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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 9TH JULY 2024
NOT REDEEMED OR DELIVERED
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Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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When we say the new creation isn’t the “redeemed” or wasn’t “delivered” from sin or Satan, many don’t understand it. When the Bible talks about redemption, like you find in Luke 1:68, which says, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people”; it’s a reference to the Jews.
The Jews were the ones that needed to be redeemed because they were under the curse of the law. So when Paul says, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law…” (Galatians 3:13), it’s important not to be misled by his generic use of the word “us.” Paul was speaking as a Jew.
The Gentiles weren’t redeemed from the curse of the Law because they were never under the Law. That’s why in Ephesians 4:17-18, the Gentiles are described as being alienated from God and strangers to the covenant of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
But thanks be unto God; in Christ Jesus, both the Jews and the Gentiles have been brought together to make one new man that’s neither a Jew nor a Gentile; that’s the new creature (Ephesians 2:14). This new creature is a brand new man that never existed before as read in our theme scripture. The new creature is a new species, and this is where you belong in Christ.
So, being born again, you were born into a newness of life. You have the life of Christ now. You don’t have a past to be redeemed or delivered from, for your old nature, the life you had before you were born again, was supplanted by Christ’s divine nature. Now you walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Glory to God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m a new creature in Christ Jesus, with the life and nature of God! I have the resurrection life. I’m not the redeemed, I’m not the delivered; I’m a brand new man that never existed before, living the transcendent life of the Spirit. Blessed be God.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 6:4; Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
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:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 20:1-16 & Job 19-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Galatians 2:3-12 & Isaiah 29
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 7TH JULY 2024
KNOW THE TRUTH AND LIVE IN GLORY
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And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).
Pastor Chris Says
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It’s sad to know that the victorious, prosperous and joyous life in Christ is still elusive to many. Yet, the vicarious sacrifice of the Lord Jesus in our behalf ushered us into the transcendent life. His sufferings brought us into a life of glory (1 Peter 1:11). Some aren’t even aware that there’s such an inheritance in Christ; they think everybody else is suffering the way they are; no! There’re those of us who have found out the truth and therefore are living the higher life in Christ.
God said in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge….” The Bible says, “…through knowledge shall the just be delivered” (Proverbs 11:9). No wonder the Spirit, through Paul, prays “...that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10).
I admonish you to make the Word of God your stay; live in the Word. Isaiah 26:3 says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Make the choice, the deliberate choice, to believe God’s Word, meditate on it, and live accordingly.
The result is that the Lord will keep you in perfect peace; you’ll live in prosperity, with dominion over crises and adversities. 2 Peter 1:2 talks about grace and peace being multiplied in your life through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Get to know the Lord through His eternal Word and live in glory as His grace and peace with prosperity are multiplied in your life.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I choose to immerse myself in your Word, knowing that through knowledge, I’m empowered to live triumphantly every day, functioning from the vantage position of rest and victory. I anchor my mind on your Word, and I live in your grace, peace and prosperity. Thank you Lord for the victorious life you have called me to live, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Peter 1:2; grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
1 Peter 1:10-11; Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
[11] searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
Joshua 1:8 AMPC; This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 18:24-19:1-7 & Job 12-14
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Galatians 1:10-17 & Isaiah 27
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 5TH JULY 2024
“FEELING GOOD” DOESN’T MEAN BEING BLESSED
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For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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I love the Word of God! It’s always so clear as to how we’re to live our lives, how to serve and worship the Lord. Ponder for a moment what we just read in our theme scripture. It says we’re the circumcision that worship God in the spirit and have no confidence in the flesh. In other words, our worship has nothing to do with “feelings” or the manifestations of the flesh.
Some people sing certain songs that only make them “feel good,” and they think they’re being blessed. Any unscriptural song, no matter how good it makes you feel, doesn’t bring any improvement to your life.
For example, the song “The power, the power, the Pentecostal power is still here today….” If you like, sing it and “shake” and think you’re being blessed; you’re not. The Bible doesn’t say anything about “Pentecostal power”; there’s no such thing as Pentecostal power.
But a good number of Christians sing such songs because it makes them “feel good.” Feeling good and being blessed aren’t the same. When you’re blessed, your life is improved. You can feel good without your life being improved.
Some go to church looking forward to music that makes them dance. So, they dance and dance until they’re drenched in sweat, thinking they’re praising God. Such dancing in the flesh may make you feel good; it doesn’t mean you’re blessed and that God accepts it.
True worship is of the spirit and in the spirit, not in the flesh. Recall what we read in our theme verse. It parallels the words of the Lord Jesus in John 4:23, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” Notice the Master didn’t say, “The Father seeks those who will dance with all their might and sweat on the dance floor.” True worship is done according to the Word of God and by the Holy Spirit.
So when you praise God, let your heart be attuned to Him. Offer to Him words that glorify His Name—words that are consistent with His person, His character and love, His grace, tender-mercies, holiness, righteousness and greatness. That’s what blesses you and brings transformation to your life.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege, blessing and opportunities to worship you in spirit and in truth, with a heart that is aligned with your Word and your will. What an honour it is to offer words of praise that glorify your Name; you’re the great King of all, the only true and righteous God. I love you now and always. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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John 4:23-24; But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
[24] God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Psalm 95:6; O come, let us worship and bow down: Let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
Colossians 3:16; Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Hebrews 13:15; By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 17:16-34 & Job 6-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 13:7-14 & Isaiah 25
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 3RD JULY 2024
GOD SAW IT
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And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).
Pastor Chris Says
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How do you live your life every day? Are you aware that all your actions, including the thoughts of your heart, are seen by God? So, you may have done something that you thought no one noticed, but God saw it. He sees everything.
That’s why the Bible says when we serve, we should serve as unto the Lord and not unto men. Those around you may not notice your hard work and diligence, but God sees it. He knows.
Imagine that you worked as an attendant in a restaurant, and every day, you took some food home without the knowledge of your employer. But in your mind, you thought, “It’s leftovers anyway; moreover, nobody saw me take it.” God saw you!
What does God think about such actions? They’re wrong. It’s like when you work in an organization and then you muddle things up and hide them from your boss; but you can’t hide them from God. Everything you do must be unto the Lord.
If you know that something isn’t right and you present it as though it’s right, the Bible says, to you, it is sin (James 4:17). Make up your mind that you’d be forthright, and walk uprightly at all times, irrespective of who’s watching. The most important thing is that God is watching. The Bible says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you, and keep your Word, knowing that you shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing. I live each day with integrity, honesty and sincerity of heart, doing everything as unto you and not unto men. I please you always in and by the Word, in my thoughts, words and actions, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Proverbs 15:3 MSG; God doesn’t miss a thing— he’s alert to good and evil alike.
Psalm 139:1-4; O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
[2] Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
[3] Thou compassest my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways.
[4] For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
Ecclesiastes 12:14; For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 16:16-40 & Job 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 12:11-21 & Isaiah 22
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 15:22-35 & Esther 5-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 11:10-33 & Isaiah 20
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 30TH JUNE 2024
WISDOM WITH INCREASED CAPACITY
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And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).
Pastor Chris Says
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The wisdom of God is encapsulated in His Word; it is all-encompassing and will guide you through every aspect of life. Proverbs 4:7 emphasizes the importance of wisdom and making it the primary pursuit in your life. It says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
The Scriptures, as read in our theme verse, have the unique ability to make us wise unto salvation. It’s one reason you must meditate on the Word. Joshua 1:8 AMPC says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.”
Notice that it says meditating on the Word will make you prosperous and cause you to deal wisely; that means it’ll make you discerning and sound. Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
As you immerse yourself in the Word, digesting its truths and allowing it to permeate your spirit, the Word will make you several steps wiser and broaden your capacity and capability. It reminds of what the Bible says in 2 Peter 1:2, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.”
Multiplied or increased grace means God can entrust you with even greater responsibilities because you’re wiser. He knows that as a result of His wisdom at work in you, you’ll make sound judgments and choices.
📖 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the wisdom found in your Word. As I give attention to the Scriptures, I open myself to a continuous impartation of divine wisdom. The Word guides my choices and actions. I have uncommon insight; a clear, deep and sudden understanding of concepts, subjects, situations and mysteries, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Joshua 1:8 AMPC; This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
1 Corinthians 1:30; But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Colossians 3:16 NLT; Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 15:1-21 & Esther 1-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 11:1-9 & Isaiah 19
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 28TH JUNE 2024
BUILDING SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY
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Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).
Pastor Chris Says
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There’re many who are ignorant of spiritual matters, and for that reason, they’re buffeted by the crises of life and walk on in confusion. So, it’s important to build your spiritual sensitivity. For that to happen, you've got to study and understand the Word, to know the mind of God.
2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Also, as you study the Word, train yourself to act on it promptly. This should be natural for every Christian because we’re doers of the Word (James 1:22).
By responding promptly to the Word of God, you condition your spirit to recognize the effect of the Word in your life. That way, when you face challenges, you respond with the Word; you voice your faith. This practice trains your spirit to consistently align and respond to God rather than succumbing to the dictates of the flesh.
Also, in training yourself to be more spiritually sensitive you must be filled with the Spirit every day. Incorporate praying in the Spirit into your spiritual routine. 1 Corinthians 14:14 says, “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.”
Praying in tongues or praying in the Spirit enhances your spiritual sensitivity as it involves the Holy Spirit providing utterance to your spirit. When you speak in tongues, it’s the Holy Spirit guiding your spirit's expressions. Your spirit, through this process, learns to function under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, contributing significantly to an increased sensitivity to God's leading.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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As I study and meditate on the Word, my spirit is conditioned to respond swiftly to God’s guidance, promptings, ideas and thoughts. Also, my spiritual sensitivity is increased and heightened because I’m full of the Spirit always, praying in the Holy Ghost. I’m perceptive, insightful, filled with the Spirit of wisdom for revelation, to know and walk in the perfect will of God today and always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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James 1:22;But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Ephesians 5:18-20; And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
[19] speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
[20] giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1 Corinthians 14:2 & 13-15; For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
[13] Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
[14] For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
[15] What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 13:13-52 & Nehemiah 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 10:1-7 & Isaiah 17
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
(His return).
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 12 & Nehemiah 4-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 9:1-10 & Isaiah 14
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 25TH JUNE 2024
GIVE VALUE TO YOUR RESOURCES
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But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).
Pastor Chris Says
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The way to give value and direction to your resources is to invest them in the Kingdom of God. Outside of the Kingdom of God, money holds little significance. There isn't anyone who doesn't have money. Do you know why? Because everything holds value—everything has worth.
That means currency isn’t the real money; it’s just what is used in measuring the real money. Therefore, in a sense, everything is money. Once you comprehend this, you'll realise that God has bestowed upon you the wisdom to manage finances.
The reason those who are labelled wealthy seem to have the advantage over those termed as poor is due to their understanding of this mystery. Once you gain the same understanding, suddenly you’ll start seeing value in everything that God gives you. Everything that God gives you suddenly has power, and then you discover you can do anything and have anything.
With this understanding, the words of the Lord Jesus will mean more to you. He said, “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Commit your resources to this. Make it possible for more and more people to receive God’s Word by sponsoring the distribution of Bibles and Rhapsody of Realities around the world.
Make it your mission to take the Gospel to every man’s world. This is the way to expand your reach for the Kingdom and make a quick and lasting impact.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the wisdom to understand the true value of the resources you’ve given to me; I’m conscious that you’ve made all grace abound towards me so that I’m divinely enabled to give immensely towards Kingdom expansion. I utilise the abundance you've provided for your Kingdom's advancement. I’ll steward my resources effectively, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
‘
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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2 Corinthians 9:8-11; And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
[9] (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever.
[10] Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
[11] being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
Luke 6:38; give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Philippians 4:15-17; Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
[16] For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
[17] Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 11:19-30 & Nehemiah 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 8:18-24 & Isaiah 13
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 24TH JUNE 2024
UNDERSTANDING IS IMPORTANT
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...the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Proverbs 4:7, the Bible says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” It points attention to wisdom as the most important thing that you should go for, not money, not friends, but wisdom. Then it says in the concluding part, “…with all thy getting get understanding.” And that’s what I want to emphasize: understanding!
Understanding is important. In verse 8, referring to understanding, it says, “Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.” So, do you want promotion? Then you need to exalt understanding, and she shall promote you and bring you to honour. The 9th verse is also beautiful and further refers to what understanding will do for you: “She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” Understanding will crown you with glory. Hallelujah!
Even the Lord Jesus taught on how important understanding is when He told and explained the parable of the sower in Luke 8:5-15 (study the entire reference). In verse 12, He explained that as the sower sowed his seed (the seed is the Word of God), those that fell on the wayside “…are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts….”
But Matthew gave us a better insight into what really happened to such individuals; the reason the devil was able to steal the Word from their hearts is because they lacked understanding: “Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side” (Matthew 13:18-19).
See how terrible it is not to understand the Word of God? Even Wisdom extolled understanding; read what Wisdom says in Proverbs 8:14, “Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength." Here, Wisdom is talking and says, “I am understanding.” Amazing!
Anchor your life on the Word of God—the wisdom of God—and give attention to understanding. Christ is in you; He’s your wisdom. Therefore, you have an understanding heart and mind. The Bible says it is given unto you to understand the Word of God, the mysteries of the Kingdom. Therefore, every so often, declare, “I’m filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom, and spiritual understanding.” Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I am filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. The understanding of the Word elevates, promotes and brings me honour; it crowns me with glory, and with it, I live triumphantly, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 8:14-20; Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
[15] By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.
[16] By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
[17] I love them that love me; And those that seek me early shall find me.
[18] Riches and honour are with me; Yea, durable riches and righteousness.
[19] My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; And my revenue than choice silver.
[20] I lead in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of judgment:
Luke 8:5-15; A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
[6] And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 22ND JUNE 2024
INCREASING HIS GLORY IN YOUR LIFE
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And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him (Colossians 3:10).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, "Ye are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." So, you can let your light shine as brightly as you want; it’s up to you.
Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.” The Lord Jesus said in John 17:22, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them....” God made you the expression of His glory. But what is glory?
Glory is great honour, praise or distinction. It’s majestic beauty and splendour, resplendence, excellence. So, when God made man, He made him for glory, and everything about man was praiseworthy. But did you know that you have a mission, a divine assignment, to increase and manifest the glory of God in your life? Each one of us carries the glory of God to a certain measure, and how brightly we manifest that glory is within our control.
Our opening verse gives us an idea of how this happens. Let’s read it again, this time, from the Amplified Classic version. It says, “And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.”
The word "knowledge" in the verse above is the Greek "epignosis," and it means exact or precise knowledge of God. It means full comprehension, recognition or perception; to become fully acquainted with God. This is the knowledge He seeks for us to have of Him.
With this knowledge, the glory in your life increases, and your efficiency, effectiveness and results multiply; your spirit is continually renewed, refreshed and polished. Your spirit glows more and more as you deepen your relationship with Him. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly....” Have the Word of God in you in abundance through diligent study and meditation, and your life will become more glorious. Praise God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for your glory in my life, which continually increases as I study and meditate on your Word. That glory radiates through my being, making me competent, resourceful, more efficient and effective. I’m continually renewed and refreshed, greatly manifesting the fruits and works of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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2 Corinthians 3:18; But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Joshua 1:8 AMPC; This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 10:1-23 & Ezra 4-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 7:9-16 & Isaiah 9
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 20TH JUNE 2024
BEYOND AN EXPERIENCE
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Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you tell the natural man or those who are unlearned in the things of God, “I'm born again,” they think it’s just another religious cliché that suggests you just had a new experience. Some even think being born again means to turn over a new leaf or make new resolutions to be a better person. No!
Being born again is not an experience, and it’s beyond these outward expressions. When you're born again, you don't essentially “experience” a thing; rather, “you” are the experience; you happened. You came to be, as it were.
It’s like when a baby is born; you don't say, “Oh, this baby has had an experience”; no! It's the baby that happened, and everyone rejoices because the baby has come on the scene. Therefore, being born again is that you were dead but have come alive; you're alive now.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:1, "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." Also, he said in Colossians 2:13, "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses." The word “quicken” means “to come alive.”
Interestingly, being born again means you don't have a past, so you can’t say, “something happened to me.” The old “you” died in Christ, and the new “you” has the resurrection life. It’s not the same person that died in Christ that’s alive now. That’s why the Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your “past” has ceased to exist; buried with Jesus, and backdated to Calvary.
So from the moment you’re born again, you’re like a new born baby before God. That’s why the Bible says in 1 Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” The one who’s born again is enjoined to learn and keep growing in the knowledge of the Word. God’s Word builds you and transforms your life from glory to glory
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for my new life in Christ; your divine nature in me has made me a master over circumstances, with dominion over the systems of this world. I’m growing unto maturity by the Word. My spirit is built up strong and educated as I study and meditate on God’s Word, 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.
1 Peter 2:2 NIV; Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
Romans 6:4; Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 9:1-31 & 2 Chronicles 35-36
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 6:11-18 & Isaiah 7
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 18TH JUNE 2024
ABSOLUTE DOMINION OVER ALL DEVILS
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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 (Luke 10:19).
Pastor Chris Says
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In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul unveils the reality of the spiritual warfare we are engaged in and describes the hierarchy of demoniacal forces. We’re up against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).
Observe it says spiritual wickedness in high places, not “wicked spirits in high places.” All of those listed are also wicked spirits, but some demons are more wicked than others. However, it makes no difference the hierarchy of demons and how wicked they’re described; they’re all under your feet, including their boss—Satan, himself!
You have superior authority in the spiritual because you function in and by the Name of Jesus Christ. You live and function in the Kingdom of light where Satan has no rights. You live in the victory and authority of Jesus Christ.
You have something that the devils can’t withstand— the Name of Jesus. Use it, and triumph gloriously, always! Exercise your dominion in Christ and cast out devils everywhere. Take charge of your nation, city, town and environment. Take charge of your life. Refuse to allow Satan run rampage in your home. You’re superior to him and his cohorts of hell; Jesus gave you absolute dominion over them. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S IO N
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I live and function in the Kingdom of light, with authority over Satan and the cohorts of darkness. I’ve been vested with all power and authority to subdue and decimate satanic forces and activities. I speak in the authority of Jesus even now, and declare that God’s will, plans and purposes for the nations of the world are established; His righteousness rules in men’s hearts and God’s Kingdom is established in the earth, and in the hearts of men, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Mark 16:17; And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Matthew 10:7-8; And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
[8] Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Luke 10:17-19; And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
[18] And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
[19] Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 7:54-8:1-8 & 2 Chronicles 31-32
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 & Isaiah 4
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
SUN. 16TH JUNE 2024
OUR PRIMARY PURPOSE
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And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).
Pastor Chris Says
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God raised us for a purpose; He didn't leave us here on earth to simply wait until His return, doing nothing. Our primary purpose is to share His message with others while we grow in grace, knowledge and character. We’re here to carry out His mandate; to ensure the Gospel is preached in all the earth and that it impacts every man, woman, boy and girl.
He said in Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” The Gospel has been committed to your trust. You have a personal responsibility for the Gospel.
The Lord Jesus gave the great commission in Mark 16:15 as we read in our opening scripture. He said, “… Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” The question is, can He rely on you to accomplish it? Your driving force and purpose should revolve around promoting the Gospel and spreading the knowledge of salvation throughout the earth.
Consider your role in your office, place of work or business as that of an ambassador of Christ; a custodian of the Gospel. I love the way the Apostle Paul personalized it in 1 Timothy 1:11; he said, “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”
Notice that he didn’t say, “…which was committed to our trust.” He understood the preaching of the Gospel as his primary purpose. That’s how it ought to be. God intends to use you as a vessel to impact the lives of all those around you and beyond. You’re His partner in spreading the good news of His saving power to the ends of the earth.
Like the Apostle Paul, let’s all feel the weight of this responsibility, understanding that preaching the Gospel is not merely an option but a necessity: “…necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the renewed passion in my spirit for spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. I’m an effective minister of reconciliation, spreading the message of salvation with zeal and dedication. Thank you for your wisdom at work in me and the effectual working of your power as I reach others with the Gospel, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Matthew 28:19-20; Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16:15; And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Acts 1:8; But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 6:1-15 & 2 Chronicles 26-28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 & Isaiah 2
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
[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: Acts 4:32-5:1-11 & 2 Chronicles 20-22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 3:11-18 & Songs Of Solomon 7-8
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 8TH JULY 2024
HE’S THE MASTERMIND OF EVERY GOOD THING
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For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11).
Pastor Chris Says
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It’s amazing how much God loves us. Think about the fact that He gave us everything! He gave us His Kingdom, He gave us His righteousness, He gave us His wisdom, He gave us His glory, He gave us His Name, and even gave us His life. It shows how much He loves us.
So, when people are suffering and in pain, it’s not from God. The Bible says in Psalm 33:5, “...the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.” His goodness—that’s all He wants every man, woman, boy and girl on the face of the earth to experience every day.
Psalm 16:11 says in His presence is fullness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures for evermore. That lets you know the kind of God He is. He’s not the mastermind behind your suffering. He’s not the mastermind behind your sorrows.
Perhaps you’re reading this today and life has been hard for you; things haven’t been going the way you want them to go; you’re not living a fulfilled life; there can be a change even now. Embrace this loving Christ; believe truly that He loves you and wants the best for you.
He said in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” What a blessed desire from our ever-loving and gracious heavenly Father! He’s the Father of light and of all good things, and He doesn’t discriminate (James 1:17). Matthew 5:45 says, “…for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” He’s that gracious and kind.
Also think about what He says in Isaiah 1:19 (TLB): “If you will only let me help you, if you will only obey, then I will make you rich!” Imagine the invitation; that means it’s up to you to let Him help you live in prosperity and superabundance. But how does He help you? It’s through His Word. His Word is His truth and the light that guides you in the path of absolute victory and dominion in life. As you walk in the light of His Word, you discover all the blessings that belong to you in Christ and enjoy the fullness of your inheritance in Him. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The Lord is the mastermind of every good thing in my life. His thoughts towards me are of peace and not of evil, to give me a future and a hope. I bask in His unconditional love and experience His goodness every day, for He has given me His Kingdom, righteousness, wisdom and glory. I walk in the light of His Word that guides me in absolute victory and dominion in life. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Psalm 33:5; He loveth righteousness and judgment: The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
James 1:17; Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Acts 10:38; 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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 19:8-41 & Job 15-18
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Galatians 1:18-2:1-2 & Isaiah 28
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 6TH JULY 2024
IT MATTERS WHAT YOU LISTEN TO
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My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh (Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV).
Pastor Chris Says
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What you listen to matters. If you listen to the Word of God that lifts your spirit, you’ll be lifted; your life will be improved. The Word of God is life and will keep you healthy if you give it attention as the scripture says.
You have to learn to reject negative words and information that demean or condemn. Many naturally feel more comfortable with words that condemn them because they recognize their frailties.
Such people live in fear continually because of their ignorance of the Word of God. As a child of God, you must be different; and learn and know the Word of God for yourself. The Lord Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32 NKJV).
The Word of God is truth. Truth liberates you and brings you into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Listen to the Word every day. Study the Bible. Study Rhapsody of Realities diligently and follow the Bible study guide that it provides. Fill your heart with the Word of God, and you’ll most certainly live an exciting and prosperous life.
Joshua 1:8 NKJV says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Be a master of the Word. Live in it twenty-four hours every day, and you’ll live a great life of success, glory and victory.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the life-giving power of your Word. I reject negative and unwholesome information and fill my heart with your truths through consistent study and meditation. Your Word dwells richly in my heart in all wisdom, shaping my thoughts, words and actions in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Psalm 119:105;Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.
Proverbs 4:20-22; My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
[21] Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
[22] For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.
Colossians 3:16; Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 18:1-23 & Job 9-11
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Galatians1:1-9 & Isaiah 26
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 4TH JULY 2024
WEALTH, RICHES & RIGHTEOUSNESS
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Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever (Psalm 112:1-3).
Pastor Chris Says
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Notice what the Bible says: the one who reveres the Lord and delights greatly in His Word is blessed. And not only that, wealth and riches shall be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Wealth, riches and righteousness are the heritage of the one who belongs to Christ.
This completely debunks the erroneous belief that if you’re rich you can’t be righteous. God has made His children rich through Christ. The lives of many Christians may somewhat be in antithesis with this, but it doesn’t negate God’s truth.
Those of us who have accepted His Word as it is have a different reality. In Christ we have wealth, riches and righteousness. It’s the life God has given us in Him.
The bane of many around the world today is ignorance; many have never been accurately taught the Word of God. Therefore, they don’t know how to apply it in order to walk in the reality of their glorious inheritance in Christ.
Make up your mind that you’re going to walk in the light of God’s Word as it relates to your prosperity in Christ. Even if you really didn’t care about being rich, He ordained that you should be able to make others rich. Well said the Apostle Paul, “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Corinthians 6:10).
Locate yourself in the plans and purposes of God so you can have His will fulfilled in your life. He said, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 1:2).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for your Word of truth about my wealth, riches and righteousness. As I walk in the light of your Word and apply its principles, the blessings of the Kingdom are manifested in my life; I walk in financial abundance and manifest fruits of righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Proverbs 10:22; The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, And he addeth no sorrow with it.
Deuteronomy 8:18; But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Matthew 6:33; But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-19: Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
[19] Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 17:1-15 & Job 3-5
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 13:1-6 & Isaiah 23-24
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 2ND JULY 2024
WISDOM TO DISCERN RIGHT FROM WRONG
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Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (James 4:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening scripture reveals something quite striking. It says if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, to you, it’s a sin. That thing may not be a sin to someone else but it is a sin to you because you knew it was the right thing to do but you didn’t do it. This is one major reason God’s people need to understand the workings and guidance of divine wisdom in their lives.
Wisdom gives you the ability to decide and discern right from wrong. Wisdom helps you distinguish righteousness from evil. There’re three major kinds of wisdom the Word of God talks about, and the Greek words for them are “Sophia,” “Sunesis” and “Phronesis.”
“Sophia” is theoretical wisdom, the insight that God gives you into reality. “Sunesis” is comprehension, perception, understanding, the ability to understand concepts and see relationships between them. It suggests quickness of apprehension, the penetrating consideration which precedes action.
But when we say wisdom is the ability to decide and discern right from wrong, we’re referring to “Phronesis,” which is practical wisdom. “Phronesis” is a mindset, the mindset of the righteous; it’s a force. When we say wisdom is a force, we’re referring to “Phronesis.”
“Phronesis” is that disposition of being in the will of God beyond your reasoning. It’s a special spiritual elixir that locates you within the framework or ambits of God’s will beyond your understanding. It locates you in the places where you ought to be; it causes you to do the things you ought to do without having to reason them out first, because it has created a mindset within your system. It’s your default setting to only talk right, think right, live right, and do right. It’s a programming.
If therefore you know what is right by “Sophia” and you don’t do it, then it means you lack “Phronesis.” “Phronesis” is a propeller. It helps you see what you should see that others may not see. The beautiful thing is, you can develop yourself to function always in “Phronesis” through conscious and constant meditation on the Word of God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, as I yield myself to the guidance of your Spirit, I function with an increased manifestation of practical wisdom—the mindset of the righteous. I’m programmed to think, talk, live and act right, and walk consistently in the light of your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 3:13-18; Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding.
[14] For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, And the gain thereof than fine gold.
[15] She is more precious than rubies: And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
[16] Length of days is in her right hand; And in her left hand riches and honour.
[17] Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.
[18] She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her.
Colossians 1:9; For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Ephesians 5:15-17; See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
[16] redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
[17] Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 15:36-16:1-15 & Esther 8-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 & Isaiah 21
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 1ST JULY 2024
THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRIST
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And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God…” (John 20:30-31).
Pastor Chris Says
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What we just read points out something absolutely remarkable; it says the specific miracles of Jesus that are recorded in the Bible have a singular purpose: to engender belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. What exactly does the expression “Jesus is the Christ” mean?
The word “Christ” was translated from the Greek language into English, and it doesn’t properly capture what the Jews understood as "The Messiah." This is understandable, because the Greeks didn't have the message of the Kingdom. So, the Jews knew that the word Christ meant far more than the Anointed One; it actually means God in the flesh.
This claim, which many take so lightly, was what they killed Jesus for. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, meaning that He was God's manifestation in the flesh. And He was right. That's the meaning of Christ. In Mark 14:60-64, during Jesus' trial before the high priest Caiaphas, many false witnesses came forward with accusations against Him, but their testimonies didn’t align.
Finally, the high priest asked Jesus directly, "...Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" (Mark 14:61). Jesus responded, "...I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62). The Chief Priest became furious, tore his clothes, and accused Jesus of blasphemy.
Consequently, Jesus was condemned to death. They accused Him of robbery; that is, robbing God of His place. They said, “...For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God” (John 10:33). But the Bible says, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God” (Philippians 2:6), because He is Himself God.
John 1:14 NKJV says, "And the Word became 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." 1 Timothy 3:16 says, “...God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” That’s Jesus, the Christ. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Lord Jesus, you are the Christ; God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory, and also soon to be revealed at your glorious return to earth. Your Name is exalted in my life and proclaimed in all the nations as the only true God. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 9:18-20; And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
[19] They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.
[20] He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
Matthew 16:13-16; When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
[14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
[15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Acts 17:1-3; Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
[2] and Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
[3] opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 29TH JUNE 2024
DISTINCT PURPOSES OF THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY GIFTS
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And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Apostle Paul highlights the distinct purposes of the five-fold ministry gifts in the Body of Christ. They’re for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Some Bible translations wrongly assume that the passage presents a single unified purpose, extending from the first line to the last due to the lack of punctuation in the manuscripts. However, a closer examination, supported by contextual analysis and comparison with other Scriptures reveals distinct purposes outlined by Paul.
Some other Bible translations wrongly phrased the statement as "for the perfecting of the saints, so that the saints can do the work of the ministry, which is the edifying of the Body of Christ." But that's a misconception. Three distinct purposes for the ministry gifts are, first, to perfect or equip the saints.
Secondly, they’re for the work of the ministry itself. Thirdly, they are for the edification of the Body of Christ. So, it's not stating that the saints themselves will edify the Body of Christ, but rather, the five-fold offices listed in verse 11 are responsible for building up the Body of Christ.
Of course, when every part of the Body functions as it should, the entire Body is edified. Ephesians 4:16 (NIV) tells us, "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Also, Colossians 2:19 says, "And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God." However, in Ephesians 4, Paul directs attention to the distinct purposes assigned to ministry gifts for equipping the saints, the work of the ministry, and building up the Church.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I’m equipped, edified, and built up in the Body of Christ through the ministry gifts. I don’t walk in darkness, weakness, or live in stagnation, for I’m always fruitful, productive and abounding in every good work. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 4:11-13; And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
[13] till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
1 Corinthians 14:12; Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 14:1-28 & Nehemiah 11-13
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 10:8-18 & Isaiah 18
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 27TH JUNE 2024
YOUR SERVICE MEANS MUCH TO GOD
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Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building (1 Corinthians 3:8-9).
Pastor Chris Says
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Every opportunity of service that you have in the house of God is profoundly significant and holds great meaning to God. He’s going to hold you accountable for the work and tasks He assigned to you. So serve the Lord dutifully, and do all that you do for Him with diligence, excellence and integrity of heart. The Bible says, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Oftentimes, when we are involved in something, whether an activity or project, we may not be conscious of the actual impact or effects of our actions. Not many realize that their actions are a message every day for which they must give an account to God.
When you’re conscious that your life is a message, and that every word spoken and every deed performed is recorded, you’ll live more purposefully. God is the author of your life's narrative. He has a pre-existing plan for you, yet you play an active role in crafting your own story.
The day will come when a comparison will be made between God's intended plan for you and the life you actually lived, and your reward will be determined by how closely your life aligned with His divine plan. Thus, pay close attention to fulfilling God's purpose for your life.
Serving the Lord, in whatever capacity he puts you, holds unparalleled honour and surpasses any earthly achievement. Always remember this: your role in the house of God, irrespective of what it is, is part of a collective effort—a teamwork inspired by the Spirit—to win souls globally.
Keep carrying out your responsibilities in the house of God with diligence and excellence. Be a soul winner. Be committed to interceding for others. Each one of us is a necessary part of the machinery created through the Holy Spirit to impact and transform lives around the world.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege and opportunity of service in the Kingdom. I’m a faithful steward of the opportunities you've entrusted to me. Therefore, my service brings glory to your Name and advances your Kingdom on earth, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Colossians 3:23-24; and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
[24] knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:8-9; Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
[9] For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV; Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 13:1-12 & Nehemiah 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 9:11-15 & Isaiah 15-16
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 26TH JUNE 2024
RUN WITH PURPOSE
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For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Pastor Chris Says
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It’s important that from time to time, you appraise yourself to be sure you’re focused on that which the Lord has called you to do. Each one of us has a unique purpose and destiny to fulfil in Christ and one day, we’ll give account to the Lord for all that we did while on earth.
According to the Scriptures, those who have done well will receive praise of Him; they’ll be rewarded. That’s why the Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, encourages us in 1 Corinthians 9:24, saying, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."
Life is a race, and in this race of life, you’re to run in such a way as to win the prize. Run with purpose. Don’t live like it doesn’t matter. The Amplified Classic version of the scripture above says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours.”
Run with the resolve to triumph gloriously and finish your course with joy. Remember part of Paul’s valedictory admonition in 2 Timothy 4:5; he said, “...Watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” He could confidently give such inspiring counsel because that was his testimony. He ran with purpose and made full proof of his ministry.
Paul finished his race gloriously and testified, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
We’re on this journey for a more profound purpose. Keep this truth constantly before you and it’ll serve as a guiding light in the way you live your life. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I’m passionately dedicated and committed to fulfilling your purpose for my life and finishing my course gloriously. I run this race with diligence, living in your Word and guided by your wisdom to produce eternal fruits and works of righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV; Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
[25] Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
[26] Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
[27] No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Colossians 3:23-24; and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
[24] knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 AMPC; For I am already about to be sacrificed [my life is about to be poured out as a drink offering]; the time of my [spirit's] release [from the body] is at hand and I will soon go free.
[7] I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith.
[8] [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor's] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day–and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing
[7] And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
[8] And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
[9] And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
[10] And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
[11] Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
[12] Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
[13] They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
[14] And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
[15] But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 11:1-18 & Ezra 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 8:9-17 & Isaiah 11-12
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 23RD JUNE 2024
COOPERATE WITH HIM
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For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
Pastor Chris Says
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I love the Holy Spirit! I’ve often wondered how folks who don’t have the Holy Spirit live on a day-to-day basis. Consider what we just read in our theme verse: it’s part of the glorious ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He makes us willing and able to do the will of the Father.
This doesn't imply that you sit idly by and say, “I’m not going to do or say anything if the Holy Spirit doesn’t make me say or do something.” That’s not how it works. There’s a cooperation; it’s a fellowship.
The scripture isn't conveying the idea of you “waiting” for Him to compel you to do; rather, it emphasises a partnership that enables the Holy Spirit to fulfil His ministry in your life. Both He and you have distinct roles to play.
The Holy Spirit is called to work with and through you, but you need to allow Him to do His job through fellowship with Him. Through that fellowship, He instils in you a willingness to do God's will effortlessly, where you’re always ready and willing to do what God has called you to do. Like Ezekiel, He’ll “set you upon your feet” (Ezekiel 2:2).
The Holy Spirit can prompt you to take certain actions and you’d be conscious that those actions are orchestrated by Him. He doesn't just move you capriciously as though you’re a robot; no! There’s a oneness, a unity of purpose, an agreement with Him that’s required. As the Bible says, "two can only walk together, when they agree" (Amos 3:3).
Encourage the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Cooperate with Him. Celebrate and appreciate Him for His guidance, and for causing your heart to be mantled with the wisdom to know and walk in the perfect will of God today.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for being the One at work in me by the Holy Spirit to will and to fulfil your good pleasure. I yield to your guidance and celebrate your grace at work in me to live out your divine purpose effortlessly, and please you always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Ezekiel 2:2; And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.
John 14:16-17; And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
[17] even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 16:13; Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Romans 8:14; For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 10:24-48 & Ezra 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 8:1-8 & Isaiah 10
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 21ST JUNE 2024
WE LIVE TO PLEASE HIM
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…We continually ask God…that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9-10 NIV).
Pastor Chris Says
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If you ever find that you’re not enthusiastic about pleasing God, then your love for the Lord Jesus is questionable. If you genuinely love the Lord, then your heart’s desire, always, would be to please Him; you want Him as the first place in your life.
Why is it important that we please Him? It’s because we belong to Him and we live for Him. It’s about our identity as His children. 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “…he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”
He isn’t just your heavenly Father but also the Lord; and this is what led to your salvation—the acknowledgement or confession of His lordship over your life. Therefore, living to please Him becomes a natural expression of your devotion because now He’s Lord of your life and everything about you.
While the Lord Jesus walked this earth, He rehearsed to us how to please the Father in all things. In John 8:29, He said, "…for I do always those things that please him." In John 5:30, He said, "… I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."
Jesus lived with the constant desire to please the Father and encouraged us to adopt or cultivate the same mindset. Again, in John 6:38, He said, "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." Then in John 4:34, He uttered some of the most inspiring words, "…My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work."
The Master revealed to us how to live in total submission to the Father’s will, pleasing Him in all things. We’re to emulate Him. There’s no greater joy or fulfilment than living to please God. Nothing pleases Him more than one genuinely loving Jesus Christ and living as He lived.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit who teaches, guides, and reveals your will to me in the Word so that my actions align with your perfect plan. The joy of pleasing you is the driving force in my life and I commit to walking in your perfect will always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Colossians 1:9-10 AMPC; For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
[10] that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
1 Thessalonians 4:1; Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15; For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
[15] and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 9:32-43 & Ezra 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 7:1-8 & Isaiah 8
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 19TH JUNE 2024
PRACTICAL WISDOM
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In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence (Ephesians 1:7-8).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Ephesians 1:7-8, the Apostle Paul unveils a profound truth: every kind of wisdom has been lavished upon us in Christ.
Read the 8th verse in the Amplified Classic; it says, “Which He lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence).” Pause and let the weight of this revelation sink in.
Recall the words of Jesus in Matthew 12:42; He said, "The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here." Solomon was given practical wisdom; it’s the same word that’s translated in our theme verse as “Prudence.”
The Greek Septuagint tells us that the wisdom that God gave to Solomon was “Phronesis.” In Luke 1:17, it’s described as “the wisdom of the just”: “And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
“Phronesis” is practical wisdom, and it’s available to us in Christ. Christ has been made unto you wisdom from God. That practical wisdom empowers you to apply, utilize and immerse yourself in various fields with divine insight. Whether in politics, law, business, medicine, or any profession, you become exceptional.
This wisdom is a spiritual elixir that locates you within the framework of God's will, beyond your natural understanding, causing you to do God's things God's way, in God's time for God's purpose. It's also a mind-set; an excellent mind-set that causes you to think in a certain way and to say the right things in the right way at the right time for the right purpose in the right place. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I affirm that in Christ, I have access to practical wisdom. I walk in divine wisdom; I do and say the right things at the right time, in the right way, for God’s purpose. Christ, my wisdom, effectively works in me to produce fruits and works of righteousness to the glory of God. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Proverbs 2:6; For the LORD giveth wisdom: Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Colossians 2:2-3; that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
[3] in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
1 Corinthians 1:30; But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 8:9-40 & 2 Chronicles 33-34
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 & Isaiah 5-6
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 17TH JUNE 2024
UNDERSTANDING THE WORD
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And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given (Matthew 13:10-11).
Pastor Chris Says
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There’re those who grumble about their inability to understand the Scriptures. Often, they’d complain, “These words are too difficult to understand; no matter how I study the Bible, I just don’t seem to have a grasp of it.” No; never talk that way. It’s your divinely given right and ability to understand the Scriptures. Read the words of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 13:11; He said, “...it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."
One of Satan's tactics is to deceive God's children just as he attempted with Jesus, questioning His identity. The Bible tells us, "And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread" (Matthew 4:3). Same way, he’ll attempt to put doubts in your heart. Don't yield to the Devil's deception that you lack understanding. The power lies in accepting and declaring God's truth.
Accept, endorse and confess it. Align your words with God's Word. Declare, "I understand," and your understanding will be illuminated. The Bible recounts in John 20:22 how Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “...Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” When He did, their minds were opened to understand the Scriptures. It’s a similar miracle that occurred when you received the Holy Spirit.
It's the Spirit who enlightens your heart and enables you to receive and understand His truths. Always boldly affirm that you have the understanding of the righteous; you possess soundness of mind; you’re alert and imbued with keen insight.
You have the mind of Christ, which is an excellent mind (1 Corinthians 2:16). You’re super-intelligent and your mind is anointed to understand the Scriptures; you have quickness of understanding. Have this mindset as you diligently study and meditate on the Word.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I have the divine ability to comprehend mysteries. The wisdom of God is at work in me to produce excellent results in everything I set my heart to do! Life is not a mystery to me, because as I meditate on the Word, the Holy Spirit unveils spiritual realities to me, enlightening my heart to walk in paths ordained for His glory. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 2:6; For the LORD giveth wisdom: Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Matthew 13:23; But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Luke 24:45; Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 7:1-53 & 2 Chronicles 29-30
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 & Isaiah 3
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 15TH JUNE 2024
PROCLAIM HIS LOVE AND GRACE
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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).
Pastor Chris Says
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This is one of the most profound verses in the Pauline epistles. It unveils the magnitude of the Father’s love for all men, His overwhelming and everlasting love! Think about it: God was in Christ, reconciling the world of sinners (not Christians) to Himself, not counting their sins against them. Amazing!
Most don’t realize the truth that Jesus was God, taking the place of sin and sinful man on the Cross. He accepted the most gruesome pain and punishment for the love of man.
It brings to mind how the prophet Isaiah described Him in Isaiah 53:2-3. He explained that He had no form or comeliness, no royal or kingly pomp that they should look at Him. There was no beauty that they should desire Him. He was described as one from whom men hid their faces; despised and unesteemed.
Yet, the world didn’t know that the Creator of the universe, the One who had made each and every one of us, was the one who hung on that Cross in their behalf. They failed to recognize Him; they were oblivious to His presence. But that’s why He sent us to proclaim His love.
The whole world needs to know that Jesus is the embodiment of God's love, sent to reconcile humanity to Himself, not holding their sins against them. Even the vilest offender is loved by God. He harbours no anger or resentment for anyone.
The Bible says He’s not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). It’s our duty to proclaim this message: to reveal who Jesus is, to declare His love and the worth of His sacrifice. It’s our responsibility to proclaim this Gospel of His love and grace.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for entrusting me with the Gospel of your love and grace. As I boldly proclaim the truth of your love, many hear and are translated into the Kingdom of your Love-Son to walk in the glorious inheritance you’ve prepared for them, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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1 John 4:10; Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Romans 5:8-10; 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.
[10] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 5:12-42 & 2 Chronicles 23-25
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 & Isaiah 1
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 14TH JUNE 2024
THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
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For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life (Romans 5:10).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible says in Ephesians 4:11-12 that God “… gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Here, the Apostle Paul refers to the five-fold ministry gifts which are for the edification and perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry.
Since these five ministry gifts are for the building of the body of Christ and perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, then what exactly is this “work of the ministry”? First, it's important to understand that there’re two kinds of ministries for the saints: primary and secondary.
The secondary ministry involves edifying one another within the Church, that is, within the Body of Christ. This is often referred to as the “body ministry” or ministry within the body. But I want to draw your attention to the first kind of ministry of the saints, which Paul referenced in 2 Corinthians 5:18—the ministry of reconciliation.
There, it says, "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation."
The same God who reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ has given us (the reconciled ones) the ministry of reconciliation: “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).
It reminds us of what the Lord Jesus said in Acts 1:8, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me...." In Mark 16:15 He said, “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” This is a charge to every Christian.
We’re His ministers of reconciliation. We bear witness to the truth that God was in Christ, actively reconciling the world to Himself through Christ's redemptive work, not counting men’s sins against them. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Dear Father, I testify that you were in Christ, actively reconciling the world to yourself, not counting men’s sins against them. I’m an ambassador, and a representative of the Kingdom! The Lord is building His body through me, by my vital participation in the spread of the Gospel. Praise God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 2:13-16; but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
[15] having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
[16] and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Colossians 1:20-22; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
[21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
[22] in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
2 Corinthians 5:18-20; And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
[19] to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.