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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 2ND JULY 2023
LOVE—THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD AT WORK
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He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him (1 John 4:8-9).
Pastor Chris Says
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When we talk about the love of God, it’s actually the demonstration of the righteousness of God. The love of God is the righteousness of God at work. Why does God love? It’s because of His righteousness. Our opening text says, “God is love.” He is love because it is righteous to love.
If there’s no object of love, love can’t be expressed. Moreover, you can only express love to a being that can receive and reciprocate love. So, the righteousness of God causes the nature of love to emanate from Him and be expressed from Him. Love that is inactive is not love.
Wherever the righteousness of God is in manifestation, the love of God is experienced. Therefore, when you see a brother or a sister who's not walking in love, it's because they don’t understand the righteousness of God. And because they don’t understand it, they’re not living in it. Their problem begins with their very relationship with God, not even with the person or the people they have trouble with.
The more you know the Lord, the more you understand His righteousness, and the more His love is reflected back to you and from you. Remember what He did: In Christ Jesus, He made you the righteousness of God; you’re the expression of His righteousness. If that's true, how can you not walk in love?
God is love; in other words, that’s who He is; that’s His nature. The same is true of righteousness; God is righteous; that’s His nature. So when we teach people about walking in love, that's really for the babes in Christ. You haven’t matured in Christ until you're really walking in love, and you will not walk in love until you understand and live in the righteousness of God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for guiding me by your sweet Holy Spirit in the way of love, righteousness, and true holiness. The more I know you, Lord, the more I understand and seek the establishment of your righteousness in the earth and in the hearts of men. Thank you for your love that’s revealed in and through me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 3:16-17; 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.
17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Ephesians 3:17-19; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18. may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19. and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 15:36-16:1-15 & Esther 8-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 6:12-19 & Deuteronomy 30
EXCERPTS FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 30TH JUNE 2023
IT'S ABOUT YOUR FAITH
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...If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you (Matthew 17:20).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Lord isn't responsible for the evils or the mishaps that people experience; it's not consistent with His nature. He is love personified; there's no darkness in Him. Whatever you may have suffered that's inconsistent with the provisions of Christ in His Gospel didn't come from God. You're responsible for your life-the things that happen with you. It's about your faith and how you use it.
The Lord Jesus said in our opening scripture, "... nothing shall be impossible unto you." This is a sovereign declaration; so, the question is, what are you doing with your faith? How are you putting your faith to work? The Bible says, "Now the just shall live by faith..." (Hebrews 10:38).
Using your faith to deal with the crises of life every day is your responsibility. But the problem is some have made their faith void or of non-effect: "For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect" (Romans 4:14). Can faith be made vold? Emphatically yes!
In Mark 7:13, Jesus rebuked the Jews for making God's Word of non-effect by their tradition. "Tradition" here refers to your way of life, your culture, and the things you believe. If these things are inconsistent with the Word of God, you make the Word of non-effect in your life, and your faith is made void.
Your trust must always be in the finished works of Christ; live by His faith (Galatians 2:20). Hallelujah! How do you live by His faith? It’s by living the Word, being a doer of the Word. James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, by my faith in your Word I prevail over situations and circumstances. The forces of righteousness, success, divine health, victory, and prosperity are activated in my life as I live by your Word, guided and inspired by your wisdom to fulfil your perfect will for me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Thessalonians 1:3; We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
Romans 10:17 AMPC; So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).
Mark 11:22-23; And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 15:1-21 & Esther 1-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 5:27-39 & Deuteronomy 28
EXCERPTS from Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 28TH JUNE 2023
GET FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT
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And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness... And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all (Acts 4:31-33).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Scriptures give a vivid account of an extraordinary prayer meeting that the members of the early Church had following the threats from the religious council. It records that as they prayed, the entire building where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God with boldness.
Notice the resultant effect of being filled with the Holy Spirit: they went forth and preached the Word of God with boldness-the very thing they had been threatened to desist from or face dire consequences. They had already received the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-4. But in Chapter 4, they were filled again with that same Holy Spirit whom they had earlier received.
The Bible charges us, be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the spirit." The International Standard Version says, "Keep on being filled with the Spirit," speaking to yourself in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:18-20). When you're filled with the Spirit, you're not timid or intimidated; you preach the Gospel with boldness and power.
Perhaps you've been desiring to preach the Gospel to the people you work with, but it seems you've been shy or afraid. Get filled with the Holy Spirit! Pray in tongues until you're supercharged-speaking to yourself in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Soon enough, you won't need to be prompted, instructed or encouraged by anyone to witness to those around you. Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers (gushers) of living water" (John 7:38). You won't have to force it out; there'll be an overflow, and the Word will issue forth from your lips with power. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I'm an effective witness and custodian of the Gospel- God's saving power that unveils His righteousness, eternal life, and divine destiny for all mankind. I'm His light in a dark world, called to bring men out of sin and bondage into righteousness and the glorious liberty of the sons of God. I'm fulfilling my calling. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Acts 1:8 AMPC; But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
Zechariah 4:6; Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
1 Corinthians 2:4; And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 13:13-52 & Nehemiah 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 5:1-11 & Deuteronomy 26
EXCERPTS from Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 26TH JUNE 2023
LOVE THE LORD WITH A PURE HEART
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Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).
Pastor Chris Says
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1 Timothy 1:5 says, "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." A pure heart is a heart that loves the Lord truly and believes His Word absolutely (without any questions or doubts).
Something you should do often is to check the condition of your heart that it's pure towards God in love. Your love for Him must be unfeigned. In reviewing what we read in our opening verse, the example of Demas, a certain character in the Bible, readily comes to mind.
Demas worked closely with Luke, the writer of the Gospel of Luke" and "Acts of the Apostles." He also worked very closely with the great Apostle Paul. In fact, Paul listed him among his fellow-labourers in the Gospel: "Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers....Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you" (Colossians 4:12-14 NKJV).
Paul also mentioned him in Philemon 1:23-24 NKJV: "Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers." So, Demas was a co-labourer with Paul. He was in very good company, and had a ministry to fulfil.
But in 2 Timothy 4:9-10, Paul tells Timothy: "Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica...." This explains why some people start well and end up badly: their love for the Lord is not genuine. Paul said Demas forsook him, because he loved the world. You can't love the Father and love the world at the same time. To love this world is to not have the love of the Father in you.
All the while Demas was labouring with Paul, Luke and the other ministers of the Gospel, he was lusting after the world and the things of this world. And for that reason, he ultimately couldn't fulfil his divine destiny and purpose.
Love the Lord with a pure heart. Serve Him truly. Let Him be all that matters to you, for the Bible says, "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen" (Ephesians 6:24).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Lord Jesus, you reign in my life; you're all that matters to me. Thank you for the grace to live for you and serve you with a perfect heart; you're everything to me. You're holy, pure, righteous, loving and true! You're the only true God; and I love you forever. Amen!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Galatians 6:14; 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.
Colossians 3:1-2; If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
2 Peter 3:11-14; Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12. looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 12 & Nehemiah 4-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 4:14-32 & Deuteronomy 24
EXCERPTS from Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 25TH JUNE 2023
DON'T MISS GOD
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For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Book of Genesis tells the touching story of Abraham and his nephew, Lot. When God called Abraham to leave his homeland for a foreign country, Lot journeyed with him (Genesis 12:4). As God blessed Abraham in his pilgrimage, Lot was also blessed. They were both so blessed that the land where they sojourned at some point could no longer contain their herds.
Fighting often broke out between Abraham's herdsmen and Lot's, until Abraham said, "... Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left" (Genesis 13:8-9).
This was where Lot's problem began. He looked at the lush green plains of Jordan on one side and the dry patch of land on the other. He chose the luxuriant side, and pitched his tent near Sodom, a land of wickedness, not knowing that God's Judgement was imminent upon Sodom.
When God rained fire on Sodom as retribution for the iniquity of its people, Lot's life was spared as a result of Abraham's intercession. But he (Lot) lost everything he owned in the crisis and ended up in a cave. This happened to Lot simply because he missed God; not because he was a bad person. In fact, the Bible says that Lot was a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7-8 NIV).
So in your life, the best place to be, always, is at the centre of God's will. Never be carried away by the allures of this world. The choices you make shouldn't be based on the cravings of the flesh, but according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. For example, don't relocate to a particular city or country simply because of its economic prospects. You could be making a costly mistake. The Bible says, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I lay down my goals, ambitions, aspirations, desires and dreams at your feet. I trust your Word, which is the light that guides me in the path of success, victory, and greatness. Through your Word, I receive direction, illumination and insight into the mysteries and realities of the Kingdom. I recognize and act on God-given opportunities alone, yielded only to the guidance of your Spirit, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 1:9-10 AMPC; For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things–
10. That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition].
Proverbs 3:5-7 MSG; Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.
6. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.
7. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!
Romans 12:2; And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 11:19-30 & Nehemiah 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 4:1-13 & Deuteronomy 23
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 24TH JUNE 2023
OVERCOMING TEMPTATION THROUGH PRAYER
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And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation (Luke 22:40-42).
Pastor Chris Says
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No one exemplified the power of prayer in overcoming temptation better than our Lord Jesus. Hebrews 5:7 gives us an idea why He prayed to the Father the way He did in our theme scripture: He (Jesus) "... shrank from the horrors of separation from the bright presence of the Father" (AMPC).
That separation from the Father was what He never wanted to experience even for a moment. As a result, He knelt and prayed, and as He did, something remarkable happened: "... there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him" (Luke 22:43). The 44th verse says, "And being in an agony he (Jesus) prayed more earnestly...."
Remember, the earnest prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available, dynamic in its working (James 5:16). Jesus, being in agony, prayed more earnestly. His prayer was so intense that the Bible says "... His sweat became like great clots of blood dropping down upon the ground" (Luke 22:44 AMPC).
Thanks be unto God, His prayer was answered. He submitted Himself to the will of the Father by becoming sin for us so we would become the righteousness of God in Him. Hallelujah!
When He was done praying, He said something instructive to His disciples as seen in Luke 22:45-46: "When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation" (NIV). The problem isn't being tempted, but falling into the temptation. Jesus here shows us we must pray to avoid falling into temptation.
Remember, He was about to experience the horror of being separated from the Father, and had to wrestle with the temptation to say, "No, I'm not doing this!" He knew He had to pray, because He had Himself taught that "... Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1).
Like the Master, give yourself to prayer. In the place of prayer, your spirit is conditioned to discern and walk in God's perfect will, and your faith is strengthened to overcome temptations and rule over circumstances. You're invigorated with the might of the Spirit to live victoriously every day. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Lord, thank you for the privilege and blessing of prayer, a place where my spirit is conditioned to discern and walk in your perfect will always, and my faith is strengthened to overcome temptations and rule over circumstances. I'm fully equipped and fortified, strong in the Lord and in the power of His might to triumph gloriously today, and always. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 10:13; There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Hebrews 5:5-7 AMPC; So too Christ (the Messiah) did not exalt Himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed and exalted by Him Who said to Him, You are My Son; today I have begotten You; [Ps. 2:7.]
6. As He says also in another place, You are a Priest [appointed] forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek. [Ps. 110:4.]
7. In the days of His flesh [Jesus] offered up definite, special petitions [for that which He not only wanted but needed] and supplications with strong crying and tears to Him Who was [always] able to save Him [out] from death, and He was heard because of His reverence toward God [His godly fear, His piety, in that He shrank from the horrors of separation from the bright presence of the Father].
Matthew 26:41; Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 11:1-18 & Ezra 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 3:23-38 & Deuteronomy 22
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 22ND JUNE 2023
ESTABLISH AND EXTEND HIS KINGDOM
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But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).
Pastor Chris Says
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In our walk with God, it's important to always keep in focus our purpose in the earth; why are we here? Our primary purpose is to establish and extend the Kingdom of God to the ends of the earth.
The Bible says. "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea" (Habakkuk 2:14). It's our responsibility to make this happen. It's our job!
Matthew 28:19 conveys the mandate of the Master, He instructed, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." In essence, He wants us to make students or pupils of the nations. What a calling!
There are many who think God is running this world by Himself and so whatever happens is His will. If that were true, why would Jesus teach His disciples to pray in this manner, "...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:9-10). Why admonish them to pray that way if God's will is always being done in the earth? We pray that way because it's our responsibility to enforce His will in the earth.
God's will is always done in heaven, but in the earth, only God's people can pray His will into manifestation. So, in prayer, speak forth salvation in your city, your state and in your country. Pray that righteousness fills the land and the Gospel has free course and is glorified, resulting in a massive harvest of souls into the Kingdom. Amen.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your Kingdom reigns and is established in the earth, and in the hearts of men as the Gospel is proclaimed around the world today. The light of the Gospel shines evermore in all nations, resulting in great testimonies of salvation, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 11:2; And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Matthew 6:33 AMPC; But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 10:1-23 & Ezra 4-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 3:1-11 & Deuteronomy 20
EXCERPT from Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 20TH JUNE 2023
DON'T FORGET WHO YOU ARE
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But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV).
Pastor Chris Says
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God gave us His Word to enable us see ourselves the way He sees us, understand things from His perspective, and live to fulfil His perfect will. God's Word reveals God's Image and opinion of you, which is the image and opinion He wants you to have of yourself.
So as you study the Word and see your true image and identity, retain the picture; don't forget who you are. James 1:23-24 says, "For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was."
Observe the underlined portion. Interestingly, it doesn't say that the one who doesn't do the Word forgot what he looked like"; rather, it says such a fellow is like a man who looks carefully at his own natural face in a mirror, thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and forgets "the kind" or "the type" of man that he saw.
God's Word reveals the type or kind of person you are; the "species" of being that you are. That's extraordinary. For example, in 2 Peter 1:4, the mirror-the Word-shows that you're a partaker of the divine nature, an associate of the God-kind.
In Ephesians 1:22, the mirror shows that you're seated together with Christ, and all things are under your feet. You have dominion over all things. You reign victoriously over Satan, sickness, failure and death. Hallelujah! This is who you are according to God's Word; live accordingly. Praise God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your Word is the reflection of your immense glory, greatness, excellence and success deposited in my spirit. I'm the expression of your righteousness and the unveiling of your goodness to the world. I'm the effulgence of your glory, perfections, beauty and grace, and I'm conscious of your supernatural life in me. My life is indeed an unveiling of the virtues and perfections of divinity. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 3:18 AMPC; And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.
James 1:22-25 NKJV; But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
24. for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
25. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 9:1-31 & 2 Chronicles 35-36
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 2:33-40 & Deuteronomy 18
EXCERPT From Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 18TH JUNE 2023
HIS SPIRITUAL CLOUD
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Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go (Nehemiah 9:12).
Pastor Chris Says
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The opening verse brings to mind what happened to the children of Israel as they journeyed out of Egypt. The Bible tells us in Exodus 13:21-22, that they carried their own atmosphere through the wilderness for forty years.
Nehemiah also referenced this atmosphere of bliss in which the children of Israel lived. Nehemiah 9:21 (AMPC) says, "Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell."
The Lord hasn't changed. The Father's loving-kindness didn't end with the children of Israel; it's even better with us today. When you were born again, you were born into God's glory; born into God's spiritual cloud; that's the Holy Spirit. You live in His presence, in a divine atmosphere of joy, bliss and glory, where you're sustained and nurtured by Him, absolutely independent of circumstances. You're fully at rest.
Those who live outside this atmosphere of bliss are the ones who face disappointments, anger, frustration, and discomfort; always agitated from within because nothing seems to be going on right.
But in Christ, which is the supernatural environment you were born into, your joy and satisfaction overflows. His presence in, with, and about you makes you an oasis of love in a troubled world. Be mindful of this always. There could be chaos or anarchy everywhere, but in Him, you're at peace and in safety. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your presence in, with, and about me makes me an oasis of love and grace in a troubled world. I'm born from above; I live the heavenly life here on earth, nurtured by your divine love, and enwrapped in your kindness, glory and righteousness. Hallelujah!
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Exodus 13:21-22; And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
22. he took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
Exodus 14:19-20; And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
20. and it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 7:54-8:1-8 & 2 Chronicles 31-32
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 2:8-20 & Deuteronomy 16
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 16TH JUNE 2023
MEDITATE ON THE WORD DAY AND NIGHT
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This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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There's a word I'll like you to notice in the opening text. It's the word, "observe". Many Bible scholars have had difficulty interpreting it, they've wrestled for years with that terminology. To them, it means "that you may understand how to do", but that's not it.
The Hebrew word translated observe is "shämar"; it means to watch for the purpose of doing. It's like looking out for something so you can do; "copying to do" or "hearing to do"! Following what the Lord told Joshua, if you'd meditate on the Word as you should, you'd be propelled to do what the Word says.
Paul alludes to this in Philippians 2:13 when he said, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." This is akin to what the Lord said to Joshua in the theme verse. Do you want to be successful, prosperous, and deal wisely in the affairs of life? Do you want to be able to help other people become successful and prosperous? Meditate on the Word, day and night.
Meditating on the Word will give you an understanding, a motivation, and an inspiration to do what God wants you to do. Practice this for at least half an hour every day. Psalm 1:1-3 further tells us the overwhelming blessings this will produce in your life: you'll be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God's design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of life; never dry, never fainting, but ever blessed and unendingly prosperous. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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As I meditate on the Word, the forces of success, prosperity and divine health are activated in my life; I'm transformed from glory to glory through the propelling power of the Word! I make progress with giant strides, and my success is evident to all as I deal wisely in the affairs of life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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1 Timothy 4:15; Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
Joshua 1:8 AMPC; This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
Psalm 1:1-3 TPT; What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways! He won’t walk in step with the wicked, nor share the sinner’s way, nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat.
2. His passion is to remain true to the Word of “I AM,” meditating day and night on the true revelation of light.
3. He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of life. He is never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 6:1-15 & 2 Chronicles 26-28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:67-80 & Deuteronomy 14
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 14TH JUNE 2023
THE WORD AND THE SPIRIT
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The Holy Spirit is the one who gives life, that which is of the natural realm is of no help. The words I speak to you are Spirit and life... (John 6:63 TPT).
Pastor Chris Says
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Acts 19:20 tells us that in the city of Ephesus, "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed." This is no surprise at all because when you study Revelation 2:2-3, the Apostle John, by divine revelation, unveiled the state of the Ephesian church. It was a very spiritual church.
However, in Ephesians 3:14-16, the Apostle Paul prayed for them and said, "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man."
He said, "I am praying for you that God would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened (invigorated) with might-miracle-working ability. He's emphasizing the importance of giving recognition to the working of God's Word in our lives and the working of the Holy Spirit in our Christian growth.
Another version says to be strengthened with excellence by the Holy Spirit in your inner man; so that what you learn of God's Word will not just be in your head but working by the Holy Spirit in your life. He's talking about the power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit working out that which is the perfect will of God in your life so that your Christianity will be effective and evincive.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, my words are spoken forth in demonstration of the Spirit and power. I utter words that are consistent with your will, plans and purposes continually, knowing that my words are filled with power to produce results for your glory. Amen.
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John 6:63; It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
John 14:26; These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
2 Corinthians 4:13; We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
1 Corinthians 2:4; And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 4:32-5:1-11 & 2 Chronicles 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:39-56 & Deuteronomy 12
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 12TH JUNE 2023
GIVE WITH THE RIGHT MENTALITY
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And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred (Mark 4:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the most profound principles in the Word of God that guarantees a continuous increase in finances is the principle of giving. Your giving is a channel to facilitate your receiving, for there can be no receiving without first giving.
Sadly, a lot of people give to God with the mentality of lack or loss. No, that's not wise. Such a mentality stops the miracle of receiving from taking place. Kingdom consciousness of giving is different. When you give to God, be more conscious of the promise on your giving.
Remember what Jesus said about the sower who sowed his seeds on good ground. He said it yielded fruits that sprang up and Increased and brought forth thirty, sixty, and a hundred fold harvest (Mark 4:8). So, you could have a thirtyfold return, a sixtyfold return, or a hundredfold return on your giving.
With the right mentality, you can set in motion all the miracle- power of God to cause a thirtyfold, a sixtyfold, or a hundredfold return on what you've given! Train yourself to become positive with God in your giving. When next you give an offering or a seed to God, do it with the mentality of someone who is in the Kingdom and you'll have amazing testimonies.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the mighty harvests of blessings and miracles that I receive as I give for the propagation of the Gospel and the expansion of your Kingdom. Thank you Lord, for you've made all grace available to me to have all sufficiency in all things, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC; And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].
Luke 6:38; give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 3:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 12-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:11-25 & Deuteronomy 10
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📖 SAT. 10TH JUNE 2023
TAKE POSSESSION OF YOUR INHERITANCE
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But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions (Obadiah 1:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Lord spoke through Moses concerning Joshua and Caleb and said, "...The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance, you and your children's, forever. Yes, you have lived totally for GOD" (Joshua 14:9 MSG).
The Lord had said specifically to Caleb, "Hebron shall be yours," but Hebron had giants-the Anakims- who were in large walled cities. Caleb was unfazed; he professed that he was just as strong to possess the land as he was forty-five years prior when he spied out the land; very Inspiring!
Caleb converted the inheritance to a possession; he took possession of Hebron and it became his and his family's land to this day (Joshua 14:13-14). It's one thing to have an inheritance, but it's another thing to have it in your possession. An inheritance can be allotted to you, but "the giants" might try to prevent you from taking possession of it. But you should stand your ground in faith and declare, "In the Name of Jesus, I take possession of all that belongs to me in Christ Jesus!"
The Lord has qualified and made you fit to become a partaker of the glorious inheritance of the saints in light; there's an inheritance for you (Colossians 1:12). Let nothing cheat you out of God's best. By the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God in your mouth, take full possession of all that's yours in Christ, irrespective of the circumstances.
As you study and meditate on the Word, not only will you discover your inheritance in Christ, but you'll also begin to relate with and enjoy all that God has made available to you. The inheritance was already yours, but through the knowledge of God's Word and your faith-filled words, you take possession. Hallelujah!
📖 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for making me a partaker of the glorious inheritance of the saints in light! My understanding is enlightened today, to know the hope of your calling, and the riches of the glory of your inheritance for me, in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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Colossians 1:12 AMPC; Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light.
1 Corinthians 2:12-13; Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 2:1-21 & 2 Chronicles 5-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 16:12-20 & Deuteronomy 8
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 8TH JUNE 2023
THE CURE FOR DECEPTION
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Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character (1 Corinthians 15:33 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Lord Jesus warned us to be wary of deception. In Matthew 24:4, He cautions "...Take heed that no man deceive you." In the epistles, the Apostle Paul repeatedly warned of the dangers of deception. Notice what he said in the opening text, "Do not be so deceived and misled...", because it's easy to be deceived.
Satan's capital strategy in derailing Eve was deception. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul captures it; it says, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." Therefore, by understanding how Satan deceived Eve, you can gain insight into how to stay ahead of him and prevent yourself and others from being deceived.
Remember that Paul was speaking to God's people when he said, "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God..." (1 Corinthians 15:34). The knowledge of God keeps your heart in the right place. So, get your mind on the right subject, get your heart in the right direction! The cure for deception, therefore, is the knowledge of the truth: the accurate knowledge of the Word; this will both deliver and protect anyone from deception.
Keep in mind what the Bereans did in Acts 17:11: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Also, note Paul's admonition to Timothy, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the knowledge of your Word in my heart, causing me to walk in faith, dominion, glory and power. Through the revelation knowledge of your Word, I live above the deception, trickery, manipulation and lies of the adversary. I function in absolute victory, now and always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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2 Peter 3:18; But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Ephesians 1:17-18; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18. the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
John 8:32; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 21:1-25 & 1 Chronicles 26-29
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 15:33-47 & Deuteronomy 6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 6TH JUNE 2023
OUR DIVINE NATURE
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But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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Some people would easily agree with you when you describe yourself as a child of God, but when you say you're divine, they pause and warn you of going too far. But, isn't it contradictory to disagree that a child of God is divine?
Being a child of God isn't merely a religious rhetoric. Rather, it means you're an associate of the God-kind. You're a God-man or God- woman. The Bible says, "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).
If you follow the tenses carefully, you'll realize that this isn't a promise; He's already done it. He's made us partakers of the divine nature. The actual Greek rendering says, "Associates of the God-kind," like when you say "mankind." So, who really are you?
If you're born again, you've been brought into the God-kind: a divine pantheon. You have the divine life. The Bible says in 1 John 5:13 NIV, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
God wants you to know you have eternal life. That's the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The life you got from your parents when they gave birth to you has been supplanted by eternal life. You now have the divine life that dispels and obliterates all sicknesses, diseases, and afflictions. This is what makes us invincible in life. This life dispels darkness, poverty, failure and death. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I'm an associate of the God-kind, in vital, inseparable oneness and union with divinity. I'm superior to Satan, and I'm above the forces of darkness, because I've been brought into the God-kind, a divine pantheon. Divinity is at work in me. Glory to God!
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2 Peter 1:4 AMPC; By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.
1 John 5:11-13 AMPC; And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12. He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life.
13. I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, yes, eternal life.
1 John 4:17; Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 20:1-18 & 1 Chronicles 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 15:15-24 & Deuteronomy 4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 1ST JULY 2023
HIS GRACE SETS YOU APART
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And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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We just read that God is able to make all grace— every favour and earthly blessing—come to you in abundance. Grace sets you apart. It brings you acceptability, honour, dignity, liberality and kindness. It attracts to you the right people, circumstances, and resources that are in line with God’s purpose for your life.
Therefore, you ought to thank the Lord every day for His grace at work in your life. According to the opening verse above, God makes this grace abound towards you. He directs it towards you in abundance.
Even now, say out loud, “I walk and function in divine grace that differentiates me in the world and sets me apart for glory and excellence. I’m a child of grace.” Hallelujah! The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:1, “…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Take advantage of His grace.
Read 2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC and see the will of God for your life and the result of His grace at work in you: “And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].” Blessed be God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m piloted by grace to excel and fulfil my destiny in Christ. Every favour and earthly blessing comes to me in abundance, and I’m always and under all circumstances self-sufficient, possessing enough to require no aid or support, and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Peter 1:2; Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
James 4:6; But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
2 Peter 3:18; But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Acts 4:33; And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 15:22-35 & Esther 5-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 6:1-11 & Deuteronomy 29
EXCERPTS from Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 29TH JUNE 2023
HIS GOOD WORKS
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How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him (Acts 10:38).
Pastor Chris Says
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In John 9, the disciples, walking alongside Jesus saw a man who had been born blind. They asked, "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" As far as they were concerned, God in His justice system was punishing the blind man or his parents for their sin. What a mindset!
Read the Master's response: "Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" (John 9:3-4). Many read this and run off with the idea that the man's blindness is one of the "works of God." That's erroneous!
The translators, on their own prerogative, put a punctuation-a full stop at the end of the 3rd verse-that should have never been there. The more accurate rendering is," ... that the works of God should be made manifest in him, I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day."
Jesus was saying, "In this blind man, we see the work of Satan, but for the work of God to be manifest in him, I have to do something about it!" He then went ahead and healed the man. Hallelujah! The work of blindness didn't come from God. Acts 10:38 tells us, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."
The oppression came from the devil, but the Father sent Jesus, anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power, to heal and restore maimed limbs, give sight to the blind, mend the brokenhearted, deliver those who are oppressed of the devil, and even raise the dead. These are the works of God! Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your unmatched goodness, kindness, love and righteousness displayed in the world today. I declare that Satan's hold over men's lives is destroyed, as you work in and through your children to perfect your will in the earth and in the lives of men, for indeed, the earth is filled with your goodness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 10:8; Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
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.
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].
John 11:4-5; When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
5. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 14 & Nehemiah 11-13
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 5:12-26 & Deuteronomy 27
EXCERPTS from Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅TUES. 27TH JUNE 2023
LOVE NOT THE WORLD
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Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).
Pastor Chris Says
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This was one of the first Bible verses that impressed upon my young receptive mind as an eight-year-old. It's God's declaration, and it's final. It says if you love the world, the love of the Father isn't in you. You may confess a thousand times that you love God, but if you're in love with the world or the things of the world, the love of the Father isn't in you.
Some have asked, "Why would God tell us not to love the world when the Bible says, 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son? Why can't we also love the world like the Father did?"
God loved the world of men; not the systems and the things therein. He loved the people and sent Jesus, His Son, to save them from their sins; 1 John 2:16 says, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." The Scripture is admonishing us against worldliness and carnality.
Refuse to be influenced or carried away by the spirit of the world. The Bible says, "...know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God" (James 4:4).
As saints of God, we shouldn't engage in unspiritual discussions where sometimes they spend hours arguing about their favourite sport teams and almost get into fisticuffs. They spend hours watching movies and TV shows, but when it's time to pray or study the Word, they fall asleep.
Don't get carried away and sucked in by such things to the point that they drive your life and distract you from your purpose. You're in this world for a divine purpose. So, think differently and be conscious of that higher purpose for which God in Christ has called you.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world! I live for Christ, and I refuse to be swayed by the spirit of the world, nor enticed by the sensual, carnal, fleshly and worldly trends. I'm from above, and my mind is set on things above. I'm an ambassador for Christ, called to establish heaven and righteousness in the hearts of men, in Jesus' Name. Amen
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Galatians 6:14 AMPC; But far be it from me to glory [in anything or anyone] except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) through Whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!
2 Timothy 4:10 CEV; Demas loves the things of this world so much that he left me and went to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia.
James 4:4 AMPC; Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 13:1-12 & Nehemiah 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 4:33-44 & Deuteronomy 25
EXCERPTS from Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
EXCERPTS from Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
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EXCERPTS from Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 23RD JUNE 2023
THE POWER OF PRAYER
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Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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There's no hopeless situation that we can't change through prayer. Read our theme scripture in the Amplified Classic; it says, "...The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]." Our prayers are not empty.
Think about Paul and Silas for a moment. They were captured, beaten, and thrown into a dungeon with their feet clamped in stocks. But the Bible records in Acts 16:25-26 that: "... at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed."
How remarkable this is! Two men prayed and sang praises to God, and there was an earthquake! How loud could they have been singing for their voices to have caused an earthquake and broken off all the prisoners' chains? It lets you know that it certainly wasn't the volume of their singing; it was the power of their prayer!
There's nothing you can't change through prayer. Therefore, make prayer a major feature in your life and a major part of your daily routine. It will strengthen you and help you maintain focus even in the face of the toughest temptations and persecutions.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the privilege to pray and side with you to enforce your will in the earth and in the lives of men. Even now, I declare peace, progress and prosperity for the nations of the world, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 6:18 AMPC; Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
Romans 8:26-27; Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Luke 18:1; And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 10:24-48 & Ezra 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 3:12-22 & Deuteronomy 21
EXCERPTS from Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 21ST JUNE 2023
FELLOWSHIP OF THE HEAVENLY PANTHEON
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God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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I'm ever so grateful to the Lord for all that He's made possible and available to us in Christ Jesus. Think about the possibility of fellowship with God. You wouldn't find that in any religion, as no religion offers you fellowship with God. But Jesus brought us into fellowship with God. What an amazing reality!
In our prayers, for example, there're special kinds of communications with God that help us build our spirits, because we're in a rich fellowship with the Lord. The Bible says in 1 John 1:3, "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."
Also, 1 Corinthians 1:9 says, "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." The Apostle Peter takes it further in 2 Peter 1:3-4. He says, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature..."
The Greek word that's translated "partakers" comes from the same root word as fellowship; it's "Koinonia." Thus, "partakers of the divine nature" is translated from "koinonos theias phuseos," and that means associates of the God-kind. This implies that we've been brought into the fellowship of the divine, heavenly pantheon.
No wonder the Bible says, "... Ye are gods..." (Psalm 82:6). The Lord Jesus, quoting the psalms, reiterated this truth in John 10:34, "...Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?" This is the wonder of Christianity; it's the whole essence of the Lord's death, burial and His glorious resurrection.
How beautiful it is to know that we're in fellowship with the Sovereign King, the Monarch of the universe, as John so succinctly puts it in 1 John 1:3. You've been translated from the ordinary realm of mankind to the supernatural class of the God-kind, where you can enjoy true, deep and quality fellowship and union with divinity. What a blessing!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the vital nature of divinity and the inseparable oneness with you that I have in Christ. What an honour, blessing and privilege to be in fellowship with the blessed and only Potentate, the Monarch of the universe and only true and righteous God!
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2 Corinthians 13:14 AMPC; The grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the presence and fellowship (the communion and sharing together, and participation) in the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen (so be it).
1 John 1:1-3; That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
2. (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
3. that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:17; But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 9:32-43 & Ezra 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 2:41-52 & Deuteronomy 19
EXCERPT from Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 19TH JUNE 2023
YOU'RE HIS GLORY
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That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (Ephesians 1:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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In this beautiful prayer for the Ephesian church, the Apostle Paul referred to our heavenly Father as the "Father of glory." That's quite instructive. He isn't saying that God is a "glorious Father," but that He's the Father of glory. It tells you who you are; you are "Glory!" That's your Name.
If a man is called the father of John, then it means he has a son called John. If God is the Father of Glory, and you're His son (1 John 3:1), then your name is "Glory!" You might say, "Pastor Chris, that's just a conjecture"; no! What is Jesus called?
Hebrews 1:3 says He's the brightness of God's glory, and the express image of His person. Jesus is the effulgence of God's glory; He's the manifestation of the glory of God. Jesus is the glory of God encapsulated in a body. And the Bible says in 1 John 4:17 that as He is, so are we in this world.
Making us His glory is part of what He came to do. Hebrews 2:10 says, "For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory..." Hallelujah!
Then 2 Corinthians 3:18 (AMPC) tells us something remarkable. It says, "And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendour...." Observe that it says the Word of God is a mirror, just as James also tells us in James 1:23.
But here's the most beautiful part: When you look in a mirror, you see yourself. Now, 2 Corinthians 3:18 says when you look in the mirror of God, you see the glory of God. How can you see the glory of God in the mirror, if you are not the glory of God? Every good mirror reflects or projects the image before it. If your reflection is called the glory of God when you look into the mirror of God (the Word of God), then you are the glory of God. Praise God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The life and glory of God are manifested in and through me. I saturate and impact my world with the Lord's goodness, kindness, beauty and grace. The glory that I see when I look into the mirror-the Word-is who I am. Hallelujah!
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Romans 8:30; Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Isaiah 55:5; Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.
John 17:22; And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 8:9-40 & 2 Chronicles 33-34
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 2:21-32 & Deuteronomy 17
EXCEPTS from Rhapsody Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 17TH JUNE 2023
PRAISING HIM-OUR CALLING
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Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding (Psalm 47:6-7).
Pastor Chris Says
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The scriptures give us more than enough information on God's relationship with us and how He defines His role as God, as Lord, and as our Father. In each of these roles, He expresses Himself differently. He also wants us to know our role: the various roles we play with respect to Him, His Kingdom, one another, and the world.
However, in every single role that we play, He expects us to praise Him. Thus, the primary reason we come together as God's people is to offer praises to God. For a long time, this seemed to have taken a back seat in the Church, but thank God there's been a change!
God's people all over the world, by the Spirit, are recognizing their role as priests to offer sacrifices of praise to God. That's our primary calling. He said in 1 Peter 2:9, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light."
When we live according to our calling to offer praise to the Lord- extolling His greatness and worshipping His holy Name-we will most certainly enjoy the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel of Christ as Paul puts it in Romans 15:29. It's God's will for us.
Even now, begin to praise the Lord! Remember, praise must have content; therefore, offer to the Lord words of praise and thanksgiving; make confessions of His greatness, grace and glory. Declare that there's none like Him, for His Kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion endures from generation to generation. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear heavenly Father, you're great and greatly to be praised, for there's none like you; your Kingdom is forever, and your reign is eternal! You're the only true and wise God. To you be all glory, honour, majesty, dominion and praise, forever and ever. Amen.
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Psalm 69:30-31; I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify him with thanksgiving.
31. This also shall please the LORD Better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.
Hebrews 13:15 AMPC; Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.
Psalm 147:1; Praise ye the LORD: For it is good to sing praises unto our God; For it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 7:1-53 & 2 Chronicles 29-30
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 2:1-7 & Deuteronomy 15
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 15TH JUNE 2023
BANISH ANGER
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Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go (Proverbs 22:24).
Pastor Chris Says
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There're many things that could deface one's beauty in the spirit, one of them is anger. Our opening verse says, "Don't hang out with angry people; don't keep company with hotheads" (MSG). In other words, avoid them. When God tells you to avoid something or someone, you better take it seriously.
You might say, "I only get angry once in a while"; no! Anger is a quick destroyer, avoid it! Don't even try to "tame" it; banish it. If you've been termed or described as someone who's hotheaded and quick to anger, get before the Lord in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to help you deal with anger. Then give yourself to the Word in meditation.
Don't try to suppress anger; get rid of it. You may say to me, "Pastor Chris; I've always had anger in me since I was much younger, and by following God all through the years, I've been able to suppress my anger with the Word." That's wonderful, but God doesn't want you at that level. It's not a matter of suppressing the anger with the Word, it's a matter of not even allowing anger any space in your life.
Harbouring anger has resulted in some deadly ailments and unexplainable challenges in the health of many people. But I tell you, if they'd eschew anger, they'll be healthy. The Bible says anger dwells in the bosom of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9). And in Psalm 107:17, who does the Bible say are afflicted? Fools! "Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted."
The scriptures are replete with verses that admonish us against anger. In Psalm 37:8 (CEV), the Bible says, "Don't be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin." Paul, in Ephesians 4:31 (AMPC) warns, "Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity)...be banished from you...."
In Colossians 3:8, he also tells us, "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth." Banish anger from your life.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I eschew and purge from my heart all elements of anger, bitterness, rage or fury; anger has no place in me. I delight myself in your Word and in doing your will always. The Word is in my heart, causing me to walk in righteousness and fulfil my destiny in you. I live by your Word, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Psalm 37:8; Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Proverbs 14:29; He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Proverbs 22:24-25; Make no friendship with an angry man; And with a furious man thou shalt not go:
25. Lest thou learn his ways, And get a snare to thy soul.
Ephesians 4:31; Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 5:12-42 & 2 Chronicles 23-25
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:57-66 & Deuteronomy 13
EXCERPT from Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 13TH JUNE 2023
IT BEGINS WITH THE MIND
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In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable (Philippians 4:8 GNB).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3). The Hebrew word translated "peace" is "Shalom"; It doesn't just mean peace in terms of quietness; it also stands for health, prosperity and rest. It refers to the rest of God with prosperity, health, strength and salvation.
However, these things are essentially determined by the content and quality of your mind. When your mind is stayed on the Lord and His Word, you'll experience perfect prosperity, health, rest, and strength. It's that simple.
Your mind is very important to God. That's where He seeks to work. If He can get a hold of your mind, you can be everything He wants you to be. You can become as healthy, prosperous, and successful as you ever want to be. So, it begins with the mind. Why is your mind so Important? It's because God has fashioned the mind as the instrument for your transformation.
The Bible says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2). There're no limits to what you can achieve, and absolutely no restrictions to how high you can propel yourself in the highway of victory when your mind is governed and regulated by the Word.
With your mind established on the Word, the possibilities are endless. So always fix your mind on the beautiful realities of the Word. It's an effective way to create the ideal framework and system for your life and make the most of the unique life and blessings God has given you.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, my mind is fixed on your Word and the transcendent realities of the Kingdom. Therefore, I walk in supernatural peace, with prosperity, health, strength and salvation. My mind is inundated with thoughts of progress and possibilities, and I experience higher levels of glory and victory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Philippians 4:8 AMPC; For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
Romans 12:2; And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Isaiah 26:3 AMPC; You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 4:1-31 & 2 Chronicles 16-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:26-38 & Deuteronomy 11
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 11TH JUNE 2023
CUSTODIANS OF TRUTH
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Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in (Isaiah 26:2).
Pastor Chris Says
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I'Il like you to observe two things that qualify a nation to come into the gates of God. The first is righteousness. The second is that the nation must have and walk in the truth. What nation is this custodian and observer of the truth?
God's Word is Truth, and His truth was given to us in Christ Jesus. Thus, the Church of Christ is this nation that keeps the truth. Paul, writing to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:15 called the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. We belong in the Church which is the custodian of the truth. The Church is a righteous nation. We're God-like in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24).
The Bible says, "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" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Everyone who has accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour has been made righteous!
In Ephesians 4:24 (AMPC), Paul highlights that we were created in true righteousness and holiness: "And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness." If you walk with sin consciousness, you wouldn't know that you're righteous. But His gate is opened to the righteous ones-the Church! What a blessing!
Peter corroborates this in his first epistle when he called us a holy nation: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9 AMPC).
We're a peculiar nation, born in righteousness, producing fruits of righteousness, and proclaiming His truth in righteousness.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Righteous Father, your peace and prosperity reign in the nations of the world, as we, your Church, proclaim your truth and righteousness around the world. We overturn the structures, systems and schemes of satanic propagation of deception and fear across the nations, and we declare that your will be done in all the earth, as it is in heaven, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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3 John 1:3-4; For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
1 Timothy 3:15; But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 2:22-47 & 2 Chronicles 8-11
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:1-10 & Deuteronomy 9
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 9TH JUNE 2023
DEMONSTRATING YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IN GIVING
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Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everything -every moment and in every way. He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do (2 Corinthians 9:8 TPT).
Pastor Chris Says
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One of the ways to live a life of influence, honour and impact in the Kingdom of God is to be a real giver, generous to the cause of the Gospel. It's so inspiring to see those who are filled with the utmost zeal to spread the Gospel into every nook and cranny of the world. See yourself as responsible for reaching everyone in your world and in regions beyond with the Gospel before the Lord's return.
Think about the impressive testimony of Rhapsody of Realities devotional being available in all known and active languages of the world, making it the most translated material in the whole world. This happened because many around the world made themselves available, giving their time and resources to see that billions of people can read the message of the Gospel in their native language. You can choose to be a part of this today.
The Bible says, "(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness)" (2 Corinthians 9:9-10).
Giving is righteousness, and by sowing seeds of righteousness, you produce fruits of righteousness. He says, "his righteousness remaineth forever." Yes, Christ has made you righteous, but there're fruits of righteousness and they come from your works of righteousness. Works of righteousness are seeds of righteousness, and being manifested primarily in your giving, they'll return in an abundant harvest. Amen.
📅 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for making all grace-every favour and earthly blessing-come to me in abundance so that I may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need, be self-sufficient, possessing enough to require no aid or support, furnished in abundance, for every good work, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 3:9-10; Honour the LORD with thy substance, And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Proverbs 11:24-25; There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25. The liberal soul shall be made fat: And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
2 Corinthians 9:8-11; And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9. (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever.
10. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11. being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 1:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 1-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 16:1-11 & Deuteronomy 7
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 7TH JUNE 2023
COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL EFFECTIVELY
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For a true servant of our Lord Jesus will not be argumentative but gentle toward all and skilled in helping others see the truth... (2 Timothy 2:24 TPT).
Pastor Chris Says
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I remember years ago, I was preaching to a class of little children less than ten years old. A trained child evangelist had invited me, and he stood at the back as I preached to the children. While sharing the Word with them, I turned over to the evangelist and saw him weeping profusely.
As I wondered why he was crying, he walked up to me and said, "You just preached Jesus, not only to these children in here, but also to me." My speech and my preaching to those kids weren't with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:4).
As you grow in your Christian walk, it's important for you to know how to articulately and effectually communicate the Gospel. As a young preacher, that was one of my biggest concerns; knew if I didn't communicate right, people wouldn't hear me right. If they didn't hear me right, they wouldn't believe right. And if they didn't believe right, their faith would be in jeopardy.
To communicate the Gospel effectively, you have to first give yourself to the study of God's Word: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). When you study the Word and it gets into your spirit, it inspires, transforms, informs, educates, and cultures you.
Also, you have to trust the power of the Holy Spirit to help you convey the message in a way that'll transform lives. The Lord Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38). This refers to the Holy Spirit pouring out through you.
As the Word enjoins us to be filled with the Spirit, do accordingly. Ephesians 5:18-20 says, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your righteousness is revealed in and through me always. My words are conveyed in the power and wisdom of the Spirit, inspiring faith, hope and love in the hearts of my hearers, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 4:2; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5; And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5. that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 20:19-31 & 1 Chronicles 23-25
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 15:25-32 & Deuteronomy 5
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 5TH JUNE 2023
BEGIN WITH THE MESSAGE OF LOVE
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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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When preaching the gospel, some Christmas focus primarily on the subject of sin, emphasizing the need for people to repent of their sins. The message of repentance was apt for the Jews because they were under the Law. What was required of them was to turn away from wrong when they sinned, unto God.
However, non-Jews-the Gentiles-had nothing to turn away from because they were never under the Law, which in itself was their condemnation. The Bible says, "For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law" (Romans 5:13).
But then, the Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This includes both Jews and Gentiles. If the Gentiles didn't break the Law because it wasn't given to them, where then was their sin?
We learn in the book of Genesis that when God created Adam and Eve, they were in the presence of a holy God. They lived in His glory. But they were cut off from that glory when Adam sinned against God.
Romans 5:19 says, "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." Through one man's offense, all men fell short of the glory, but now, in Christ, the glory is restored: "...Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). Hallelujah!
This is why your approach of the Gospel shouldn't begin with the issue of sin; rather, it should begin with the message of love. That's the key; that's how Jesus puts it in our opening scripture. Love was His motivation.
Notice in that verse that He said nothing about sin. That's the Gospel of Christ. It's a message of love and a message of life-the life and nature of God-that His death, burial and resurrection has made possible and available to everyone who believes.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your love that's expressed, unveiled, and embraced as many all around the world hear and receive the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the resultant gift of righteousness. Today, they experience your steadfast and everlasting love and the glory of your grace, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 3:16 AMPC; For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 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.
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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 19:17-42 & 1 Chronicles 17-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 15:1-14 & Deuteronomy 3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional