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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 22ND AUGUST 2023
FERVENT AND PERSISTENT IN PRAYER
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So Peter was kept in prison, but fervent prayer for him was persistently made to God by the church (assembly) (Acts 12:5 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Lord Jesus emphasised the need for us to watch and pray always. In Luke 21:36, for example, He said, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” In Luke 18:1, He also said, “...Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” The Apostle Paul further emphasises this in 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.” Why is there so much emphasis on us praying?
Recall the words of Jesus, “…Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). He wants His will established in the earth as it is in heaven. He holds His people responsible for making His will come to pass in the nations. He lets us run the world with Him, enforcing His will in the nations of the world through our priestly ministry of intercession.
Luke, in Acts 12:1-5, for example, shows us the impact of the heartfelt, continued, intercessory prayer of the saints. Herod, the king, sought to oppress the Church and executed James, one of the Lord’s disciples, in order to please the Jews. Motivated by the exciting response of the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter.
Herod must have considered killing Peter, the leader of the group, as the most strategic way to destroy everything the Church stood for. However, the Church remained steadfast in prayer for Peter. As the Church prayed fervently and persistently, there was an intervention from heaven. An angel of the Lord appeared and freed Peter from his chains and guided him to safety. He then went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, where the Church had gathered in fervent prayer (Acts 12:12).
Learn to be persistent and fervent in prayer. Remember what the Bible says in James 5:16 AMPC, “…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” Persist in prayer until there’s a change. We have the power to change anything through our prayers. God made it so. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I declare that the nations and leaders of the world are under the divine influence of your mighty power, and that wicked spirits responsible for evil and all forms of darkness in the nations are unseated, and peace reigns, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 21:22; And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
James 5:16; 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.
1 Thessalonians 5:17; Pray without ceasing.ĺ
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 7 & Psalms 119:113-176
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 18:9-17 & 1 Samuel 9
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 20TH AUGUST 2023
HIS FULLNESS IN US
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For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him (John 3:34).
Pastor Chris Says
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“Christ in you" signifies that God resides in you in His fullness, not in parts, nor in a measure. This is an immensely significant truth, one that cannot be overstated. Just as the Holy Spirit dwelt in Christ, He now dwells in you. Have you really taken the time to contemplate this truth?
Colossians 1:19, referring to the Lord Jesus, says that in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. We can readily accept that the fullness of God dwells in Jesus. But the same is true of us in Christ Jesus. Just as we read that it pleased the Father to have all the fullness of God dwell in Jesus, Colossians 2:10 says, “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.”
Now, you can better understand why Paul would pray in Ephesians 3:19 “…that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." He wanted them to experience this ministry of the Holy Spirit and come to the realization of this truth about the indwelling fullness of God. Ephesians 1:22-23 says we, the Church, are His body; we’re the fullness of Him that fills all in all. Hallelujah!
John 1:16 AMPC says, “For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received….” This is God's purpose for us—to be filled with His fullness. So, not only is this a possibility, it’s our reality in Christ. He lives within every fibre of your being; in your spirit, soul and body. Understanding this message is transformative. It is what will change the world, but we must act upon it.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m full of God; I’ve received of His fullness: His ability, wisdom, grace, power and strength! His glory is in me and expressed through me; therefore, my life is a continuous manifestation of Christ and the supernatural. I impact my world with the power and dominion of Christ’s righteousness that I bear, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 3:34; For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
Colossians 2:9-10; For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 5 & Psalms 117-118
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 17:31-37 & 1 Samuel 5-6
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 18TH AUGUST 2023
THE KINGDOM VENT FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
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Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21).
Pastor Chris Says
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Now that you’re born again, the Kingdom of God is at work and operational in you and through you. You’re a Kingdom vent for righteousness, the outworking of God’s righteousness.
When Jesus came, He offered the Kingdom to Israel, but they didn't believe Him; they rejected His message. He then extended the offer to the Gentiles—to all nations. Today, anyone who believes in Jesus Christ has received the Kingdom—a magnificent kingdom!
In Isaiah 35:5-6, the prophet Isaiah declared, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert." This is a manifestation of the Kingdom.
It was the understanding of this that made me go preaching in the backside of civilization where there was darkness, pain, and poverty. In those crusades, I’d command blind eyes to open, deaf ears to be unstopped, the mute to speak, and the lame to walk, and they did.
Knowing that the concluding part of the 6th verse referred to the end of poverty and lack, I’d declare to the crowds that irrespective of their circumstances, they possessed a supernatural life now that Christ was alive in them. They believed and were transformed by the Truth. The evidence of the Kingdom was undeniable!
Christ in you brings forth righteousness and the outworking of His Kingdom. It is a transformational reality that manifests in the ability to live righteously and experience the abundant life of God's Kingdom. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for your Kingdom that’s in my heart; your glory and righteousness are in me and revealed through me. I’m the Kingdom vent for righteousness, and the outworking of righteousness. Your Kingdom reigns and is established in the earth and in the hearts of men as the Gospel is proclaimed around the world today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Mark 1:14; Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Colossians 1:27; to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Luke 17:21; neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 3 & Psalms 109-112
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 17:11-19 & 1 Samuel 3
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 16TH AUGUST 2023
THE DIVINE ESSENCE IN YOU
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But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (2 Corinthians 4:7).
Pastor Chris Says
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The verse above was written to Christians; so, it’s talking about you; there’s a treasure in you. You carry the divine essence; you’re not ordinary. Acknowledge this about you all the time. That’s how to get it effectual in your life. The Bible says, “…the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus” (Philemon 1:6).
Acknowledge that you’re a bearer or carrier of the divine life: a carrier of God’s divine presence, and as a result, the excellence of His power permeates through you, causing everything you do to prosper. Glory to God!
The Bible says the mystery of Christianity and the glory thereof is Christ in you (Colossians 1:27). Your life isn’t empty; there’s a treasure in you: a treasure of power, dominion and glory. Your body may be an earthen vessel, but the glory of God is in your spirit, and that glory inundates and perfects your physical body.
Even now, affirm that through you, the light of God, His glory, power and grace are revealed to your world. Make such proclamations often, because the effectiveness of the Word in your life depends on your response to the Word of God. You’re a God-carrying vessel: a package of divine blessings and treasures. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Christ is in me; His perfection is in my spirit. The life and glory of God are manifested in and through me. I acknowledge the treasures in my spirit through the Word and bring them into operation and manifestation with my confessions of faith. In all that I do, I exude excellence, perfection and the Lord’s goodness, kindness, beauty, and grace. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:11;But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Colossians 1:26-27; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27. to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 1 & Psalms 104-106
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 16:19-31 & 1 Samuel 1
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 14TH AUGUST 2023
PASSIONATE ABOUT HIS MANDATE
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For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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As a teenager, I was compelled to share the message of Jesus Christ and His saving power with everyone. I would pray with a resolute heart, wailing and travailing in prayer for the sick, the afflicted, and crying out for the salvation of the lost. In my prayer times, I often thought, “How can we reach them? What more can we do?”
This burning desire led me to hit the streets, going from house to house, and from door to door, preaching the Gospel. Some people got furious and warned me never to return. But I was undeterred. I visited hospitals and schools, preaching wherever I could—in buses, taxis, and any place where people gathered.
All I wanted to do was to tell the untold about Jesus Christ and reach the unreached. Yet, it never felt enough. I sought to motivate my friends to join me in this endeavour. I would talk to them about going out to preach, and we did. Still, it felt insufficient. We organised crusades from place to place. But even then, it didn't seem enough.
The more I preached, the more I realized the immense need to reach the unreached and snatch many out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s Love-Son. The Bible says, “…This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14).
Those are the words of Jesus; they were personal to me. They must be personal to you. They must be your motivation to do more for the Gospel. Be passionate about spreading the message of the Gospel, not just in your catchment but also to the regions beyond. Take the Lord’s mandate seriously: He said, “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I’m conscious of my calling as a minister of reconciliation, stirred and inspired by the words of the Lord, and motivated by the plight of the lost. I pray that today, the eyes of many around the world who are in darkness will be open to the light of the Gospel, and they are turned from darkness to light, and into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 9:16; For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
Mark 16:15 AMPC; And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race].
Matthew 28:19; Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 15:14-33 & Psalms 99-101
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 16:1-12 & Ruth 1-2
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 12TH AUGUST 2023
THE THRUST OF CHRISTIANITY
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To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).
Pastor Chris Says
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The ultimate message and vision of Christianity is “Christ in you!” Yet, not all Christians have fully grasped this reality; some are unaware of what Christianity truly entails because they lack a comprehensive understanding of it.
Without being taught the Word of God and enlightened by the Scriptures through the Spirit, one cannot fully comprehend the essence of Christianity. Many perceive it merely as one of the world's religions, but they’re sorely mistaken.
Christianity stands far apart from the conventional definitions of religion. In truth, the Bible elucidates that Christianity incorporates certain aspects of religion, but itself isn’t a religion. It's like prayer for example; there's prayer in Christianity, but Christianity is not “a prayer.”
Let’s also consider salvation: salvation occurs when one is born into Christ. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature....” When we witness and share the Gospel with those who have not yet known the Lord and lead them to salvation, they come into Christ, receiving eternal life. But Christianity goes further to living the life initiated by salvation.
Thus, salvation brings you into Christ, which is “you in Christ,” but the Christian life is “Christ in you.” This is the thrust of Christianity. When you truly discover Christ dwelling within you, you live a glorious life, fulfilling God's purpose. The moment you uncover the presence of Christ within you, your life becomes a melody, a symphony of joy. This is not a mere ideology but a tangible reality.
The true essence of Christianity lies in understanding that it is not merely a religion but a divine relationship with the Father by Christ Jesus. This is one of the reasons you must take your study of "Rhapsody of Realities" seriously; in it, you can receive the enlightenment needed to grasp this profound reality that Christ now dwells within you, in the very quarters of your heart.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the revelation of this glorious reality and profound truth that Christ dwells in me. I’m ever conscious of this reality, permeating and penetrating my world with the same truth, and ushering many into the same life of joy and unending victory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:10; And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Galatians 2:20; I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Colossians 1:26-27; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27. to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 14-15:1-4 & Psalms 90-93
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 15:11-19 & Judges 20
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 10TH AUGUST 2023
ETERNAL LIFE IN YOU
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For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16 NIV).
Pastor Chris Says
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The opening verse is a profound statement from Jesus. It says whoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have eternal life; that’s you. It also brings to mind the words of Scripture in Colossians 1:26-27: “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Christ in you means eternal life within! This subject in scripture calls for deep meditation. First, let’s consider the definition of eternal life. What exactly is it? Eternal life refers to the life and nature of God: that is, the God-life. Just as there is plant life and animal life, the animal life can further be categorized into human life and various other forms of biological life.
However, there’s a distinct kind of life—the God-life. God is the author of life, and everything we consider as “life” emanates from Him. He is life personified. Thus, His very life, His nature, was birthed within us when we were born again. Does this mean we possess two lives?” No!
When you were born again, a new life was introduced into your spirit, and the human life with which you were born of your earthly parents was supplanted by the life and nature of God. The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This simply implies that we’re divine beings, divine creatures, and our divine nature makes us masters over circumstances, with dominion over Satan and the world’s deplorable systems. No wonder the Apostle Peter calls us associates of a heavenly pantheon—comrades of the God-kind (2 Peter 1:4). Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My divine nature has made me a master over circumstances, with dominion over the world’s deplorable systems. My old life has been completely supplanted by the divine life, which is superior to sickness, disease, defeat and all depravities that affect the natural man. The nature of righteousness causes me to walk in God's perfect will today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Galatians 2:20; I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
1 John 5:11-13 NIV; And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
1 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: Romans 12:1-16 & Psalms 85-88
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:25-35 & Judges 18
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 8TH AUGUST 2023
CHRIST—OUR RIGHT-STANDING BEFORE THE FATHER
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But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Pastor Chris Says
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I ’ve often said that the biggest subject in all of God’s Word is righteousness. Righteousness is the nature of God that defines His character and ways of doing things. It is the rightness of God; His attribute of always being right.
This nature and attribute of God when imparted to the human spirit at the new birth gives him right-standing. Right-standing refers to the right or ability to stand in the presence of God without guilt, fear, inferiority, or condemnation. Now, you can talk to the Lord in fellowship and even ask Him questions; you’re bold in His presence.
This is part of the result of who we are, and what we have in Christ. We read in our opening scripture that Christ has become our righteousness—our right-standing before God. Hallelujah! What a blessing! As great and glorious and mighty as God is, you’re not afraid of Him, nor are you guilty or inferior in His presence. Rather, before Him, you’re holy, unblameable and unreproveable (Colossians 1:22). Glory to His Name forever!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I have received God's overflowing grace and the gift of righteousness which has put me into right standing with the Father. I reign as a king in life through Christ. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 3:23-28; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24. being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25. whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26. to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Romans 4:5-8; But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
6. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7. saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered.
8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 11:1-24 & Psalms 79-81
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:1-14 & Judges 15-16
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 6TH AUGUST 2023
PURIFIED BY THE WORD
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And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Apostle Paul, in the 11th verse of 1 Corinthians 6 makes a striking statement to establish the present state of the Corinthian Christians, emphasizing that they were washed, sanctified and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of our God. How profound!
Observe the Spirit’s communication through Paul; He didn’t say, “Such are some of you”; rather, He said, “…and such were some of you,” referring to the unrighteous characters listed in verses 9 and 10. But how were they washed by the Spirit? Through the Word!
In John 15:3, the Lord Jesus addressing His disciples said, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” He purified them by His Word. As He spoke His words of sanctification and righteousness to them while they listened, they were purified. Blessed be God! The same thing happens today as we share the Word of God; as the people listen, their hearts are purified from all unrighteousness.
Many have testified that as they listened to us share the Word of God or as they meditated on the scriptures, suddenly, they seemed to have been transported in the spirit. They felt enraptured in God's bliss and love. The Word got rid of everything unwholesome, unpleasant or unclean. How wonderful! We’re made pure by the Word. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The Word rids me of anything unwholesome, unpleasant, or unclean. It obliterates sickness, poverty, sin and all of the works of darkness from my life. I’m washed, sanctified, and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 15:3 AMPC; You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you].
Colossians 1:21-22 CEV; You used to be far from God. Your thoughts made you his enemies, and you did evil things.
22. But his Son became a human and died. So God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 9:1-29 & Psalms 74-77
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 13:22-30 & Judges 12
EXCERPTS FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 4TH AUGUST 2023
MADE WHOLE AND DELIVERED FROM PITFALLS
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He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (Psalm 107:20).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Hebrew word translated healed is “raphah”; it means to mend, to cure, to heal, repair, or thoroughly make whole. This is what the Word does in your life; it rids you of all kinds of sicknesses, diseases, and infirmities; it has curative ability.
You can use the Word to keep your body in divine health. Proverbs 4:20-22 says, “My son, attend to my words…they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” So the Word produces health in your physical body.
“Raphah” also means physician. It brings to mind God’s promise of healing and blessings as the Israelites journeyed in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt: “...if thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:26).
The word “healeth” is the same word, “raphah”; thus, the underlined portion can also be translated, “I am the Lord, your physician”; that’s where you get the name, “Jehovah Raphah,” which means “Lord, your physician.” So, He was their physician.
Secondly, the word translated “destructions” in the same opening verse is the Hebrew, “shechiyth”; it means pitfalls. Pitfalls are sudden, unforeseen troubles. So, a pitfall could be a sudden loss of money or even the loss of a job, life savings, assets, properties etc., as a result of a particular course of action or policies.
But thanks be unto God! He’s able to deliver from pitfalls, from sudden unforeseen difficulty, calamity or quagmire. Blessed be His Name forever.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm confident in the ability of your Word to deliver me from pitfalls, to cause health, wholeness and strength to well up in my body, and to make me walk in unending prosperity. Through the Word, I’m guided to navigate life triumphantly. I'm like a tree by the streams, bearing fruits unto righteousness, never failing, but always victorious, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 27:1-3; The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2. When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, They stumbled and fell.
3. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
Isaiah 54:17 AMPC; But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.
Colossians 3:16; Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 8:1-17 & Psalms 68-69
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 13:1-9 & Judges 10
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED 2ND AUGUST 2023
DISCRETION AND SOUND JUDGMENT
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The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple (Psalm 119:130).
Pastor Chris Says
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The word translated “simple” above is the Hebrew, “pethiy”; it means to be foolish or silly. It also connotes being open-minded or seducible. It aptly describes someone who's open to any new thinking about anything.
The open-minded or seducible person could hear, “There are three gods,” and agrees. Then, he listens to a podcast where the speaker says, “There’re actually five gods,” and he also agrees to that. Soon, someone else comes up with another theory that says there’s no God; and he nevertheless agrees. No! That’s being a simpleton.
Such folks need the entrance of God’s Word to give them understanding. It’s guaranteed: God’s Word will eject foolishness and impart wisdom to you. 2 Timothy 3:15 tells us that the Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise. Hallelujah!
When people aren’t behaving or acting right, refer them to the Word. When the Word gets into them, there’ll be a transformation. If they were timid, they’d become bold, sagacious, discerning, discrete, perceptive and prudent. The Word will cause them to deal wisely in the affairs of life (Joshua 1:8 AMPC).
Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom….” The more of the Word you have inside you, the wiser you become, such that even your choice of words in dealing with others will be gracious, excellent and loving.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The Word of Christ dwells in me richly in all wisdom; therefore, I’m sagacious, discerning, discrete, perceptive, and prudent. I exude wisdom and sound judgment. I deal excellently in all my affairs today, and I make accurate judgments and decisions, for the Word propels me from within, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 3:15; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Joshua 1:8; 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.
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: Romans 6:15-7:1-6 & Psalms 60-63
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 12:35-48 & Judges 8
EXERPTS FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 31ST JULY 2023
THE WORD PROPELS YOU TO “DO”
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For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Word of God is a propelling force; it’s a propelling power. It gives you the spiritual motivation, and enables you to do. The Word effectually works in you, energizing and creating in you the power and desire to actualize your dream.
Success comes from “doing,” that is, acting, not from seeing only. There’re many with great ideas—in business, politics, ministry, etc.,—that never came to light because they never took action. If only they’d meditate on the Word.
Joshua 1:8 AMPC says, “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.” Notice it didn’t say: “...but thou shall meditate therein day and night and also observe to do…”; neither did it say, “Meditate on it and do it”; no! Rather, it says if you’d truly meditate on the Word, you cannot but do it. The “doing” is a result or implication of you meditating on the Word.
Colossians 3:16 says to let the Word of God dwell in you richly; have it in your spirit in abundance because of what it does in you. When you’re in church for example, and the Word is being taught, there’s a ministry of the Word going on at such times; your spirit is being built, strengthened and stirred to act on the promptings, ideas and visions that come to you from God’s Spirit. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for granting me insight into spiritual mysteries and secrets and implanting in me the passion to do your will. I’m propelled by your Word, stirred and motivated to act and walk in the path of success and greatness in fulfilling my destiny in Christ. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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James 1:22-25; But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23. 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:
24. for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
1 Timothy 4:15; Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
Colossians 3:16; Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 5:12-21 & Psalms 52-55
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 12:13-21 & Judges 6
EXCERPTS FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 29TH JULY 2023
ASSOCIATES OF A GREATER PANTHEON
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Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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The image the Apostle Peter conjures in our minds in the verse above stemmed from a Greek mythology. It had to do with the Greek pantheon, or the collective group of gods headed by Zeus, king of the gods. So, the actual expression, “partakers of the divine nature,” is the Greek “theias-phuseos,” which means “associates of the God-kind.”
Thus, Peter was referring to a greater pantheon headed by Jesus. Being born again, we’ve been brought into fellowship or oneness with the God-kind. We’re in that league, meaning that we’re in a fraternity of divinity, a communion of the God-kind. Some Bible scholars have had issues with this. Their disagreement isn’t because Peter’s thoughts were wrong, but they were so afraid to believe what the Word says.
Others argue that Peter shouldn’t have used words that primarily centre around or relate to Greek history, culture or the Greek gods. But there are several other texts attributed to Peter in the epistles that were written and influenced by Hellenistic culture. For example, Peter, for the first time in 2 Peter 1:2 uses the term “epignosis.” The term epignosis is Hellenistic, and it's used 20 times in the Bible out of which 16 of them were all from Paul. Four of them are from Peter (2 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:8; 2 Peter 2:20).
Epignosis is a higher form of knowledge; it means exact, precise or absolute knowledge that can only be attributable to God. The Hellenists or Grecians in their religiosity believed that only the gods knew everything; only the gods can have absolute knowledge. If these Hellenistic thoughts woven into scriptures are accepted, why should anyone disparage the Hellenistic inference or understanding of the pantheon that Peter seeks to communicate?
You belong in the fraternity of the God-kind, having been born into God’s class, with His divine life in your spirit. Now, you’re indestructible, impregnable and always victorious, having been translated from the ordinary realm of mankind to the supernatural class of the God-kind.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m an associate of the God-kind, in a fraternity with divinity. I’m born into God’s class with His nature and character in my spirit. I’ve been translated from the ordinary realm of mankind to the supernatural class of the God-kind. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 82:6-7; I have said, Ye are gods; And all of you are children of the most High.
7. But ye shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes.
John 1:12; But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 4:1-25 & Psalms 45-48
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 11:45-54 & Judges 4
EXCERPTS FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 27TH JULY 2023
HAVE A RESURRECTION CONSCIOUSNESS
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But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead (2 Corinthians 1:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible tells us that God asked Abraham to offer up Isaac, his only son, whom he had at an old age. Abraham didn’t hesitate or complain; as he went ahead to offer Isaac, God promptly stopped him. As the book of Hebrews reveals, Abraham had Isaac raised back to life.
As far as God was concerned, it was a resurrection because Abraham had totally given up Isaac. It was God who said, “Abraham, stop! Don’t hurt the child.” Abraham had faith in the resurrection. The Bible says, “For he reasoned that God was able to raise [him] up even from among the dead. Indeed in the sense that Isaac was figuratively dead [potentially sacrificed], he did [actually] receive him back from the dead” (Hebrews 11:19 AMPC).
It’s the same thing that Paul was talking about in the opening scripture where he narrated how he and his companions were so weighed down beyond their strength, and their situation was so devastating that they felt within themselves the very sentence of death.
So instead of trusting in and depending on themselves, they depended on God who raises the dead. What a mindset! They had given up on life as far as they were concerned; they had the sentence of death in themselves but they had a resurrection consciousness.
That’s just like Jesus who gave Himself up, knowing that the Father will raise Him back to life! We’re the children of faith, the children of Abraham, and we act like Abraham. We carry the resurrection consciousness in our spirits.
In that condition, nothing is kept back from the Lord, because you know that He is the God who raises the dead! Anything He asks you to give is multiplied back to you a thousandfold and more. Abraham offered Isaac and he became the father of many nations. His descendants became as countless as the sand on the seashore.
So, serve the Lord truly, joyfully and fully. The very idea to give your all to Him shouldn’t trouble, destabilize or give you sleepless nights when you have the resurrection consciousness. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I have the resurrection consciousness, being convinced that you’re able to raise the dead. Therefore, I’m always active in my service to you, in truth, with all my heart, rejoicing in hope, and patient in times of trouble. I remain steadfast and unmovable, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 15:13-18; But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14. and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17. and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
1 Corinthians 15:58 AMPC: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 2:1-29 & Psalms 38-41
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 11:27-36 & Judges 1
EXCERPTS FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 25TH JULY 2023
COUNT THE COST
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But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Acts 20:17–27, Luke tells us how Paul and his team left Troas and sailed to Miletus where he gave his heartfelt farewell to the elders of Ephesus. There, he reminded them of how he served the Lord with all humility, in tears in the midst of adversity, affliction and trials.
In the twenty-third verse, he said, “…the Holy Spirit clearly and emphatically affirms to me in city after city that imprisonment and suffering await me. But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself…” (Acts 20:23-24 AMPC). This great apostle minced no words about the fact that he had put his life on the line for the sake of the Gospel. What an inspiration! What a commitment!
When you go through the scriptures written by the apostle Paul and the other apostles of the Lord, have you ever thought what it cost them to get the message across to us? Study Church history, and you’ll discover that many of them were killed for the sake of the Gospel.
Read about Stephen. His success in converting Jews drew the indignation of the Sanhedrin and he was stoned to death. Some were beheaded, crucified, burned at the stakes and others were thrown into cauldrons of boiling oil. So, you have to count the cost.
Be ready and willing to lay your life on the line for the Gospel, especially in these last days. Nothing should be too much for you to give up, give, or go through for the Gospel. No matter the sacrifices you make for the Gospel, be ready and willing to give your life for it, if it comes to that.
How dear is your life? Is it so important that you wouldn’t do more for the Lord, just so you could save your name, yourself, or the money you’ve got? Is that all there is about life to you? You should come to that point in your life where you’re absolutely convinced that nothing is too much for you to give for the Gospel, including your life. Jesus said in Mark 8:35, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.”
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I remain resolute and unapologetic about the Gospel; I stand for the Gospel everywhere, preaching it boldly with absolute convictions, even unto death if need be. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 1:8-9; For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
9. but we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
1 Corinthians 9:16-17; For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
17. For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 1:1-17 & Psalms 32-34
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 11:1-13 & Joshua 23
EXCERPTS FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 21ST AUGUST 2023
BEING BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST
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To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27)
Pastor Chris Says
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The first thing that happens when you come to Christ or receive eternal life is that you are baptized or immersed into Christ. Paul captures it vividly in 2 Corinthians 5:17, when he said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Therefore, to be in Christ or be born into Christ is to be recreated; you're now a new person in Christ. This first experience is when the Holy Spirit receives you into Him, just as the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free….” This is the new birth—being born again.
The second part of the verse refers to the second experience “…and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” This is receiving the Holy Spirit to dwell in you to become one with Him in the same body (1 Corinthians 6:17, John 7:37-39).
Receiving Him is a separate experience that follows the first experience. On the day of Pentecost, for example, the disciples were born again and also received the Holy Spirit to dwell in them on that same occasion.
The same experience happens to many people today; immediately they’re born again, they receive the Holy Spirit. But this isn’t always the case. In Acts 19, for example, the Apostle Paul encountered some disciples in Ephesus and asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit since they believed.
They replied that they hadn’t even heard that there was a Holy Spirit. So, for some individuals, there might be a period of waiting, maybe due to a lack of knowledge about the Holy Spirit and His ministry in the saints, like these disciples Paul encountered in Ephesus.
The Apostle Paul Himself received Christ and was born again on the road to Damascus, but received the Holy Spirit after three days when Ananias, a disciple of Damascus, came to him and laid hands on him (Acts 9:9-11,17).
So, being born again is actually being baptized into the Holy Ghost, into Christ, and into God. John refers to it as "being in God" and distinguishes that from "He in you" (1 John 4:15) much as Paul the apostle distinguishes ‘being in Christ’, which begins at the new birth, from ‘Christ in you’, which evidently is initiated when you receive the Holy Spirit into you (2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 1:27).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m inseparably one with Christ, for in Him I live, move, and have my being! I’m the embodiment and expression of His glory and divinity. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 12:13; For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Acts 17:28; for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Galatians 3:27; For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 6 & Psalms 119:1-112
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 18:1-8 & 1 Samuel 7-8
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 19TH AUGUST 2023
CALLED TO EXCELLENCE
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According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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Notice what the Apostle Peter said in the latter part of the scripture above; he said God has called us to glory and virtue. We have a calling to a life of glory and virtue, that is, a life of excellence. Poverty and sickness have no place in this calling. Hallelujah! It’s important to know that your life of excellence isn’t a future plan or a promise to be fulfilled when we get to heaven; no!
It's a present reality, for here and now! The Amplified Classic helps us to get a fuller grasp. It says, "For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue)."
There’s no room for mediocrity or mundanity in our lives. We are excellent in every way because we have been called to it. There’s more. In 1 Peter 2:9 AMPC, the Bible says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
You’re God's own purchased, special individual, bought by the blood of Jesus to set forth the wonderful deeds and showcase the virtues and perfections of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. Blessed be God. Never think less of yourself. Never underestimate your worth.
Every day you’re in this world, wherever you go, understand and be conscious that you’re born for excellence. It’s your destiny to be excellent. You have an excellent path of life. Therefore, do and manifest excellent things.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for your life and nature in my spirit, and the life of excellence that I have in Christ Jesus. You've made my life beautiful, and you've enabled me to be an effective witness and representative of your Kingdom, showing forth your praises, and illuminating the dark places of the earth with the light of the glorious Gospel, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Peter 1:3 AMPC; For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).
1 Peter 2:9 AMPC; But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
John 15:16; Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 4 & Psalms 113-116
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 17:20-30 & 1 Samuel 4
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 17TH AUGUST 2023
HE GAVE US LIFE AND MADE US LIFE-GIVERS
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The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) (John 10:10 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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When we say that as Christians, we aren’t mere humans, some might view it as heresy or call it the 'little god' syndrome. Those who question the validity of our oneness with the Lord—our sublime identity with Him—lack the understanding of why Jesus came; His true purpose for coming to this world. Read our opening verse again.
Jesus didn’t come to merely save us from sin; that was a means to an end. So, what did He come to do? He came to give us life and to bring us into fellowship with God. John 5:26 says, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.”
Think about that: just as the Father has the fullness of life, so also, Jesus Christ has the fullness of life; He's not drawing life from the Father. Remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:45 NIV: “So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.” Jesus, the life-giving spirit, imparts the same life to us.
Therefore, just like Jesus, you’re a life-giving spirit. He gave us life and made us life-givers. Isn't that amazing? When you show up, life is manifested, not in bits, but in its fullness.
No wonder Jesus charged us in Matthew 10:8, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils….” When you touch the sick and the afflicted, the life in you is transferred and transmitted into them, bringing them healing, wholeness and perfection.
The Bible says, "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones" (Ephesians 5:30). Have you ever contemplated the significance of this statement? It means we are the very limbs of His body. In another of his letters to the Corinthian Church, Paul said, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
In 1 Corinthians 12:27, the Bible says, “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” In other words, you’re the carrier of His divine essence. Eternal life is unveiled to others through you. Grasp the magnitude of this truth and walk in its reality.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for making me a life-distributor, and a dispenser of your blessings. I am your outstretched arm to a hurting and dying world, to heal, bless, and deliver. I’m full of power, even by the Spirit of the Lord, and the glory of God is released into my world through me today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 15:45-49; And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
46. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
47. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
48. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
49. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
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:
1 John 5:11-12; And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 2 & Psalms 107-108
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 17:1-10 & 1 Samuel 2
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 15TH AUGUST 2023
LIVE AS ONE WHO HAS ETERNAL LIFE
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I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13 NIV).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Apostle John’s emphasis in our opening verse above is for God’s people to “know” that they have eternal life. The word “know” is translated from the Greek word "eido" and it refers to having knowledge or awareness of something.
It signifies the understanding and certainty of the fact that you possess eternal life. Sadly, not many Christians know they have eternal life. So, they pray for it, some fast for it, and others hope to receive it. Some others even think they can only enjoy this God-life in heaven, no!
Eternal life isn’t a mere promise or a future expectation. When you were born again, eternal life was imparted to your human spirit, and at once, you were awakened to the Fatherhood of God. Eternal life is the God-life; it’s the transcendent life. It’s indomitable and uninfectable.
If someone had a tumour growing in his or her body, upon receiving eternal life, that tumour should die and dematerialize. Thank God for the teaching of His Word and the increased knowledge in the Body of Christ! Many are becoming more aware of the essence, import, and impact of this divine life in us.
When troubles strike, deal with them from the perspective of your knowledge of who you are and what you have in Christ. You live in the realm of incorruptibility, immortality, everlasting joy, peace, and glory; reigning and ruling over Satan, his demons and the elements of this world. Hallelujah!
Have that consciousness every day of your life. Live and think as someone who has eternal life. It doesn't matter the troubles you face in this world, the solution is within you. Blessed be God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I walk and function in the consciousness that my spirit has been imparted with eternal life—the God-type of life! Therefore, I live in the realm of incorruptibility, immortality, everlasting joy, peace and glory; reigning and ruling over Satan, his demons and the elements of this world. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 3:36; He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
1 John 5:11-13 NIV; And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
John 17:3; And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 16:1-27 & Psalms 102-103
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 16:13-18 & Ruth 3-4
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 13TH AUGUST 2023
AFFIRM THE WORD WITH CONFIDENCE
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For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
Pastor Chris Says
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In our opening verse, it’s clear what God hasn’t given to us, and what He has given us: He’s not given us the spirit of fear, cowardice or timidity. Rather, He’s given us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Every so often, declare this as the reality of your life.
Never express difficulties in comprehending or retaining anything. Never confess dullness of the mind; rather, affirm that you possess an extraordinary amplitude of comprehension and exceptional intellect, marked by wit and intelligence. You have an expansive understanding and brilliance of mind through the Holy Spirit. Say this often of yourself.
Also, don’t build vocabulary around forgetfulness. Don’t say, “O, I just forgot; what a forgetful me!” No! You have a sound mind; a mind that retains and recalls information effectively. You have a sharp memory and a firm capacity to remember important details, experiences and knowledge. Your mental acuity and your cognitive abilities are topnotch. That’s what the Word says about you.
Furthermore, don’t express fear. Some think it’s fashionable to talk fear, but the Christian isn’t built to fear. We’re creatures of faith. Eschew the language of fear and talk faith always. Talk boldly. You’re born of God, therefore, fear has no place in your life. Proclaim the Word of faith with conviction and confidence.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m perceptive, astute and smart, imbued with an extraordinary amplitude of comprehension. I’m confident, bold and courageous; I have an exceptional intellect, marked by wit and intelligence, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Mark 11:23; For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Philemon 1:6; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:15; For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 15:5-13 & Psalms 94-98
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 15:20-32 & Judges 21
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI.11TH AUGUST 2023
HIS NAME CHANGES EVERYTHING
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And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (Mark 16:17-18).
Pastor Chris Says
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God vested all authority in the Name of Jesus (Philippians 2:9-10). His Name has the greatest honour, and the greatest authority. It doesn’t matter what might have plagued you; it doesn’t matter for how long you’ve been under, or on the sidewalk of life, your victory is guaranteed in His Name.
What you have to do is live your life with the consciousness of the power, glory and dominion of the Name of Jesus. When you do this, you won’t struggle with some health troubles; your life will be an unending stream of victories, blessings and the supernatural. You’ll have no consciousness of need, because the power and glory of His Name make all things right with you and work for you.
If you’d learn to use the Name of Jesus in your life, in everything you do, you’d be amazed at the extraordinary blessings you’d experience every day. His Name is an instrument, a great blessing for us in the New Testament. The Word tells us to use the Name of Jesus in all things (Colossians 3:17).
What many have lacked is the consciousness of the power and authority of His Name. When you make demands in His Name, He sees to it that they happen (John 14:14). When someone is sick in your home, for example, take charge and declare, “In the Name of Jesus Christ, I rebuke the pain; I rebuke the affliction!” Mention the sickness and command it to go!
He told us to heal the sick; so, it’s our responsibility to do it in His Name; and His Name never fails! Even now, rebuke the infirmity. Use the Name of Jesus to bless your home, bless your family, effect the changes you desire and create blessings for yourself and others.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I declare, in the Name of Jesus that I live above this world and its corrupting influences. No sickness, disease or infirmity can thrive in my body, because I have the divine life—the indestructible, unconquerable life of God—in my spirit! I’m conscious of my divinity and immortality in Christ Jesus. Blessed be God! I live victoriously and dominate life’s situations and circumstances. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Acts 3:16; And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Philippians 2:9-11; Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10. that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11. and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Colossians 3:17; And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 12:17-13:1-14 & Psalms 89
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 15:1-10 & Judges 19
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 9TH AUGUST 2023
“RIGHTWISENESS” AND THE JUDGMENTS OF GOD
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But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Pastor Chris Says
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In our previous study, we referenced “Right Standing” as one of the attributes of righteousness. Today, we’ll be considering another attribute of righteousness called “Rightwiseness.” Rightwiseness is not a term that’s often used in everyday communication, but it’s an important element of righteousness.
“Rightwise” means to be rightward; or towards the right. This, however, is not talking about the physical position of being towards the “right-hand side.” It refers, instead, to rightness—the ability to always be and do right in the presence of a holy God.
Remember, righteousness is God’s nature: His character, ability and attribute of being right and perfect. How He thinks, what He says, and what He does is always right, because He’s God and He could never be wrong. This quality of the rightness of God is captured in the old English term, “rightwiseness.”
God alone knows what’s right; when He imparts His righteousness to your spirit, you also begin to know what’s right just like Him, and you’re given the ability to do it. The judgments of God, from thence, are wrought in your spirit. What do I mean by the judgments of God?
This has to do with how God perceives and judges things; how He sees things and what He thinks about them. Now, because of His nature in you, you now carry the judgments of God in your spirit. You have His opinions and know His will.
The prophet Isaiah, speaking about the Christ, said, “…he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth...” (Isaiah 11:3-4).
This means He would not judge according to His senses but by the Spirit. It’s the same with you now that Christ has been made unto you righteousness! His “rightwiseness” and His judgments are in your spirit. You judge by the Spirit. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m the unveiling of the Father’s righteousness; His “rightwiseness” and sound judgments are heard in me, seen in me, and dispensed through me. I judge by the Spirit in righteousness, and reprove with equity because I’m the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 1:30 AMPC; But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin].
Romans 5:1 AMPC; THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
Romans 8:30 AMPC; And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 11:25-36 & Psalms 82-84
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:15-24 & Judges 17
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 7TH AUGUST 2023
INVOKE HIS AUTHORITY
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Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth (Philippians 2:9-10).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the 3rd chapter of the book of Acts, we read that Peter healed a certain man who was crippled from birth. Afterwards, he made an emphathic and unambigous statement. He said, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Peter was referring to the Name, Jesus!
All authority in heaven, in the earth, and under the earth is vested in that Name. So, when you affirm your healing and health or anything in the Name of Jesus, you’re invoking His authority.
The one who’s crippled is able to walk again, in the Name of Jesus. Even maimed limbs are restored in His Name. In Mark 16:17-18, Jesus said, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils… they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” When you call the Name Jesus, demons scamper in terror; all of nature responds.
Therefore, be confident to use the Name of Jesus, and live every day in, and by, the power of His Name; it’s your heritage. The Name was given to you to use, and to live by. Even now, receive strength into you in the Name of Jesus! If you’ve been sick or afflicted, be made whole; be healed in Jesus’ Name! Right away, rejoice and thank Him for healing you, and act accordingly. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the power in the Name of Jesus and the authority I have to use that Name against the devil, sickness, disease, and the crises of life. I live in health; I’m victorious, and I'm sustained by the power and authority of that Name, today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 14:13-14; And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Acts 3:1-8; Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
2. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
3. who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
4. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
5. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
7. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
8. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 9:30-10:1-21 & Psalms 78
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 13:31-35 & Judges 13-14
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 5TH AUGUST 2023
THE BIBLE: AN EPIC OF THE SPIRIT
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All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you study the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, you’ll come to the realization that indeed, the whole Bible is an epic of the Spirit. Moses, by the Spirit, wrote, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth…And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:1-2). This extraordinary person of the Godhead—the Holy Spirit—is introduced to us in the very beginning.
In the book of Proverbs, we read about His intent which was to dwell in us and have fellowship with us. The writer, by the Spirit, pens that the Spirit’s desire wasn’t to live in heaven without us, but to be with us, and in us (Proverbs 8:30-31).
In the four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John— the Lord Jesus gives us an even greater light to tell us who the Holy Spirit is, and in Matthew 12:32, He warns against offending the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the one who brings the presence of God to us and communicates the love of God to us. You can't read the Bible and miss who the Holy Spirit is. Over in the Epistles, Paul also highlights, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).
Those who haven’t received the Holy Spirit often find the epistles confusing. If only they knew that the epistles are an effusion of an extravagant discourse of the Christ; they’re a compendium of extraordinary truths for today. In other words, they have a message of the now, not by way of the timelessness of the message, but by way of the timelessness of the man of whom He speaks.
And the only way to have a full grasp of this discourse is by the Spirit. How important it is to recognize and be fully yielded to the ministry of the Spirit!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Holy Spirit, I acknowledge your ministry and presence in my life, as you guide me to know and walk in the realities of the Kingdom of God. I thank you for your presence in me, for you’re the captain of my life. I follow as you lead me to fulfil my destiny in Christ. Through your ministry, dear Holy Spirit, I’m demonstrating the glory, wisdom and excellence of divinity, bearing fruits of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Matthew 12:32; And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
Proverbs 8:30-31; Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him;
31. Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; And my delights were with the sons of men.
Acts 5:32; And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 8:18-39 & Psalms 70-73
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 13:10-21 & Judges 11
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 3RD AUGUST 2023
THE WORD HAS POWER
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He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (Psalm 107:20).
Pastor Chris Says
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The scripture above brings to mind an amazing testimony of a young lad who had a ghastly accident, resulting in a gruesome leg injury. The doctors said he’d never walk again, and if he did, it would take some years for that to happen.
This young lad took Rhapsody of Realities and began to meditate on the Word. He studied it voraciously and took the confessions seriously, reflecting on the healing power of God's Word over his leg. Soon enough, he began to see changes. Eventually, his leg was completely restored and he was able to walk again. Praise God!
Always remember that we were made or created by the Word. We’re products or offsprings of the Word. Before God formed man from the dust of the ground, He already created Him with His Word. He only formed from the dust, the man He had created in the spirit with His Word. That Word is where life comes from; that Word brought creation into being!
Therefore, when you want to change anything, use the Word! Proclaim the Word. The Word of God is a force; it’s a “thing.” In fact, one of the translations of the Word, “Rhema,” is “THING”; the Word is a thing; it’s a spiritual substance. That’s why, when you proclaim it, it goes out into the spirit realm and has the capacity to produce exactly what it talks about.
So, when you're talking the Word, don't think you're just making statements; no! The Word has energy: potent and creative power. As you affirm the Word, the message that it carries is the power that it transports. Glory to God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I speak forth the Word, being fully conscious that the message that it carries is the power it transports. I declare that I’m walking in divine health, increased prosperity, and I’m making progress with giant strides. My life is for the glory of God. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 1:37 NIV; For no word from God will ever fail.”
Isaiah 55:10-11; For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11. so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Hebrews 4:12; For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 7:7-25 & Psalms 64-67
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 12:49-59 & Judges 9
EXERPTS FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 1ST AUGUST 2023
LUMINOSITY BY THE WORD
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The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple (Psalm 119:130).
Pastor Chris Says
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I’ll like you to observe what the entrance of God’s words brings: "light." The Hebrew word translated “light” in the opening verse is “'or”; and it means to make luminous or lambent; to shine, to be glorious, to kindle or to set on fire. It also alludes to coming from the dark nights and breaking into a new day.
Therefore, what this verse is saying is that the entrance of God's Word into your heart will make you luminous or shine; your life will be like the dawning of the morning and glorious. Hallelujah!
Observe that I didn’t say the entrance of the Word will illuminate you, but that it’ll make you luminous. Even though these two words are often used in related contexts, they have distinct meanings and connotations. To illuminate something means to shine light on it and to make it brighter and more visible. That’s different from being luminous which means emitting light to be radiant or shiny, glowing or effulgent.
When something is described as luminous, it means it has the quality of producing or reflecting light. The entrance of the Word makes you glow; you become a burning and a shining light—you produce from within you such brightness, radiance and brilliance of the Spirit!
It brings to mind the Lord’s testimony of John the Baptist whom He described in John 5:35 as a burning and a shining light: “He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.” Let the Word get into you; feed on the Word; it’ll shine through you.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your Word is the true light that lights my heart. Through diligent study and constant meditation on the Word, my heart is flooded with light and I shine forth with such intensity, glowing ever so brightly, radiating your goodness and exhibiting your kindness and graciousness to my world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 119:105; Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.
John 8:12; Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 12:46 AMPC; I have come as a Light into the world, so that whoever believes in Me [whoever cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] may not continue to live in darkness.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 6:1-14 & Psalms 56-59
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 12:22-34 & Judges
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 30TH JULY 2023
GOD’S PLAN FOR THE GIVER
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And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation] (2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” In Haggai 2:8, the Lord declares His sovereignty over the earth’s resources saying, “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Then in Psalm 50:10-11, the Lord said, “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.” Hallelujah! This same God that owns the world and everything in it, including all its inexhaustible and inestimable wealth, is able to direct all grace towards you for you to enjoy everything He owns.
God is able to direct all the grace you require for anything in this life towards you such that you’re never behind in competence or ability. Someone might say, “If that’s the case, then, go ahead and do it, Lord; direct all grace towards me.”
The scriptures already told us what prompts Him to do it: He does it for givers. Read 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 and see the connection: all channels of blessings are focused on the giver! You can’t block the giver’s way, impede his advancement, or stymie his growth and blessings, for he’s graced on every side.
That’s not all. As a true giver, not only does God direct all grace towards you, but He ensures you have more than enough to give all the time. You’re always, and under all circumstances, and whatever the need, self-sufficient, possessing enough to require no aid or support, furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation. This is God’s Word and blessing for you as a giver. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the Gospel of Christ that has blessed and enriched me. I’m grateful for the privilege to give for the furtherance of the Gospel and bring sinners out of darkness into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Thank you for making all grace abound towards me, to be effective in the ministry of reconciliation, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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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.
Philippians 4:15-19; Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 5:1-11 & Psalms 49-51
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 12:1-12 & Judges 5
EXCERPTS FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 28TH JULY 2023
HE’S FOREVER THE SAME
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And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? (Mark 12:24).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Therefore, what He did in Bible days, He’s still doing today; He’s consistent. His Name has the same power, the same authority to unstop deaf ears, open blind eyes, heal lame legs, restore maimed limbs and even raise the dead as it did in Bible says.
The Bible says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). This applies to “anybody” and it’s true and still relevant. So, it doesn’t matter how bad you or others might think your case is; if you’d call upon the Name of the Lord, He’ll hear and answer you.
The Name of Jesus saves, delivers, protects, heals, preserves and makes whole. Perhaps the doctors have given up on you or on a loved one to die, maybe because of kidney failure, a heart disease, or a nervous breakdown. Don’t fret; our Lord is gracious, kind and all-powerful! Call on His Name and there’ll be a change.
Remember that there is no document in the world that is truer than the Bible—the Word of God. God’s Word is His will. And we know through His will that anybody who calls on Him shall be saved. All you have to do is believe; receive His message—His plan for you to walk in divine health and victory—and act on it.
Mark 9:23 says, “…If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” These words aren’t mere clichés; they came right out of the lips of the Master; they’re forever true. He said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33). He’s consistent. Blessed be His glorious Name forever
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for giving us the Name of Jesus, a name which has proven its power, consistency, reliability, and dependability from age to age, and its capacity and ability to alter and effect changes in hopeless situations and produce miracles. I walk in health, strength and vitality; I establish your will and righteousness in my world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Psalm 119:89; For ever, O LORD, Thy word Is settled in heaven.
Philippians 2:9-11; Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10. that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11. and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Luke 10:19; Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 3:1-31 & Psalms 42-44
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 11:37-44 & Judges 2-3
EXCERPTS FEOM: Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 26TH JULY 2023
GIVE IT YOUR ALL
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For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life (2 Corinthians 1:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Acts 19, Luke vividly captures for us some of the Apostle Paul’s unpleasant experiences as he went about preaching the Gospel. He talked about his personal risks and imprisonments, the riot orchestrated by Demetrius the silversmith, and, in the 22nd chapter, how a commander ordered that he be taken into the barracks to be flogged and interrogated.
No wonder Paul himself recounts, “…in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft” (2 Corinthians 11:23). In his first epistle to the Corinthian church, Paul recalls his experience at Ephesus and said, “…I have fought with beasts at Ephesus…” (1 Corinthians 15:32). In his second epistle, he narrated how in Asia, it became so bad that he felt he and his companions were on death row, but graciously had supernatural deliverance (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).
This same Gospel has been committed to your trust; will you take it lightly or put your all into it? Would you stick out your neck to preach the Gospel to your co-workers or business associates even if it means losing your job or losing out on business contracts you’ve so much desired?
How about your family members who aren’t yet born again? Would you go all out for them, or remain quiet to avoid being hated, disliked or ostracized? There’re those who for the fear of losing the relationships they’ve built, will never witness to their friends. How sad!
You’re a witness to your generation, and the Lord will hold you responsible as their witness. You’ve got to be committed to bringing salvation to those in your world. What you’re into isn’t about saving your head; it’s not about the comforts of life or the benefits you get out of it, no! You’re not into this for what any man can give you, but for the honour and glory of Christ the Lord.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Lord, there’re no limits to how far I’m willing to go for this priceless Gospel that has been committed to my trust. I preach it boldly in the power of the Spirit, delivering many from the kingdom of darkness into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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2 Corinthians 5:18-19; And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19. to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
1 Corinthians 9:16-17; For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
17. For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 1:18-32 & Psalms 35-37
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 11:14-26 & Joshua 24
EXCERPTS FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Dailies
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 24TH JULY 2023
ACTUATE YOUR POTENTIAL
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For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
Pastor Chris Says
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Potential is a latent ability, a hidden power that hasn’t been developed. It is that unused ability, hidden away in the inner recesses of your heart, mind, and soul. Potential is what you could be that you aren’t yet, what you could do that you haven’t done, or everything inside you that is yet to be actuated. Potential doesn’t refer to the successes you’ve achieved, but the ones that are possible that you’re yet to achieve.
Many have lived and died without actuating their potential or fulfilling God’s dream for them; many have died without becoming what He wanted them to be. Nothing could be more miserable than that! How would you feel if, at the judgment seat of Christ, you’re shown everything you could have been, and the possibilities you could have fulfilled but that were never actuated?
So, learn about the real you through the Word and stand up to be what the Word has described you to be: one with limitless possibilities and ability to do more and be more.
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus in John 12:24. He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”
Consider a fruit-tree seed: That seed has the potential of not just becoming a tree, but a forest. Every tree has the potential of a forest. God doesn’t only reserve the rights, but also intends to hold men accountable for their potentials. We’re dealing here with your potential in God. The Bible says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body…” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
At the Judgment, some are going to see all that they were meant to be that they never became, all they could have said that they never said, and all they could have done that they never did. So make up your mind you’d be everything God has chosen you to be. Trust the Holy Spirit to help you see and live to your fullest potential and fulfil your destiny and calling in Christ.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for helping me to live to my fullest potential and fulfil my destiny and calling in Christ. I’m running my race swiftly, pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, under the inspiration of your Spirit and guidance of your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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2 Thessalonians 1:11;Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
Colossians 4:17; And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
Philippians 2:12-13; Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 28:17-31 & Psalms 30-31
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 10:38-42 & Joshua 22
EXCERPTS FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Dailies