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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 24TH DECEMBER 2023
HIS GOODWILL TOWARD ALL
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And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night (Luke 2:8)
Pastor Chris Says
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Luke 2:8-14 provides a remarkable account of the angelic announcement to the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem. As the shepherds were keeping watch over their flock by night, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, filling them with awe and reverential fear.
The angel reassured the shepherds, saying, "Fear not" and went ahead to deliver the good tidings of great joy that would be for all people. The angel proclaimed the birth of a Savior in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord.
Furthermore, the angel gave the shepherds a sign to find the new-born Saviour. They would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Suddenly, the heavens were filled with a multitude of angels, praising God and declaring, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). What an announcement!
His goodwill toward all men hasn't stopped since then. This is our Gospel! This is what Christmas is about! The Bible 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" (2 Corinthians 5:19).
God is looking at all nations today with goodwill. Jesus Christ was God's love message; He was God's love letter to the world. When Jesus came, He was the expression of the will and nature of God; He was the expression of the Father's righteousness! He was the manifestation of God's love.
Now, the most sublime of it all is that He made us the expression of His will and nature. 2 Corinthians 5:21 declares, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." In Christ, we are made the righteousness of God. Every day of your life, you're the unfolding of the Father's heart. In other words, you are the revelation of the Father's heart and of His will.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your love, grace and goodwill towards all men; we take advantage of your goodness and mercy to spread your Word of truth and thereby bring men into the glorious life, peace, blessings and righteousness in Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Peter 3:9; The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Romans 5:8-9; But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
[9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
1 John 4:9-10; In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
[10] Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 16 & Haggai 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 3:1-11 & Ezra 2
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 22ND DECEMBER 2023
WE ARE LIKE HIM
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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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When you received Christ, you received His life and nature and became like Him. 1 John 3:1 further explicates this truth. It says, "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."
We're His offspring, born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13). Think about it, if you're born of God, what does that make you? Divine! No wonder He said through the psalmist, "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High" (Psalm 82:6).
The Lord Jesus reiterated this truth when He said, "... Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?" (John 10:34). The people of the world may not recognize us, just as they didn't recognize Jesus when He came. But today, through divine revelation, our eyes have been opened to this truth to walk accordingly.
The Bible says "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" (1 John 3:2). What does this mean? It means our physical bodies will be transformed into glorified bodies at the Master's return. But right now, we have His life and nature-as He is, so are we in this world.
Recall that after His resurrection, His disciples were gathered in a room, with the doors and windows shut, but Jesus came into their midst through a wall. They initially thought He was a ghost but He invited them to touch Him, emphasizing that He had flesh and bones, unlike a ghost.
Outwardly, our divine nature, personality and identity may not be readily apparent to the people of the world, but it makes no difference. We're who God says we are-sons of God-not only for the future but right NOW!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for your life and nature in me; I celebrate my identity, knowing that you created me in your image and in your likeness. I'm a partaker of your glory, majesty, splendour and righteousness. Thank you, for your organic and existential attributes are manifest in me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 4:24; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
1 Corinthians 15:48-49 AMPC; Now those who are made of the dust are like him who was first made of the dust (earthly-minded); and as is [the Man] from heaven, so also [are those] who are of heaven (heavenly-minded).
[49] And just as we have borne the image [of the man] of dust, so shall we and so let us also bear the image [of the Man] of heaven.
Colossians 3:10: and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 13:11-14:1-20 & Habakkuk 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 2:25-36 & 2 Chronicles 36
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 20TH DECEMBER 2023
HE WANTS YOU WELL
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How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him (Acts 10:38).
Pastor Chris Says
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It has never been God's will for anyone to be sick or afflicted with diseases and pains. Rather, He wants all men well. Read our opening verse again and notice those the Lord Jesus healed; they were oppressed by the devil, not God. The devil made them sick, but God wanted them well and sent Jesus to heal them.
Consider for example the man who was possessed by a legion of demons in the region of Gadara. The demons caused him to exhibit violent behaviour and live among tombs, but Jesus cast the demons out of him and he was instantly restored to his right mind (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39).
In Mark 7:24-30 and Matthew 15:21-28, we read about the Syrophoenician woman who approached Jesus, seeking help for her daughter who was demon-possessed. The Bible shows us how the Lord commended her faith and declared her daughter healed of demonic oppression.
Furthermore, in Mark 9:14-29, Matthew 17:14-21, and Luke 9:37-43, the Bible shows us how a father brought his son to Jesus, explaining that the boy had been suffering from seizures due to a demon. Jesus rebuked the demon and healed the boy. These and several other examples are proof that God wants people well, vibrant, strong and free.
In fact, in 3 John 1:2, His desire is clearly stated. He says, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." Think about that! He wants you to prosper, and that refers to material and financial prosperity, and also be in health, which is the physical prosperity or wellbeing of your body-your health.
Then He adds, "...even as thy soul prospereth," emphasizing that your spiritual prosperity is paramount, and your soul only prospers through the Word of God. So stay in God's Word; meditate on it and you'll always live in health, for God's Word is medicine-health for the physical body: "My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body" (Proverbs 4:20-22 NIV).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I declare that sickness, disease, infirmity, weakness and pain have no place in my body. I walk in perfect health always, for the spirit that raised up Christ from the dead vitalizes, energizes and strengthens me through and through, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Isaiah 33:24; And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.
Psalm 103:1-3; Bless the LORD, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
[2] Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:
[3] Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;
Romans 8:10-11 ESV; But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
[11] If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 12 & Micah 6-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 2:1-13 & 2 Chronicles 34
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 18TH DECEMBER 2023
FULL OF GRACE
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And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (John 1:14)
Pastor Chris Says
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The opening verse is one of the descriptions given to us in Scripture of the Lord Jesus; He's full of grace and truth. Are you aware that the same is true about you? In the 16th verse, it says, "And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace."
The Amplified Classic says, "For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favour upon favour and gift [heaped] upon gift." Now that you're in Christ, your life exudes favour upon favour, grace upon grace.
Every day of your life, you can boldly affirm, "Of His fullness, I have received abundant grace-grace heaped upon grace. I have grace before God, grace before men, and grace for every assignment; I have grace everywhere I go, and I'm walking in increased grace every day."
The Christian life is a life of unending grace; there is more than enough grace for you every day. No need to be overwhelmed or exasperated by the burdens of life. No need for the struggle. Act on the Word. Hebrews 4:16; says, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
What grace do you require? Is it grace to run your home? Is it for your academics? Is it for ministry? Is it to raise your kids? Is it to multiply your finances? That grace is available to you in superabundance; obtain it. Always affirm you're full of grace and your life is full of divine favour everywhere and every day.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the outworking of your grace in my life, which causes me to grow and manifest the beauty, character and blessings of your Spirit. My life is full of grace heaped upon grace, favour upon favour, and blessings upon blessings, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 5:17; For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
John 1:14-16 AMPC; And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.
[15] John testified about Him and cried out, This was He of Whom I said, He Who comes after me has priority over me, for He was before me. [He takes rank above me, for He existed before I did. He has advanced before me, because He is my Chief.]
[16] For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.
James 4:6; But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 10 & Micah 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 1:1-11 & 2 Chronicles 32
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 16TH DECEMBER 2023
SPEAK THE TRUTH
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That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15).
Pastor Chris Says
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Proverbs 19:9 says, "...he that speaketh lies shall perish." A Christian shouldn't tell lies. Colossians 3:9 says, "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds." Telling lies is inconsistent with your nature as a new creation in Christ. You're a man or woman of truth, because you're the offspring of Truth: "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth..." (James 1:18).
Lying is one of the cardinal attributes of Satan. In John. 8:44, the Lord Jesus aptly described Satan when He said, "...He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."
The Word of God is truth (John 17:17). And the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13).
Now, a liar isn't merely someone who told a lie but one who loves and makes a lie; he constructs lies (Revelation 22:15); he plans or strategizes his lies. He knows what he is doing is wrong but still goes ahead to do it for selfish reasons.
A liar is also one who speaks contrary to God's Word. As long as a man's confessions are inconsistent with God's Word, they're lies. 1 Peter 3:10 reveals something instructive; 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." To speak guile is to speak in antithesis to the Word.
The Bible says, "... put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). Now that you're in Christ, you've put on the new man; you have the God-nature. Act accordingly. Speak the truth always.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit who leads and guides me to walk in truth. Thank you for my new life in Christ; thank you for bringing me into the liberty of the Spirit as I walk in the glory of my new life and nature in Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 6:16-17; These six things doth the LORD hate: Yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
[17] A proud look, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,
Proverbs 12:19; The lip of truth shall be established for ever: But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Zechariah 8:16; Zechariah 8:16 KJV
[16] These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 8 & Obadiah
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 21:1-12 & 2 Chronicles 30
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 14TH DECEMBER 2023
THE DEATH-FREE PATHWAY
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In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death (Proverbs 12:28).
Pastor Chris Says
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Though the verse above is in the Old Testament, it lays the groundwork for a principle that extends into the New Testament. It says, "In the way of righteousness is life...." The righteousness of Christ gave us eternal life. We couldn't please God, but Jesus did on our behalf.
Remember that Adam disobeyed God and committed high treason against God. But Jesus Christ, the second and last Adam, fulfilled God's will and on account of His obedience, we've been made righteous: "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous" (Romans 5:18-19).
Consider again the construction in our opening verse: "in the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death." In the path of righteousness, death has no place; it's a "death-free pathway."
The Bible says in Romans 8:2, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." The Greek construction here isn't referring to being delivered from sin as if you were trapped in it, or being rescued or delivered from death as if you were in its clutches. Rather, it's saying that in Christ Jesus, you're death-free; there's no death in you.
The human body is referred to as the "body of death" in Romans 7:24. From the moment a person is born, they carry death within them. Everything is done to prevent the person from dying. This is because humanity inherited the curse of death in the world.
So Paul says, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24). The very next verse says, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord..." (Romans 7:25). Jesus provided the solution; the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us death-free. Praise God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the righteousness of Christ by which I have eternal life. Therefore, I walk in righteousness, and in my path, there's no sickness, infirmity, pain, weakness or death. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me death-free. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 5:18-21; Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
[19] For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
[20] Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
[21] that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Isaiah 32:17; And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 6 & Amos 1-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 20:11-18 & 2 Chronicles 28
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 12TH DECEMBER 2023
BORN INTO THE VICTORIOUS LIFE
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Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:35-37).
Pastor Chris Says
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You could have trials and challenges, from inflation to economic recession, health issues, family problems, etc. The good news, however, is that it doesn't matter the challenges you face or the situation in your country, the Word says, in all these things we're more than conquerors through Christ. This should give you comfort, peace and joy.
Knowing we would encounter challenges in this world, the Lord Jesus assured us of victory when He said in John 16:33, ...be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Distressing situations abound in all human societies because of man's fall and failure, but the Word declares "...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Romans 8:37).
You've been lifted over and above the depravities and corrupting influences of this world. Recall our opening verse again; it states clearly that neither tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, nor sword can separate us from the love of God, because in spite of them all, we are more than conquerors.
Now, if this meant that you'd conquer no matter what you face in this world, that would have been wonderful. But it means much more than that. It means you've gone past conquering, because you conquered in Christ! You're now living in the victory of Christ!
That means there's nothing to struggle with or try to overcome anymore, because you've already won. Don't allow the circumstances of life or the economic situation in your country make you a victim. You were born into the victorious life when you were born again.
Now you can understand why the Apostle Paul, in spite of the great persecutions and adversities he faced dismissed them as light affliction: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17). Then in Acts 20:24, he said, "...none of these things move me...."
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the victorious life that I have in Christ! The greater One lives in me; therefore, I live in triumph over circumstances, in total fulfilment, joy, glory and dominion! I reign and rule by your Word, irrespective of what I feel, see, or hear, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 15:57; But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:14; Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
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: Revelation 4 & Hosea 11-14
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 19:38-42 & 2 Chronicles 25
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 10TH DECEMBER 2023
REIGNING BY HIM
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For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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Many think that the verse above refers to us reigning with Jesus Christ in the sweet-by-and-by; no! It's talking about us reigning-"kinging"-in the earth NOW by Jesus Christ. At the millennial reign, we will reign with Him; but today, we reign by Him or through Him. There's a great difference between the two.
What Paul captures for us in Romans 5:17 is different from Revelation 20:6 which says, "...they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." Notice that here, it says, "and shall reign with him...." The word "with" is translated from the Greek, "meta," which denotes to do something together with another or alongside. That's the one that's coming in the future. So, now, we're not reigning with Christ.
In Romans 5:17 the Greek word 'Dia' is used, which means 'by' or 'through. Thus, we're reigning by or through Jesus NOW; we're reigning in His Name. Hallelujah! We're called to exercise dominion and to live as masters and victors in life through Jesus Christ. We reign over Satan, darkness, the world and all creation.
The actual Greek rendering of the word "reign" means "to king." You're supposed to be "kinging" in life. The Amplified Classic translation says we "...reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)" (Romans 5:17 AMPC).
As we take up the responsibility of prayer, using the Name of Jesus and operating in His stead, we enforce the Father's will in the earth and establish His righteousness in the nations of the world!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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In the Name of the Lord Jesus, I exercise dominion over circumstances and the spirits of darkness, for they're subject unto me. I enforce the heavenly Father's will in the earth and establish His righteousness, peace, prosperity, wholeness and wellness in the nations of the world. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Revelation 5:10; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Ephesians 2:4-6; But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
[5] even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
[6] and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Romans 5:17 AMPC; For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God's] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 2:18-3:1-6 & Hosea 3-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 19:13-22 & 2 Chronicles 21-22
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 8TH DECEMBER 2023
WALK AS HE WALKED
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But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked (1 John 2:5-6).
Pastor Chris Says
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Being born again, the love of God is already perfected in us. His love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who lives within us (Romans 5:5). It's no use praying, "O, Lord put more of your love in my heart!" No! You possess the fullness of God's love in your heart. You can love as He loves. That's why the Bible enjoins us to "... walk, even as he walked" (1 John 2:6).
If you claim to abide in Christ, you should live as He did; emulate Him. He was love personified. Ephesians 5:1-2 tells us to emulate Him in our love-walk: "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma" (NKJV).
We can live, act and think like Him because we have the same life with Him. 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, "... But we have the mind of Christ." So, like the Master, never be intimidated by circumstances. In every situation, manifest the glory and power of divinity. Nothing could limit Jesus. He exercised absolute dominion over the forces and elements of this world.
Never be intimidated by the challenges that you face, no matter how tough they are; walk as Jesus walked! Today, you're the manifestation of Him, you're the expression of Him. This is what true Christianity is-living the Christ-life-the unveiling and outworking of Christ in and through you. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the profound truth of your Word that's building my spirit strong and transforming my life from glory to glory. Your love is perfected in my heart, and it flows through me to bring succour to a hurting world. I'm the expression and manifestation of Christ; His glory, power and righteousness today, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 John 4:16; And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:17; Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
Ephesians 5:1-2 AMPC; THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].
[2] And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 1 & Daniel 11-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:28-40 & 2 Chronicles 17-18
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 6TH DECEMBER 2023
HEIRS OF HIS KINGDOM
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...Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand... (Mark 1:14-15).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Lord Jesus brought and offered the Kingdom to the Jews; He preached to them saying. "The kingdom of God is at hand" (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 10:9).
However, they rejected His message and turned down His offer of the Kingdom. As a result, He declared to them, "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit" (Matthew 21:43 NIV).
The Kingdom was offered, and all those who accepted its message received eternal life. Christians are those who have accepted the message of the Kingdom, received eternal life into their spirits, and are now members- citizens and heirs of that Kingdom.
No wonder the Bible tells us in Romans 8:16-17 (NKJV), "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."
Despite living in a world filled with wickedness and evil, He has granted us this extraordinary privilege to be heirs of His Kingdom. We're not of this world. We don't belong in Satan's realm; we're not under Satan's jurisdiction or authority.
The Bible says in Colossians 1:13 that God has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the Kingdom of His Love-son. Blessed be God! Also, He's made us kings and priests in His glorious Kingdom to produce fruits of the Kingdom-fruits of righteousness and eternal life.
We're the ones Peter referred to when he said, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for making me an heir of your glorious Kingdom. I recognize that I have received eternal life and have become a citizen and member of this Kingdom; therefore, I'm alienated from the depravities, corruption and decadence in this present world. I'm enthroned with you, far above principalities and powers, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 8:16-17 AMPC; The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.
[17] And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.
Ephesians 1:18-21; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
[19] and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
[20] which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
[21] far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Colossians 1:13; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 3 John & Daniel 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:10-18 & 2 Chronicles 13-14
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 4TH DECEMBER 2023
REDEMPTION AND CHRISTIANITY
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Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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Many don't realize that the Christian isn't actually the "redeemed." If Christianity were all about redemption or salvation from sin, there wouldn't have been the need for Jesus to rise from the dead. His death on the Cross would have been enough; it paid for all our sins and guaranteed complete propitiation. But that's redemption and not Christianity.
Redemption refers to saving someone by paying a price. So when Jesus died, He paid the price for man's redemption with His own life; He did that for all humanity, not for Christians. The Christian is the result of Christ's resurrection, not His death.
This should make it clearer: when Jesus hung on the Cross, in the mind of God, every human person was hanging on the Cross too (in Him), for He was our substitute. When He cried out, "It is finished" and gave up the ghost, we also died in Him. Hallelujah! Now, when He came out of the grave, when He resurrected, we were also in Him.
Resurrection of Jesus Christ gave us something far beyond redemption; it ushered us into a newness of life. We've been raised up together with Christ (Ephesians 2:6).
Romans 10:9 lets us know that salvation comes by believing in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and the subsequent confession of His lordship. A Christian, therefore, is one who identifies with the resurrected Christ.
Thus, just as Christ was raised from the dead into a newness of life, the Christian has no past. That's why the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature..."; meaning that he is a new species, one that never existed before.
Being born again, therefore, you're not the "redeemed"; you're the fruit of the redemptive work of Christ. Redemption was consummated with His death, but Christianity came from the resurrection. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Just as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, I also have been raised into a newness of life to walk therein. I'm a new creation, conscious that I've been raised together with Christ and made to sit together with Him in the place of victory, authority, and dominion forever, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 5:17; Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
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.
Romans 10:9-10; 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.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 5 & Daniel 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 17:22-26 & 2 Chronicles 9-10
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 2ND DECEMBER 2023
ALWAYS TESTIFY
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And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony... (Revelation 12:11).
Pastor Chris Says
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It's important that you always testify of God's goodness and the victories He's wrought in you and through you. Our opening verse says, "... they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony...." Learn to testify always! Let your environment feel the impact of your testimonies.
Firstly, testify the Word. Declare the Word as it concerns you. Say what the Word says. Secondly, testify of His works of grace and love. Now, apart from your testimonies glorifying God and inspiring faith in others, they also cause Satan and his demons to take notice of you and flee from you.
Demons really can't tell what you think or know, but when they hear your testimonies, they'll transmit the message to their cohorts to stay away from you, because they can see that you know who you are. This is because they're very proud figures and they don't like to be disgraced. They know if they try to mess around you, you'll cast them out.
So, make it a habit to always testify of the power of God, the integrity of His Word, and the power of the Spirit in your life. Not only will it cause you to experience more blessings, it causes consternation in hell. Never consider anything the Lord does for you or through you to be too small to talk about. There's power in your testimony to completely neutralize the adversary and cause him to back off.
It makes no difference what daunting challenges the enemy throws at you-testify that the greater One lives in you; therefore, you're marvellously helped of the Lord and have overcome the adversary and all adversities. As you do, the Lord's power and glory will be manifested in your situation. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for your kindness, faithfulness, and love. I thank you for the miracles you've wrought in my life and the many blessings that I enjoy. I thank you for the power of your infallible Word that has brought me into a place of glory, strength, power, rest, and dominion, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Mark 5:20; And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
Psalm 89:1; I WILL sing of the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness from generation to generation.
Luke 17:11-19; And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
[12] And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: [13] and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
[14] And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
[15] And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
[16] and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
[17] And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
[18] There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
[19] And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 3:11-24 & Ezekiel 47-48
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 17:1-10 & 2 Chronicles 5-6
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 1ST DECEMBER 2023
IT’S FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CHURCH
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“…He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places], Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come” (Ephesians 1:20-21 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Many today still don’t understand the authority that’s vested in the Name of Jesus and the power of attorney given to us to use it. That’s why they’ve never fully enjoyed the benefits of it. Jesus has a Name that’s superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. So learn to use His Name.
The Weymouth New Testament describes the transcendent greatness of His power and might, the supremacy and dominion of His Name, His reign and glory both in this age and in the age to come. He’s in the “…heavenly realms, high above all other government and authority and power and dominion, and every title of sovereignty used either in this Age or in the Age to come” (Ephesians 1:18-21).
The most beautiful part is that His authority, rulership, reign and dominion are for the good of the Church: “…Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well. God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything” (Ephesians 1:21-22 CEV).
He is all that He is for our advantage. His Name wields all the power that it wields for our benefit: “God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church” (Ephesians 1:22 NLT).
Never live as a victim. Don’t live an ordinary life. Use the Name of Jesus. He said, “All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Then on the basis of that authority, He said, “Go ye therefore…” (Matthew 28:18-19). Devils, angels, life, death, hell, the world, circumstances, living and non-living things hear and respond to us in His Name. Therefore, be conscious of the transcendent greatness of His Name; live and do all things in His Name (Colossians 3:17).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The Lord Jesus is set in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that’s named. Therefore, all of nature, angels and demons hear and obey when I speak, because I stand and speak in the authority of Jesus Christ. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Isaiah 45:23 ; I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Ephesians 1:17-23 AMPC; [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,
[18] By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
[19] And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,
[20] Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],
[21] Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 29TH NOVEMBER 2023
FAITH IS OF THE HEART
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We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak (2 Corinthians 4:13).
Pastor Chris Says
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There're those who complain, "I thought this faith thing works! I believe in the Word for my health, why isn't it working?" For such people, it could be that they've only mentally assented to the Word; that's not what works. True faith is of the heart.
The Apostle Paul in (Romans 1:16) tells us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God that works; in other words, it brings or causes salvation for everyone who believes. The one who doesn't believe it can't have the benefit of it, and believing is of the heart and not the head (Romans 10:8-10), It's your spirit that makes contact with God.
Faith is not a response of the brain or the mind; it's not some kind of magic or a formula, no! Faith is the response of the human spirit to the Word of God. In Luke 6:6-10, for example, when Jesus encountered a man with a withered arm while teaching in a synagogue, He instructed the man to stretch out his hand, which he did, and his hand was restored.
There's no way the man would have received a miracle if he had tried to rationalize the Master's instruction in his head. But he responded with his spirit to the Word! The man heard Jesus in his spirit and acted from his spirit.
It reminds of a similar account in Mark 2 when the Lord Jesus healed a man sick of the palsy. He said to the man, "...Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house" (Mark 2:11). The hitherto paralyzed man stood up and walked away, offering praises to God.
The man couldn't have risen unless he responded from his spirit. You see, his spirit wasn't crippled, as the ailment or infirmity resided in his body. So, how could a man with that condition have risen? The answer is simple: When he heard the words of the Master, he acted from his spirit, and it produced results. Once you can believe the Word with your heart and voice it from your mouth, it'll produce results. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I respond to the Word from my spirit. I'm convinced by the Word that I'm a victor and a success in Christ Jesus. I walk in health, prosperity and victory; I'm what God says I am; I have what He says I have, and I can do what He says I can do. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 10:8-10; But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
[9] 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.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1 John 5:4; For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Hebrews 11:3; Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 3 & Ezekiel 41-42
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 16:1-11 & 1 Chronicles 29
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON 27TH NOVEMBER 2023
PARTAKERS AND DISPENSERS OF HIS LIFE
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But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8:11).
Pastor Chris Says
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In relation to our opening scripture above, an important question to ask would be, does the Holy Spirit live in you? If the answer is yes, then it means the Holy Spirit has given life to your hitherto death-doomed or death-prone body. Hallelujah!
That means there's no death in your body. Life works in you. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of life; He's the life-giver, and because He lives in you, He has given life to your physical body.
Often, we say the Christian isn't an ordinary person; he's one with the Lord, on the same mission and purpose with the Lord. In John 10:10, the Lord Jesus declared, "...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." He came to give eternal life to those who would believe in Him.
Now that you're born again, you've become one spirit with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17). The Bible calls Jesus, "a life-giving Spirit." 1 Corinthians 15:45-47 NIV says, "So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven."
That also makes you a life-giving spirit, because as He is, so are you (1 John 4:17). Not only has He made you a partaker of His life, you're also a dispenser or distributor of eternal life. It's your life's purpose to bring the lost into the life of righteousness through the Gospel.
2 Timothy 1:10 lets us know that Jesus Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Eternal life is unveiled through the preaching of the Gospel. As people listen to you preach, eternal life, which encompasses salvation, prosperity and the righteousness of God is unveiled to them.
The Lord Jesus said in John 20:21, "...as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." He's chosen you to manifest the God-life to the nations. He sent you as a bearer of His Gospel, to bring others into the glorious life in Christ. Praise God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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As Jesus is, so am I; I'm a life-giving spirit, a dispenser and distributor of eternal life, and the eternal realities of the Kingdom. I bring joy to many today as I share the Gospel with them, which is the power of God to transform their lives and catapult them into their inheritance in Christ. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 1:9-10; who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
[10] but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
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.
2 Corinthians 5:20; Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 1 & Ezekiel 37-38
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:11-19 & 1 Chronicles 27
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 23RD DECEMBER 2023
THE INFINITE EXPANSE OF HIS DOMINION
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And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:19-20).
Pastor Chris Says
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When God raised Jesus from the dead, He set Him at His own right hand, "Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21).
Right hand in Scripture means the place or seat of power. It's like you say, "Jim is my right-hand man"; it means Jim represents and speaks for you; you've given him your authority. Jesus being seated at God's right hand means He's seated in the seat of power; God operates through Him. That's amazing!
But then we observe something remarkable about the infinite expanse of Jesus' dominion. His dominion surpasses all levels and hierarchies of power. It's "Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21). Blessed be God!
The Lord Jesus reigns supreme in this world as it is now and also in the ages to come. He holds unmatched authority over all things, and His Name stands above every title. Praise God! The Amplified translation renders it beautifully. It says Jesus is far above "...every title that can be conferred), not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come" (AMPC).
The New Living Translation emphasizes something even more interesting; it says, "...he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come." In other words, call them whatever you want-the superiority of the Lord Jesus is undeniable-transcending all persons, all limits and all boundaries.
That's the Lord Jesus Christ in whom you believe and whose birth is celebrated at this time all around the world. His authority knows no bounds and has no equal. His power extends throughout eternity. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm in awe of your mighty power, which was demonstrated when you raised Jesus from the dead and set Him at your right hand in the heavenly places, far above all levels and hierarchies of power, dominion and every title or name. Thank you, for I'm seated with Him in this glorious place of power and authority and have become his operational headquarters in the earth. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 2:9-10; For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Philippians 2:9-11; Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
[10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
[11] and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hebrews 1:1-3; God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
[2] hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
[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;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 15 & Zephaniah 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 2:37-47 & Ezra 1
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 21ST DECEMBER 2023
ENJOY THE TRANSCENDENT LIFE
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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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Our opening verse is so heart-warming and enlivening. It clearly states a specific reason for which Jesus came, which is for you to have and enjoy life to the full. Take a moment to meditate on this: He came for you to enjoy the transcendent life that He's given you. That's His plan and He doesn't want anything to cheat you out of it.
This is contrary to what religion teaches. In religion, people may feel compelled to sacrifice themselves to please God. However, in Christ, it's different. He died and was sacrificed for you. He gave His life for you to have His life.
The Bible says, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). In 1 John 3:16, the Apostle John reveals, "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us...." Thanks be unto God; after laying down His life for us, He was raised for our justification. And on that basis, you're to have and enjoy life to the full, till it overflows.
It may be challenging for some to believe that He came for them to have life and enjoy it, especially if they've had a different experience for a long time. Some others may wonder, can one truly enjoy life while battling sickness, pain, weakness or infirmity of the body?
The answer is evident-no! But as already stated, it's the reason Jesus6 gave us His life, which is uninfectable, a life that's superior to sickness and disease. 1 John 5:11-12 says, "...this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life...." You have that life now, it's the God-life. Enjoy it!
It's your heavenly Father's delight to see you healthy, vibrant, strong, joyful, and brimming with life. Therefore, embrace His plan for you to have and enjoy life to the full. Be exuberant with joy as you contemplate the life of glory, dominion, abundant grace and peace that He's given you in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I embrace your plan for me to have and enjoy life to the full. I'm exuberant with joy today as I contemplate the life of glory, dominion, abundant grace, and peace that you've given me in Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 John 5:11-12; And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
[12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
1 Timothy 6:17 NIV; Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 13:1-10 & Nahum 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 2:14-24 & 2 Chronicles 35
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 19TH DECEMBER 2023
WORK THE WORD
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Wherefore, my beloved... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12 ).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Word of God is for doing; we're doers of the Word; we work the Word. As long as the Word remains in the pages of your Bible, it won't produce any results for you. But when you meditate on the Word and speak it forth, it comes alive and active.
Think about this: A lady who was diagnosed with breast cancer asked that I prayed for her. But I told her she could put the Word to work; she could use her mouth to cut out the cancerous growth. I explained to her what the mouth is -"stoma" (Greek), the front or edge of a weapon. She was excited and immediately got to work. She spoke consistently to the growth, in faith, over a period.
When I saw her a few months later, she was completely healed; the cancer had dematerialized and she was perfectly normal. She worked the Word. Glory to God! If you're sick, broken or afflicted in your body and you desire to be well, put your faith to work. Work the Word.
All the blessings of God are already packaged and delivered to you in Christ. The Bible says, "...all things are yours" (1 Corinthians 3:21). 2 Peter 1:3 says He's "...given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness...." Ephesians 1:3 says He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
God already did everything He needed to do for you to have and enjoy a glorious life. But you have the responsibility to put the Word to work in your life. You're the one to ensure all the wonderful blessings of God manifest in your life. Affirm the Word for your healing, prosperity, victory, promotion etc. Declare your prosperity without wavering. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I belong to Christ; therefore, I'm the seed of Abraham, graced for greatness and ordained to be fruitful and productive in every good work. My life is for the glory of God and I reign and rule by the Word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. I launch out today in faith, establishing the blessings and goodness of the Kingdom in my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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James 1:22-25; But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
[23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
[24] for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
[25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Jeremiah 1:12 AMPC; Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.
Isaiah 55:11 AMPC; So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 11 & Micah 4-5
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 1:12-26 & 2 Chronicles 33
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 17TH DECEMBER 2023
COMMUNICATE HIS LOVE
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Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).
Pastor Chris Says
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As Christians, we have the Spirit of Christ. We're the light of the world. We're to think, love, talk, and conduct all our affairs in life like Him. Colossians 3:17 admonishes us to allow every detail in our lives-our words and actions-to align with the character of Christ: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...."
In other words, the character and presence of Jesus ought to radiate through you in your every day walk. Like Him, let your words be gracious and graceful. Practice the love of Jesus through your words.
People remember you more for the things you said to them and how you made them feel through your words. So, make up your mind that your words will communicate the presence and love of Jesus. Let the world see Jesus in you. Let them feel His love in the words you speak.
In the same way that the Lord Jesus was confident to say, "...If you have seen me, you have seen the Father..." (John 14:9 CEV); your testimony ought to be, "If you have seen me, you have seen Jesus." Let Him be who they see and hear when they listen to you.
Never use terrible, abusive and insulting words even if you're angry. Never be happy that your words made someone else sad. That's inconsistent with your nature of love. Be like Jesus: the Bible says, "...And the common people heard him gladly" (Mark 12:37). When people hear you, they should be glad because of your gracious and graceful words of life to them that stir the love for Christ in their hearts.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for your wisdom that's in my heart and in my words, and your love that's seen and heard in me today. Through my words, lives are transformed and improved; those you've placed in my path are blessed, encouraged, and edified by my gracious and graceful words, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📅 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Peter 4:11; If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Proverbs 16:24; Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Ephesians 4:29 MSG; Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 9 & Jonah 1-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 21:13-25 & 2 Chronicles 31
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 15TH DECEMBER 2023
GRACE, TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE
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Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other (Psalm 85:9-10).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Psalm 85, the Psalmist prophetically shows a significant relationship between salvation and the land. Then, in the 10th verse, he prophetically paints a beautiful Imagery: "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." The Hebrew word translated "mercy" is 'chêsêd, which is often translated as "lovingkindness."
What we have as lovingkindness in the Old Testament is the equivalent of grace in the New Testament. It represents God's unmerited favour, and this lovingkindness was often expressed through covenants. The New Living Translation calls it "unfailing love" because it was based on the unbroken covenant God had with His people, making it reliable and trustworthy: "Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed" (Psalm 85:10 NLT).
The Apostle Paul, in his beautiful discourse in Romans 5, brings this to mind when he said, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
Thus, the psalmist's prophetic utterance finds fulfilment in us today the new creation in Christ. In us, grace and truth have met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Blessed be God!
Why is that so important? In those times, they were mostly farmers, and their prosperity often depended on what came out of the land. The Bible says, "Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase" (Psalm 85:11-12).
This was how the psalmist could relate with it; and remember, it was still prophetic in his time. This shows the relationship of God's blessings, salvation and righteousness with the land, that is, your nation or your country; they are key to what happens in the earth. In other words, as a result of grace and truth, righteousness and peace, there will be prosperity, wholeness and wellness in the earth. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the revelation of your Word and the understanding of your righteousness. I walk in the fullness of your grace and truth, righteousness and peace. Therefore, I speak prosperity, peace, justice, progress, wellness and wholeness to my country and the nations of the world, in Jesus' Name. Amen
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 2:8-9; For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [
9] not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:5; not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Romans 4:5; But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 7 & Amos 5-9
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 20:19-31 & 2 Chronicles 29
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 13TH DECEMBER 2023
PEACE-THE WORK OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
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Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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Isaiah 32:17 says, "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." We're the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). So, when the Bible talks about the work of righteousness being peace, it's telling you what you must produce as a result of your nature: your work is to establish peace.
The word "peace" is from the Hebrew "shålöm" and it refers to the totality of the human welfare-health, prosperity, etc. So, your work is to produce health, prosperity, and peace. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus in John 9:5. He said, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
He didn't say those things just to distinguish Himself alone; He said it so we would know to speak accordingly. You're the bearer of His peace. Places where there had been war, bloodshed, hostilities, and wanton destruction of lives and properties can have peace when you show up; darkness is dispelled and the righteousness of God is established. Hallelujah!
Our God is the God of peace. Therefore, peace in the nations is His will. The Lord Jesus said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you...." How the world needs this today-the peace that only Jesus gives. We're the ones to help others and the nations experience this extraordinary life of peace through prayer, the preaching of the Gospel, and our works of righteousness.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." That's it! Peace with extraordinary grace for prosperity, excellence, preservation and rest will mantle the nations and hearts of men as we pray for all men, as we carry out the works of righteousness. So it makes no difference the turmoil, distress and troubles in today's world; decree peace, health and prosperity for your city and nation.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm the expression of your will and nature of righteousness, and I enforce your peace, health, and prosperity wherever I go. I decree peace over my city and nation, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 5:16; Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Romans 5:17 AMPC; For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God's] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
Isaiah 32:17 AMPC; And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 5 & Joel 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 20:1-10 & 2 Chronicles 26-27
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 11TH DECEMBER 2023
THE MYSTERY OF THE GODHEAD
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And great and important and weighty, we confess, is the hidden truth (the mystic secret) of godliness. He [God] was made visible in human flesh, justified and vindicated in the [Holy] Spirit, was seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, [and] taken up in glory (1 Timothy 3:16 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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There're those who due to lack of proper understanding of the Scriptures are confused about the deity of Jesus. The Scriptures are unambiguous about it. Even the portion we just read in our theme verse leaves no one in doubt as to the fact that the one being referred to as God is Jesus.
Some have asked, "If Jesus is God, how can He set Himself at His own right hand in the heavenly places as stated in Ephesians 1:19-20?" First, you have to understand the extraordinary nature of God in which He's able to manifest Himself in different ways; it's the mystery of His nature.
The Bible tells us about the divine nature of the Godhead in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; one God, but manifests in three separate persons. We're never going to see three Gods in Heaven, or three thrones with the Father sitting on one, the Son on another, and then the Holy Spirit on the third one; no! It's only Jesus, because in Him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9).
Colossians 1:19 says, "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell." Recall at the baptism of Jesus, as He came out of the water, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus. Simultaneously, a voice spoke from heaven and said, "...This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17).
What an extraordinary manifestation of the three persons: The Son is baptized in water, and right away He's filled with the Holy Spirit, and the Father speaks from heaven! The first time the angels saw God Almighty in a body was when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The Bible says, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us..." (John 1:14). God became flesh and dwelt among us, and yet His presence and His voice would speak from heaven. Amazing!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I worship the Lord Jesus, for in Him dwells all the fullness of the divine perfection, powers and attributes of divinity. Lord, you're the complete embodiment of Deity, the outward expression or image of the invisible God. You're the King eternal, gracious, loving and kind! I love you with all my heart! Blessed be your Name forever!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 John 5:7; So there are three witnesses in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are One;
Colossians 2:9; For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Colossians 1:19 AMPC; For it has pleased [the Father] that all the divine fullness (the sum total of the divine perfection, powers, and attributes) should dwell in Him permanently.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 3:7-22 & Hosea 7-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 19:23-37 & 2 Chronicles 23-24
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 9TH DECEMBER 2023
UNRIVALLED AUTHORITY IN HIS NAME
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And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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Some people brag about having authority in specific places, perhaps in a nation, city, street etc. For some, it's even in classrooms, such that they become bullies and terrorize their classmates. But there's one whose authority transcends the universe and extends to all of heaven, the earth, and under the earth. His Name is Jesus! Blessed be God!
The Bible says no one and nothing is exempted from His rule, His dominion and authority. Ephesians 1:20-22 MSG sheds more light on the unrivalled and unparalleled authority that He wields. It says, "...God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything...."
The most exhilarating part of this is the fact that His authority is given to us because we're one with Him. We're His seed and we prolong His days. He rules through us. Isaiah 9:6 says, "...and the government shall be upon his shoulder...." His shoulder refers to the Church us; we're His body in and through which He speaks and acts today.
This should help you understand why soon after He affirmed in Matthew 28:18 that all authority is His both in heaven and in earth, He immediately charged us in the ensuing verse 19 to go and teach all nations. That's extraordinary, because it means we sit on His seat. We function by His authority.
It's the reason we can do the same works that He did. He gave us power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases (Luke 9:1). Read what the Bible says in Mark 16:17 NKJV: "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons...."
You have unrivalled authority in the Name of Jesus to cast out devils and tame circumstances. There's nothing you can't do, and there's no hopeless situation you can't change. You can do all things in His Name. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the unparalleled authority and power that the Lord Jesus has given to the Church, to exercise authority over devils, teach all nations and catapult many from the domains of darkness into the Kingdom of light. Thank you for the victory we have in Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 1:19-21 WNT; and what the transcendent greatness of His power in us believers as seen in the working of His infinite might
20. when He displayed it in Christ by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His own right hand in the heavenly realms,
21. high above all other government and authority and power and dominion, and every title of sovereignty used either in this Age or in the Age to come.
Colossians 2:15; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Philippians 2:9-11; Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
[10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
[11] and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 2:1-17 & Hosea 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 19:1-12 & 2 Chronicles 19-20
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 7TH DECEMBER 2023
HE SEES THE HEART
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And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15).
Pastor Chris Says
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Often times, we've witnessed certain people being promoted, honoured, esteemed, and respected by men. However, while men may promote and esteem from the outside, it is God who truly knows the heart. Luke 16:15 tells us that what is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Consider the case of Haman in the Bible, a wicked and malevolent fellow. Haman served as an advisor to King Ahasuerus in the Persian Empire and was greatly respected and promoted to the highest-ranking office in the government. Yet, his heart was filled with hatred and evil intentions.
Haman's wickedness was evident in his intense hatred for Mordecai, a Jewish man who refused to bow down to him. He even plotted to exterminate all the Jews and spearheaded a decree to annihilate them. But through the heartfelt prayers of the Jews, the Lord foiled his evil plans, and in the end, Haman faced the consequences of his wickedness.
Jeremiah 17:10 reminds us that God searches the heart and examines the mind, getting to the root of things. He sees men as they truly are, not as they pretend to be. Similarly, 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that God looks beyond outward appearances and sees the heart.
So, as you journey through life, be mindful of your heart and intentions. Don't deceive yourself, thinking that you can deceive others, for the Bible says God cannot be mocked. Let your heart be filled with His righteousness, love, and compassion, for that's what matters most to God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
Dear Father, I thank you for guiding me to walk in faith, hope, love, and humility. Thank you for sanctifying my heart to serve you passionately, pleasing you in all things, as I walk in your perfect will, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
1 Samuel 16:7; But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Proverbs 16:2; All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Hebrews 4:12; For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂 TO OUR DEAR MAN OF GOD; REV. CHRIS OYAKHILOME DD.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Jude & Daniel 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:19-27 & 2 Chronicles 15-16
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 5TH DECEMBER 2023
WE GIVE VENT TO HIS WILL
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But test and prove all things (until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast (1 Thessalonians 5:21 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Romans chapter 12, the Spirit of God, through the Apostle Paul, lets us in on something absolutely remarkable. He says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2). How do you renew your mind?
It's by changing your way of thinking, exchanging your thoughts for God's thoughts. And when that happens, you'll be able to "prove" the good, the acceptable and the perfect will of God.
The English rendering of the word "prove" doesn't give us the best expression of what the Spirit conveys in that verse. The Greek word is "dokimazo"; and it means to examine or scrutinize. It parallels the activities at the customs service section at the entry port of any country. Passengers are scrutinized, and in high-alert cases sophisticated machines are used to provide animated images of suspicious items. At that moment, the traveller's eligibility is ascertained either for entry or denial into that country.
You're God's man or woman who decides, after scrutinizing, to allow only things that are consistent with the good, acceptable and perfect will of the Father to come into your world. This is easy to understand because we are His righteous ones; we give vent to His glory; we give vent to His will. It's our calling. Hallelujah!
Recall the words of the Master in Matthew 16:19: "...whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." When you disallow or permit something on earth, heaven gives the authority and backs what you've said.
Consciously and vehemently refuse the works of evil and forbid them in your nation, in your body, family, job and around you. Allow only the divine realities of the Kingdom into your world. It begins with the renewing or transformation of your mind. With a renewed mind, you'll think, permit and express only God's thoughts, His righteousness, love, kindness, joy and peace in your life and your environment. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm yielded to the transforming power of your Word, enabled to discern and walk in your perfect will always. I'm your agent in the earth, allowing only that which aligns with your perfect will to come into this world and vehemently forbidding anything contrary to your purpose, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 16:19 AMPC; I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven.
Philippians 4:8; Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 John & Daniel 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:1-9 & 2 Chronicles 11-12
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 3RD DECEMBER 2023
ABSOLUTE DOMINION OVER THE ADVERSARY
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And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven (Luke 10:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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Genesis 3 tells us that the serpent beguiled Eve. He is further described as "the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world" (Revelation 12:9). In the 10th verse of Revelation 12, he is called "... the accuser of our brethren...." Peter, in 1 Peter 5:8 calls him your adversary: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
An adversary is an enemy, an opponent, an opposer. Some people are trying to make Satan look good by introducing new songs with lyrics that portray him as your friend. Don't be deceived; Satan is not and could never be your friend! He's your adversary, howbeit, a defeated one.
The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 pens another identity of Satan's personality, referring to him as the god of this world. But thanks be unto God; you're not of this world! You don't belong in Satan's jurisdiction; therefore, he's not in any way a factor, because you're superior to him; give him no place or chance in your life.
You have dominion over Satan and the rulers of darkness to keep them defeated, to keep them subdued under your feet. The Lord Jesus said in 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."
Your dominion and authority over the adversary and adversities is supreme; it's incontestable; recognize it and exercise it always.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I'm not deceived by Satan's lies, manipulations, tricks, schemes and strategies or enticed by his deceitful ways. I stand firm in the truth of the Word and resist him in truth and in faith; I walk on in the victory I have in Christ, living above all the negativities of this world, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 6:12; 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.
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.
James 4:7; Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 4 & Daniel 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 17:11-21 & 2 Chronicles 7-8
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
[22] And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church], [Ps. 8:6.]
[23] Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 2:15-3:1-10 & Ezekiel 45-46
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 16:23-33 & 2 Chronicles 3-4
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 30TH NOVEMBER 2023
THE SWORD IS IN YOUR MOUTH
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Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand (Psalm 149:5-6).
Pastor Chris Says
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Psalm 149:5 exhorts the saints to be joyful in glory and sing aloud upon their beds. The ensuing verse 6 says, "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand." This is a prophecy from the Old Testament, and you have to understand that the revelation of the New Testament Church was hidden from the prophets of the Old Testament. Thus, when the passage speaks of "a two-edged sword in their hand, it reflects their viewpoint based on their perception of the Kingdom.
However, a fascinating shift takes place in the New Testament: the two-edged sword isn't in the hand; rather, it's in our mouths. Talking about Jesus, the Apostle John writes, "And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength" (Revelation 1:15-16).
Notice it says this two-edged sword protruded from his mouth and not his hand. We don't fight with a sword in our hand; the sword is in our mouth. Again, in Revelation 19:15, the Bible says, "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations...." That is remarkable.
In the 21st verse, it says, "And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh" (Revelation 19:21). This sword is the prophetic Word of God in your mouth. That's our weapon of war today in the Kingdom.
Jeremiah 51:20 says, "Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms." With the Word on our lips, we cut the enemy asunder. We paralyze all the works of the devil everywhere. Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the revelation of your Word and the blessings of the New Testament. With the sword in my mouth, I speak forth righteousness into the nations. I declare that the effort of those who secretly or openly sponsor or promote violence and hostility against the Church is fruitless. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 6:17; And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Ecclesiastes 8:4; Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
Hebrews 4:12; For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 1-2:1-14 & Ezekiel 43-44
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 16:12-22 & 2 Chronicles 1-2
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 28TH NOVEMBER 2023
YOUR CONFESSIONS RULE YOU
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Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21).
Pastor Chris Says ━━━━━━━━━━
As a Christian, never speak death. Speak life only. Your words rule your life; they control your future. Who you are today, what you've become, is the result of your words. That's the reason you must train yourself to talk right.
Proverbs 6:1-2 says, "My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth." Those who have found themselves in certain precarious situations are snared, taken captive, or bound by their words.
Our affirmations rule our lives; they affect us. So, when it comes to words, never say anything that's inconsistent with the Word of God about your life. For example, never jokingly say something that is against your body or your life, because you're going to have what you say (Mark 11:23).
If you speak death, you're going to have death! On the other hand, if you speak health, prosperity, strength, courage and life, that's what you'll have! The same way you can build your life with your words, you can destroy your works with your own mouth.
The Bible says, "A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" (Proverbs 18:20-21). When it says, "A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth, it's referring to words!
Notice also it says, "And with the increase of his lips shall he be filled..."; that's referring to the words of wisdom pouring out of your mouth. Speak life to your finances, your home, your children, your business or job; speak righteousness to your nation and peace within its borders. Always remember that your words are infused with divine energy to create new and glorious realities, transform circumstances, and change situations to conform to God's provisions, plans, and purpose for you in Christ.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for showing me the way to a life of continuous victory through my faith-filled confessions in accordance with your Word! I'll never be discouraged nor subject to the crippling principles of this world, because the Word of God on my lips is God talking. I reign triumphantly over all the negativities of life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Romans 10:9-10; 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.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Mark 11:22-23; And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
[23] For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 2 & Ezekiel 39-40
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:20-27 & 1 Chronicles 28
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 26TH NOVEMBER 2023
THE PROPHETIC WORDS
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Despise not prophesyings (1 Thessalonians 5:20).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the Apostle Paul's defense of the Gospel before King Agrippa and Bernice, as recorded in Acts 26, Paul emphasized the importance of prophecy. He did it by confronting King Agrippa with a direct question. He asked him, "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest" (Acts 26:27).
Paul challenged Agrippa's understanding and faith in the prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah. God's only proof for the people at the time was prophecy. There were so many prophecies about the Saviour-the Messiah-and they had to keep searching the Scriptures for these prophecies. They had to turn to the words of the prophets.
For example, the prophet Isaiah had prophesied, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). In Isaiah 9:6, he further prophesied, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Prophecy is like a guiding light. Our opening verse charges us not to despise prophecies. The prophetic words of scripture and of the Spirit are important. The same Paul who asked the king Agrippa the question above said to Timothy, "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare" (1 Timothy 1:18).
Like Timothy, trust the prophetic words of Scripture and the prophetic words of the Spirit to you, and use them to make war.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I declare that my life is for your glory; my future is that of success, progress and prosperity. I continually dwell in peace and divine health, and I experience your grace in every area of my life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Acts 2:17-18; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams:
[18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
1 Corinthians 14:3-5; But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
[4] He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
[5] I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
2 Peter 1:16-19; For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
[17] For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
[18] And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
[19] We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 5 & Ezekiel 35-36
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 15:1-10 & 1 Chronicles 26
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional