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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 20TH OCTOBER 2023
ACT YOUR FAITH AND EXPERIENCE THE MIRACULOUS
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So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead) (James 2:17 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Let's consider the example of the man in Acts 3:1-16, who was lame from birth and begged for alms at the gate of the temple called Beautiful. The Lord Jesus Himself had been in that very temple multiple times, yet the man's condition didn't change.
But on a certain day, as Peter and John walked by, he begged them for money. Then, the Bible says that Peter looked at him intently and said, "Look on us. Expecting to receive something, the man gave them his attention. Peter then declared, "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."
Peter then took the man by the right hand and lifted him up. Immediately, the lame man's feet and ankle bones received strength. Imagine if the man had resisted as Peter was trying to yank him up; he probably wouldn't have received his miracle. The miraculous change in the man's life occurred because the call to action was answered. He received the Word with corresponding action.
When you receive the Word about your prosperity and finances, for example, it's important to back it up with the right actions. Without taking action, your situation may remain the same. For example, 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV) says, "But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving." What do you do when you meditate on this truth?
First, understand that the Word has the power to change your situation. The Word brings you transformation through the power and Spirit of God. Therefore, when the Word comes to you like what we read in 2 Corinthians 8:7 above, recognize the call to action that accompanies it and respond.
Whenever you get a prompting from the Word or in your spirit as a result of the Word, don't hesitate or wait. Seize the moment and respond immediately. By acting in faith, you position yourself to experience the miraculous blessings of the Word.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the glory of your Word and the transformation I experience even now as your Word takes root in my spirit, producing in me fruits of righteousness. I respond and take action on your Word; therefore, your glory is seen in my life, and I experience the fullness of your blessings and abundant provisions, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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James 2:17-26; Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21. Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Acts 3:6-9; 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.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 18TH OCTOBER 2023
BE SPIRITUALLY SENSITIVE
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Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8)
Pastor Chris Says
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Many years ago, while casting a devil out from a dear lady, the demon, trying to put up some resistance, said, "I'm not coming out; I'm responsible for the removal of her fallopian tube!"
Of course, I didn't bother to engage the demon in a dialogue; I simply said, "You're coming out right now, in the Name of Jesus!" And he screamed and came out of the lady. Later on, the lady began to explain to me how she was given the wrong diagnosis and underwent a bilateral salpingectomy. She didn't know demons were responsible for that cruel mistake.
This has happened to a lot of people. There're people who have had to go through surgeries they never needed; some died in the process. Many hospitals are deathtraps, where demon spirits lodge and inspire doctors to do the wrong things. We're living in the days of intense spiritual conflicts and warfare.
A young girl of about nine years became demon-possessed; her behaviour suddenly changed and her health became unstable. No one could understand what happened to her. She started having very strange dreams where she'd find herself at the bottom of a river with a "queen" and other girls of her age.
Her life became a mess. It was later discovered that it all happened at her school when her friend, who was demon- possessed, gave her a particular gift item, and the devil entered into her. Life is spiritual, everything you can see with your optical eyes and relate physically with, came from the realm of the spirit.
It's essential for you to be spiritually sensitive to discern and decisively deal with the enemy whenever he shows up. Be on the alert. The Lord Jesus warned us to watch and pray (Mark 13:33). Speak in tongues often, because as you pray in tongues, spiritual realities are unveiled to your spirit and you won't be ignorant of the devices of the enemy. You'll see and will be able to relate with the "real" truth concerning any situation. Praise God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I'm strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. I keep His Word in my heart and in my mouth always and therefore discomfit all the stratagems, schemes, manoeuvres and manipulations of the devil. And as I speak in tongues, spiritual realities are unveiled to my spirit, and I see and relate with the "real" truth concerning any situation. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 6:10-13; Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Colossians 1:9; For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
1 Corinthians 14:2 AMPC; For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 & Jeremiah 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 6:30-40 & 2 Kings 4.
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 16TH OCTOBER 2023
THE LIFE HE'S GIVEN US
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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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Many don't know why Jesus came. There's a difference between what He came to do for Israel as a nation and what He came to do for the whole world. For the whole world, He came to give life to the full.
You can only give what you have, and Jesus didn't just have life, He was life personified-the embodiment of life (1 John 1:2). The Bible says, "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself" (John 5:26). It's the reason He could give us life to the full. He's the life-giver: "...it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit" (1 Corinthians 15:45 ASV).
There's something about this life that He's given us. Paul helps us understand it some more in Romans 8:2. It says, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Paul wasn't saying the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has "freed" us from death but that it's made us death-free.
You're untouchable by death. You've been translated from the realm of death into the realm of life.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I'm a partaker of the divine nature, filled with the "maximum load" of God. I walk in divine health, prosperity and victory every day. I am a living testimony of God's grace, goodness and love. I walk in the consciousness of my new life in Christ, knowing that I am more than a conqueror and victorious in every situation. Thank you, Father, for the glorious life you've given me in Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 5:24; Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
1 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: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 & Isaiah 64-66
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 6:15-21 & 2 Kings 1-2
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 14TH OCTOBER 2023
MORE THAN HUMAN
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And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5:11-12 NKJV).
Pastor Chris Says
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Christ in you means eternal life in you. Eternal life is the life and nature of God: the God-life. Notice the tenses in our theme scripture; it says God "has given us eternal life." It's not a promise. He's not "going" to give us eternal life. You have that life NOW. As a result, John says in the 13th verse, "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).
He wants you to know that you're more than human. Your human life has been supplanted by the life and nature of God. This divine life in you has made fellowship and oneness with God possible. You're by no means an ordinary person. Recall the words of the psalmist in Psalm 82.6, "I have said, Ye are gods, and all of you are children of the most High."
The same truth is referenced and reiterated by the Lord Jesus in John 10.35 when He said, "If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken." We are gods, because God gave birth to us. We're the offspring of the Word: "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever" (1 Peter 1:23). 1 John 4:17 says, "... as He is, so are we in this world."
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Christ lives in me! I'm the expression of His reality, His grace, glory, kingdom, power and personality! I'm the expression of His fullness; He is my completeness. It makes no difference what challenges I face in life; there's a force-an empowerment-at work in me to blaze through the barriers. Everything and anything I could ever need is inside the greater One that lives in me. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 3:16; Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God 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 John 4:4; Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18 & Isaiah 59-60
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 5:33-47 & 1 Kings 21
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 12TH OCTOBER 2023
A CALLING TO GLORY AND VIRTUE
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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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The verse above says God has called us to glory and virtue. That means we've been called to a life of honour, heavenly dignity, and excellence. No matter what situation you find yourself in, your life is one of honour, dignity and excellence. Glory to God!
The Amplified Classic says He "...called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue)." There should be no mediocrity in your life because excellence is working in you.
The Apostle Paul says, "We encouraged you, we comforted you, and we kept urging you to live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory" (1 Thessalonians 2:12 GNB). What a life He's given us! How could you live an ordinary life when you have a calling to glory and virtue?
It doesn't matter how dark and gloomy things get in this world; be unruffled because your journey in life is one direction only: upward and forward. You're not of this world! Your path is different. It's a path of glory and excellence, prosperity and success, peace and joy. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My life is for the glory of God and I experience His goodness and mercies today; my life is one of honour, excellence, praise, glory and thanksgiving to the Lord at all times. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Peter 2:9 AMPC; But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
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).
2 Corinthians 3:18; But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Thessalonians 1-2:1-16 & Isaiah 54-56
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 5:19-27 & 1 Kings 19
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 10TH OCTOBER 2023
FASTING HELPS TO MAINTAIN SPIRITUAL FOCUS
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And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away (Acts 13:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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There're several spiritual blessings and benefits of fasting and one of them is that it helps you maintain spiritual focus. It involves putting away food, but it's not just about abstinence from food but all forms of distraction for the time being. This helps your spirit to become more sensitive to the Spirit of God. You become more conscious of His leading within your spirit.
At such times when your heart and mind are turned away from the things of this world unto the Lord, it becomes easy for you to receive His guidance.
If you're going to be spiritually alert and walk spiritually, you should fast from time to time. That means to centre your attention on the Lord for the time. By doing this, your spirit gains the ascendency. When you want to deal with certain important things of the Spirit or you're studying the Word and you want to have the insight and sensitivity of the Spirit, fast.
Through fasting and prayer, your effectiveness in the things of the Spirit is improved. Your ability to hear and receive from God is sharpened, and you're more attuned to the finer signals and instructions of the Spirit that you need for a higher level of life; a life of continuous glory and success. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, my spirit is attuned to your leading, guidance, promptings, direction and voice within me. I'm receptive and responsive to you as you guide me to walk in, and fulfil, your perfect will today, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Joel 1:14; Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,
Joel 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
Luke 2:36-37; And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37. and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Colossians 3:1-4:1 & Isaiah 50-51
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 5:1-9 & 1 Kings 16
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 8TH OCTOBER 2023
COMPASSION-A STRONG DESIRE TO REMOVE PAIN
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But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth (Psalm 86:15).
Pastor Chris Says
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Notice that the Bible didn't say God has compassion, which would also have been wonderful, but it says God is full of compassion. What's compassion?
Compassion means to recognize or to become aware of the sufferings of another with a desire to alleviate that suffering. That's what makes it different from sympathy. To sympathize with someone means to identify with someone in his suffering or pain. That doesn't mean the sympathizer is going to or able to do anything about the person's suffering.
Compassion is also different from mercy, which is forbearance shown especially to an offender or to someone you have the right or power to punish. But compassion has a strong desire to remove the pain. If there's no desire to take away the suffering, then it's not compassion.
So, when the Bible says God is full of compassion, it means He looks at you and recognizes what you may be going through with a desire to change the situation. Hallelujah! The Bible says we have a high priest who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15).
Psalm 145:8 says, "The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy." God is loaded with compassion; He's never mad at you. Rather, He's always moved with a desire to bless you, help you, and change your situation.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Gracious Father, you're full of compassion and abounding in mercy and truth. Thank you, for your compassion knows no bounds, and I'm grateful for your unwavering love and care. That same compassion is ignited within me to recognize the sufferings of others; I'm moved with a burning desire to alleviate their pain and make a positive difference in their lives through the Word and by your Spirit, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 78:38; But he, being full of compassion, Forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: Yea, many a time turned he his anger away, And did not stir up all his wrath.
Psalm 111:4; He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
Matthew 9:36; But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
Colossians 3:12; Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Colossians 1:24-2:1-5 & Isaiah 46-47
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 4:30-42 & 1 Kings 14
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 6TH OCTOBER 2023
WHO YOU ARE NOW
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Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1 John 3:1).
Pastor Chris Says
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The word "sons" in our opening verse is from the Greek Teknon, which primarily refers to one borm of parents. We're the sons of God because we're born of God. The world may not recognize this, but it's true nonetheless. That's why it says, "... therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not" (1 John 3:1).
The world didn't recognize Jesus when He came; the people thought He was an ordinary man. The Bible says Jesus was begotten of God (Acts 13:33); the same is true of us as seen in James 1:18. It says, "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."
We're sons of God now even though our outward appearance doesn't show this. But love how the apostle John sums it up in the concluding part of 1 John 3:2. He said, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
When the Lord appears at the Rapture of the Church, we shall be like Him outwardly. But already, we're sons of God and we have His life in us. Refuse to see or describe yourself according to your earthly nativity, because in your spirit, you're like Jesus. Hallelujah!
God has given us the divine nature in Christ Jesus, so now, as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). Once you understand this, you'll realize you're not living the human life. You're not ordinary; you don't belong in this world. You're in God's class, born of His Word and Spirit with this transcendent life. Glory to God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the great love you've bestowed upon me in Christ Jesus. You've made me a partaker of the divine nature. I'm uninfectable, impregnable and full of life; I live victoriously to your glory and praise, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:14-16; For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
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.
16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Galatians 3:26; For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
John 1:12:13; But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13. which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 4:4-23 & Isaiah 42-43
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 4:10-18 & 1 Kings 12
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 4TH OCTOBER 2023
CHOOSE TO WIN
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I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Pastor Chris Says
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One important choice you have to make in life is to always win. Choose to win. When you choose to win, nothing in the world will be able to stop you. But the first thing is for you to make that decision, because not everyone chooses to win.
Some people go through life just hoping things will turn out right; they don't consciously think about winning. Such people say, "Well, if I'm lucky, I'll make it." No! Don't wait for luck. God's children don't hope for luck or walk by luck; we walk in the grace and blessings of God.
Some others say, "I won't choose anything, win or lose." If you don't choose to win, you have chosen to fail. How can you help others if you don't choose to win? The world has more poor people than rich people, and more suffering people than those who are sound and prosperous. If you're not prosperous, you can't help others to become prosperous.
It's only people who are up that can help those who are down to come up. So, where do you want to be in life? What side of the street do you want to live? I found out from the Scriptures that God gave us the right to choose, and also points out the right and the best option for us to choose.
Notice that in our opening verse, He didn't say, "Choose whichever one you think is okay"; no! He shows us what's better and tells us to choose it. You can choose to win at whatever stage you are in life.
Are you a student? Do you work or do you own a business? Make the choice to be the best and achieve the highest height of success possible. God will take you from one step to another in an upward and forward journey of success.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Dear Father, I choose to walk in your ways and align my thoughts, words and actions with your will. I'm not governed by luck or chance; rather, I walk in the path of victory, promotion, strength, health and excellence, as I navigate my way through life with your Word, to the praise and glory of your Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Deuteronomy 30:19 AMPC; I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live
1 Samuel 17:32-37; And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
33. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.
34. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
35. and I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
36. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
37. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 2:19-3:1-11 & Isaiah 38-39
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 3:22-36 & 1 Kings 9
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 2ND OCTOBER 2023
SOAR HIGHER
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Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
Pastor Chris Says
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When someone says to you, "Things are so expensive now; prices have gone up." Smile and say, "I've gone higher than the prices. I've ascended beyond inflation." That should always be your mentality.
From experience, we've only known prices of goods and commodities to always keep going higher. The cry has always been that things are getting more expensive. So, if it's happening again, why do you care? Don't let it trouble you, because you're the seed of Abraham. Your life is different.
I found out in my Bible that God's people always soared in hard times. Isaac prospered in the midst of extremely harsh economic conditions (Genesis 26). Don't be troubled; just raise your standard higher, soar higher than the world's market forces. Let your mind soar beyond the country where you live. Think how big God is, and what He can do with and through you.
We shine brighter in the dark. When everything is bright, not everyone's light will be noticed. But when it's dark, even the dimmest flicker will be noticed; every light shines in the dark. The Bible says, "For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee" (Isaiah 60:2). It's time for you to shine!
The Bible says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). When inflation skyrockets and the prices of commodities increase, don't cry or complain. It'll only create opportunities for you because your faith will get you the money you require. Your prosperity isn't based on what your company pays you or the available opportunities in your country; your prosperity is a function of who you are: an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I affirm that I excel beyond inflation and financial uncertainties. Your Word empowers me to flourish regardless of external circumstances, for you are my true source. I am not a victim of the economy of my nation. I am among those creating opportunities for others. I have already overcome the world and its systems, so I am reigning in life, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:37; Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Psalm 37:25; I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Philippians 4:19; But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 1:1-30 & Isaiah 33-34
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 3:1-8 & 1 Kings 7
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 5:22-6:1-9 & Isaiah 29-30
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 2:1-11 & 1 Kings 5
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 29TH SEPTEMBER 2023
PRAYING IN TONGUES IS KEY
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But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher), praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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If you desire to improve yourself and operate at a new level of spiritual maturity and efficacy, the Scripture tells you what to do: pray in tongues often. This will work for any area in which you desire to make tremendous progress and take giant strides, be it in your health, academics, job, business, or finances.
Even in contending for the souls of men, or interceding for those who have issues understanding the Word, or those who're dull in the things of the Spirit, praying in tongues is key! When you pray in tongues, the Holy Spirit gives you insights and specific guidance that you need to deal with the situation. You'd be able to discern whether you have said enough or if there is more to be said or done.
Also, in praying in tongues, learn to wait on the Lord, because what you need above all is direction-direction during or after the prayer. Sometimes, you may pray for a long time and experience spiritual changes, but no tangible changes manifest in the physical realm. Why? There may be specific actions or steps to be taken that you haven't accessed or discerned.
The Bible says, "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant" (Psalm 25:14), So, the secret is kept for you. But if you don't access that secret and apply it to the specific situation, the situation may remain unchanged.
If you want to see amazing results and changes in your life and circumstances, speak in other tongues. You'll also be guided with the wisdom to know you've received the answers.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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As I spend quality time to pray in tongues today, I'm improved, built up and edified; I operate at a new level of spiritual maturity and efficiency. I make tremendous progress and take giant strides in every area of my life. I'm sensitive to the leading of the Spirit, attentive to His promptings and signals, as I follow His guidance wholeheartedly, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 14:2 AMPC; For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding].
1 Corinthians 14:18; I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Jude 1:20; But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 5:3-21 & Isaiah 27-28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:43-51 & 1 Kings 4
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 27TH SEPTEMBER 2023
INCONTROVERTIBLE BENEFITS OF FELLOWSHIP
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The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen (2 Corinthians 13:14).
Pastor Chris Says
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The incontrovertible benefits and blessings of fellowship with the Holy Spirit can't be overemphasized. The Holy Spirit wants to be involved with every part of your life, and you must let Him. He wants your progress, advancement, prosperity, and success to be evident for all to see.
Sometimes, a Christian might experience a period of remarkable growth and progress where things are moving swiftly and smoothly. However, there may be occasions when everything suddenly seems to stall. Despite attempting various strategies and ideas, nothing appears to change.
Such scenarios often arise when one starts neglecting the ministry of the Holy Spirit in their personal lives. When the speed or rate of growth reduces or completely stalls, either in numerical growth, finances, or both, and it becomes evident that the previous approaches that worked for others and yourself are no longer yielding the same results, what should you do?
The best thing to do if you want to come out of that situation and elevate your work to a higher level is to fast and pray with the understanding that you are initiating a change and transition within yourself.
The focus of the fast, therefore, should not be about changing the situation, as that is not the root problem. Rather, the key lies in strengthening your personal fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
Fasting is a way of turning your spirit and mind away from the carnal things of this world in order to focus them on the Spirit, you set your heart and your mind on the Word in study, meditation and prayer.
Remember, the objective of the prayer and fasting is to nurture and develop an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. By prioritizing this aspect of your life, you can expect to experience the desired changes and growth in other areas as well.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit-my Helper, Counsellor, Teacher, Advocate, Comforter, Strengthener and Standby-whom you sent to lead and guide me through life, in fulfilling my destiny in Christ. Through my fellowship with the Holy Spirit, I walk in victory today, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 14:15-18 AMPC; If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands.
15. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever–
17. The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.
18. I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you.
John 16:13-14; Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 4:1-16 & Isaiah 23-24
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:24-34 & 1 Kings 2
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 25TH SEPTEMBER 2023
MAKING DISCIPLES
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Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20).
Pastor Chris Says
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The opening text from the New International Version says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." The Lord Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations. A disciple is someone who follows their leader.
So, if someone refuses to "follow" you, then you're yet to truly make that one a disciple. The Master's vision is for them to become our disciples, accompanying us and emulating our actions in doing the things the Lord asked us to do.
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the Apostle Paul said, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." Notice that he didn't say, "I've led you to Christ, so follow Him." No! He explicitly stated, "Follow me as I follow Christ." Therefore, when we lead souls to Christ, we must teach them to do what we do and help them cultivate the habit of going to church.
Let them know that church gatherings are mandatory for us as Christians (Luke 4:16). Don't be satisfied if they only attend special church programs and neglect the actual church services. They must become disciples, and for that to happen, we must lead by example. Remember, the local church is a place of growth, teaching, training and protection. Everyone needs a family; so bring them into the church family.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I pray for many around the world whose zeal for the things of the Spirit may have dissipated, that their passion be rekindled, and they take their personal times of fellowship with the Spirit and study of the Word seriously; that there be unity, stability and growth as we, the Church, attain the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Acts 11:22-26; Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26. and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Acts 6:7; And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 2:11-22 & Isaiah 15-18
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:1-13 & 2 Samuel 23-24
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 23RD SEPTEMBER 2023
HIS ULTIMATE PURPOSE
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Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints (Colossians 1:26).
Pastor Chris Says
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The purpose of Jesus' coming to this world was not just to die for our sins. His ultimate purpose was to make us sons of God, so we could have eternal life and be like Him in this world, and in fellowship with God.
This is what Satan knows and hates with a passion! The Apostle John wrote, "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 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 5:11-13 NIV).
Now that you're born again, you have the life and nature of God in you. This is the essence of Christianity according to the Bible; it is Christ alive in you! Colossians 1:26-27 says, "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."
O, how He wants the whole world to know that they don't have to live the ordinary human life that's depraved and mortal! Remember that Jesus died for everyone in the world, and thus the God-life is available to all. Today, anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and confesses His lordship, receives this God-life and is brought into oneness with God. This was Christ's ultimate purpose.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm grateful for the revelation of eternal life that I have received. Therefore, I live in the realm of incorruptibility, immortality, everlasting joy, peace and glory, reigning in life by Christ Jesus. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 3:16; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
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.
John 10:10 AMPC; 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).
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 1:1-14 & Isaiah 11-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 24:28-39 & 2 Samuel 19-20
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 19TH OCTOBER 2023
A CALL TO ACTION
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That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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When we preach the message of salvation to sinners, we must give them the opportunity to act their faith and receive salvation. There must be a call to action. If we don't give them an opportunity to act their faith on the message, the seed sown in their hearts could be lost; Satan could steal it from their hearts (Matthew 13:18-19).
The proof that the seed of God's Word has taken root in someone's heart is their response and action of faith. Until a person responds in faith, it can be said that they have not truly heard the Word. When the Word is truly heard, it produces faith within the individual.
Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17); and faith is the response of the human spirit to the Word of God. So the response is so important. It's the same when we minister to the sick. Take what Paul did in Lystra as an example.
A man who had been crippled since birth listened intently to Paul's teachings. The Bible says Paul perceived that the man had faith to be healed. He locked eyes with him and then commanded, 'Stand up on your feet!" The man jumped to his feet and walked, gloriously healed!
In ministering to people, be it the sinner, the sick, the oppressed or the depressed, we must provide clear instructions for their faith to be activated. Don't just preach the Word and leave them wondering what to do next; put them through and let them act their faith on the words they've received.
Even now, while reading this, if you've never been born again, click on the "Prayer of Salvation" pray that prayer, mean it with all your heart and immediately, you'll be saved, translated into the Kingdom of God. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your Word is life to me, and as I hear and receive your Word, I'm compelled to respond, because I'm a doer of the Word. My faith prevails as I walk in the consciousness of all that the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ consummated for me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖FURTHER STUDY:
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James 1:22; But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 2:17; Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Acts 14:8-10; And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
9. the same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10. said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Timothy 1:1-20 & Jeremiah 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 6:41-51 & 2 Kings 5
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
TUESDAY 17
LIGHT TO THE NATIONS
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Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:14-15).
Pastor Chris Says ━━━━━━━━━━
There's so much poverty in the world that's not supposed to be there. Poverty is not from God; it's man-made. The poverty and wickedness in the world are because of the selfishness of man, and that's because Satan introduced that selfishness into man's heart. He's responsible for the darkness in our world.
But thanks be unto God! The Bible says even though darkness shall cover the earth and gross darkness the people, we're to arise and shine (Isaiah 60:2-3). God sent us (the Church of Jesus Christ) as a light to the nations. And in these last days, we'll shine with maximum intensity.
This is the time for us, as God's people, to use what God has given us and take our place as the light of the world. The Bible says "...the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty" (Psalm 74:20). But when we take our place, there's no force, adversary or adversity on earth that can withstand us.
So, arise and shine. Impact your world. You're the hope and solution that the world needs. The Lord has sent you to bring glory. excellence and meaning to the lives of those around you. You're His hands of love, mercy, and compassion to your world. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I'm the hope and solution that the world needs, for the Lord has sent me as a light to bring glory, excellence and meaning to the lives of those around me. I'm God's hands of love, mercy and compassion to the world. Praise God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Isaiah 60:1-3; Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
2. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
3. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Matthew 5:14-16; Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 & Jeremiah 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 6:22-29 & 2 Kings 3
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 15TH OCTOBER 2023
GOD ALIVE IN YOU
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And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God (Ephesians 3:19).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says, "...Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). Christ in you means God alive and at work in you.
2 Corinthians 5:19 says, "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." It was God working in Christ as He walked the streets in Bible days doing those mighty miracles that He did.
Also, Colossians 1:19 says, "For it pleased the Father that in him (Christ) should all fulness dwell." When Jesus walked the earth, all of divinity was at home in Him. He was God alive- walking and talking in a man's body. But that's not the end. The same God is in you now as He was in Christ. Hallelujah!
Having received the Holy Spirit, God lives in you now; you're His temple. Through you, He impacts your world. He brings sinners out of darkness into His marvellous light. You're His extension in the earth today.
Remember His words, "...I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (2 Corinthians 6:16). He's talking in you and walking in you today. Every time you're ministering to someone about Jesus, that's God at work and alive in you and through you.
It's the reason you must be faithful and diligent in soul winning because through you, the Father expresses His love and righteousness. He said in Mark 16:15, "...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Through you, He impacts this world with the glory of His divine presence, demonstrates the character of the Spirit, fills the earth with the knowledge of His glory, and rains righteousness upon the nations. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Everywhere I go, I go in and with the Father who lives permanently in me. Through me, He expresses His love and righteousness to others, for I'm His extension in the earth by Christ Jesus. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Philippians 2:13; For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
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 Thessalonians 5:1-28 & Isaiah 61-63
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 6:1-14 & 1 Kings 22
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 13TH OCTOBER 2023
CUT THEM OFF!
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"Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the Scriptures say, 'You must worship the Lord your God; serve only him' (Matthew 4:10 NLT).
Pastor Chris Says
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When the Lord Jesus ministered to different people in Bible days, He cast out a lot of demons, showing us that demons are responsible for most of the afflictions that people suffer with. And in Mark 16:17 He listed several signs to identify those who believe, and the very first of the signs is that they shall cast out demons.
But during His forty days in the wilderness, He gave us an insight into how to deal with Satan and demons. Satan had come to tempt Him, and the first temptation was for Jesus to command stones to be made bread. In response, Jesus, quoting from the Book of Deuteronomy, said, "... It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
For the second time, the Bible says, "Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down..." (Matthew 4:5-6). Again, Jesus responded and said, "...It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (Matthew 4:7).
Then came the last temptation. At a high mountain, Satan showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment, offering them to Jesus, if He would bow down and worship him. Jesus said, "Get out of here, Satan!" The original word in Hebrew for "Get out of here" signifies "sink out," or "disappear." That's casting out the devil!
In those three temptations, Jesus was consistent in emphasizing to Satan, "It is written..." and after establishing that clearly. He said, "Get out of here!" That's how to deal with Satan; you cast him out or cut him off from your home, your body, your city, nation, etc.
If it's your child, and he or she is within the age where you're still in control of what they do, you say. "Devil, this is my child, take your hands off my child; get out of here! He's got to obey, because you're exercising your authority in Christ. You have the legal right, the power of attorney to use the Name of Jesus and subdue Satan and his demons. Cut them off! Praise God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Satan has no right to run things in my life, in my home or the lives of my loved ones; by my authority in Christ, I exercise dominion over him and his demons. I walk in power and in the glory of the Father, in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 10:7-8; And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
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.
Mark 1:25-26 MSG; Jesus shut him up: “Quiet! Get out of him!”
26. The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms, protesting loudly—and got out.
Ephesians 4:27 GNB; Don't give the Devil a chance.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:1-13 & Isaiah 57-58
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 5:28-32 &1 Kings 20
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 11TH OCTOBER 2023
YOUR TONGUE IS THE COMPASS
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For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body (James 3:2).
Pastor Chris Says
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Proverbs 8: 21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." it parallels what the Master said in Matthew 12:37, "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Through your thoughts, your character is formed, but it's expressed through your words. Your mouth-work is your life.
As revealed in our opening verse, Christian perfection or maturity is expressed primarily in your communication. If you want to go in the right direction in life, your tongue is the compass. If you offend in words, you're sunk; but if your communication is wholesome, your life will be great. Your speech controls you. Proverbs 15:4 says, "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life...." I love the way Peter puts it in 1 Peter 3:10; it says, "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile." In other words, maintain the right confession.
Your mouth is where your blessing is. Romans 10:10 says, "...with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." It's a principle. God said to Joshua, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night..." (Joshua 1:8). That means keep affirming the Word.
No matter what's happening around you, keep the Word on your lips. The Bible says, "When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up..." (Job 22:29). Again, the emphasis is on what you say. When things are rough and tough, you're not to wait to be lifted; you have a lifting power; it's in your mouth.
What is it that you want? It's all in your mouth. That's the compass with which you steer your life aright, in the direction of God's perfect will. Blessed be God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I have a wholesome tongue; my words are sculpted in line with God's perfect will and direction for my life. I walk in divine health, prosperity, victory, success and financial abundance, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 12:37 AMPC; For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.
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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Colossians 4:2-18 & Isaiah 52-53
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 5:10-18 & 1 Kings 17-18
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 9TH OCTOBER 2023
COMPASSION IS A FORCE
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And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean (Mark 1:41).
Pastor Chris Says
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Recall what we said in our previous study about compassion: a strong desire to ease the pain of others. Compassion compels one to action. Compassion is a force.
When you study Jesus and the way He ministered, you'd observe that He was often moved by compassion. Every time He had compassion on, or was moved with compassion for someone, He did something to change the situation.
Compassion moved Him to teach the people, feed them, and heal them. Mark 6:34 says, "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." Matthew 14:14 says, "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick."
Compassion moved Him to raise the only son of a widow back to life in a city called Nain. When Jesus saw the widow, the Bible says, "...he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not" (Luke 7:13). He then touched the casket and commanded the dead man to get up, and he came back to life.
Matthew 20:30 tells us of two blind men who cried after Jesus, saying: "Son of David, have mercy upon us!" Jesus stopped to ask them what they wanted and they replied that they wanted to receive their sight. The Bible says, "So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him" (Matthew 20:34).
So, like the Master, we're to be full of compassion. Change comes when we're moved with compassion. We're His express image today. He's counting on you to be moved with compassion and do something for those in need; change the lives and circumstances of those in your world. You've been empowered by the Spirit to take action, offer comfort and be a vessel of God's love and kindness to a hurting world.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm stirred by the examples of Jesus who being moved with compassion brought healing, strength, comfort and hope to those in need. I'm empowered by your Spirit to take action, to offer comfort, and to be a vessel of your love and kindness to a hurting world, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 145:8; The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; Slow to anger, and of great mercy.
Psalm 112:4; Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Colossians 2:6-23 & Isaiah 48-49
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 4:43-54 & 1 Kings 15
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 7TH OCTOBER 2023
THE EXPRESS IMAGE OF HIS PERSON
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Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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An important question to ask after reading our opening verse is: What was Jesus like when the Father sent Him? The Bible gives us a description in Hebrews 1:3: "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high."
Two phrases to notice in this verse are: "the brightness of his glory" and "the express image of his person." Jesus was the brightness-the effulgence or the outshining-of God's glory. Each time He stepped out, He was the glory of God manifested. He was also the express image of the Father's person.
If you wanted to know what God was like, you looked at Jesus. He was the absolute description of the Father, and His life was endlessly glorious. Now, Jesus says, "... as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you" (John 20:21). Then 1 John 4:17 tells us that as He (Jesus) is, so are we in this world.
This means that just as Jesus is the brightness of God's glory, you're the brightness of Jesus' glory. You're the express image of the Father's person as Jesus. This is too lofty for the religious mind to grasp, but it's one of the truths of who we are in Christ and what He's made us. He sent us to go into all the world and express His love, kindness, nature and character.
Remember what He said in John 15:5, "I am the vine, ye are the branches..." That means we have the same life. He's also given us His Name, so we have the same name. What belongs to Him belongs to us, we're "... heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ..." (Romans 8:17).
Even now, declare with absolute confidence, "I'm the express image of the Father's person. reveal and unveil His glory." Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I'm an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ. I possess the same life and bear the same name as the Lord Jesus. Therefore, I manifest His love, kindness, nature, and character to the world around me, and as a vessel, His glory shines and is revealed through me with greater intensity. bring the reality of this truth to many, and they accept the salvation that's in Christ Jesus. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:17; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
2 Corinthians 3:18; But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 4:6 ; For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:1; Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Colossians 1:1-23 & Isaiah 44-45
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 4:19-29 & 1 Kings 13
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 5TH OCTOBER 2023
EXPECT GOOD THINGS EVERY DAY
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And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52).
Pastor Chris Says
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There're people who don't expect good outcomes in their lives. They're so used to struggling, suffering and seeing failure and stagnation that they never expect more. They never expect that their lives could be better. They haven't learnt to expect favours; they haven't learnt to take advantage of the grace and glory of God available to all who are in Christ Jesus.
Our opening scripture tells us how Jesus increased in wisdom, increased in stature and also in favour with God and with man. Some people have increased only in stature without increasing in wisdom and favour. Don't just be satisfied to grow in stature; grow in wisdom and favour. Always affirm, "I'm increasing in favour!"
Yes! Become expectant that God is favouring you. Expect that favour is being channelled towards you from God and men. Expect to always walk into divine opportunities. It's good to work hard, but remember what the Bible says, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God" (2 Corinthians 3:5).
Moreover, the Bible says not of works lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:9); it's not about your hard work but by the grace of God. So, always be in a state of expectancy with God; expect good things because you're a child of God and a child of grace. His grace is superabundant upon your life.
Expect blessings every day. The Bible says He daily loads us with benefits (Psalm 68:19); He does it every day. Psalm 33:5 says, "... the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD." Who's the goodness for? It's for you! So expect good things every day. Make continual proclamations of the favour of God working in your life.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My faith is alive and working, ever ready to receive, and always expecting good outcomes. I walk into divine favour and opportunities today. I'm conscious that God loves to always prosper me and delights in doing good things for me. I'm conscious that I'm walking in the blessings of Abraham. Amen.
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Psalm 5:12; For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; With favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
Proverbs 3:4; So shalt thou find favour and good understanding In the sight of God and man.
Psalm 84:11; For the LORD God is a sun and shield: The LORD will give grace and glory: No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 3:12-4:1-3 & Isaiah 40-41
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 4:1-9 &1 Kings 10-11
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 3RD OCTOBER 2023
PUT YOUR CONFIDENCE IN THE WORD
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By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith (Hebrews 11:7).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible tells us how the Lord told Noah to build an ark because He was about to destroy the earth with a great flood. All the people and animals on earth drowned and whole cities were submerged in the flood. Yet, the very flood of judgment that came to destroy the ungodly bore Noah's ark up; it bore up the righteous!
As the floods of inflation, disaster and violence beat on the world in these latter days, refuse to fret or fear. What you need to live victoriously is the deposit of God's Word in your spirit. You've got to know and have the Word in you. With the Word in you, your success is assured, no matter what happens around you.
Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...." That's it! Inundate your spirit with the Word and you'll stay afloat like the ark of Noah, and the circumstances responsible for sinking businesses, careers and finances will be for your promotion.
The floods of economic and natural disasters in the world aren't against you. God has ordained your promotion and prosperity. He already planned that you'll be a success irrespective of what's going on around you. Remember Isaac: he reaped a hundredfold harvest even when there was famine (Genesis 26:12).
You're ordained to prosper in a time of inflation. This is your life as a Christian. Let your confidence rest only in how much of the Word of Christ you have in you and live by, not in how much money you have in your bank account. As you allow the Word to dominate you, it'll give you the mentality of a victor such that no matter what happens, you'll stay above only.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The entrance of God's Word floods my heart with light and brings brilliance and beauty into my life. I do not fret over the hardship, inflation and evil in today's world, for they're not set against me! I've ascended above the economics of this world! I'm in my place of inheritance in Christ Jesus, where I prosper continually. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 1:1-3; Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; And in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Joshua 1:8 AMPC; This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
Jeremiah 17:7-8; Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Philippians 2:1-18 & Isaiah 35-37
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 3:9-21 & 1 Kings 8
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 1ST OCTOBER 2023
HIS BODY WAS BROKEN FOR YOU
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I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:5).
Pastor Chris Says
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The night Jesus made the statement above was the same night He was betrayed. All the gospels recorded events that transpired that night. The Synoptic gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—focused on the Communion Jesus had with His disciples while John focused on certain important teachings Jesus gave from the 13th chapter all the way to the 16th chapter. It was indeed a long night.
Something significant happened during the Communion, which occurred earlier in the night. Paul, by revelation, gives us insight into this: “… the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:23-24). Jesus said to His disciples, “Eat my body which is broken for you.” This was the bread of life that if any man would eat, he would live forever (John 6:51).
Shortly afterwards, He said to them, “I am the vine, ye are the branches...” (John 15:5). This was no ordinary teaching; He wasn’t talking religiously. This glorious relationship came about as they broke bread and drank the cup, being His body and blood.
On that night, He brought them into a new kind of relationship that wasn’t there before. Now, in this oneness with them, He headed to the cross in their place. Do you see why there’s no need for you to ever be broken anymore?
There’s no need for your child to be born sick. No reason for you to be diabetic, to have heart trouble, cancer, asthma, or even the flu; His body was broken for you. What if you feel symptoms in your body? That’s why He said to us, “…this do in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24). So, as you take the Communion, you say, “I haven’t forgotten that His body was broken for me. I refuse to be sick! I proclaim divine health for my body.” Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Thank you, blessed heavenly Father, for your unfathomable love in sending Jesus to be the propitiation for my sin. I’m free from sickness, disease and every form of affliction because of His body that was broken for me. I walk in health, strength and victory, being rooted in your Word and guided by your Spirit. I bear much fruit, bringing glory to your Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 11:23-26; For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24. and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
John 6:51-56; I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
52. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
53.Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
54. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
55. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
56. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 6:10-24; Isaiah 31-32
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 2:12-25; 1 Kings 6
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023
IT'S A MATTER OF THE HEART
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For neither did his brethren believe in him (John 7:5).
Pastor Chris Says
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In John 7:3-4 MSG, we're told something quite staggering about the siblings of Jesus: they were sceptical and didn't believe in Him. They said to Him as they were getting ready to go for the Feast of Tabernacles, "...Why don't you leave here and go up to the Feast so your disciples can get a good look at the works you do? No one who intends to be publicly known does everything behind the scenes. If you're serious about what you are doing, come out in the open and show the world."
The 5th verse specifically says, "His brothers were pushing him like this because they didn't believe in him either" (MSG). They were aware of the circumstances surrounding His birth, having heard the story from their mother, Mary, and their father, Joseph, who also had received angelic visitations about Jesus's birth. Yet, they didn't believe.
That's because believing is of the heart. And thanks be unto God, the perspective and opinion of the siblings of Jesus changed when they witnessed His miraculous ascension! That was when they believed. It was a most remarkable event!
As they stood with the other disciples, the "Jesus, whom they had known all their lives," didn't suddenly vanish or disappear, rather, in His glorified physical body, He levitated before their eyes right into heaven. For once, they realized that the one whom they had the privilege of growing up with was truly God.
This incredible event left no room for doubt or speculation in their hearts about His origin. Now, they really understood that the Lord Jesus was truly from above (John 8:23). If you study the book of Acts, Luke tells us in the very first chapter that His mother and His siblings joined the company of disciples and continued with them in fellowship (read Acts 1:13-14). Hallelujah!
That's why, no matter the stories you hear and how many angelic visitations you receive, you still have to make the choice to believe from your heart. It's a matter of the heart, just as Paul puts it in Romans 10:10 NKJV, "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
True faith stems from the heart. However, the mind must be open to receive the information, and a decision must be made to embrace it. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the opportunity of being regularly exposed to the ministry of your Word and to express my faith. Always, my heart is set in order, receptive, fully prepared to receive your Word joyfully. I experience the life-changing power of your Word as I align my heart, mind and actions with its truth, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Romans 10:10; For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
John 20:29; Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Acts 1:9-14; And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11. which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
12. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
13. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 28TH SEPTEMBER 2023
PRAY FOR A RECEPTIVE HEART
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Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you share God's Word with others, no matter what you say, it may not work unless the Holy Spirit ministers to their hearts. You may preach and teach, but if the Spirit of God isn't ministering to their hearts, it's not going to be effective; that's the reason why prayer is crucial.
When you pray for others in this context, it's not about you, but your hearers, that the Lord will give them a receptive heart, and that the darkness that blinds their hearts be dispelled and the power of evil holding them in bondage is broken.
Remember the words of Paul the apostle: "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). As a result, I learnt to pray, saying. "In the Name of the Lord Jesus, you evil spirit of darkness that has blinded and put a mist in the heart of so-and-so to stop him from seeing and understanding the Word, I break your influence on his heart and mind."
When I started doing this, I got amazing results; the Holy Spirit opened their hearts to receive the truths and teachings of the Word of God without distractions. If there was any hardness or resistance prior to meeting them, it would melt away, and in them, a deep hunger and thirst for the spiritual would be awakened. Praise God!
Always pray earnestly for those to whom and with whom you share the Word of God. When you do, the transformative power of the Word that brings conviction, understanding, and a desire for a closer relationship with the Lord will be kindled within their hearts. Amen.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I pray that the minds of those to whom I preach the Gospel be receptive to your Word as your wisdom leaps out of the message and inundates their hearts; they'll walk the path of wisdom, knowledge and understanding, being enlightened, refreshed, informed and strengthened to fulfil their purpose in Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen..
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 3:14-19; For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15. of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16. that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17. that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18. may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19. and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
James 5:16 AMPC; Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 4:17-5:1-2 & Isaiah 25-26
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:35-42 & 1 Kings 3
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 26TH SEPTEMBER 2023
LABOURING FERVENTLY IN PRAYERS
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Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12 NKJV).
Pastor Chris Says
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The apostle Paul cites Epaphras as one "Always labouring fervently in prayers. Those two words "labouring fervently" are rendered that way to provide a good understanding of what he actually did and how. Both words are from the same Greek word 'agonizomai'-fight!
You can read that verse thus, "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you, always fighting for you in prayers." A question to ask would be, "If Epaphras was fighting for them in prayers, who was he fighting against?" It certainly wasn't God, as it was God who inspired him to pray in the first place; it's God who hears and answers prayers. So, certainly, God is not the enemy.
Now, the purpose of his prayer gives us an idea of the enemy. His prayer was for the Christians in Colossae to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. This must be because there's an enemy, Satan, out there trying to stop them from becoming perfect and complete in the will of God. This he tries to do by hindering or attempting to hinder their Christian growth.
Paul describes these demoniacal forces in Ephesians 6:12 when he said, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." These evil forces are the ones darkening the minds of men, swaying them from the path of God's truth.
It's the reason we must fight for them in prayers as Epaphras did. I encourage you to write down names of people who you might have noticed or heard are not walking in the light of God's Word or have strayed from the faith, and fight for them in prayer. Pray fervently for them every day, and you'd see remarkable results. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I break the influence of Satan over my family members, friends and others around the world who aren't yet born again. I pray that their minds and hearts are opened to the Lord, as the light of the glorious Gospel shines with great intensity into their hearts to embrace the grace of God for their salvation, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 4:12; Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
1 Timothy 2:1-4; I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2. for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4. who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Galatians 4:19; My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 3:1-21 & Isaiah 19-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:14-23 & 1 Kings 1
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 24TH SEPTEMBER 2023
CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH
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And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all (Ephesians 1:22-23).
Pastor Chris Says
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Christ and the Church are one. He is the head and we, the Church, are His body. We're inextricably one with Him. In Acts 9:3-5, for example, we have a clear reference of the union of Christ and the Church in the dialogue between the Lord and Saul of Tarsus, who later became Paul.
That passage reads, "And as he (Saul) journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks" (Acts 9:3-5).
Prior to his conversion, Saul wreaked havoc in the early Church and persecuted Christians everywhere, until he had an encounter with the Lord, who intercepted him and asked, "...Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me" (Acts 9:4). The Lord intimately identifies Himself with the Church. An offence or evil committed against the Church is committed against Jesus. The Lord takes it personal because we're of the same stock.
He's the Vine, and we-the Church-are the branches. He's the head of the Church: "And he is the head of the body, the church..." (Colossians 1:18). The head and the body have the same name, authority and identity, together we're called Chris!!
We've been baptized into the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:27 says, "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body... and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." The Church, which is the body, doesn't answer a name that's different from that of the head.
This is to help you see who you are, where you are, and what you have; you're one with Christ. When He was raised from the dead, you were raised up together with Him. Now that He's seated on the throne, you're seated together with Him in the place of dominion, glory and authority. Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Blessed Father, how awesome you are! Thank you for my inextricable oneness with Christ; thank you for bringing me into such sublime union and identity with the Monarch of the Universe. Now I'm seated with Christ in the place of dominion, glory, and authority, where I reign and rule over circumstances and situations by the power of the Holy Ghost! Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 5:29-30; For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30. for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17; The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17. For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 1:15-2:1-10 & Isaiah 13-14
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 24:40-53 & 2 Samuel 21-22
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 22ND SEPTEMBER 2023
YOUR WORDS AND YOU
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For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12:37).
Pastor Chris Says
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As a Christian, you ought to always examine your life, especially with respect to your words, because your words reveal your character. If a man's words are harsh, bitter and biting, then that's who he is inside. But if your words are gracious and loving, that's the character of your personality. Your words reveal you.
James 3:2 says, "For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." Jesus said in Matthew 12:35, "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."
There's love, beauty, goodness and excellence in your spirit. So when you speak, it should be out of that abundance. The presence of the Holy Spirit in your life means you're enabled to let out rivers of blessings from within you, coming forth in words. Your speech is the true measure of your maturity as a Christian.
Read James 3:2 again, this time, from the AMPC: "... And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man...." Bring life, health, healing, hope, strength and courage to others through your wholesome words.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your Word and the Holy Spirit that renews my mind to speak blessings and faith-filled words. I speak life and wisdom today; I live in divine health, supernatural abundance, and walk in righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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James 3:2-6; For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Proverbs 15:4; A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: But perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Galatians 6:1-18 & Isaiah 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 24:13-27 & 2 Samuel 17-18
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional