this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” So, He allowed Himself to be arrested. When He ministered, He didn’t go beyond the city of Jerusalem (Luke 24:49). That wasn’t His day.
The Day of Christ is when He returns to judge the nations and begin His 1,000-year reign upon the earth. (Read Philippians 1:10, Philippians 2:16, 2 Thessalonians 2:2). The Bible says, “In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:6).
All those things will happen in His days, for 1,000 years! That’s at the Millennium. But this is the day of the Church! Glory to God! Realize this and take advantage of it. This is the day in which we must use all that He’s given us for His glory. You've got to have the manifestation of power in your life! The Kingdom of God isn’t in words only, but in power also (1 Cotinthians 4:20).
The tremendous miracles, signs and wonders performed by Jesus and the apostles were chronicled in the Bible to inspire us and to let us know we can do the same in our day through the power of the same Spirit. Use what you’ve got. Praise God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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This is the day of the Church, and thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph in Christ and makes manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place! Thank you Lord, for this dispensation which you’ve given us for your glory and for the manifestation of your power in our lives. The supernatural has become an everyday experience for the Church, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Isaiah 53:10; Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Romans 8:19-21; For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21. because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 8:40-56 & Joshua 7-9
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:57-68 & Exodus 40
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 29TH MARCH 2023
DEAL WITH IT ON YOUR KNEES
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And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed (Luke 22:41).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening verse reminds of what the Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 3:14-15: “I bow my knees before the Father of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” Learn to bow your knees in prayer. Sometimes people go through tough times and severe persecutions. The way to deal with such situations is on your knees in prayer.
In Luke 18:1-8, the Lord Jesus emphasized the importance of persistence in prayer. This is because being the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, you can change anything through prayer. When Satan stirs persecution against us, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Never allow any crisis or situation take your attention such that you begin to mull it over, feeling helpless. One minute with the Holy Ghost will make a far much greater impact than five hours of melancholy and sad cogitations. So, pray in, and with, the spirit. "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray…" (James 5:13). Ephesians 6:18 says, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit….”
It doesn’t matter the persecution or how unsavoury the economy of your nation is; keep praying about it. Ecclesiastes 11:3 says, “If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.”
Keep watering the clouds with prayer; soon enough, the condensation will take place and there’ll be a deluge: the answers will come pouring down.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The Lord reigns and rules in the affairs of men. The Lord is strong and mighty, the God of all flesh, and there’s nothing too difficult for Him. He’s the God of possibilities, and He’s given me the power of attorney to use the Name of Jesus to effect the changes I desire. Therefore, I live an ever-winning life, with dominion over Satan and his cohorts, spreading the Gospel of Christ in my world and beyond, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 18:1; And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
1 Thessalonians 5:17; Pray without ceasing.
James 5:16 AMPC: Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 8:1-21 & Joshua 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:36-46 & Exodus 38
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 25TH APRIL 2023
RUN TO WIN
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Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain (1 Corinthians 9:24).
Pastor Chris Says
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What we read in our theme verse lets us know that in Christianity, there’s godly competition; we run to win, to obtain the prize. We’re likened to sportsmen: “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air” (1 Corinthians 9:25-26).
The Bible shows you what to do to be at the top of your game: become temperate in all things; exercise selfcontrol. Like an athlete, there’re things you should do and there’re things you shouldn’t, just so you can keep in form. Those athletes do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we do ours for an incorruptible crown. Hallelujah.
Notice what He says in the 27th verse: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27). He instructs us to do everything to win, but according to the rules, so you’re not disqualified. Don’t run to miss the prize.
In Hebrews 12:1-2, the Bible says, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith....”
As you run your race, as you fulfil your ministry in the Gospel, lay aside every weight. Don’t let sin be an encumbrance in your life. Refuse to allow anything to take your focus off the Master. Remain steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m a spiritual sportsman, disciplined to do the Word, and fully yielded to the leading of the Spirit. I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize and fulfil God’s call and destiny for me. I remain steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Philippians 3:12-14; Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-2 AMPC; THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,
2. Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 21:5-38 & 1 Samuel 23-25
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 5:14-20 & Leviticus 25
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 23RD APRIL 2023
NEVER TOO LATE OR IMPOSSIBLE
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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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It makes no difference where you are in life and the circumstances in which you find yourself today; you can still win; you can be a success. Perhaps you’ve had certain dreams and pursuits that you think are now impossible to achieve, or you think you’re now too old to achieve meaningful success in life; don’t give up. Renew your mind with the Word. Change your thinking.
Moses answered the call of God at the age of eighty. His old age didn’t truncate his destiny. It was the same with Abraham, who received the promise at seventy-five years of age. With God, nothing is ever too late or impossible. Therefore, don’t despair.
As you grow spiritually, there could be times of difficulties and tough challenges. But those challenges are your opportunities to demonstrate your faith in the Lord and prove His Word. God gave us His Word to live by, and to use in creating our glorious and triumphant lives. So, it’s your responsibility to use the Word; to work the Word.
Philippians 2:12 says, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” That was what Abraham did. God said to him, " (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were” (Romans 4:17).
At this time, Abraham was nearly a hundred years old and didn’t have a child, but he believed and acted on the Word. Romans 4:20 says He didn’t stagger at the promise of God through unbelief, but he was strong in faith, giving glory to God!
The change you desire in your ministry, finances, health and family is possible and dependent on you. Act on the Word. Insist that nothing but what the Word of God says will prevail in your life, and it shall be so. Be ever joyful, declaring your glorious life, righteousness and victory in Christ Jesus.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My mind is constantly renewed by the Word to think and produce excellence. The Word of God is prevailing in my life, producing what it talks about. I make manifest the savour of God’s knowledge in every place, reigning with Christ, and bringing Him glory today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 1:1-3; Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; And in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Mark 9:23; Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 20:1-19 & 1 Samuel 18-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 4:30-41 & Leviticus 23
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 21ST APRIL 2023
SO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR
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Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20).
Pastor Chris Says
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In your life, you must learn to count your blessings and be genuinely grateful to the Lord for all He’s done in your life. A grateful heart is very important to the Lord.
Some people hardly appreciate or recognize when they’re making progress or when God is doing something beautiful in their lives. It’s because they’re negatively programmed. They’ll rather wear a worried look, troubled all the time, only seeing their inabilities and what they don’t have.
Take stock of your life from the beginning of the year till now, for example, and you’d discover how much progress you’ve made. I’m sure you’ve learnt some new things; your knowledge and understanding of God’s Word improved. Perhaps you used to always arrive late to work or for meetings; but at the beginning of the year, you decided to work on it. Now, you’re always punctual; these are blessings the Lord has made possible for you that you should be grateful for.
Never think that such blessings are insignificant. Perhaps your prayer life has become richer; you pray better than you used to; that’s a huge blessing. Always consider these and other improvements the Spirit of God has brought into your life; centre your mind on them and be grateful.
Be thrilled by such blessings as the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit in your life! That’s greater than any material blessing or promotion you could ever get. In fact, it’s what will give rise to all other kinds of material blessings and promotions.
Therefore, learn to be content and grateful for all things, serving the Lord joyfully, irrespective and independent of circumstances. Praise God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, you’re great, gracious and glorious; you’re loving, holy, just and true. Thank you for your blessings in my life: the divine favours that you cause me to experience always. I’m grateful, Lord, for your faithfulness towards me! You’ve given me all that pertains to life and godliness; thank you for making my life the effulgence of your glory and righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 68:19; Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
Psalm 103:2; Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:
Ephesians 5:20; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 19:1-27 & 1 Samuel 14-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 4:13-20 & Leviticus 21
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 19TH APRIL 2023
THE NATIONS ARE HIS FOCUS
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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 (Acts 10:38).
Pastor Chris Says
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Some things happen by God's choice. When they do, there're often no human ways of explaining them. Only through the Scriptures do we discover the reason He does such things. In 2 Chronicles 9, for example, the Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame and came to Jerusalem to see for herself.
When she arrived, she was stunned! She asked every question she could think of and was left amazed at Solomon's wisdom, his responses, and the many things she saw. This prompted her to extol God’s divine love for His people: “Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice” (2 Chronicles 9:8).
God made Solomon the king of Israel because He loved Israel. He chose a man that He loved (2 Samuel 12:24), and made him the king of a people He loved. So, Israel was His focus.
It brings to mind something the Lord told me years ago; He said the number one thing He wanted me to do was to take healing to the nations. The nations were His focus—the rendezvous of broken humanity—the sick, the weak, and all those who had become incapacitated due to sickness and disease. He loved them. His focus was on them to bring them healing and health.
And thanks be unto God that He created the platforms and opportunities for us to reach them through the Healing Streams Live Healing Services. Previous editions have seen billions of participants from nations receive healing from chronic ailments in real-time, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for bringing healing, strength and vigour to the sick and causing them to walk in the finished works of Christ. You’ve made me a light in a dark world, and my light shines ever so brightly. I walk in your glory and perfection, manifesting your righteousness and exercising the dominion of the Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 8:30-31; Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him;
31. Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; And my delights were with the sons of men.
Acts 10:38 AMPC; How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 17:20-18:1-14 & 1 Samuel 8-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 3:20-35 & Leviticus 19
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 17TH APRIL 2023
A DIVINE PARENTAGE
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Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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Being born again means you’re God’s offspring; you’re a divine being. You’re not an ordinary person, because you have in you the same life that God has. When Jesus walked the earth, He had this consciousness. In John 6:38, He said: "For I came down from heaven…." He affirmed His divine origin.
This is how you must think, talk, and live. Be conscious of your divine origin. You hail from God. Your true parentage is divine. Like the Lord Jesus, speak with confidence and authority in affirming who you are. Recall what the psalmist said in Psalm 82:6, “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”
We're gods because we’re born of God. Just in case you’re thinking the psalmist might have gone too far, read the words of the Master Himself in John 10:34; He reiterated the same words. He said, “…Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?” Align yourself with God’s Word, His thoughts and visions of you, and speak accordingly.
Every so often, affirm that you’re an associate of the God-kind; as Jesus is, so are you: “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). Let your consciousness of who you are in Christ—the consciousness of your divinity—control everything you say and do. Let it control everything about your life.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I walk in dominion over the elements of this world and over demons, disease and death, because I’m born of God! The life of Christ is manifested in me, from glory to glory, and I walk in the consciousness of my divine origin, in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Peter 1:4; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
John 5:26; For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
1 John 5:11-13 NIV: And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 16 & 1 Samuel 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 3:1-7 & Leviticus 17
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 15TH APRIL 2023
OUR PRIESTHOOD IS NOW
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But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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In our previous study, we outlined three important roles of the priest: to offer gifts, intercede in prayer, and teach the knowledge of God. These are responsibilities for us to carry out now, not at the millennial reign of Christ; it’s our ministry now!
A study of the prophetic writings concerning the millennial reign of Christ shows us what Israel will be doing during that time and also our own roles. The millennial reign of Christ is Israel’s restoration and millennial exercise of the Christ-life which we already had throughout the Church age.
Thus, the millennial reign isn’t towards the Church; the Church already reigned in the earth for two thousand years THROUGH Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17), and will reign WITH Him in the millennial period. But when do we function as priests? When do we teach the knowledge of God, intercede for men, and offer gifts? It’s NOW! Our priesthood is now!
Revelation 1:6 says, “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 5:10 also says He has “…made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." We’re in office as king-priests of God, in the earth.
He’s given us the responsibility to alter the course of events and happenings in our world today through intercession, sacrifices of praise to the Name of the Lord, and the propagation of His truth in all the earth. Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, by your Spirit, I fulfil my ministry of intercession as a king-priest, unveiling the mysteries of the Kingdom to my world, and offering spiritual sacrifices to the praise of your Name. I declare that today, your Word prevails in and through me as I proclaim your righteousness and salvation to the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Revelation 1:5-6 AMPC;And from Jesus Christ the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead [first to be brought back to life] and the Prince (Ruler) of the kings of the earth. To Him Who ever loves us and has once [for all] loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood, [Ps. 89:27.]
6. And formed us into a kingdom (a royal race), priests to His God and Father–to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion throughout the ages and forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
Ecclesiastes 8:4 TLB; His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it.
1 Peter 2:9-10 AMPC: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
10. Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God's people; once you were unpitied, but now you are pitied and have received mercy.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:25-15:1-10 & Judges 19-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:13-22 & Leviticus 15
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
THURS. 13TH APRIL 2023
ALL BLESSINGS FULFILLED IN CHRIST
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Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:12).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Exodus 19:5, God spoke to Moses and instructed him to tell the Israelites that if they’d obey his voice, then they’d be His treasured possession—a priestly kingdom and a holy nation: “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation…” (Exodus 19:5-6).
But thanks be unto God! The promise that was preconditioned on their obedience to God’s commandment has been given to us and fulfilled in us in Christ. God ushered us into this by the new birth in Christ. Hallelujah!
Hence the Apostle Peter declares in his epistle, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 AMPC).
In Revelation 1:5, observe the tenses used: “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” He loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood!
The 6th verse says He has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. No wonder the Spirit says through Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God in him (Christ) are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for granting me all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I’m delighted to know that I’m your treasured possession, ordained to show forth your wonderful deeds and display your virtues and perfections. Thank you for making me your righteousness and the effulgence of your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Romans 6:17; But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 5:18-19; Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 13:22-35 & Judges 14-16
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 1:40-45 & Leviticus 13
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
TUES. 11TH APRIL 2023
WORDS ARE SEEDS
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Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).
Pastor Chris Says
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While explaining the parable of the sower, the Lord Jesus emphasized in the eleventh verse that the seed the sower sowed was the Word of God. He lets us know that words are seeds and that what you sow is what you reap.
If you sow the right words into your life and future, they’ll produce the right harvest. Always steer your life in God’s direction for you with the right words. You can’t keep speaking negatively and expect to have an excellent life.
Proverbs 15:4 says, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Here, see how Solomon connects words with seed, tree and fruits. A wholesome tongue is one that speaks life, health, healing, righteousness and abundance. That wholesome tongue is a tree of life.
Many unknowingly bruise their spirits by speaking words that are inconsistent with the provisions of the Gospel. This is why you must train yourself to talk right. Speak blessed words. Your life goes in the direction of your words.
Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech (your words) be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” In other words, don’t speak idle, inoperative and uninspiring words, for you’d give account of your words: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).
Your life today is the harvest of all the words you’ve been speaking. Therefore, always speak righteousness, peace, health, wealth and joy.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My life is excellent. I’m the expression of God’s glory, grace, wisdom and righteousness! I’m a testimony of His love, the proof of His goodness. I walk in victory always to the glory of His Name. Blessed be God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 18:21; Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
James 3:2; For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
1 Peter 3:10; For He that will love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 12:49-59 & Judges 10-11
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 1:14-28 & Leviticus 11
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 9TH APRIL 2023
HE DIDN’T DIE FOR “CHRISTIANS”
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Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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When we speak generically, we say, “Jesus died for the whole world.” Yes, that’s absolutely correct. But in some sense, He didn’t die for Christians. There’s a huge difference when we say, “all of us,” meaning everyone in the world, and “all of us,” referring to Christians.
In the generic sense, Jesus died for all of us—the whole world; He was judged for us. But when you believed that He died for you and was raised back to life for your justification, it became possible for eternal life to be imparted to your spirit. Once that happened, you were born again; you became a Christian—a new creation.
The new creation is a brand-new man, a brand-new species of being; he has no past. You aren’t the same person that was born of your father and your mother; that’s the “old man” with the sin nature. That “old man” or “old you” died with Christ: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:6).
The new you—the new creation—came from the resurrection: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). This “new you” is created in righteousness and holiness: “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). Hallelujah!
If it's true that the new creation has no past (and it's true), then he isn’t the one that Jesus died for. Understanding this will help you a great deal in your Christian walk. It’ll make it easier for you to understand why you’re justified. The Bible says Jesus Christ was raised back to life for our justification (Romans 4:25). You’ve been justified in Him. In other words, in the mind of justice, you never sinned. You’re the righteousness of God in Christ.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I worship you Father, Lord God of heaven and earth, for blessing me with your Word. I declare that I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus and the lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places. I refuse to struggle for anything, for you’ve blessed me richly with all things to enjoy. I walk in favour, divine health and prosperity all the days of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 6:4; Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 4:25; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Ephesians 4:24 AMPC; And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 12:1-21 & Judges 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 28:11-20 & Leviticus 9
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 7TH APRIL 2023
THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST
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I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).
Pastor Chris Says
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In our theme verse, Paul alludes to the faith of the Son of God—the faith of Jesus Christ! Did you know that He had faith in you? The Bible tells us that for the joy, the glory, that was set before Him, He endured the Cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2). You’re that joy and glory He saw for which He gave His life, not minding a criminal’s death. He saw what you'd become by virtue of His vicarious death.
The Bible says God’s dream was to indwell man, for man to be His living tabernacle. In Proverbs 8:31, the Bible says the Spirit rejoiced in the habitable part of His earth; but His delights were with the sons of men. Jesus gave His life to realize God’s dream: His dream of us becoming the glory of God; His dream of us becoming the righteousness of God; His dream of us becoming associates of the Godkind. He gave His life so God’s plan for us to have and enjoy life to the full would be realized.
Now we live in righteousness, prosperity, health, dominion, victory and excellence forever, because of the faith of Jesus Christ! He had faith in what He did. He had faith in you and trusted you with His life. He knew if you’d believe His Gospel, you’d become like Him, and now you’re like Him: “...As He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17).
Believe in what He did, who He is, and what He’s made you. Believe in yourself. Live by His faith. Decide that you’re going to be everything He died and came back to life for you to become, achieve, and enjoy. Make up your mind your life will be for His glory and for His praise as you fulfil your destiny in Him.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I'm what God says I am. I'm an heir of God and a jointheir with Christ; I’m living God’s dream and enjoying the fullness of life. I walk in prosperity, health, strength and victory now and evermore, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 5:15; and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Colossians 3:3; For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 11:14-36 & Judges 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 27:55-66 & Leviticus 7
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 5TH APRIL 2023
WHEN THE SPIRIT TAKES OVER
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Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).
Pastor Chris Says
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If as a Christian, you’ve come to a point in your life where it seems everything is now a drag, you don’t seem to be making the kind of progress you desire or that’s expected, there’s a way out! Maybe you’ve even tried everything you know to do, but there’s still no commensurate progress, don’t be frustrated. You can have a complete turnaround today.
First, understand that life is spiritual and except you operate from the realm of the Spirit, you can’t achieve meaningful success. Our opening verse lets us know that we can take charge of our lives and situations from the realm of the Spirit by praying in the Spirit.
When we pray in tongues, the Spirit Himself gives us utterance in spiritual vocabulary. Beyond this utterance in tongues, we have deep sighs or groanings as in the opening verse: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
This is a better and higher way to pray. When you’re faced with serious crises in your life, it may get to the point where you don’t know or have words with which to express yourself or deal with the situation. At that point, you might want to just get on the floor before the Lord, in absolute dependence on the Holy Spirit, until He takes over for you. Hallelujah!
With these groanings, the Holy Spirit makes intercession for you and God’s people. You can learn and train yourself in this by giving more time and attention to prayer; yielding yourself to God. These are Kingdom secrets given to us from the Word, for us to live victoriously in life. Glory to God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The circumstances don’t matter. I win by the power of the Holy Spirit. As I speak in tongues even now, the Holy Spirit takes over my vocal cords and gets me in sync with the will of the Father; His visions, promptings, ideas and thoughts are clear to me as He leads me in victory and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 14:16-17 AMPC; And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever–
17. The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.
Zechariah 4:6; Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Romans 8:26 AMPC; So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 10:25-42 & Joshua 23-24
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 27:38-44 & Leviticus 5
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 3RD APRIL 2023
USE YOUR FAITH
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For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Romans 12:3, the Bible says, “…God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” We all have faith, and according to our theme verse, the faith that was administered to us from God's eternal Word conquers the world! It’s the faith of the Kingdom. Our hearts are receptive to God’s Word and we can always trust His Word to produce faith in our hearts, and with our faith, we have victory over the world, its system, and its fears. Hallelujah!
We’re not victims in this life. In Mark 9:23, Jesus didn’t say, “Some things (or most) things are possible”; neither did He say, "All things are possible to God." Rather, He declared, “...If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” That means anything is possible to anyone who believes; that includes you. So, how are you going to make all things possible unto you? It’s with your faith! That’s your instrument. You can use your faith for anything.
When you face challenges, put your faith to work. If you ever think that your faith isn’t strong enough, all you have to do is listen to, or study the Word of God. The Word of God will produce faith; that’s the miracle power of God’s Word: it stirs faith. That’s the source of faith in the heart of any man.
That’s why this devotional, Rhapsody of Realities, is very important, because the more you study it, the more faith comes to you. His glory is in His Word; His power is in His Word; His character is in His Word. Therefore, it’s impossible for the Word not to produce faith in you and put you over all adversities. Don’t cry or complain when you face challenges; use your faith and win!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My faith conquers the world! Irrespective of the circumstances around me and the happenings in the world today, I have the faith to rule my world. I open my mind to the Word, the source of faith, and with that faith, I have dominion over circumstances and victory over the world and its systems and fears. Nothing is impossible unto me! Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 6:16; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
1 John 5:4; For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Romans 10:17; So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 9:37-62 & Joshua 16-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 27:11-25 & Leviticus 3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 1ST APRIL 2023
PARALYZE HIS INFLUENCE
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Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2).
Pastor Chris Says
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The expression, "... the power of the air..." in the scripture above refers to an atmosphere or behaviour indicative of some quality or trait; like you'd say, "An air of unbelief." It could be the atmosphere in a region indicative of something foul, evil or dark about that place; it's the work of the prince of the power of the air. But you're to paralyze his influence.
Churches, people, families and individuals could be influenced by "the air" of their city without their knowing. The church that was in Corinth, for example, was influenced by the city of Corinth; likewise the church at Ephesus.
However, through the teaching of God's Word, the apostles made the people understand that only through the Holy Spirit could they rise above the spirit of their environment and break the power of that prince of the power of the air.
The prince of the power of the air brings an air of poverty into a place, a feeling of inadequacy; he causes the destruction, hatred, killings, murders, wickedness and violence in the world today. He can run families, cities, kingdoms and nations, determining a lot of things that happen in them.
But the Bible says, "For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod" (Isaiah 30:31). The Assyrian is prophetic of the Antichrist spirit. The "voice of the LORD" is contextualized for us here as the Word of God spoken by the power of the Holy Spirit. That's the "rhema" of God, which is the sword of the Spirit! It discomfits Satan and the princes of darkness.
With the Word on your lips, you destroy the activities of the prince of the power of the air; you paralyze his influence over your nation, your city, your family, personal life and environment. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I break the power of the spirit of darkness that lures men into destruction; I paralyze his influence over my nation. Christ reigns and rules in my life, family, business, city, and environment. In His Name, I declare peace in the nations, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 28:18-20; And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20. teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Philippians 2:9-11; Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10. that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11. and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Psalm 149:5-9; Let the saints be joyful in glory: Let them sing aloud upon their beds.
6. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a twoedged sword in their hand;
7. To execute vengeance upon the heathen, And punishments upon the people;
8. To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron;
9. To execute upon them the judgment written: This honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 9:1-17; Joshua 10-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:69-75; Leviticus 1
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 30TH MARCH 2023
DON’T ENTERTAIN SATAN’S THOUGHTS
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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true...honest...Just...pure...lovely...of good report...think on these things (Philippians 4:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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Some time ago, the report went viral of a 32-year-old nurse who was accused of murdering seven newborn babies, including two brothers from a set of triplets. She carried out this despicable act over the course of a year in the neonatal unit of a certain hospital.
The Police had recovered apparent confession notes from her home after her arrest in which she had penned some of her heinous thoughts. On one of the notes, she had written in capital letters: “I AM EVIL. I DID THIS.” What would make a lady carry out such a diabolic act, and confess herself as evil? Those suggestions were given to her by demons.
There're so many evil things that demons make people do which the people, in their natural minds, would never do. But demons practise on people for some time by suggesting things to them. Those bad thoughts come to their minds again and again until they start enjoying them.
They may be thoughts of suicide or thoughts of hatred. Such thoughts can come to someone for no reason, and when he or she dwells on them, the demons go to the next level of making them act their thoughts.
That’s why Ephesians 4:27 says, “Neither give place to the devil.” You give place to him by giving place to his thoughts and words. Don’t entertain his thoughts. When He comes with those negative, depressing thoughts— thoughts that are contrary to God’s Word—tell him off immediately. Respond with the Word and he’ll flee.
If he tries to run rampage around you, remember what Jesus said would be a sign for those who believe in Him; He said, “...In my name shall they cast out devils…” (Mark 16:17). So, cast him out; cast out his thoughts.
So many things that happen in our world are influenced by demons. That’s because the system of the world was created by Satan. And only men and women of faith in the Word of God can use the Word of God to change things.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Satan has nothing in me! I refuse to harbour fear, anger, grudge, bitterness, or unforgiveness, for love rules in my heart. The Word of God continually purifies my heart, purging it of all unrighteousness. And with the Word in my heart and on my lips, I’ll forever be indomitable. Praise God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 4:27 AMPC; Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].
Proverbs 4:23; Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
Philippians 4:8 AMPC; For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 8:22-39 & Joshua 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:47-56 & Exodus 39
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 28TH MARCH 2023
STAY IN CHRIST
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No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD (Isaiah 54:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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This opening verse is one of the blessings of Israel’s millennial kingdom under the Messiah; but it’s true of us in Christ today. In Him, we live and move and have our being. We’re guaranteed divine protection from all weapons of any nature, formed or used against us.
In Christianity, we dwell in Christ. Christ is our home. In Christ, we’re in safety. We’re immune from hurt or harm. It’s like what God did for the children of Israel in the Old Testament. Exodus 12:22-23 says, "And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you."
He told the children of Israel to stay inside their houses because the death angel was coming to town; there would be no safety outside. Then He instructed them to mark their doorposts and lintels with blood to prevent them from being destroyed along with the Egyptians.
They did as God instructed and they were preserved. As long as they stayed where God told them to stay, the death angel couldn't touch them. It’s the same thing today; as long as you’re in Christ—as long as you stay in the truth of God’s Word—death, evil and peril will "pass over" you. You’ll live perpetually in victory.
When the reality of the Word and who you are in Christ dawns on you, you suddenly come to a place of absolute confidence and independence, where you realize that you’re superior to Satan and nothing he does can affect you. This is our life in Christ. Glory to God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I dwell in the secret place of the Most High, and under the shadow of the Almighty. He is my refuge and my fortress. I'm forever protected and fortified against all evil, wickedness and corrupting influences in the world because I dwell in Christ, the place of safety, glory, dominion and everlasting joy—where I reign and rule over circumstances, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 2:14; Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
Psalm 91:5-9; Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6. Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand;
8. But it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold And see the reward of the wicked.
9. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, Even the most High, thy habitation;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 7:36-50 & Joshua 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 26:26-35 & Exodus 37
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional