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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 4TH JUNE 2023
TAKE THE COMMUNION WITH UNDERSTANDING
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When we drink the cup of blessing, aren't we taking into ourselves the blood, the very life, of Christ? And isn't it the same with the loaf of bread we break and eat? Don't we take into ourselves the body, the very life, of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16 MSG).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Holy Communion is a very important sacrament in the Church, but many take it without understanding its spiritual import and impact. When you take the Holy Communion, you aren't only fellowshipping with the body and blood of Christ, you're administering life to your body because it has curative powers! It's more potent than any medication.
In explaining the parable of the sower to His disciples in Matthew 13:3-4 and 18-19, the Lord Jesus revealed that the ones who received seed by the wayside represented those who hear the Word but don't understand it. As a result of their lack of understanding, Satan comes immediately and steals the Word sown in their hearts, and they lose out.
God's Word mixed with understanding produces divine results. Henceforth, have the understanding that when we "break bread," we're commemorating the vicarious death of Christ, the sacrificial Lamb that was given up for you. Also, the "Cup" signifies the New Testament sealed in His blood. His divine blood was shed for us for the remission of sins, so that sin should not have dominion over us.
So, today, it doesn't matter what the condition has been; you might have been diagnosed with lung, kidney, heart, stomach or skin problems; take the Communion and declare, "No cancerous growth, weakness, disease, infirmity or sickness can thrive or survive in my body. I'm healthy, vibrant and strong." Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the body of Jesus that was broken for me so that I'll never be broken, sick, weak, or defeated. Thank you for His blood that was shed for the remission of sins, and by which I've become a partaker and distributor of the divine life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 10:16-17; The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17. For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
1 Corinthians 11:23-25; For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24. and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:28-19:1-16 & 1 Chronicles 14-16
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:66-72 & Deuteronomy 2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 2ND JUNE 2023
WE'RE HIS HOLY SANCTUARY
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The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel (Psalm 68:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). That means you're God's house, His holy sanctuary.
In Hebrews 3:1, the Bible says, "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling...." Colossians 1:22 (CEV) says, "...God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent." Think about that! Then Ephesians 1:4 says, "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." Hallelujah!
In Exodus 19, when Moses brought the people from the camp to meet God, the Bible tells us that God descended on Mount Sinai with a terrible display of power. the mountain shuddered in huge spasms, with smoke billowing from it, so much so that the people trembled before the Lord. God only stepped on it and it was declared a holy mountain.
His presence made it holy. Now, think about the fact that He didn't indwell the mountain; but He indwells you! Hallelujah! You're more holy than Mount Sinai. No wonder He tells us in Ephesians 5:25-27 that Christ gave Himself for us-the Church-that He might sanctify and cleanse us with the washing of water by the Word, and present us to Himself glorious, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that we should be holy and without blemish. Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your divine presence in me that makes me holy, unblameable and unreproveable in your sight. I walk in the light of this truth, and reign over sin, Satan and circumstances. I'm victorious all the way, serving you joyously in love, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 1:21-22; And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22. in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17. If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Hebrews 3:1; Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 17:1-26 & 1 Chronicles 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:43-52 & Numbers 36
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 31ST MAY 2023
BEING RAISED BY THE WORD
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If we say we are his, we must follow the example of Christ (1 John 2:6 CEV).
Pastor Chris Says
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There is the education of the human mind, but there's also the education of the human spirit, in these last days, through the ministry of the Word and the Spirit, we're raising God's people to become effective witnesses.
The Body of Christ is growing, and thanks be unto God for making it possible for a whole lot more people to hear the Word of God and be raised. It's akin to watching newborn babies grow up; it evokes some kind of excitement in parents as they watch their children go through various stages of growth.
At a certain level of growth, all that the parents are required to do is give the required instructions, guidance, supervision and direction. They ensure the babies are feeding well, getting the right treatment, living in the right environment, exercising their bodies, and so on.
But soon enough, through observation, the babies begin to talk and attempt to act like the parents. That way, they're being raised, the things you do affect them, and they tend to become more and more like you. It's the same thing spiritually. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
Now, because the Lord is in fellowship with us, talking to us, teaching us, feeding us and doing things before us, and we have His Word to give us a good picture, we become more and more like Him, acting, talking, relating with others as He would.
The Bible says, "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). Open your heart to be raised by the Word. Receive with meekness the love, hope, faith, power, prosperity, truth, strength, soundness of mind and body that the Word brings to you. Embrace the Word, which is able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, my life is the expression of all that Christ is. I unveil Him to my world today through my thoughts, words and actions. The world sees Jesus in my eyes; I show them love they can't deny. His divine life is manifested through me. I live in the consciousness of my divine life and origin in Christ, knowing that His wisdom, ability and power are working in and through me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 3:18; But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Acts 20:32; And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
2 Timothy 3:16-17; All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17. that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:18-16:1-16 & 1 Chronicles 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:22-31 & Numbers 34
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 29TH MAY 2023
JESUS IS LORD AND GOD
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...He [God] was made visible in human flesh, justified and vindicated in the [Holy Spirit, was seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, [and] taken up in glory (1 Timothy 3:16 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening verse leaves no doubt about who Jesus is; He is God, made visible in human flesh, justified and vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and taken up in glory! Hallelujah!
It brings to mind the story of the hastily prearranged prosecution of Jesus in Mark 14:60-63. The high priests conspired with the Jewish Council to find some evidence against Jesus by which they could sentence Him to death, but they couldn't find any. Then they asked Jesus, "...Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"
The Master's response was unambiguous and unequivocal. He said, "...I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." For this, they condemned Him to death and took Him away because He dared to declare Himself to be God in human flesh. But that's who He is. To say "Jesus is the Son of God" means He's God in human flesh.
God came to us in a human body. That was what He was crucified for. No wonder Paul said the fullness of the Godhead, that is, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit- the totality of Deity-is tabernacled in Jesus (Colossians 1:19).
When you stand before the throne of God, you aren't going to be seeing some blinding light as the Father, and then the Lord Jesus standing beside Him on the throne; neither will you see the Holy Spirit like a bird on top of the throne, no! Jesus is on the throne and the Father is in Him. He is the complete embodiment of Deity. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Blessed Lord Jesus, you're God who appeared in human form, believed on in the world, and taken up to heaven. How excellent is your Name in all the earth, O, Lord! You're the complete embodiment of Deity. I worship you for who you are, and thank you for revealing yourself to your Church. Your glory is everlasting. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 10:30-33; I and my Father are one.
31. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying,
33. For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
Philippians 2:5-6; Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6. who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Colossians 1:19 AMPC; For it has pleased [the Father] that all the divine fullness (the sum total of the divine perfection, powers, and attributes) should dwell in Him permanently.
John 1:1-3; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 14:15-31 & 1 Chronicles 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:1-11 & Numbers 32
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 27TH MAY 2023
KNOWING THE WORD OF GOD
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The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes (Psalm 19:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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When we emphasize the importance of knowing the Word of God, some think we mean acquiring "Bible Knowledge" from a university or religious institution. That may have its place, but knowing the Word by revelation and guidance of the Holy Spirit is different.
There're Bible scholars who studied Bible knowledge as a course but have no idea what the Word of God is. All scripture is God-breathed; that is, the contents and the message of the Bible came from God and are Inspired by His Spirit. It's His document of truth, and it's trustworthy and dependable.
2 Timothy 3:16 AMPC says, "Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action)." Hebrews 4:12 further tells us something extraordinary about the Word of God. It says, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
But then, what is the Word of God? The Word is that message from God that reveals or communicates His works, will, thoughts, plans, purposes and pursuit to bring men into, or promote, fellowship with Him in love. It's His message of truth with the content and power to build His image into the life of the hearers.
Now, the content of the Word is the embodiment of Christ's revelations, provisions, perfections and instructions, profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction and for training in righteousness. Therefore, knowing or having the knowledge of the Word means knowing God in His thoughts about anything. You know His thoughts, opinions, ideas, and agenda; you're looking into God's mind or His heart about anything! What a wonder!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your Word that propels, empowers, inspires, uplifts, motivates and gives me clarity of purpose. I'm educated to know your thoughts, opinions, ideas and agenda in the earth, as your Spirit guides me into all truth, teaching me to make the right choices and decisions that are consistent with your perfect will always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 19:7; The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
2 Peter 1:21; For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Timothy 3:14-17; But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15. and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17. that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:1-30 & 2 Kings 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 13:12-23 & Numbers 30
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 25TH MAY 2023
A TRAINING FOR GREATER RESPONSIBILITIES
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For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God's power (1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT).
Pastor Chris Says
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In our previous study, we learnt about the Kingdom of heaven and how its purpose is to establish the Kingdom of God in the earth. But what's the Kingdom of heaven? It refers to the political government of Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "...and the government shall be upon his shoulder..." (Isaiah 9:6). This is dealing with His structures and political arrangement.
Even though the Kingdom of heaven is in the earth and ruling the spirit world, it's not yet governing the people. To understand this, think of a political party that's already active with members, but hasn't assumed authority over the government of the state or nation.
When that party eventually takes over the government, everything changes. In the same way, once the Kingdom of God is truly and duly established in the earth, then the Kingdom of heaven takes over! But for now, the political structures in the world today will continue to nose- dive, and the world will keep having more problems until the Rapture takes place. The period of tribulation will then follow, after which the Lord Jesus will appear from heaven.
The Bible says in Daniel 7:27 "And the Kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the Kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him." At His second coming, the Lord Jesus gets the Kingdom! He'll establish His political structures on earth and take over. Hallelujah! He'll reign and rule and, in the end, deliver the Kingdom to God the Father.
Understand that all the things we're doing for the Lord on earth today aren't an end in themselves; they're trainings for greater Kingdom responsibilities ahead. Therefore, serve the Lord wholeheartedly, and make up your mind to accomplish big things for the Kingdom, knowing that there's a "hereafter".
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I consciously invest time, energy and resources in the education and training of my spirit for greater Kingdom responsibilities ahead. I'm inspired and fortified for the Kingdom-life, in and by the Word. I'm positioned for greatness, living the triumphant, prosperous life through the power and effectual working of your Word in me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Mark 1:14; Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Matthew 3:1-2; In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa,
2. and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 10:7; And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 12:1-19 & 2 Kings 16-17
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:35-44 & Numbers 28
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 23RD MAY 2023
A DIFFERENT TYPE OF PROMISE
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Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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The word translated as "promises" in our opening verse needs to be properly understood. In the New Testament, the same Greek word "epaggella" was translated as "promise" more than fifty times. However, in 2 Peter, another Greek word 'epaggelma' was translated as "promise" twice. This was a different type of promise, but the Bible translators didn't distinguish between the two. I'll explain.
The first type of promise is futuristic. It's like when one says, "I'll give you $200,000 tomorrow." That's a promise. But there's another type when someone tells you, "I'll give you $200,000" and then proceeds to write a cheque that's dated today. Now, that cheque is the promise, not the money.
The promise is that if you take the cheque to the bank, the money will be there. So, it depends on whenever you want to cash it. If the first type of promise falls, there might be no consequences; but not the second one; it must not fail. If it fails, that's a criminal offence in financial terms, because it'll be a dud cheque.
This second type of promise is what's written in our opening verse. These aren't futuristic promises but promises backed already with fulfillment. They're real already, waiting for whenever you want them "cashed."
Observe again what the Bible says: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature..." This means that by "cashing" these precious promises, we become associates of the Godkind. Hallelujah!
It's time to cash your cheques and start participating in the divine experience. But how do you cash them? It's by speaking God's language; it's by declaring words of faith in agreement with God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm immensely grateful for the privilege to participate in the divine experience. I'm an associate of the God-kind, transfigured in spirit into the image and likeness of the Son of God! I function from the place of advantage, victory, dominion and power, guided and propelled by His divine wisdom to do your will and fulfil my destiny in Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 John 5:11-12; And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Galatians 3:16; Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:20; For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 11:1-16 & 2 Kings 10-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:18-27 & Numbers 26
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 21ST MAY 2023
YOU'RE ACCEPTED OF HIM
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According as he hath chosen us in him... unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ... wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:4-6).
Pastor Chris Says
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Some people live their lives in the hope that God will accept them on the basis of their good works. But our good works aren't enough to give us a right standing with God. You may even be going through a situation and thinking, "When I look at my life, I can't even find any sin; so, why am I going through this?"
Well, the Bible says "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Furthermore, Galatians 2:16 says, "...by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
The struggle to live right, to please God so as to be accepted by Him, is unnecessary. Why should you work so hard, struggling to be accepted by Him, when the Spirit already calls us through the Word as, "...accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6 )? You've been accepted and declared righteous before God. Accept this truth and now live to please Him accordingly.
God chose you before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame before Him in love, and He predestined you to be accepted in His presence. It's part of what His righteousness in your spirit has produced for you; you can boldly stand in the presence of God without guilt, inferiority or condemnation. In Christ, you have right standing before God. Hallelujah!
Now that you're born again, you dwell in God's presence, and you're at liberty to serve Him as He desires. Until and unless this becomes your present-hour consciousness, your Christian walk will be a struggle. Christianity for you should be an everyday experience of divine fellowship.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for your love, grace, and righteousness at work in me. Thank you for choosing me to be holy and without blame before you in love. I walk in wisdom today, fulfilling your good pleasure and producing works of righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:1-2; There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Ephesians 2:8-10; For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9. not of works, lest any man should boast.
10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 1:4-6 AMPC; Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.
5. For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]–
6. [So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 10:1-21 & 2 Kings 6-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:1-12 & Numbers 24
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 19TH MAY 2023
FOCUS ON YOUR ASSIGNMENT
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...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the beautiful things about discovering your divine purpose in life is that it keeps you focused. Your purpose defines your life, giving you a focus and a direction. A synonym for purpose is "intent" or "design." Intent or design is never general; it must be clear, definite and specific for it to be realistic and effective.
Our Lord Jesus had a clear purpose for coming into the world, and He expressed it unequivocally. He said, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it to the full" (John 10:10).
The Word says in 1 John 3:8: "...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." Then in Luke 19:10, Jesus declared, "... The son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." His purpose was very clear: He came to do the will of His Father.
He said, "... My nourishment comes from doing the will of God who sent me, and from finishing his work" (John 4:34 TLB). We see from this statement of Jesus, a very powerful principle of life revealed: the pursuit and fulfilment of your divine purpose is the true sustenance of life; it's the fuel that keeps your engine running while you're on the face of this earth. Even in the natural sense, few things stimulate, keep alive, or stir courage as much as going after a goal and accomplishing it.
We also see purpose expressed in Paul's narrative of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 26:13-16). He appeared to Paul to make him a minister and a witness (Acts 26:16). He further reveals to Paul that he was "to open the eyes of the Gentiles and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Christ Jesus" (Acts 26:18).
This was Paul's reason for being; this was his life's mission, and he said in verse 19, "...I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision." Then in 1 Corinthians 9:26, he said, "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air." In other words, I'm focused on my mission; I'm definitive about carrying out God's plan for my life. That's how it ought to be. Be focused on your assignment, on your God-given purpose. Glory to God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm unwavering, steadfast, resolute, firm and focused on my mission and the purpose for which I was created. I serve you wholeheartedly as a witness of the Gospel of Christ, definitive about fulfilling your purpose for my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Acts 26:16-18; But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17. delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18. to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Acts 23:11; And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 8:48-59 & 2 Kings 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 11:12-26 & Numbers 22
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 17TH MAY 2023
PROPHECY AS A WEAPON
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This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare (1 Timothy 1:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh" (2 Corinthians 10:3). In other words, though we live in the human body, our war isn't according to the flesh. Then the 4th verse tells us about the weapons of our warfare: "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds)." These weapons aren't manmade or invented by human understanding; rather, they operate through God to the pulling down of strongholds.
It doesn't matter what kind of strongholds they are, whether they be intellectual strongholds, mental strongholds, political strongholds, scientific strongholds, or medical strongholds! We have weapons to dislodge these evil strongholds and render them ineffective and futile. Hallelujah!
The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, tells us about one of these effectual weapons of our warfare in our opening scripture- prophecy! Use prophecies as a weapon as you wage spiritual warfare by faith. God's Word about you is prophecy. Therefore, always speak forth His Word.
The Word of God from your lips is the sword of the Spirit (the "rhema" of God). This is an inspired utterance of the Word of God from your mouth. It's a prophetic word. With it, you chart your course in life from glory to glory. You can re-frame and re-plan your life. You can override the sequence of unpalatable events in your life or circumstances.
What has God said about you? What has He said about lost souls? What has He said about your situation? Use those words to make war and cause His will to be established in your life, in your nation, and in the lives of men and women around the world.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I declare that righteousness is established in the hearts of people around the world; and through the truth of the Gospel, salvation, healing and health, prosperity and success, deliverance, wholeness, preservation, peace and joy spread in the nations of the earth, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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1 Corinthians 14:3-5; But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
5. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
6. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1 Corinthians 14:39 NLT; So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 8:12-30 & 1 Kings 20-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 10:46-52 & Numbers 20
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 15TH MAY 2023
DON'T BE A PRISONER OF YOUR PAST
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Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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There are those who are haunted by guilt and memories of the past. They're fighting so hard to overcome painful memories. They're in bondage to their past, probably because of some terrible things they had done or the hurt they suffered, and they've been living with the pain ever since.
You need to understand what it means to be born again, to be a new creation: you're a brand new person. You're not the same person who had those horrible experiences. That person died in Christ. The new "you" is absolved of all guilt, free of errors and imperfections.
Romans 5:18 says, "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." Jesus wasn't only delivered on account of our sins, He was also raised for our justification (Romans 4:25). What does this mean?
It means you were declared "not guilty"; no charge against you. The reason is simple: you're a new creation; a brand new person without a past. So, even if you did something wrong in the past that still makes you feel guilty, it's all based on memory and emotions. In Christianity, we don't walk by our feelings; we walk by faith. We live on the affirmation of God's Word.
Don't recollect a bitter experience you might have had many years ago and start crying that God should forgive you. Refuse to be held captive by guilt or memories of the past.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for my new life in Christ; your divine nature in me has made me a master over circumstances, with dominion over the systems of this world. I serve you always with joy unspeakable and full of glory, unencumbered by sin or reproach! Thank you for making me righteous, holy and irreproachable in your sight, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Galatians 6:14-16; But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
John 1:12-13; But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13. which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Romans 6:4; Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 7:1-24 & 1 Kings 15-17
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 10:23-31 & Numbers 18
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 13TH MAY 2023
NEVER RULED BY FEAR
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There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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There're certain negative forces that affect people's actions, choices and decisions, one of them is fear. Fear is a tormenting spirit. There're different kinds of fear: The fear of failure, the fear of the future, the fear of man, the fear of death, the fear of darkness, and so on.
Oftentimes, those who are driven by fear can't even define what they're afraid of. Yet, they perpetually live in fear. But we're never to be moved by fear, because we're born of God and live by faith. In your life, make up your mind that you'll never be ruled by fear.
Never allow fear to prompt you to take an action or stop you from taking one. The Bible says fear entraps, but if you trust in the Lord, you're safe (Proverbs 29:25).
There are people who are bound by the fear of insecurity. Even some leaders experience these fears in their leadership roles. But the Bible says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1.7). That means if you're born again and filled with the Holy Spirit, fear has no place in your life. You should never be ensnared by fear. You have the Spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind. Blessed be God!
It makes no difference the darkness in the world and how dismal the state of the world economy gets; refuse to be agitated. Trust the Lord, He leads us in perpetual triumph. God has ordained your victory, promotion, and prosperity in the midst of darkness. He already planned that you'll be a success in this life, irrespective of what's going on in the world around you. So, live confidently every day, knowing that your faith is the victory that overcomes the world. "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).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Satan and the powers of darkness are under my feet; therefore, I have nothing to fear. The impulses of fear have been completely disabled from my life. Irrespective of the situation, I'm bold and courageous, speaking the Word in faith. My faith is the victory that overcomes fear, sickness, disease and infirmities. I walk in dominion over the elements of this world, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Luke 12:32; Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
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 8:35-37; Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36. As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 6:25-59 & 1 Kings 10-11
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 10:1-12 & Numbers 16
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 11TH MAY 2023
SENT TO TELL HIS STORY
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Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father, and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? (John 14:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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All over the world, people pray in the Name of Jesus. They preach Him on the streets and every week in churches. Some have written books about Him, sung about Him, and prophesied in His Name. But a very painful reality is that many don't know who He really is.
True, they've heard about Him, but He's not merely "a great religious leader" that many know Him as; He is God. Sadly, even among preachers, some only know Him as Saviour who saved us from our sins. But Jesus is much more than that. He's Himself God; the omnipotent, immortal God, living in unapproachable light of divine glory, coequal with the Father and the embodiment of the Godhead (Colossians 1:19; 2:9; 1 Timothy 6:14-16).
Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of all, who has all authority in heaven, in earth, and under the earth. We're His witnesses, and we have to let the world know that He's real and that He came to die as a man for all men; He was raised from the dead and lives forever. Let's get busy, telling the whole world about Him.
The work we're doing here on earth isn't an end in itself. One day, we would have told the last person; we would have held the last conference or the last church service; we would have completed everything He asked us to do, and then we'll hear that trumpet sound. The Lord will appear and we'll receive crowns of glory: "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1 Peter 5:4). Glory to His Name forever!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Blessed Lord Jesus, how great you are! You're the immortal God, the King of kings and Lord of all, with all authority in heaven, in earth, and under the earth. You're the Master and Ruler, the One with supreme authority and pre-eminence. I believe with all my heart and declare with my mouth that you're my Lord; you're God over all, and the One who made all things! I love you Lord!
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John 17:3; And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
2 Corinthians 4:5-6; For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:18-20; And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19. to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 5:31-47 & 1 Kings 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 9:30-37 & Numbers 14
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 9TH MAY 2023
PREDESTINATION AND PERSONAL CHOICE
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For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live] (Ephesians 2:10 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Some times people ask if there's such a thing as predestination. "Can really say that God prearranged my life?" they wonder. Absolutely! The Bible says He did, we just read it! Also, Romans 8:29 says, "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate...."
The question then arises: Is God, therefore, responsible for everything that happens in my life? Not really, because you're a free moral agent; you're responsible for your decisions and actions. Once you become an adult, you have a responsibility for your life, and the onus is on you to make the right decisions in line with God's destiny and perfect will for you.
Just because God predestined your life for something doesn't mean you'll fulfil it. People don't necessarily become what God planned for them to be. It's a personal choice you make to fulfil God's plan for your life and be all that He's destined you to be.
Paul, in his letter to the Colossian church, sent a specific instruction to Archippus, telling him: "... Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it" (Colossians 4:17). If the man didn't have the responsibility of fulfilling the ministry that God committed to him, Paul wouldn't have instructed him to see to it that he fulfilled it. This also meant it was possible for him not to fulfil it.
Make up your mind you'll be everything God has destined you to be, you'll do all that He's predestined you to do, and you'll walk in His preordained pathways.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I'm walking in preordained pathways, rightly positioned in God's place of opportunity and set on the path of success, glory, victory and divine destiny! The course of events in my life has been structured by God to bring Him glory, for He's the One at work in me both to will and to do His good pleasure. Hallelujah!!
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Romans 8:29-30 TPT;For he knew all about us before we were born and he destined us from the beginning to share the likeness of his Son. This means the Son is the oldest among a vast family of brothers and sisters who will become just like him.
30. Having determined our destiny ahead of time, he called us to himself and transferred his perfect righteousness to everyone he called. And those who possess his perfect righteousness he co-glorified with his Son!
Deuteronomy 30:19; I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Ephesians 1:11; in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 4:27-54 & 1 Kings 2-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 9:2-13 & Numbers 12
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 7TH MAY 2023
EVERLASTING LIFE
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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening verse is about the most popular verse of the Bible. It contains the most powerful and most informative words in the entire Scripture. It says anyone who believes in the Son of God has everlasting life, meaning they're separated from destruction, waste, failure, damage, etc
What is everlasting life? is it just life that goes on and on? No, that definition doesn't even scratch the surface of what it is. To understand everlasting life, you first have to know what eternal life is. This might come as a surprise to some people who thought they were the same; but there's a difference.
To be etemal is to be ageless: ageless without a beginning and ageless without an end. It's a life that has no beginning and it has no end; it's timeless. Eternity, thus, refers to timelessness and agelessness. More specifically, it's a life that's incorruptible, Indestructible, imperishable, unending, and not subject to failure or death. This is the life and nature of God.
That's why He's called the Eternal One. The Bible says in Psalm 90:2, "Before you created the hills or brought the world into being, you were eternally God, and will be God for ever" (GNB).
Everlasting life is eternal life with a beginning, it has a beginning but no end. The angels, for instance, have eternal life with a beginning Though they live forever, they had a beginning. God, however, has no beginning. He's absolutely eternal. The angels became eternal because God, the Eternal One, made them everlasting. To make them everlasting, He had to impart them with eternal life.
When you're born again, you receive eternal life and become everlasting. You're brought from your humanity into eternity. Receiving that life is your first entry into it; that's the beginning of your life in eternity. From there on, you become a part of an endless life that's imperishable, indestructible and incorruptible
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I have received eternal life, and I'm absolutely death-free, incorruptible, indestructible, imperishable, not subject to failure, depravities and diseases because the law of life is operational in me! Divinity dwells in me, and I live the transcendent life! Glory to God!
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1 John 5:11-13, And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
John 3:36; He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 5:24; Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 3:22-36 & 2 Samuel 23-24
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 8:22-33 & Numbers 10
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 3RD JUNE 2023
TESTIFY OF HIS DEATH
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For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Pastor Chris Says
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The synoptic Gospels, Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, and Luke 22:19-20 capture for us the words of Jesus the night He was betrayed. Luke 22:19-20 tells us, "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
The Apostle Paul, by the Spirit, reiterated this in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, part of which we read in our theme scripture. Notice the underlined word, "shew"; it's the Greek, "kataggello," which means to proclaim, declare, and make known. As often as you take communion, you're announcing, proclaiming, declaring, and making known the Lord's death. What's the benefit of that?
First, understand the significance of His blood-which we will forever talk about-that He shed for us; that's the blood that purges, cleanses and speaks for you when anything goes wrong. When we talk about "His blood," we're actually referring to His death.
1 John 2:2 says "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." He made a new will- the New Testament in His blood. And a will is of no effect until the testator dies. So, we proclaim His death because we know God raised Him from the dead. But He died that we might live. His death is the ratification of the will or testament of Jesus Christ, the Seed of Abraham and Son of God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm forever grateful for the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed for me, which purges, cleanses, and rids me of all unrighteousness. Thank you for Christ's vicarious death in my behalf and by whose resurrection I'm now an associate of the God-kind, ushered into the divine life of unending victory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Matthew 26:26-28; And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28. for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
1 Corinthians 10:16; The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
1 Corinthians 11:26 AMPC; For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are representing and signifying and proclaiming the fact of the Lord's death until He comes [again].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:1-27 & 1 Chronicles 11-13
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:53-65 & Deuteronomy 1
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
THURS. 1ST JUNE 2023
YOUR REVELATION OF THE GOSPEL
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For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you believed in Jesus Christ, you became a Christian and started living out your understanding of Christianity. Your life became a daily expression of your idea or perception of Christianity. Consciously or unconsciously, you became a reflection of your "gospel."
“My Gospel?” you may be wondering. Yes! Every one of us has a “Gospel.” Your gospel is your perception of Christ: who He is and what He came to do. You can’t live above your revelation of the Gospel. Whatever you believe about Jesus will affect your speech, thinking process, and outlook on life. You’ll see everything through your “Gospel screen,” as it were.
This is why it’s important to have an accurate knowledge of the Gospel of Christ. What’s your understanding of the Gospel? What’s your opinion of Christ? Who is He, and what do you believe about Him?
One of the things I did for myself in my early years was to ask myself, “What do you really believe about Jesus?” Using the Word of God, I began to probe my heart to find out what I truly believed about Jesus, and I wrote my answers in a notebook.
There’re things you need to address for yourself as a Christian because you can only give to others what you have. You may preach the Gospel to people, but have you preached it to “you”? Do you have personal convictions about it?
Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Have you come to that conclusion about the Gospel? If you truly believe and understand the Gospel, you’ll preach it with fervour and urgency. You won’t spare anything to ensure it permeates your community, city, country, and every man’s world. Let your convictions of Christ drive you.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of taking the same message the apostles preached to my world. I have a clearer understanding of the Gospel, convinced that it’s the only hope and power there is for the salvation of men. I proclaim it with boldness today, to the praise and glory of your Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 1:17; For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1 Corinthians 9:16; For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
Romans 2:16; in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 16:17-33 & 1 Chronicles 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:32-42 & Numbers 35
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 30TH MAY 2023
KNOWING WHO THE CHRISTIAN IS
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But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people... (1 Peter 2:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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You may read the four gospels and not get a picture of the Christian life and who the Christian really is. This is because the gospels don't completely give us the full picture of the life of Jesus after His resurrection. The account of His life before His ascension was very brief.
It's part of the reasons He told His disciples about the Holy Spirit -the Spirit of truth-who would show them things to come and guide them into all truth (John 16:12-13). Therefore, the most appropriate reference point for the Christian, as you study the New Testament, are the epistles.
Someone might ask, "How about the Book of Acts?" The Book of Acts is a catalogue of the acts of a baby Church. The Church in the Book of Acts had just started out in the Faith; so, it might not be the best expression of the Christian life, though it's a good place to start. But for deeper and greater insights into the life of God's new creature in Christ, you'd have to study the epistles!
For example, Paul's epistle to the Roman church-the Book of Romans-is an extraordinary exposition of the doctrine of the supremacy of Christ and of faith in Christ as the source of salvation. Also, consider his beautiful letter to the Ephesian church; it detalls how new converts can grow in their spiritual knowledge of God and in the realities of the Kingdom.
Think about Peter's writings; in chapter one verse four of his second epistle, he said, "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature...." What a description of who the Christian Is: we're participators or sharers of God's divine nature; associates of the God-kind-carriers or conveyors of the God-life. What a blessed reality!
There's also the prophetic word on the millennial reign of Christ: everything the Lord promised to the Jews in the millennial reign is what He already gave the Church to enjoy today.
Therefore, if you want to know about the Christian life and who the Christian is, you need the Book of Acts, the revelations and admonitions in the epistles, and all the promises prophetically given to the Jews in the Millennium. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm thoroughly nourished, nurtured, sustained and fortified to attain spiritual maturity through the study of the realities of the new life in Christ. I make progress by the Spirit, and my profiting by the Word is unstoppable, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 1:26-27; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27. to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
2 Corinthians 5:17; Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1 Peter 2:9 AMPC; But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:1-17 & 1 Chronicles 3-42
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:12-21 & Numbers 33
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 28TH MAY 2023
SUMIT TO HIS WILL
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...Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will... (Psalm 40:7-8).
God loves you more than you love yourself. He knows what’s best for you and always wants the best for you. Therefore, you can trust Him with your life. In Isaiah 1:19, He said, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” The Living Bible renders it in a rather fascinating way. It says, “If you will only let me help you, if you will only obey, then I will make you rich!”
Thank God we’re His obedient children! So you can trust Him to make you rich and make your life glorious. Your responsibility is to submit to His will by living in His Word. It’s those who are ignorant of God’s Word and of His love that struggle and try to wrest the steering-wheel of their lives from His grasp. They haven’t fully yielded to His Word, to His will and purpose.
When you know Him, you’re at rest. You discover that He’s more passionate for your success than you could ever be. That discovery changed my life many years ago. It made me submit to His choices and follow His Word wholeheartedly.
Accept His love. Colossians 1:13 AMPC says He’s transferred us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love. Have confidence in His love. Dare to believe Him, and submit to the destiny that He’s chosen for you. It’s a unique destiny. And in His Word, He’s laid out the blueprint for your life: how you should live. Follow His Word, for that’s how you submit to His will. His Word is His will expressed.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for strengthening me by your Spirit to do your will always. I live for you alone, fully submitted to your plans and purpose for my life. My life is a daily expression of your will, and I fulfil your purpose and destiny for me with glory and joy, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 22:41-42 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Philippians 2:13 AMPC [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.
Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 13:31-14:1-14 & 2 Kings 23-25
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 13:24-37 & Numbers 31
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 26TH MAY 2023
THREE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
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The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
Pastor Chris Says
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There're three important questions in life: "What?" "How?" and "Why?" To know "what" is to begin to live; to know "how" is to begin to succeed; and to know "why" is to begin to reign; because that's when you're fulfilling purpose.
Whether you're asking these questions in your personal life, for your personal growth, business, job, finances, family, or ministry, these three questions will locate you. However, the most important of them is "Why?" It's the age-old question that mankind through all generations has grappled with.
Why were you born? Why are you here on this earth at this time? Why are you a teacher, a doctor, a farmer, a politician, a soldier, a singer, or a minister of the Gospel? Why do you do what you do? Your "Why" is your purpose, your reason for being.
Purpose is the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. It refers to intent, design, and the reason for a cause or action; and it also alludes to the relevance or usefulness of a thing.
So, have you discovered your purpose? Do you know why you're in this world? What are the intents, designs or reasons for the actions you take and the things you do? Why were you recreated in Christ? The Word of God gives clear answers and insights into your purpose in the earth.
For example, 1 Peter 2:9 AMPC says, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." You were created to bring God glory-to show forth His praise-to set forth His wonderful deeds and display His virtues and perfections in the earth. Thus, your life should be about living for Him, pleasing Him and fulfilling the purpose for which you were born again. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm filled with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, and your purpose for my life is established in my heart. My purpose is to please you in all things, doing the good works which you've prearranged ahead of time. I live to fulfil my destiny in Christ and bring you glory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 1:8-9; Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9. who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Acts 26:16-18; But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17. delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18. to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Ephesians 2:10 AMPC; For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 12:20-50 & 2 Kings 18-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 13:1-11 & Numbers 29
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 24TH MAY 2023
ADVANCING THE KINGDOM
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...For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen (Matthew 6:13).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the concluding part of the format of prayer Jesus gave to His disciples, He taught them to say, "Thine is the Kingdom." He was referring to the Kingdom of God. But in St. Mathew's gospel, there's another expression, "the Kingdom of heaven," which, though Interchangeably used with the Kingdom of God, is different.
While the Kingdom of God refers to the rulership or dominion of God, which transcends territories and is universal, the Kingdom of heaven is applied particularly in connection to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and His messianic reign. It's that part of the Kingdom of God that's established in the earth and is headed by Jesus.
The vision of the Kingdom of heaven is the establishment and expansion of the Kingdom of God in the earth; it's the work of Jesus Christ, of which we, the Church, are a vital part. It's important for us to know our role. Each one of us actually has a responsibility, first, to see to the expansion of the Kingdom of God, because we belong in that Kingdom: "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
The Lord's injunction for us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness calls for every one of us to reappraise our priorities and walk accordingly. Your ultimate desire should be that the Kingdom is advancing through you as you impact your world with the Gospel.
Devote your time, efforts and resources to the furtherance of the Gospel. There's so much more you can do to ensure God's Word prevails in your city, region or country, and the world.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm determined, more than ever, to spread, to the ends of the earth, the glorious news of Christ's salvation and His wondrous works towards mankind. The Kingdom of God has been set up in my heart: the peace, beauty, glory, grace and life of God are fully functional in my spirit, expressed in and through me. Through me, the Word prevails in my city, region, country, and the world. Blessed be God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 3:3-7; Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Matthew 10:7; And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 11:17-57 & 2 Kings 13-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:28-34 & Numbers 27
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 22ND MAY 2023
A NEW LIFE FOR THE NEW CREATION
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Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him (Colossians 3:9-10).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you were born into this world, you came with the human life from your parents. This was the life you lived until you were born again and received another life: the life and nature of God. Does this, therefore, imply that you have two lives in you: a human life as well as the divine one? Absolutely not!
As a Christian, you only have one life, and it's the God-life. The human life ceased to be because it was replaced by this life and nature of God. You didn't receive an additional life; it was a supplanting of the old with the new. Hallelujah!
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." The use of the word "creature" in the verse lets us know that what's being described is something new and strange that the world can't recognize because it has never seen it before.
That's like what the Bible says in 1 John 3:1, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." Now that we're the sons of God, the world doesn't recognise us because we're changed.
We're no longer subject to sickness, disease, failure, or death. We're new creations, born with the life and nature of God that transcends the ordinary human life. This is the message of Christ. This is why He came: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I affirm that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life, and His life and nature that transcends the ordinary human life has been imparted to my spirit. My old life has been completely supplanted by the divine life, which is superior to sickness, disease, defeat and the depravities of the natural man. Praise God forevermore!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 John 5:11-13; And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21; For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Ephesians 1:4-6 AMPC; Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.
5. For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]–
6. [So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 10:22-42 & 2 Kings 8-9
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:13-17 & Numbers 25
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 20TH MAY 2022
KNOW AND WALK IN TRUTH
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And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).
Pastor Chris Says
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When people don't know the truth, they believe a lie, and as a result, they suffer in life. God said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). This is really touching; it's one of the reasons we're teaching God's people His Word through this devotional so they'll walk in truth and in the realities of the new life in Christ.
What is truth and how does God see you? Truth is reality; truth is the Word of God. In John 17:17, Jesus said in prayer to the Father, "thy Word is truth." Many have their lives in jeopardy and experience defeat, sadness, gloom, failure and sickness because of their ignorance of God's Word.
But thanks be unto God! The Bible says through knowledge shall the just be delivered (Proverbs 11:9); the knowledge of who you are in Christ and your heritage in Him will transform the entire quality of your life. Understand that as a Christian, you're a different breed. The Bible says, "But ye are a chosen generation..." (1 Peter 2:9). The word "generation is the same word for "breed. You're a special breed, superior to sickness, disease and everything of darkness and the devil.
Also, you have an incorruptible life-a life of victory, success, excellence and great glory. It's a life that can't be infected by any plague or disease. You can't be poisoned or destroyed. Jesus said, "And these signs shall follow them that believe....if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them..." (Mark 16:17-18).
You have to know and consciously affirm these truths about yourself every so often. You're a partaker of the divine nature. The life in you is divine and sustained by the Spirit of God who lives in you: But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8:11). Live with this consciousness and exercise yourself in these truths!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in me; therefore, I'm vitalized by the power of God-spirit, soul and body. I exercise myself in these truths and walk on in health. As a result of the divine life in me, I live triumphantly above sickness, disease and infirmities, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 10:19; Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Romans 8:11; But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Psalm 82:5-7; They know not, neither will they understand; They walk on in darkness: All the foundations of the earth are out of course.
6. I have said, Ye are gods; And all of you are children of the most High.
7. But ye shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 9:1-41 & 2 Kings 4-5
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 11:27-33 & Numbers 23
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 18TH MAY 2023
FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE
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Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:19).
Pastor Chris Says
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From our theme scripture, we observe the connection between faith and a good conscience. You need both for a balanced and effective Christian life. Your conscience is the voice of your spirit. Your conscience can be trusted, but it'll only be dependable if your spirit is educated with the Word of God.
Some people do terrible things; they sponsor or participate in acts of wickedness, violence and bloodshed. And their conscience allows them to do such things. Why? It's because of the condition of their spirits. Their conscience has been educated to permit such evil and wickedness. Their conscience has been seared with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:2). But if your spirit is conditioned by the Word of God, you'll have the voice of God in your heart, and it'll be different.
The Bible says out of your heart-your spirit-are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). It's therefore important that you train your spirit with the Word to be a sure guide. Never allow negative thoughts and Ideas- thoughts of bitterness, wickedness, evil, violence or terror-grow in you.
Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..." Store the Word of God richly in your heart, and you'll be able to bring every negative thought into captivity to the obedience of the Word (2 Corinthians 10:5). Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The Word of God has imparted wisdom to my spirit and renewed my mind to think divine thoughts; thoughts that are consistent with God's eternal purpose and will for my life! I bring forth good things from within my spirit today, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 4:20-23; My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21. Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22. For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.
23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
1 Timothy 1:19 AMPC; Holding fast to faith (that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence) and having a good (clear) conscience. By rejecting and thrusting from them [their conscience], some individuals have made shipwreck of their faith.
1 Timothy 4:15 AMPC; Practice and cultivate and meditate upon these duties; throw yourself wholly into them [as your ministry], so that your progress may be evident to everybody.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 8:31-47 & 1 Kings 22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 11:1-11 & Numbers 21
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 16TH MAY 2023
THE POWER RESTS WITH US
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And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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Immediately after the Lord Jesus made the extraordinary statement in our theme verse, He charged us to go into every man's world on account of ALL power that's been given unto Him and preach the Gospel to every creature.
We're the extension of His Kingdom, of His reign and rulership in the earth. It's part of the reason He charges us to pray. He said in Luke 18:1, "Men ought always to pray and not give up." He wants us to be relentless and persistent in prayer and effect changes in our world and in the lives of men everywhere.
He's charged us with the responsibility, and He gave us the authority, to transform our world. He knew we would contend with evil forces, so He gave us dominion over them. We have the right arsenal- the Name of Jesus and the Word of God on our lips-to deal with demoniacal forces.
When you observe, for example, that things are going awry in your nation, get to praying fervently in the Spirit. Rebuke Satan and his cohorts of darkness responsible for deception, hardships and wickedness, and reassign angels to take charge where they had held sway. Pray often like this to hinder the works of darkness in your nation and around the world.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the authority in the Name of Jesus to enforce your will in the earth and in the lives of men. Your Name is glorified in all the earth, and your Kingdom is exalted. Thank you for pouring down righteousness and salvation upon the nations; the whole earth is filled with your glory. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 18:1; And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Romans 8:26-27; Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 7:25-8:1-11 & 1 Kings 18-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 10:32-45 & Numbers 19
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 14TH MAY 2023
DON'T HARBOUR RESENTMENT
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Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice (Ephesians 4:31).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Spirit says through Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:20, "In malice, as children, but in understanding be men."Children don't keep malice. They don't harbour resentment; they have a pure and innocent mind. That's how God wants us to live.
The same admonition He gave in our theme verse is repeated in Colossians 3:8. It says, "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth." All these are listed together because they're all related.
Resentment will prompt you to negative actions and filthy communication; therefore, eschew it. So many ventures today were started on the basis of resentment. Someone was angry about the way things were being done in a certain establishment and went on to start his own. Even some churches have been started that way too.
You can't get God's approval on a venture, enterprise or action that has anger, resentment and bitterness as its driving force.
The Lord Jesus alluded to this in Matthew 23:27-28 when He said, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity."
Harbouring resentment, bitterness, anger, hatred, or jealousy eventually produces adverse effects in a person, because these negative forces lead people to unwholesome actions. Remember, we're called to walk in love.
When you walk in love, you're a master, you're in dominion. The Bible says love isn't self-seeking, touchy, fretful or resentful. It takes no account of the evil done to it, neither does it pay attention to a suffered wrong (1 Corinthians 13:5 AMPC).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I refuse to allow resentment, hatred, jealousy, envy, bitterness, anger, strife, spite, ill will or baseness of any kind to take root in me. My heart is full of God's love, kindness and compassion; and I express these lavishly everywhere and to everyone to the delight of the Father. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 14:30 NLT; A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
1 Corinthians 13:3 CEV; What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.
Hebrews 12:15; looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Ephesians 4:31 AMPC; Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind).
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 6:60-71 & 1 Kings 12-14
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 10:13-22 & Numbers 17
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 12TH MAY 2023
KNOWLEDGE IS IMPORTANT
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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 (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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There's so much that the Lord wants to do through His children in the earth in these last days, but the limiting factor for many has been knowledge. How do you hope for something that you don't even know exists? You can't expect something that your imagination can't fathom.
But thanks be unto God! The Bible says in the last days, knowledge shall be increased. Through this knowledge, we're doing the Impossible, the unthinkable, and the unimaginable. The Holy Spirit is helping and preparing the Church for what He wants to do by availing us of true, accurate, and precise knowledge of His Word.
Through Him, we know the things that are freely given to us by God: "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" (1 Corinthians 2:12). Life is limited by your knowledge or understanding. There's a whole lot that happens to you when you get the right knowledge, the knowledge of God's Word. Your capacity is tremendously increased; you become aware and are able to comprehend the wonderful blessings God has prepared for you to enjoy.
Acts 20:32 declares, "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." You already have an inheritance bequeathed to you in Christ, but through the knowledge of God, you're able to take a hold of what's rightfully yours. I admonish you today, "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" (Colossians 3:16). Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm furnished with the requisite knowledge for life in Christ, through the Word. The eyes of my understanding are being enlightened. Therefore, I have insight into mysteries and secrets; there's nothing that I can't know. Christ is my wisdom, and the Word of God informs me daily, through the Holy Spirit, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 2:9-10; 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.
Ephesians 1:18 NKJV; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Proverbs 11:9; An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: But through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 6:1-24 & 1 Kings 9
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 9:38-50 & Numbers 15
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 10TH MAY 2023
LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS FULL EFFECT
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..when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking (James 1:2-4 TPT).
Pastor Chris Says
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Trials and temptations, as difficult as they are, are for your good. You'll ultimately find joy in them. Your faith blossoms under pressure and you learn true patience as you endure.
Sometimes we want God to effect a change right away. We're praying about a situation or something we want to prevent from happening, and we want instant answers. But there're times when patience is needed while expressing your faith. God never wants us to panic at such times.
James 1:4 in the Voice Translation says, "...true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line-mature, complete, and wanting nothing."
Yes, there'll be challenging times and uncomfortable circumstances, but the Word encourages us to count them all joy. knowing that the trying of our faith produces patience in us. Then the 4th verse tells us what patience, in turn, produces in us when we allow it to do its work and have its full effect. So don't keep pushing and agitating: you could miss out on God's plan.
Let's read James 1:4 again, this time, in the Amplified Classic. It says, "But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed (with no defects), lacking in nothing." This is what patience produces in us: we become perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing." Glory to God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for my faith prevails over circumstances, and I live victoriously and triumphantly above sickness, disease, fear and terror. I'm in charge and in control of my life and circumstances. I'm strong, bold and courageous, functioning from a vantage position of rest, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Philippians 4:6-7; Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Proverbs 24:10; If thou faint in the day of adversity, Thy strength is small.
Hebrews 12:1; 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,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 5:1-30 & 1 Kings 4-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 9:14-29 & Numbers 13
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON 8TH MAY 2023
CHRIST IN YOU-THE WONDER OF CHRISTIANITY
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To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).
Pastor Chris Says
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To have the vital knowledge and live with the consciousness that christ lives in you is one of the greatest blessings of Christianity. It is, in fact, your solution to all problems and answer to all questions. Christ in you is the wonder of Christianity.
When Jesus walked the earth, He was with the disciples as Emmanuel, God with us. But the Father's dream was yet to be consummated. He wanted all of divinity in us, not just with us. He wanted His Spirit in us
It's the reason Jesus said, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever, Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you" (John 14:16-17). The desire of the Father was actuated on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came to live in us.
Consider the amazing truth in Romans 8:11: "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."
This means Christ in you—the Holy Spirit in you—is the life of your physical body, it's your health, your deliverance, /wholeness, and preservation. Christ in you is your right to walk out of any pain. Christ in you is your power over every crisis; it's your dominion over darkness, poverty, lack and want. Hallelujah! Christ in you is the greatest blessing of all. Blessed be God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Glory, wholeness, perfection, success and prosperity are guaranteed in my life because Christ is in me! He's in every fibre of my being, in every bone of my body, and in every cell of my blood! I've been granted the grace and ability in Christ to reign and rule over all circumstances. I'm shielded from all evil and harm because I'm in Christ and Christ is in me! Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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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.
Romans 8:10 ESV; But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
1 Corinthians 6:19; What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 4:1-26 & 1 Kings 1
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 8:34-9:1 & Numbers 11
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD
Saturday, 6th May 2023
YOU'RE ON A UNIQUE ASSIGNMENT
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_But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness..._ (Acts 26:16)
There are billions of people on earth today and no two fingerprints are alike in the whole world. We're all uniquely gifted, blessed and called of God. So, let your joy be in fulfilling the calling that God has given you. You're on a unique assignment; stay in the grace that God gave you, as no one can do it exactly like you.
Think about Paul: He was an apostle to the Gentiles; that wasn't something fashionable in his day, but he celebrated his unique assignment. He said in Romans 11:13, "...I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify my office." He didn't wish to have been sent to the Jews; Peter had that.
It's like Joshua too: though he walked closely with Moses before Moses died, he understood the uniqueness of what God wanted him to do. In Joshua Chapter 1, God said to him: "...go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them... for unto this people shall thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them" ( Joshua 1:2-6)
When Joshua got these marching orders, he understood that his assignment was unique from that of Moses. God has earlier told Moses, "I want you to bring my people out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:7-10). Moses brought them out of captivity in Egypt all right, but it was Joshua who took them into the land of promise and divided it for their inheritance (Joshua 1:2 & 6).
Have you established your unique assignment in that country, city, town, village, neighborhood, school, or office? Don't think you're just like everyone else, to do the same things they're all doing. Understand that you're on a unique assignment; fulfil your purpose with poise!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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_Dear Father, I'm immensely grateful and excited about the uniqueness of my assignments in the earth. I fulfil my purpose in Christ and walk in preordained paths that you planned before the foundation of the world, that I may serve and live for you. Through me, your kingdom reigns and expands in the earth, and in the hearts of men, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY
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Acts 26:16: But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee
Colossians 4:17: And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
Ephesians 2:10 AMPC: For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
1 Year Bible Reading Plan : John 3:1-21 & 2 Samuel 22
2 Year Bible Reading Plan : Mark 8:10-20 & Numbers 9
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional