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[14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
[15] All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 5:17-39 & Deuteronomy 28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 2:21-29 & Psalm 92-93
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 23RD MARCH 2024
REMISSION OF SINS
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And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46-47).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Christ, we have remission of our sins. His substitutionary work in our behalf made us new creations. Our past and our sins were completely blotted out, entirely erased from God's memory, not just your own. So literally, what Jesus did was to take away the power of sin to prevent its destructive consequences. For that reason the Bible says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you...” (Romans 6:14). Jesus accomplished this for us.
Acts 13:38-39 says, “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." The term "forgiveness" is derived from the Greek word 'aphesis,' which specifically means remission of sins.
status unattainable through the Law of Moses. Justification implies being acquitted, to be declared not guilty.
Many Christians haven’t fully grasped the depth of this truth. While Jesus indeed paid for the sins of the whole world, when you believe in Him, you receive a new life, you become “a new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17), a new person in the presence of God.
In God's presence, you’re brand new! This is what justification truly means; you stand acquitted, not merely paid for. Through your belief in the payment, He gave you eternal life, and you were born anew, with a new life without a past. You’re now a new creature; this serves as the basis for your acquittal.
The Bible says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). In the presence of God, He sees you in Jesus Christ. He doesn’t see the multitude of sins you’ve committed; instead, He sees you as pure as Jesus.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for making Jesus who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Christ. I pray for sinners around the world today, that as they hear the Gospel, their hearts be open to receive the remission of sins already accomplished for them through the death of Christ, to live unto righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 5:19-21; that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
[20] Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
[21] For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Romans 3:23-26; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
[25] whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
[26] to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 5:1-16 & Deuteronomy 25-27
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 2:12-20 & Psalm 91
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 21ST MARCH 2024
JESUS IS THE CHRIST
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But what about you? he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ" (Mark 8:29 NIV)..
Pastor Chris Says
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In Acts 17:1-3, Luke explained how Paul and his companions journeyed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, eventually reaching Thessalonica. There, they entered a synagogue, and for three consecutive Sabbaths, Paul engaged in discussions with the Jews.
With copious scriptural inferences, he presented a compelling case, setting forth and proving that it was necessary for Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead. But here’s the most beautiful assertion Paul made. He told them that Jesus, whom he proclaimed and preached unto them, was indeed the Christ.
That was His message—that Jesus is the Christ! This is too important; never underestimate the power of this truth. Jesus is Christ, the Son of God. If you would believe that, all the blessings in Christ will be yours because that is what He said.
However, to believe that Jesus is the Christ, you must first believe that Jesus came in a physical body. In 1 John 4, the Apostle John in his writings warned against false teachers, having encountered some who came up with a strange doctrine, denying the reality that Jesus came in the flesh.
Therefore, He emphasized that Christians should test the spirits to determine whether they are from God. But here’s a key criterion: "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God" (1 John 4:2).
In the verses above, the translators erroneously assumed “Jesus Christ” should be used instead of the actual original rendering, which is “Jesus as the Christ.” The New English Translation got it right; it says, "By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses Jesus as the Christ who has come in the flesh is from God."
Every spirit that confesses Jesus as the Christ who has come in flesh is from God. So, Jesus as the Christ came in the flesh, in the physical body. And we know that His body died—He was crucified, buried but gloriously resurrected. This is important for salvation. Praise God.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Blessed Lord Jesus, you’re the Christ who came in the flesh, died, was buried and resurrected to usher us into a life of righteousness, victory, excellence and glory. You’re the complete embodiment of Deity. I worship and thank you for revealing yourself through your Church. Your glory is everlasting. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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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.
Luke 9:20 NKJV; He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 4:1-13 & Deuteronomy 18-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 1:24-32 & Psalm 89
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 19TH MARCH 2024
TREASURES OF INESTIMABLE VALUE
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Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:14).
Pastor Chris Says
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Every human person is important to God, every man, woman, boy and girl! He uniquely cares for each and every one of us. That’s why numbers bear significance to God.
While God desires the salvation of a multitude, His love for each individual is deep and personal. Your value to Him is beyond what you could ever imagine. If you study the Bible, you'll realize that even if you were the sole inhabitant of planet earth, Jesus would still have come to save you.
Christ’s purpose wasn't dictated by our numbers but by our worth to God. It was our importance and value to Him that compelled Him to pay the ultimate price for our salvation. No wonder the Bible says in Luke 15:7 (NKJV), “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninetynine just persons who need no repentance.”
Jeremiah 31:3 NIV is also very beautiful; it says, "…I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." Psalm 139:13-14 NIV says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
In both scriptures, the reference is quite direct and personal. God loves you. You’re His treasure of inestimable value. He calls us a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, called to display the virtues, perfections, graces and excellence of divinity (1 Peter 2:9).
Ephesians 2:10 AMPC, brings it to a climax. It says, "For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]."
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for loving me and demonstrating your value for me by the price you paid for my salvation— the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. I see others through your eyes of love and reach out to them with the good news of salvation, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 John 3:1 NIV; See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Romans 8:38-39; For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Peter 1:18-19; forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
[19] but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 2:21-52 & Deuteronomy 13-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 1:1-12 & Psalm 85-86
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 17TH MARCH 2024
HIS SANCTIFIED TABERNACLE
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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 14:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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Just before His glorious levitation into heaven, the Lord Jesus talked extensively to His disciples about the person of the Holy Spirit. He told them the Holy Spirit would be in them (John 14:16-17). Acts 1:8 says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you….” On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon them, to live in them. In the Old Testament, Solomon built God a temple and at the dedication of the temple, the presence of God came upon it and into it (2 Chronicles 5:13-14).
But He wasn’t satisfied. Acts 7:48 says, “Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands….” When you were born again, God made you His own; you became His offspring and His living temple. From that moment, you were sanctified unto Him and became one with Him.
You’re His sanctified tabernacle today. He sanctified your vessel, your body to become His house. You’re God’s dwelling place; He literally lives inside you. And because He lives in you, He speaks through you and walks in you (2 Corinthians 6:16). He manifests Himself in and through you.
When Jesus walked the earth, He said, “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works” (John 14:10); He was referring to the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit dwells in you today. His power is at work in you just as it was at work in Jesus.
This is the essence of Christianity; it’s what Jesus brought and made possible: you becoming God’s sanctified and living tabernacle. The great God of glory lives in you today through the Holy Spirit. What a blessing! Always honour the Spirit; fellowship with Him often. He’s all you need for a life of the miraculous and the supernatural every day.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the presence of the Holy Spirit in me; I’m filled with God. Therefore, there’s no room for sickness, disease, anger, jealousy or anything of darkness in me. I’m full of light, and I light up my world. I’m never alone because the Holy Spirit is forever in me and with me; He’s my ever-present help in time of need! Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 6:14-16; Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
[15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
[16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
1 Corinthians 3:16; Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
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.
1 Corinthians 6:19; What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:57-80 & Deuteronomy 8-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 28:11-20 & Psalm 81-82
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
Romans 5:6 AMPC; While we were yet in weakness [powerless to help ourselves], at the fitting time Christ died for (in behalf of) the ungodly.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:1-25 & Deuteronomy 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 27:32-44 & Psalm 78
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 14TH MARCH 2024
JOYFUL EVERY DAY
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Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full (John 16:24).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening scripture reveals the heart of the Father and His desire for us: He wants your joy to be full always. That’s because being joyful is very important in the Kingdom of God. The Bible says “A joyful, cheerful heart brings healing to both body and soul…” (Proverbs 17:22 TPT).
It makes no difference what situations you face; exude joy; rejoice evermore. The beautiful part is that our joy is of the Holy Ghost, and therefore, it’s independent of circumstances: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17).
We’re full of joy even in the face of adversities and persecution: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2). That means no room for frustration in your life. When others come in contact with you, they experience joy unspeakable and full of glory.
The Bible tells us about the children of Israel; how their joy was heard afar off as they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced after rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem: “Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off” (Nehemiah 12:43). That lets you know that joy has expressions. Laughter and singing songs of praise in thanksgiving are expressions of joy.
So, despite the terrible things happening in the world today, be full of joy every day. Give no place to gloom in your life. Generate and release joy and excitement from inside you today.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m exuberant with praise always, expressing joy unspeakable and full of glory because the joy of the Lord is my strength. My joy is independent of circumstances; it comes from my inner man. My joy is permanent, and it keeps me strong and alive. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Isaiah 12:3; Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Romans 14:17; for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
1 Peter 1:7-8; that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
[8] whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 16:1-20 & Deuteronomy 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 27:21-31 & Psalm 75-77
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 12TH MARCH 2024
JUST SAY “YES”
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And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).
Pastor Chris Says
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Oftentimes, many are plagued with the question of how to make the wonderful blessings of the Gospel they’ve read about in the Scriptures a reality in their lives. There seems to be a gulf between all that the Bible says is theirs in Christ and their experience of Him.
But the words of Jesus in our opening verse unveil a simple principle that can help us understand how to bring these blessings to light, and how to have them manifested in your life. He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” He didn’t say, “Follow me and try to become fishers of men.”
Don’t try to be who you already are; don’t struggle to get what you already have; just say, “Yes” to Him. Say yes to His Word. Every so often you declare, “I’m what God says I am; I have what He says I have, and I can do what He says I can do.” So, if you were a cell leader, for example, don’t say, “I’ve been pursuing my members; I can’t understand why only 4 out of my 20 members come for meetings. I just keep trying and I have done everything.”
Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” But, here you are, “trying” to be a fisher of men and it’s not working. Stop struggling. Stop trying to convert souls; become what you really are by saying, “Yes!” It sounds too simple, but that’s how it works.
What could be harder than the salvation of the human spirit? Even so, we received salvation by simply saying “Yes” to God! All the blessings we now enjoy came because of the salvation we received by saying, “Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ that He died for me and that God raised Him from the dead; and I declare that He is Lord of my life.” And that was it.
You believed and said, “Yes!” You talked "your believing" and it was settled; it worked. If it worked for salvation (and salvation includes everything that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ consummated for us), then the same principle will work for your ministry, your family life, your finances, your job and everything in this world! Just say, “Yes!” Believe and talk your believing
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for giving me everything I require to live victoriously and be a success in life. I follow you in and by the Word. I’m what you say I am, I have what you say I have, and I can do what you say I can do. You’ve given me a life of praise, glory and thanksgiving. Thank you for your Word that prevails in and through me today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT; For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.
James 1:22-25; But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
[23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
[24] for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
[25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 15:1-20 & Numbers 32-33
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 27:1-8 & Psalm 73
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📖 SUN. 10TH MARCH 2024
IT’S ALL IN YOUR SPIRIT
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A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh (Luke 6:45).
Pastor Chris Says
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Your heart, which is the recreated human spirit is God's temple: His dwelling place. That’s where the Kingdom of God is (Luke 17:20-21). And it’s through your spirit that you make contact with God, for God is a Spirit. It’s the reason you must educate your spirit and guard it with all diligence: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
Everything you require for your life is in your heart; therefore, learn to live from your heart. When you live from your heart, you won't be bothered about the happenings outside; your experiences won't determine your response to situations. You’ll live above inflation and economic crisis because you’ve learnt how to enjoy your prosperity and turn it on from within you.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart….” God has set everything, including the world in your heart. This shouldn’t be difficult for you to relate with because God is bigger than the world, and yet, He lives in your heart. Glory to God!
Therefore, as a child of God, see and live from your heart. What you see with your heart is more real than what you see with your physical eyes. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Seeing with your heart means envisioning and apprehending the realities of the Gospel and of the Kingdom with your spirit. Hallelujah! It reminds of what Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 12:3, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Where are these wells? They’re in the deep recesses of your heart! The finest and most important things of life—the eternal things—are all in your heart; therefore, live from within.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The life and nature of God are in my spirit; the divine transformation and glory evident in my soul and body are the result of the impact and influence of the life and nature of God in my spirit. I’m set on high; established in glory, righteousness, prosperity and peace because I live from within. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMPC; He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Matthew 12:33-36; Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
[34] O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
[35] A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
[36] But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:27-52 & Numbers 27-28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 26:12-23 & Psalm 69-70
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 8TH MARCH 2024
NEVER OUT OF SOURCE
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We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
Pastor Chris Says
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What the Apostle Paul tells us in our theme scripture above is truly remarkable. He says no matter what situation we find ourselves, we’re never down and out. We’re never out of source. That’s because our sufficiency, our strength or divine energy is of God (2 Corinthians 3:5).
Think about that second line: We’re perplexed, but not in despair. That means we may be in a “strait betwixt two”; we may be in a situation of embarrassment, where we don’t know exactly where to turn at that moment; he says in spite of that seeming predicament, we’re never in despair. In other words, we’re not out of supply; we’re not in a hopeless situation.
There’s no disadvantage for the child of God. We’re never short of answers. We may be persecuted but not cast down; we’re indestructible. We’re always in victory regardless of the situation because we live in the Name of Jesus! That Name is the key to every door, the answer to every question, and the solution to every problem. Hallelujah!
In His Name, we always win. So it makes no difference the situation in which you may have found yourself today; count it all joy! Greater is He that is in you than all the adversaries and adversities you could ever face. The Bible says in 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.”
The greater One lives in you; that’s your confidence and assurance of victory in every situation. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, “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.” Hallelujah! Have this consciousness. Never think defeat, failure or weakness.
It doesn’t matter what experiences you’ve been through; one thing is certain: all will turn out for your good! Trust the Lord and hold on to His Word. He knew there’d be challenges. Nevertheless, He gave us the assurance that in the midst of the challenges, we’d always be triumphant: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37). Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor anything shall separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. Irrespective of the distress, persecution or peril in this world, I’m never out of source because my sufficiency, strength and divine energy come from the Lord. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 3:5 AMPC; Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 AMPC; We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair;
[9] We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;
Romans 8:35-37; Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
[36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
[37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 13:1-37 & Numbers 22-23
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 25:13-27 & Psalm 65-66
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 6TH MARCH 2024
SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT YOU
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But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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Did you notice the phrase “a peculiar people” in our opening verse? That's you; you’re a peculiar being. There’s something different about you; you’re unique; you’re not like everybody else. Never talk down on yourself or allow anyone talk you down.
You’re a partaker of the divine nature, a God-carrying vessel. You represent divinity. You’re a heavenly being. You’re the extension and expression of Christ in your world. It brings to mind a lovely testimony by one of our pastors of a certain family that came to see him in his office.
The family had a three-year-old girl with them. After they had exchanged pleasantries with the pastor and shared nice thoughts from God’s Word, they turned to leave. As they walked away, the little girl noticed a picture on the wall, stopped, turned to her parents and the pastor and said, “This is Jesus Christ on TV,” pointing to my picture that the pastor had on the wall in his office.
But that’s exactly what Jesus said about us; we’re bearers of His divine presence. Jesus minced no words in John 14:9 when He said, “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father.” Jesus is the image or icon of the invisible God (2 Corinthians 4:4, Colossians 1:15).
That means He’s the visual representation of God, the profile of God. Hebrews 1:3 says He’s the brightness of God’s glory and the “express image” of His person. The Greek term for the expression “express image” is “charakter” and it means facsimile or print copy. Jesus is the facsimile or print copy of God. Then, the Bible says, “As He is, so are we in this world!”
Can you see why you must never see yourself as an ordinary person? Christ in you makes you different. You’re the effulgence of His glory, the express image of His person. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I'm a unique and precious treasure to God, a bearer of His divine presence, the effulgence of His glory, the express image of His person, born anew with the supernatural life of glory, excellence and power in my spirit! Today, through my words and actions, I manifest the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of my heavenly Father who has called me to glory, honour and excellence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Peter 2:9 AMPC; But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Hebrews 1:3; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
1 John 4:17; Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 11:27-12:1-17 & Numbers 18-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 24:22-27 & Psalm 59-60
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 4TH MARCH 2024
THE SUPREMACY OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
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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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I love what Paul said in Philippians 3:8-9, referring to the supremacy of the righteousness which is by faith in Jesus Christ. He said, “…that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
When you confessed the Lordship of Jesus over your life, instantly, His righteousness was imparted to you. The righteousness of Christ is flawless; that’s the righteousness you have. It’s perfect and therefore can’t be improved upon. Nothing you do today will make you more righteous or less righteous before God.
When God looks at you, He sees the righteousness of Christ. That’s why Paul said in 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.” Just as you’re now living by the faith of the Son of God, you’re no longer living by your own righteousness; you're living by the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
The Lord Jesus was righteous before God, and He was the only one who qualified to be our substitute, being the only One who was born sinless, because He was born of a virgin.
Romans 4:25 tells us that He “…was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” This is followed by Romans 5:1 which says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” To be “justified” means to be declared righteous as though you never sinned, because no charges were found against you. Hallelujah!
Today, if you’ve been struggling to be righteous, you’re on a journey to nowhere. We couldn’t attain righteousness by ourselves; that’s why God gave us His own righteousness. You’re as righteous as Jesus is righteous because He substituted His righteousness for your sin-nature and gave you eternal life in the new birth. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The ability to be right, to do right, and to produce fruits and works of righteousness is inherent in my spirit. I’m living by the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Therefore, I’m as righteous as Jesus is righteous. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Philippians 3:7-9; But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
[8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
[9] and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
2 Corinthians 5:21; For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 10:32-52 & Numbers 14-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 24:1-9 & Psalm 56
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 2ND MARCH 2024
HE GAVE US EVERYTHING
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Pastor Chris Says
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In John 5:26, Jesus said, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself,” meaning that Jesus had the inherent life: the very divine nature. He said, “I want you to know and believe that the Father is in me and I in Him” (John 10:38).
This is simply extraordinary. This is the very thing that God wants for us; this was His purpose for creating man, so that He’d be in man and man would be in Him, so you’d become a super being—the facsimile or reflection of God. Hallelujah!
When you receive Christ and are joined to Him, you become one with Him. The Bible says, “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17). This oneness with Christ makes you supernatural because His divine life supplanted the human life with which you were born of your biological parents.
Now that you’re born again, what you have is the Christ-life. Hence our theme verse says Christ is your life. Then 1 John 5:11-12 (NIV) says, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” Blessed be God!
What the Apostle John is referring to in the verses above is eternal life. Anyone who has Jesus, the Son of God, has eternal life. But then, in giving you eternal life, He actually gave you Himself because He is Himself eternal life: “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life” (1 John 5:20). Hallelujah!
This is the Gospel! Jesus gave us EVERYTHING that He is! He gave us His Name, He gave us His righteousness, and He gave us His life. The Bible says we’re joint-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17); as He is so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Thank you Lord Jesus for giving me EVERYTHING! You gave me your Name, your righteousness, and your life. Now I’m an associate of the God-kind, an heir of God and a joint-heir with you; as you are, so am I in this world. Blessed be God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 1:26-27; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
[27] to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
1 John 5:11-13; 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.
[13] These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 9:33-50 & Numbers 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 23:11-21 & Psalm 52-54
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 9:1-13 & Numbers 6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 22:22-30 & Psalm 48-49
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 28TH FEBRUARY 2024
YOUR LIFE IS CAREFULLY PLANNED BY GOD
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According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:4-6).
Pastor Chris Says
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Consider the tenses in what we just read! Look what we’ve got! It’s part of the reasons you should never think weakness, failure, defeat, poverty or sickness. Your life was preordained and carefully planned by God for the praise of His grace. He planned ahead of time to bring us up in Christ for the praise of the glory of His grace so that when people see us, they say, “Wow, God is great!”
It parallels something similar that the Bible says in Ephesians 2:10 AMPC: “For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” He preordained you for an excellent life. Glory to God.
That means there’s no room for frustration, sadness and gloom in your life. There's no need to be jealous or envious of anyone. You were fashioned for an excellent life. He had everything about your life well thought out; none of us is a mistake.
There's nothing about your life that God didn't know was coming; no surprises. And all these are based on His excellent wisdom. Read our theme scripture further to the 8th verse; it says, “Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.”
In other words, there's nothing about your life that's outside the framework of God's conception. He’s already done everything He needed to do for your life to be a continual stream of testimonies. Therefore, live joyfully every day, praising Him. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I live joyfully every day, praising you, knowing that your nature is in me and your brand is on me. I’m fashioned for good works and to live the good life which you have prearranged for me. There’s no room for frustration, sadness and gloom in my life because I’m a superior being, created without any defect. I function perfectly and excellently for your glory. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 2:10 NLT; For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
James 1:18; James 1:18 KJV
[18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Jeremiah 29:11; 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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 8:27-38 & Numbers 5
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 22:11-21 & Psalm 46-47
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 24TH MARCH 2024
THE UNVEILER OF DIVINE MYSTERIES
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That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (Ephesians 1:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our theme verse is a profound prayer of the Spirit that highlights the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in unveiling the mysteries of God to us. He’s the unveiler of divine mysteries and secrets. Only through Him can we truly know God and know things pertaining to the Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 2:11-12 provides some more clarity into this. There, the Bible says, “…the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”
How does the Holy Spirit enable you to know the things of the Kingdom of God? It is by introducing them to your spirit. Your brain or mind can’t comprehend them. But the Holy Spirit, in fellowship and contact with your spirit, grants you wisdom for revelation to know God and the secrets of the Kingdom.
Moreover, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth who guides you into all truth: “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” (John 16:13).
Earlier in John 14:26, the Lord Jesus, speaking of the same Holy Spirit said, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of knowledge; He’s the embodiment of all wisdom and knowledge. With Him, you can never walk in darkness or be confused about anything in life. Remember, He made all things. If you’d recognise and take advantage of His ministry in your life, you’ll be an oasis of knowledge and a fountain of solutions in a dark, needy, and ignorant world.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I’m grateful for the privilege of fellowship with the Holy Spirit who continually unveils the mysteries of the Kingdom to me. My path is illuminated to know and walk in my heritage in Christ, enjoying unending success, victories, fruitfulness, productivity, beauty and joy in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 2:11-14 AMPC; For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man's thoughts except the man's own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
[12] Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.
[13] And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].
[14] But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.
John 16:13-15; 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.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 22ND MARCH 2024
FROM JERUSALEM TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
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And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46-47).
Pastor Chris Says
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There are proponents of a false teaching that Christianity is a Jewish religion, but the words of the Lord Jesus in the opening text dispel that notion. He said the Gospel “…should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” The Gospel is for all. Christianity is for all; it only started in Jerusalem. So, don’t limit the Gospel; preach it to everyone, everywhere, and in all nations! The Bible says in Mark 13:10, "And the gospel must first be published among all nations."
In Matthew 24:14 NIV, Jesus said, “...this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Then in Matthew 28:19, He instructed, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
In fact, before His glorious ascension to heaven, He told His disciples, “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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). So, the disciples began from Jerusalem, spread the Gospel to Judea and Samaria, and then moved to the ends of the earth.
Thus, it was from Jerusalem to the very bounds of the earth. This shows that the Gospel is for everybody; it’ll produce results in the life of anyone who hears and believes it everywhere and anywhere in this world. Don’t limit the Gospel to your locality; tell everyone about Jesus.
Yes, talk to your spouse, parents, teachers, students, neighbours, colleagues or co-workers about Jesus. Preach the Gospel to them. For those in the hinterlands and seemingly forgotten places of the earth who may not even understand your language, send them Rhapsody of Realities.
Thanks be unto God; Rhapsody of Realities is available in every known language on earth. So, it’s a tool for global evangelization. It’s a love note from God with which you can preach the Gospel everywhere and to everyone. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the universal reach of the Gospel as it’s what brings salvation to all, with no one left out. I’m an ambassador of Christ in the Gospel. Through me, the Gospel reaches many today whom you’ve ordained for salvation, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 16:25-27; Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
[26] but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
[27] to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
Matthew 24:14 AMPC; And this good news of the kingdom (the Gospel) will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then will come the end.
Luke 24:46-47 NIV; He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
[47] and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 4:14-44 & Deuteronomy 22-24
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 2:1-11 & Psalm 90
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 20TH MARCH 2024
HE REACHES THE WORLD OF MEN THROUGH MEN
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So he, trembling and astonished, said, ''Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:6 NKJV).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible tells us the story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, was a devout and God-fearing man who regularly gave alms to the poor, yet he wasn’t saved. In a vision, an angel appeared to him, instructing him to send for Peter who shall tell him words, whereby he and all his household shall be saved.
Someone might ask, “Why didn't the angel directly instruct Cornelius on what he needed to do for salvation? Why the elaborate process of summoning and persuading Peter?” It’s because God sent men to bear His message of salvation, not angels. His policy is to use men to save men.
This principle is exemplified in the fact that God Himself became a man to bring salvation to us. That’s why He still needed to use the Apostle Peter to lead Cornelius and his household to salvation. His Gospel is committed to men and to be preached by men. And by men, we mean men and women alike.
In 1 Timothy 1:11, Paul said, “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.” The Gospel has been committed to your trust, not to the trust of angels. So, take advantage of His mandate and be a light in your world and to the nations. Enlighten and illuminate the hearts of men and women with the saving truth and transforming realities of the Gospel.
It’s a noble responsibility for us to carry the message of salvation to the farthest corners of the earth. So rejoice in this privilege and let it become the focal point of your life's purpose. You’ve been granted the opportunity to serve in the Gospel, to proclaim His righteousness and to establish His Kingdom on earth and in the hearts of people. Nothing could be more gratifying!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m the light of the world and the bearer of Christ’s glorious Gospel that leads men into salvation. Through me, men are translated from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God as I fulfil my ministry as an ambassador of Christ and of the Gospel, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 5:18-19; And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
[19] to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Mark 16:15-16; And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
[16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 3:1-38 & Deuteronomy 16-17
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 1:13-23 & Psalm 87-88
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 18TH MARCH 2024
WE LIVE ABOVE THE RUDIMENTS OF THIS WORLD
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Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances (Colossians 2:20).
Pastor Chris Says
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Being born again, you’re not of this world; you’re from above. Colossians 3:1-2 puts it very clearly; it says, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Why does God want you to set your affection on things above and not things in the earth? It’s because your life is from above and therefore the things of the earth shouldn’t affect you. Notice again what the theme scripture says: “…if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances.”
You live in and from heaven. Therefore, set your focus on things that are pertinent to the heavenly realm to which you belong. Exercise dominion over the rudiments of this world. The Bible says you’ve been made alive together with Christ, raised together, and made to sit together with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:5-6). That’s your place, your realm of life and from where you operate.
You live in the Christ-environment where life is totally different; everything is glorious. You have absolute mastery over circumstances, over the elements of this world. There’s no failure, weakness, defeat, sickness, disease, poverty or any of the negativities of life! This is the understanding that the Spirit wants you to have as communicated in our opening verse. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for making me a citizen of heaven, living by heavenly principles. I live in the Christ-environment, where all I have and experience are glory, righteousness, life and immortality, joy, health, peace, prosperity and abundance, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Philippians 3:20-21 NET; Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think,
[21] to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
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: Luke 2:1-20 & Deuteronomy 11-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 28:21-31 & Psalm 83-84
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 16TH MARCH 2024
WALKING IN HIM
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As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him (Colossians 2:6).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our theme verse admonishes us to walk in Christ Jesus. How do you walk in Him? Who is He? The Bible says He’s the Word—the living or incarnate Word. And the Word of God is light (Psalm 119:105). Therefore, walking in Him is walking in the Word, walking in the light of God’s Word.
Think about it; how did you receive Christ Jesus? It was by faith, and faith is walking in the Word. Remember, the Word of God is your life; you were born of the Word: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23). So it’s natural for you to live in the Word, by the Word, and through the Word.
Isaiah 2:5 says, “O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” Walking in the light of the Lord is walking in His Word. The Word of God is God and the Bible says in 1 John 1:5-6 that God is light: “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.”
You can’t walk in Christ and walk in darkness at the same time. Darkness represents all that limits and hinders, all that’s evil. But what did Jesus say? “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Hallelujah!
When you walk in Him, you experience His life, His glory every day; you’re forever victorious, prosperous, and in health! The Bible says we should walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7); walk in the light of who you are in Him. Glory to God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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The Lord is my light and salvation; in Him I stand secure forever. In Him I live and move and have my being. In Him I trust, for His Word is true and never fails. By Him I’m forever victorious, for the forces of evil are subdued before me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 1:26-27; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
[27] to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Colossians 3:1-4; If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
[2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
[3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
[4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
1 John 1:7; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 1:26-56 & Deuteronomy 5-7
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 28:1-10 & Psalm 79-80
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 15TH MARCH 2024
RIGHTEOUSNESS: A GIFT TO THE UNGODLY
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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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Righteousness is one of the cardinal gifts of God; but did you know that it was a gift to the world and not to Christians? It’s a gift to the ungodly. The Bible refers to God in Romans 4:5 as One who justifies the ungodly: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
Notice it didn’t say He justifies the Christians. The Christian didn’t “receive” the gift of righteousness; the Christian was born righteous. You were born as the righteousness of God when you were born again.
Paul’s submission about righteousness in the Book of Romans, particularly as you’d find in chapter 5 verse 17, is a generic argument on the legality of righteousness as it was accounted to Abraham and therefore to all who believe in Jesus Christ. We may believe it’s given to “us” as a gift, but that’s not all that God gave us as a gift. For instance, Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Eternal life is given to sinners, not Christians; that’s what a sinner receives to become a Christian. A Christian is one who has eternal life, not one who’s “receiving” the gift of eternal life
The Bible says anyone who believes has eternal life. Once a man believes, right away, eternal life starts up in his spirit. So, eternal life is no longer being “gifted” to him; he was born with it and into it. He came alive with it when he received Christ. It’s the same with righteousness.
It’s like when you were born of your mother; you didn’t have to first receive the gift of life to become human; you came into existence with life—the human life! Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been said to be alive.
So, in essence, legally, the whole world has been given the gift of righteousness; it’s this gift that, when received, enables one to stand in the presence of God without guilt, fear, inferiority, or condemnation. Anyone who receives this gift is saved. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the life of glory and dominion I have in Christ. Thank you for the ministry of the Holy Spirit in me. I have the ability to think right, do right, and produce fruits and works of righteousness, and I reign in life through Christ daily. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 5:12-19; Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
[13] (for until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
[14] Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
[15] But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
[16] And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
[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.)
[18] 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.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 13TH MARCH 2024
KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE INSIDE YOU
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).
Pastor Chris Says
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Somebody said, “I don’t know why I’m always getting angry every day, shouting at people. I detest it but I don’t know what to do.” If that has been your experience, say to yourself, “From today, I’m a different person because I have the nature and character of my heavenly Father. I’m patient, I’m temperate, I’m meek, and I’m gracious and kind."
Grow the character of God that is in your spirit through your recognition of His divine attributes and nature in your spirit. Philemon 1:6 says, “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
Acknowledge and declare that you have all the fruits of the spirit in you: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. The Word of God says they’re in your spirit. Therefore, don’t say, “I have a problem with love; I don’t know how to love people.” Rather, declare, “I’m full of love; the love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit. I am a manifestation of the love of God; love radiates through me.”
You must know what you have inside. How do you know? It’s from the Word of God. For example, the Word says, “You’re the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus”; therefore, don’t say you’re trying to be righteous. Say that you’re righteous because the Word says so.
Also, declare that your faith is growing and effective, because faith is one of the attributes of your recreated human spirit. You already have faith according to the Scriptures (Romans 12:3), and with your faith, you can do anything, have anything, go anywhere and be all that God has destined you to be. The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “…If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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As I meditate on the Word, the divine attributes of my spirit are nurtured and manifested through me to bless my world. I’m an embodiment of love, joy, peace, meekness, gentleness, goodness, faith and temperance. I thank you Lord for your grace at work in me mightily, and the faith to walk in your light and fulfil your desires at all times, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Ephesians 4:21-24; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
[22] that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
[23] and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
[24] and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Philemon 1:6 AMPC; [And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory].
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 15:21-47 & Numbers 34-36
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 27:9-20 & Psalm 74
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 11TH MARCH 2024
YOUR DIVINE ASSIGNMENT
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But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds {and} display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9 AMPC)
Pastor Chris Says
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What we just read is one of those verses of Scripture that emphasizes the purpose of Christ in you. It’s to make you a partaker of the divine nature, to make you what you just read: “...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.”
It’s your responsibility to set forth—make His wonderful deeds known—by displaying the virtues and perfections of divinity. It’s your calling. It’s your divine assignment.
Being born again, you’ve received the Spirit of excellence; now He’s sent you to manifest excellence. What God expects is that you say, “Yes” to your calling, to who you are, and to what He’s made you. You say, “Yes, that’s me; I’m called to set forth God’s wonderful deeds. When I show up, God shows up.”
You’re the full expression and manifestation of His love; you fully represent Him. Also, think about the fact that the Bible says you’re the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). This means you’ve become the very expression of His righteousness. You’re the expression of His goodness, the expression of His kindness, and the expression of His grace. You’re the expression of His personality; everything the Father is and represents is expressed in and through you.
Therefore, part of your divine assignment is to express the will, character and nature of God. That’s righteousness. You’ve been endowed with the ability and charged with the responsibility to manifest and express the will and nature of the Father in every situation, in every event, and in every matter. Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for endowing me with the ability, and charging me with the responsibility to manifest and express your will and nature in every situation. You have made me a wonder and a vessel to show forth your wonderful deeds to my world. I display your beauty, excellence, glory, honour and splendour for the world to see and come to the brightness of my rising, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 79:13; So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: We will shew forth thy praise to all generations.
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.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19; And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
[19] to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 14:53-72 & Numbers 29-31
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 26:24-32 & Psalm 71-72
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 9TH MARCH 2024
BUILDING HIS CHARACTER INTO YOUR SPIRIT
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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 (Mark 11:23).
Pastor Chris Says
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Some people misunderstand our purpose for affirming God’s Word. When you tell them, for example, to say, “I’m the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus”; they think we’re trying to make sinners talk as though they are saints. No! We’re not making such declarations because we’re “trying” to be what we’re saying; rather, we’re stating spiritual truth.
Our confessions are based on what God already said about us in His Word. He said whatever He said so that we may boldly say the same thing in agreement with Him. It’s a spiritual law: Hebrews 13:5-6, “… for he hath said… So that we may boldly say….”
Understand how this works: The Word of God is God’s material for building Himself and His character into your spirit. First, we receive His nature at the New Birth, but you still have your character, and because of that some people are at a loss as to how to reconcile the realities of the new creation life with their own character.
But that’s why the Bible tells us to renew our minds with the Word of God; you meditate on the Word. But first, you have to hear the Word, accept and endorse it, and then confess it. When you confess the Word of God, you create the character of God in your spirit so that you think like Him.
God gave us the written Word for us to think upon. He knows that if you think the Word, you’ll talk the Word, and if you talk the Word, you’ll walk the Word! That’s the principle of the Kingdom. You’re what you say. Therefore, keep confessing the Word of God and thus build His character into your spirit.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for giving me the Word, the material for building your character into my spirit. Thank you for showing me the way to a life of continuous victory through my faith-filled confessions of the Word! I reign triumphantly over all the negativities of life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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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: Mark 14:1-26 & Numbers 24-26
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 26:1-11 & Psalm 67-68
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 7TH MARCH 2024
WE’RE IN HIS MARVELLOUS LIGHT
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But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Pastor Chris Says
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Everything God does has an end—an excellent end. He never leaves us hanging or in limbo. Think about what we just read in our theme verse: the latter part says He called us out of darkness into His marvellous light.
It reminds of the scripture in Deuteronomy 6:23, “And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.” He brought us out of darkness, to bring us into His marvellous light. We’re now in His marvellous light; we’re not journeying into His marvellous light.
In Colossians 1:13, we read something similar; it says, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” He lets us know that we’re not in the arena, the realm or the jurisdiction of darkness; we’ve been transferred into the Kingdom of God’s Love-Son. That’s your place of domicile. Hallelujah!
In Deuteronomy 6:23 where it says, “...he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in….” By “thence” He was referring to Egypt. Egypt was symbolic of the world; it symbolized darkness. His purpose for bringing us out of darkness (the world) was to bring us into His Kingdom. His focus wasn’t our coming out of darkness, so the celebration isn’t that we’re out of darkness but that we’re in His marvellous light.
Another thought along the same line is in what the Lord said to Paul in Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God….” Again, we see God’s purpose: it’s to turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God and He’s fulfilled it! You’re in His marvellous light now and that light dispels darkness.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I celebrate my glorious life in the Kingdom of God’s Love-Son, rejoicing in His light and dominion forever! I’m enthroned with Christ, and I shine and reign gloriously by grace, through righteousness. My journey in life is one of glory, triumph, success, prosperity and blessed assurance. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Thessalonians 5:5; Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Colossians 1:12-13 AMPC; Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light.
[13] [The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:18-44 & Numbers 20-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 25:1-12 & Psalm 61-64
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 5TH MARCH 2024
HE BECAME US ON THE CROSS
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For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit (1 Peter 3:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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Has it really dawned on you that Jesus Christ was crucified for us? He actually became us on the Cross. Not only did He bear our sins, He also bore our very nature of sin. That’s why the Bible says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus was our sin-bearer and thus was made sin, meaning that we were literally on that Cross when Jesus was crucified. He wasn’t only our representative, He was our substitute; our sins were laid on His spirit. He took our nature and took our place.
There’s the legal aspect and there’s the vital aspect. He was legally your representative and vitally you on the Cross. What’s the implication of all these? If He took your place and nature, it means you now have His place and nature as well. He took your place so that you might take His place.
Therefore, since He was sinless, that means you have His sinless nature now that you’re born again. Now you can understand why the Bible says in 1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation….” Did you notice that it says you’re holy?
It’s the result of the sacrifice and substitutionary work of Jesus Christ in your behalf. He took your sin-nature and made you holy. Now you can live a holy life. Hallelujah!
The most beautiful part isn’t that He took our place and our nature but His purpose for doing it. It was to give us His place and His nature. Ephesians 2:4-6 is so beautiful; it says, “But God, who is rich in mercy…hath quickened us together with Christ…And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
He gave us His place of glory, dominion, power, honour and majesty, and made us partakers of His divine nature. Today, you’re as righteous as Jesus is righteous. You have the same life with Him: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:11-12). Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the sacrifice and substitutionary work of Jesus Christ in my behalf, for which the righteousness of God has been imparted to my spirit. Now, I’ve been justified by faith and ushered into a life of peace with you through the Lord Jesus Christ, with dominion over sin and circumstances, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 5:8; But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
2 Corinthians 5:21; For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Romans 6:3-5; Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
[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.
[5] For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 11:1-26 & Numbers 16-17
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 24:10-21 & Psalm 57-58
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 3RD MARCH 2024
HE GAVE US EVERYTHINGBORN INTO THE KINGDOM OF HIS LOVE-SON
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Giving thanks unto the Father…Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Colossians 1:12-13)
Pastor Chris Says
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Did you know that you have power over the forces of darkness and can rule over them? That’s because you’re a new creation, and the new creation should never be in bondage or servitude to Satan and the powers of darkness. You were born into the Kingdom of God’s Love-Son.
The new creation is one with the Lord; you’re seated together with Christ, “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). Christians who find themselves at the mercy of demons and demonic activities aren’t exercising their authority and dominion in Christ.
When you were born again, you were given the authority in the Name of Jesus to cast out devils and Satan knows it. It’s the first sign Jesus said would follow those who believe in Him: “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils...” (Mark 16:17).
Then in Luke 10:19, He said, “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.” You’ve got to put the Word of God to work.
If you ever notice or perceive that Satan is stirring up things around you—maybe in your health, your job, family or in the lives of your loved ones—cast him out. Maybe it’s in your city or nation, cast him out in the Name of Jesus and subdue the situation.
Learn to walk in the light of God’s Word and insist that what God has said is truth. Being born again, you’re superior to Satan; you’re not under the authority or jurisdiction of demons. You don’t belong in their domain because you were born into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. That’s where you are now. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The Lord has given me the power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the ability of the enemy. Therefore, Satan has no place in my life, in my home or the lives of my loved ones, because I’ve been vested with all power and authority in heaven and in the earth to subdue, dominate and take charge of my world. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 2:15 NKJV; Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
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.
Colossians 1:12-13 AMPC; Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light.
[13] [The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 10:1-31 & Numbers 11-13
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 23:22-35 & Psalm 55
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 1ST MARCH 2024
HIS WORD IS ALL THE PROOF YOU NEED
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According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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In 1 Corinthians 3:21, the Apostle Paul, by the Spirit, corroborates what Peter pens for us in the verse above. He says, “...all things are yours.”You have all things in Christ, and Christ is in you.
God’s divine power, not your own ability or human wisdom, has given unto you ALL things that pertain to life and godliness. This means you’re not supposed to ever be in lack or want. You’ve got to believe this because it’s God’s Word about you.
When God says He’s done something, you don’t have to try to claim it; you simply endorse it and act accordingly. His Word is all the proof you need. The Lord Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
Then in Isaiah 55:10-11, He says, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
God’s Word is dependable. It never fails and will always produce what it talks about if you’d act on it. Don’t place a limit on your life. You’re a child of God, and He’s brought you a life of endless resources: limitless blessings and opportunities. Consciously and consistently walk in the light of His Word.
There’s nothing you could ever need or desire for a godly life that’s not already yours in Christ. Recall what we read in our opening verse; it’s also in line with what the Bible says in Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”Hallelujah!
God’s Word is all the proof you need that you’re one with the Lord, you’re the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, you have divine health, you’re a success, you’re superior to Satan and can do all things through Christ. The Word says whatsoever you do shall prosper (Psalm 1:3); live on the basis of the Word.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for giving me everything I require to live victoriously and be a success in life. You’ve not called me to poverty, sickness, disease or infirmity, but to glory and virtue. You’ve given me a life of praise, glory and thanksgiving every day, everywhere, and at all times. Praise God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT; For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to God for his glory.
Mark 13:31; Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Luke 21:33; Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 9:14-32 & Numbers 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 23:1-10 & Psalm 50- 51
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 29TH FEBRUARY 2024
HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR YOUR SIN-NATURE
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For sin shall not have dominion over you... (Romans 6:14).
Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening verse says sin shall not have dominion over you; this is because the man or woman who’s born again is born sin-free. In a previous verse, the Apostle Paul, talking about our righteousness, salvation and the grace that we’ve received from God and how they came about, asked a thought-provoking question, “...How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:2).
Paul wasn’t referring to himself and the other apostles alone but to all of us; we’re dead to sin. That means sin has no power over you because the nature of sin was supplanted with the nature of righteousness.
1 Corinthians 15:56 lets us know that the strength of sin is the Law, but the very thing that gave life to sin, which is the Law, has been abolished by Jesus. Ephesians 2:14-15 says, “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances….”
The Lord Jesus has given us victory over sin, death and the grave! We’ve been made, not just righteous, but the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. See yourself in this light. The unregenerate man, the person who isn’t born again, on the other hand, is a sinner by nature and enslaved to sin. He can’t but sin, even when he doesn’t want to, because he has the nature of sin.
But this isn’t the case with you; you’re righteous by nature. God made it so. Your righteousness is a gift from God (Romans 5:17), and that righteousness gives you the ability to do right and live right.
There’s nothing you could have done on your own, through your own human perfection to become righteous. Likewise, there’s also nothing you can do or not do that’ll make you less righteous before God. You’re as righteous as Jesus is righteous because He substituted His righteousness for your sin-nature.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Being justified by faith, I’ve been made righteous; I’m sin-free because Christ has given me a new life. He substituted His righteousness for my sin-nature. Now, I’m alive to God and live unto righteousness. I’m washed; I’m sanctified; I’m justified, in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 6:1-14; What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
[2] God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
[3] Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
[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.
[5] For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
[6] knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
[7] For he that is dead is freed from sin.
[8] Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
[9] knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
[10] For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
[11] Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
[12] Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
[13] Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
[14] For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 27TH FEBRUARY 2024
EVER-INCREASING PROSPERITY
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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 (James 1:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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Something is wrong when someone who was once doing very well financially suddenly starts experiencing unimaginable, protracted financial trouble. Until and unless that individual discerns that that isn’t God’s plan for any of His children, he may blame circumstances, the government or other people around him for his predicament.
He might even blame himself for taking certain actions that he shouldn’t have. But the question is: Does he really know the truth? It’s important that you know who you are, who God is, what you have in Him, and who He is to you. God is your source.
The Bible says we’re heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. In Christ, your prosperity is stable and ever-increasing. It’s from glory to glory. We don’t go up to come down. It makes no difference the level of inflation and how unstable the world’s economy gets; when you recognize that your true source is the Lord, you’ll be independent of circumstances, unruffled by the state of the world’s economy.
The Bible declares what the one who’s blessed of the Lord shall be like: “For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit” (Jeremiah 17:8). This tells you something about the consistency of the prosperity of God’s people, following God’s plans.
Part of your new creation heritage is that you’re plugged into an unending supply. Your source never runs dry. Your source isn’t the government, society, job, business, family or anyone else for that matter; it’s the Lord. Look to Him and trust Him for your finances as you act on His principles for financial abundance.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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The Lord is my Shepherd—to feed, guide and shield me; I lack nothing! He makes me lie down in fresh, tender green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Therefore, I walk in ever-increasing prosperity, possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 1:1-3; Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
[2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD; And in his law doth he meditate day and night.
[3] And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC; And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].
Luke 6:38; give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 8:14-26 & Numbers 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 21:40-22:1-10 & Psalm 44-45
Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional