Ɍɦαρsσdy Dαílíҽs
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY 9

FOREVER IN SAFETY
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📖 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Pastor Chris Says
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Our opening verse implies that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ is severed from perishing. The offer of salvation and promise of eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus is open to every man, woman, boy and girl in this world—regardless of their background, nationality or past actions.

Also, notice the phrase "should not perish"; it’s a legal expression: God has enacted a law that anybody who believes in Jesus should not perish. Let the words of Jesus in this verse always come to your mind. Every so often, declare, "I believe in Jesus Christ, and there’s an order, a law enacted by God that I should never perish. Therefore, now and forever, everywhere I find myself, I’m in safety; I’m separated from perishing!"

The psalmist tells us, "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked" (Psalm 91:7-8). The Amplified Classic renders it even more beautifully: “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked.”

It doesn’t matter how strong the flood is or how fierce the fire may be. It doesn’t matter the weapons fashioned against you; you’ve been separated from everything that hurts or binds. No wonder Jesus said, “...nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). There’s a law of the Spirit to that effect!

You’ve been detached from the debilitating effects and corrupting influences of this world, from the things that ruin men’s lives because you’re in Christ. In Him, you’re in safety forever because your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Hallelujah!

🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Blessed be God! My life is hid with Christ in God! I’m detached from the destructive forces of this world, severed from perishing because I believe in Jesus Christ. I walk in blessings, divine protection, joy, and peace, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 91:1-12; He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
[2] I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.
[3] Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the noisome pestilence.
[4] He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
[5] Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
[6] Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
[7] A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; But it shall not come nigh thee.
[8] Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold And see the reward of the wicked.
[9] Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, Even the most High, thy habitation;
[10] There shall no evil befall thee, Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
[11] For he shall give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways.
[12] They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Isaiah 43:1-2; But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
[2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY 8

MINISTERS OF RECONCILIATION
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📖To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Pastor Chris Says
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Human nature loves the message of condemnation because it recognizes its imperfections. For example, when you preach and tell people, "We’re all sinners; no one is righteous except God”; the natural response from many would be, “Yes; it’s true.” Such folks get jittery when you excitedly talk about the soon return of the Lord because they’re not sure of their salvation. They’ve been placed in doldrums and incertitude.

But read Paul’s submission in the opening scripture. It says, "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:19). Observe that it says God has committed unto us “The ministry of reconciliation,” not the ministry of condemnation. This ministry testifies that God was in Christ in His redemptive work, not counting men’s sins against them; rather, He laid all their sins on Jesus. Jesus bore the sins of the whole world. When He died, everyone died in Him. He paid the full penalty for sin for the whole world. Therefore, in the mind of justice, we all died. This is the reason God isn’t counting the sins of men against them.

So, when the devil tries to deceive you and stir thoughts of condemnation in you, tell him that God has reconciled the world to Himself, not counting men’s sins against them, and anyone who believes is no longer condemned but made the righteousness of God in Christ: “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).

This is the message He wants us to tell everybody: righteousness has been made available in Christ Jesus because He (God) Himself paid for man’s sins in Christ Jesus. That’s what we read in our opening scripture: “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.”

Notice the term "imputing"; it’s a legal term, meaning "to charge with." God is not charging people with their trespasses. That’s why it’s called “Good News.” You’re an ambassador of the message of reconciliation; you have the ministry of reconciliation, not condemnation. Hallelujah!

🙏 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Father, thank you for the privilege to be the bearer of your message of reconciliation. As an ambassador of the Kingdom, I spread faith, hope and love, boldly declaring the Word of salvation that catapults sinners from the domain of darkness into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 5:8-10; But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
[9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
[10] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Romans 8:1; There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21; 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.

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY 6

RIVERS OF LIVING WATER ISSUING OUT OF YOU

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He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (John 7:38)

Pastor Chris Says
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The words of Jesus in the scripture above should be real and tangible in the life of every Christian. It says out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water. How important it is to have these rivers of living water issuing out of you! If you read further, the 39th verse explains that Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit: "But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified" (John 7:39).

Isaiah 55:10-11 also gives some insight into this. It 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...." Just as rain pours down to nourish the earth, so does the Word of God pour out to fulfil God’s purpose. Proverbs 18:4AMPC tells us, "The words of a [discreet and wise] man's mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving]." Notice the underlined portion; it underscores the power and life in words that are inspired by the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 10:44, Luke narrates a remarkable incident that happened while Peter was preaching in the house of Cornelius: "...the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word." The words Peter spoke were empowered by the Holy Spirit, pouring out like a gushing stream, bringing life to all those who heard them.

When you receive the Holy Ghost, you minister the Spirit through your words. Your words are spirit and life, just as Jesus said of His own words (John 6:63). Hallelujah! Jesus’ words opened blind eyes (John 9:6-7), cast out demons (Mark 5:1-20), raised the dead (John 11:43-44), and calmed the raging tempest (Mark 4:39). He spoke to nature, and it obeyed (Matthew 8:26-27). Your words carry the same power. You can speak to your body, command growths to disappear, and declare healing in your heart, lungs, and kidneys. Practice speaking the Word of God over yourself and your circumstances. Let the rivers of living water issue out of you; these are words of life empowered by the Holy Spirit.

📖 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit who fills me with power and purpose. My words are spirit and life because of your Spirit within me. I continually speak words that align with your truth and bring transformation to my world, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY;
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Proverbs 18:4; The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, And the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

John 6:63; It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

John 7:37-39; In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
[38] He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
[39] (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Philippians 4:4-23 & Isaiah 42-43

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Hebrews 1:1-14 & Lamentation 2

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 4

ALIGN WITH HIS DIVINE PLAN

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For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).


Pastor Chris Says
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You need to understand something important about your life: you’re a child of divine destiny; you’re not living a life of chance. The sequence and events in your life are orchestrated by God. Your role is to recognize these divine orchestrations and flow accordingly; follow the path that He’s prearranged for you. Predestination is at work in you.

Ephesians 2:10 (AMPC) 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].” Romans 8:29 NIV says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined….” When you’re synchronized with His will, you’ll experience the blessings and maximum fulfilment He’s ordained for you.

The best place to be in life is at the centre of God’s will. When you have that awareness, you’ll always be filled with joy, confident that come what may, you’ll always win. You’re a victor forever because you’re in God’s place, in God’s time, fulfilling God’s purpose in God’s way. This understanding is vital. When you’re in sync with God’s will, you don’t fret or worry; you’re at peace at all times and never in panic-mode because you know that you’re operating on God’s timetable not man’s timetable.

Your life is designed by God to move from glory to glory, which is why we’re charged to always be thankful. You’ll always overcome any adversity that comes against you because as one who’s born again, everything works for your good: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV). Hallelujah!

🙏 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Father, I align myself with your perfect will through the Word. Everything in my life is working out for my good because I am in your plan, at the right place and time. My heart is filled with peace and confidence, knowing that I am fulfilling your purpose in every step I take, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV; Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
[6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Colossians 1:9; For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Romans 12:2; And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Philippians 2:19-3:1-11 & Isaiah 38-39

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Philemon 1:1-9 & Jeremiah 52

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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Ɍɦαρsσdy Dαílíҽs
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY 2

TAKE AS MUCH AS YOU WANT
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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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The word “receive” in the verse above is the Greek “Lambano,” and it means to take possession of something and make it yours; to seize or take a hold of something by yourself and make it yours. It doesn’t mean passively waiting in anticipation for something to drop in your hands. The Bible says those who “lambano” abundance of grace—an overflowing of grace—and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life.

How much grace do you want and for what do you require it? The Lord is saying to you, “Go for it! Take as much as you want!” It reminds of Paul’s counsel to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:1; he said, “...be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” In other words, take advantage of the grace; take as much of it as you want. When it comes to grace, it’s as much as you can take, but for righteousness, it’s the same for everybody.

That’s why for grace, you don’t find the use of the definite article before the word “abundance”; it is “they which receive abundance of grace,” not “the abundance of grace.” But for righteousness, there’s a definite article: “they which receive…the gift of righteousness….” However, in both cases, you don’t wait or “try”; you TAKE possession.

Don’t “try” on your own to become righteous because no matter how much you try, you’ll never attain righteousness on your own. Rather, embrace His righteousness; take His righteousness and abundance of grace. Receive grace for your industry, to be a master of the Arts, a master of Sciences, a master in your job, business or career. Receive grace to be a maestro, an enigma in your field such that others would wonder at you. That’s what God wants for your life.

As you function in His abundant grace, He brags with you and shows you off to the people of the world and even to angels and principalities: “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God” (Ephesians 3:10). Hallelujah!

🙏 P R A Y E R
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Gracious Father, I thank you for your abundant grace at work in my life, which causes me to excel in all that I do and fulfil my purpose in Christ. I’m a wonder to my world because I’m piloted by your grace, which continually multiplies in my life through my knowledge of your Word, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY: ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
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.

Hebrews 4:16; Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

2 Corinthians 9:8; And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Philippians 1:1-30 & Isaiah 33-34

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Titus 2:1-15 & Jeremiah 50

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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Ɍɦαρsσdy Dαílíҽs
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

MONDAY 30

BY HIS POWER AND ENABLEMENT
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📖 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you (John 16:23).

Pastor Chris Says
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The Lord Jesus taught us to pray in His Name and not through His Name. To pray through His Name is to make Him a medium. To pray in His Name is to exercise the power of attorney He’s given to us (John 16:23-24). Someone might ask, “What then does the Bible mean in Hebrews 13:15, where it says for us to offer to God a sacrifice of praise through Jesus Christ?”

That’s a completely different thing and it doesn’t also suggest making Jesus a medium. It says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (Hebrews 13:15 NIV). First, our understanding of the scripture must go beyond semantics. When it comes to offering praise to God “through” Jesus Christ, one option might be, "Oh Lord Jesus, give my praise to the Father for me." Another could be, "Oh Father, I praise you through Jesus Christ." While these phrases may seem viable to the senses, spiritually, they both are ridiculous.

For instance, in Hebrews 9:14, the Bible tells us how Jesus offered Himself to God through the Holy Spirit. This means He offered Himself by the power or the enablement of the Holy Spirit. He did it through the agency of the Holy Spirit’s power. In the same way, when we do whatever we do to the Father through Christ Jesus, it’s not about Christ being a medium. It's us functioning in His power and enablement.

For example, when Paul says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," (Philippians 4:13) he meant that it’s through Christ’s power and enablement that he accomplishes all things. That’s our testimony. Our sufficiency is of Him (2 Corinthians 3:5), which means we function by and through His divine ability. Only sinners need a medium, which Jesus is to them (John 14:6); but once in Christ, you no longer need a medium; you’re united with Christ in God. You’re a member of His body, the church. He is in us, and we are in Him. We have become inseparably one with Him. He gave us His Name to live by, to pray, and to offer our praises.

🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of praying in the Name of Jesus. I recognize the power and authority you have given me to live and do all things in His Name. I consciously act in alignment with this divine authority, understanding that I am empowered by Christ to accomplish all things. My life continually reflects your will and brings glory to you, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY: ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
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.

Colossians 3:17; And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

John 14:13-14; And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
[14] If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Acts 1:8 AMPC; But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Ephesians 5:22-6:1-9 & Isaiah 29-30

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Timothy 4:11-22 & Jeremiah 48

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SATURDAY 28

HIS WILL FOR ASKING
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📖 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us (1 John 5:14).

Pastor Chris Says
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Oftentimes, many don't understand the verse we just read. They think it means that before you ask God for anything, you first must be sure that God is willing to do it; it must be according to His will. But that's not what that verse is saying at all. Rather, what it says is that you ask according to His will for asking. What’s His will for asking?

His will for asking is that you ask the Father in the Name of Jesus. This should bolster your faith and confidence to ask the Father anything in the Name of Jesus and receive answers. It’s no use praying, "Father, grant my requests if they’re in accordance to your will."

First, you need to understand that the will of God is revealed through His Word and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us in His will. Therefore, you’ll always have the witness within yourself whether or not you’re in the will of God. However, in this verse, the apostle John was saying we should pray according to God’s will for prayer itself.

What is His will for prayer? What is God's will for asking? John 16:23 tells us, "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.” So, His will for asking is that we pray to the Father in the Name of Jesus!

Can you see that He wasn’t dealing with the content of what you’re asking for, but rather, how you should ask, how we should pray? He wasn't imposing or introducing new conditions for prayer, like it must align with His will; He said, "Whatever you ask the Father in my Name, he'll give it to you" (John 16:23). No conditions are attached. Hallelujah!

You might ask, "But what if someone asks for something that isn't God's will?" A child of God doesn't ask for something outside of God's will. That's why we have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. God’s Word is God’s will expressed. His will is unveiled to us in His Word; so as you live in and by His Word, you’ll pray within the ambits of His perfect will.

And remember, the Bible says, "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Also, He says, “All things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21). Anchor your faith on these truths, and your faith will be strong. Your faith wavers when you debate if it's God's will or not to answer your prayers. Therefore, ask according to His will for asking.

🙏 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Father, thank you for the assurance that you hear me always when I pray because I’m inspired and live according to the truth of your Word. Therefore, I’m always in sync with your perfect will. I know that your desire is for me to prosper and be in health even as my soul prospers. My joy is full today, as I receive answers to my prayers, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY : ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Rejoice evermore.
[17] Pray without ceasing.
[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

James 4:3; Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Romans 8:26-27 ESV; Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
[27] And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Ephesians 4:17-5:1-2 & Isaiah 25-26

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Timothy 3:1-17 & Jeremiah 46

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

THURSDAY 26

RESPOND SPIRITUALLY
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📖 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6). 

Pastor Chris Says
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God’s desire isn’t just for us to be spiritual. That’s because the forces of darkness are also spiritual; the people in evil cults and those who worship Satan are spiritual. What He wants is for us to be spiritual toward Him. He wants us to have our minds in the direction of His Spirit. Our spirituality, therefore, ought to be within the confines of what His Word describes for us. That’s the environment within which He wants us to function—an environment of love.

Take, for example, in your place of work, or maybe even in church, if you were moved from one responsibility to another, which you consider to be a less preferable one, how would you respond to such an action? Don’t respond carnally by complaining that you’re being victimized; respond spiritually. Think spiritually; and to be spiritually minded, you must walk in love.

Love will help you set your mind on the spiritual implications, the blessings, and spiritual direction of such an action. So, in your life, always look at things from the position of faith, hope and love. These are the three permanent forces of the spirit; they never fail: “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT).

We also find them in 1 Thessalonians 1:3: “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.” Use these three things to examine your mind and to respond to whatever actions are taken for or towards you.

Never see such actions as against you; otherwise, you’re going to have trouble, because to be carnally minded is death. That means things will begin to go down: your happiness, your level of productivity, and every other index with which to measure one's success in life will start going down. Why? Because you brought death in through carnal reasoning. But the Bible says, “…to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). Always see and think spiritually if you want to enjoy life to the full and experience the peace of God that transcends human understanding.

🙏 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Father, I thank you for the gift of your Spirit who guides me into all truth. I am spiritually minded, and I respond to every situation with faith, hope, and love. I see every action and situation through the lens of your Word. I bring glory to your Name as I walk, think and respond spiritually in love always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY : ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Romans 12:2; And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Galatians 5:22-23; But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
[24] And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

1 Corinthians 2:14; But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Ephesians 3:1-21 & Isaiah 19-22

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Timothy 2:1-10 & Jeremiah 44

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WEDNESDAY 25

WORSHIP—A CALL TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT
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📖 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3).

 
Pastor Chris Says
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As referenced in our previous study, true worship is of the spirit; a spirit-to-Spirit fellowship or communion. True worship has nothing to do with how you feel or how melodious a song might sound. And that’s where some have missed it. An entire service or worship segment could go by without some Christians truly responding to God with their spirits. They may sing along and go through the motions of worship, but their minds are distracted, and their spirits aren't engaged.

This disconnect happens because they haven't learned how to discipline their spirits to respond to Him with their spirits. For example, singing to God is more than just singing songs or mouthing words with our lips. It's about engaging your heart and spirit in worship. Similarly, dancing in the flesh will never help. True worship goes beyond external gestures—it involves the inward attitude and posture of our hearts.

Whenever you’re worshipping the Lord, whether on your own or with others in church, the first thing is to quickly withdraw your thoughts from distractions. Actively and immediately engage with your spirit, and focus on the Lord, worshipping Him in spirit and truth, and not controlled by the rhythm of the drums and instruments of music.

The Lord Jesus said, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). So, consciously direct your heart to offer Him genuine praise, adoration, and thanksgiving from the depths of your heart.

Remember, we’re called to walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16 says, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Worshipping the Lord with your spirit should be your natural and habitual way of life. Always remember the call to "walk in the Spirit" whenever you worship the Lord; it removes worship from a superficial exercise. Rather, it becomes, for you, the recognition and appreciation of the goodness, blessings, kindness and righteousness of God. It is the thankful confession of His character, love and grace.

🙏 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of worshipping you in spirit and in truth. My worship is a profound expression of my love, gratitude, and reverence for you. My heart is filled with sincere adoration and praise to you for your greatness, your love, faithfulness and grace that endures forever, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
 

📖 FURTHER STUDY : ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
John 4:22-24 AMPC; You [Samaritans] do not know what you are worshiping [you worship what you do not comprehend]. We do know what we are worshiping [we worship what we have knowledge of and understand], for [after all] salvation comes from [among] the Jews.
[23] A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers.
[24] God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality).

Ephesians 5:18-19; And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
[19] speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Colossians 3:16-17; Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

MONDAY 23

THE KINGDOM AND HIS WILL
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📖 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). .

Pastor Chris Says
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When the Lord Jesus said, "Thy kingdom come...," this was because the world was being dominated by another kingdom at the time. This was before His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. It was before the advent of the new creation.

But after His resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, which initiated the new creation, we no longer pray, "Thy kingdom come," because Jesus came to fulfil this prayer. We have now received the kingdom through salvation in Christ Jesus: “Therefore, since we have received an unshakeable Kingdom, let us have grace, through which we may offer service that will please God, with reverence and fear” (Hebrews 12:28 CJB).

Also, when He said, "Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven," it indicates that God's will was not being done on earth at that time, but today, the perfection of God's will is through the Church. No wonder Paul tells us, "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God" (Ephesians 3:10).

This means we are tasked with establishing God's will in the earth; we actively carry out His will, implementing and manifesting it in our daily lives and actions. Just like Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you," He has given us that mandate; it is now your responsibility to enforce and establish His will in the earth and in the lives of men.

This is the reason we’ve remained on earth after we were born again; if the sole purpose of salvation was going to heaven, we would have been taken there immediately upon being born again. However, we are left here to fulfil a purpose. We carry the Kingdom within us. Wherever we go, the Kingdom goes with us.

2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” As ambassadors for Christ, we represent our heavenly Kingdom; we’re legal representatives of God's Kingdom. This consciousness empowers you to fulfil your divine mission, manifesting God's will and spreading the message of the Kingdom throughout the world.

🙏 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of being an ambassador of the Kingdom and establishing your will in the earth. I spread and manifest the glories, beauties, and excellencies of the Kingdom, proclaiming your truth so those who are yet to receive salvation will be saved and catapulted from darkness into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 1:12-13; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
[13] who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

1 Peter 2:9; But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Romans 12:1-2; I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Ephesians 1:1-14 & Isaiah 11-12

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 6:1-16 & Jeremiah 41

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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SATURDAY 21

ANGER SERVES NO GOOD PURPOSE
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📖 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God (James 1:20)

Pastor Chris Says
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The wrath of man does not achieve, allow, produce, or exercise God's righteousness. Anger is often linked with pride. When you see someone in anger over what others said or did to them, you’re seeing pride in display. If anger could hinder Moses, whom the Bible described as the meekest man on earth, from entering the Promised Land, then it’s something you must guard against.

Numbers 20:2-13 gives an account of how Moses allowed anger to overshadow his obedience. The consequences were severe. God reproved Moses for failing to sanctify Him before the people: "And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them" (Numbers 20:12).

Moses' anger thwarted his lifelong vision. He later glimpsed the Promised Land from afar but couldn’t go in with Israel as he had hoped (Deuteronomy 34:1-4). Let anger find no place within you. No one should cower because of your wrath. No matter what happens, restrain yourself from anger.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 says, “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” Every so often, declare, "There’s no anger in me; the love and compassion of Christ rules my heart.” “But Pastor Chris, the Bible acknowledges that we could be angry but not sin in Ephesians 4:26.” Yes, but it cautions against allowing anger to harden your heart.

Why harbour anger? It serves no good purpose. Instead, you can have holy anger. Holy anger causes you to respond in dealing with Satan and his evil works in the earth and in the lives of people. Holy anger makes you deliver people from trouble. When you see the work of Satan in someone’s life and you say, "No, I’m not going to let this happen," and you deliver that soul, that's holy anger; it causes you to demonstrate your faith and the love of God.

Unlike human anger, which instils fear and intimidates, holy anger exalts the Lord and advances His Kingdom. So, let your life reflect the love of Christ. Don’t allow anger to mar your witness or hinder God's work through you.

🙏 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Father, I thank you for your Word that guides me to serve you joyfully and spread your love and righteousness everywhere. Thank you for your grace at work in me to please you in all things and bring glory to your Name, as I manifest the character of peace and self-control, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Proverbs 16:32; He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Ecclesiastes 7:9; Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

Colossians 3:8; But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Galatians 5:16-26 & Isaiah 6-8

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 5:11-18 & Jeremiah 39

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

THURSDAY 19

OUR LANGUAGE IS DIFFERENT
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📖 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak (2 Corinthians 4:13).

Pastor Chris Says
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When the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, addressed the Christians at Corinth as being carnal, it was mostly because of their language. They talked like mere men and as a result, lived below their call. As a child of God, your communication must reflect the provisions of the Gospel and synchronize with the tenets and culture of our heavenly kingdom.

The carnal or ordinary man or woman speaks according to their senses. They speak fear and unbelief. But our language is different; we speak faith; we believe, and therefore we speak. What do we believe? We believe the Word and that’s what we speak. Glory to God! The Word of God is truth, and truth is reality. Therefore, every time you utter the Word concerning any situation, you’re speaking the reality about that situation.

For example, if you felt a headache, or a pain in your joints or any part of your body; don’t say, “I have a headache, or I have arthritis.” Instead, rebuke it and say, “I have the life of God in me; therefore, I’m forever healthy and strong. No sickness can thrive in my body, because my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.”

When you say that, you’re speaking truth; you’re affirming what you have in Christ. Sickness, disease, infirmities, poverty, weakness and death aren’t part of what God has given unto you; so never voice them. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13: "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. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual."

We have received the Holy Spirit to help us know and understand what God has freely given to us; these are the same things you’re supposed to speak. So, what has God given you? He’s given you eternal life (1 John 5:11-12); He’s given you wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and riddance (1 Corinthians 1:30). He’s given you ALL things that you require for life and for godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

These and more are the things you should speak. Every so often, boldly affirm who you are, what you have and what you can do in Christ. Speak the language of faith and power. Hallelujah!

🗣 C O N F E S S I O N 
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The Holy Spirit has trained my tongue to speak the language of the Kingdom. I speak words of faith, authority and power only; words that are consistent with the provisions of Christ in His Gospel and with the tenets and culture of our heavenly Kingdom. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Corinthians 3:1-3; And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
[2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
[3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Romans 8:6; For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

1 Corinthians 2:12-13 NKJV; Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
[13] These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Galatians 3:26-4:1-20 & Isaiah 1-2

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 4:9-16 & Jeremiah 37

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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TUESDAY 17

THE “LALIA” OF CHRIST
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📖 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word (John 8:43).

Pastor Chris Says
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Two words used in our opening verse may seem synonymous, but they have striking differences. They’re “speech” (Greek: “Lalia”) and “word” (Greek: “Logos”). “Logos” is the general term for “Word.” The Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

“Logos” encompasses speech, idea, thought, and message; it is the substance of a message. John 1:14 tells us that the Word or “Logos” of God became flesh, and that’s Jesus Christ. All of God's thoughts, ideas, and opinions, are encapsulated in Him.

“Lalia,” on the other hand, describes a mode of speech; it’s the way you say what you say. This can be by gesticulations, semasiological communication, dialects or pronunciations. Jesus said to the pharisees and the Jews as they questioned His words, “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word” (John 8:43). They didn’t understand His communication (“Lalia”) because they couldn’t comprehend His message (“Logos”).

An example is found in John 11:11-14 when He said to His disciples, “...Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.” A similar thing happened when Jesus went to the house of Jairus, whose little daughter had just died. The Bible says, “And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead” (Luke 8:52-53).

The people didn't understand His “Lalia” because they couldn’t comprehend His message. If only they knew that His message stated who He was: “...I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). As a child of God, it’s important for you to give attention to the ministry of the Word and the Holy Spirit in the house of God. That’s how you’re cultured, trained, and taught the message of Christ. That message gives you a language—the “Lalia” of Christ.

🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your Word that cultures my spirit. As I grow in the Kingdom-culture of faith, it gives me a language that clearly communicates your truth and also forms in me a mindset of victory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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James 1:22; But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Matthew 13:13; Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

John 8:43 NKJV: Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Galatians 3:1-14 & Songs of Solomon 3-5

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 3:8-16 & Jeremiah 35

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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SUNDAY 15

DON’T “CHICKEN” OUT
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📖 ...Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:8).

Pastor Chris Says
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In today’s world, people tend to abandon their commitments easily. They get tired of their job and leave; they get tired of their marriage and walk out. They get tired of their children and distance themselves. They get tired of anything and just check out. This isn’t the faith lifestyle we’ve been called to live; it indicates a problem.

Faith requires stability, doggedness, staying power and even patience. Faith never gives up. What such folks may not realize is that they’re giving Satan the opportunity to hinder them from fulfilling the will and purpose of God for their lives. He disrupts their jobs, tries to ruin their business or destabilize their relationships, and they just give up. No; don’t allow it. Resist the devil and he’ll flee from you (James 4:7).

Faith isn’t just for getting what you want from God; faith is for living for God and establishing His righteousness in the earth, irrespective and independent of circumstances. So, being tired of everything and “checking out” is not an option for the child of God.

You can’t just decide to abandon your ministry, job, business, or academics because you're facing challenges. Put your faith to work; become earnest and importunate in prayer and intercession; don’t chicken out. The Bible says those who quit in the day of trouble are of a poor specimen (Proverbs 24:10).

The mind plays a crucial role in this process. It is often attacked by Satan with doubts and negative thoughts. You must actively reject those thoughts that do not align with God’s truth and instead, let your eyes look straight on. Set your heart on the right course, on what God has said concerning you. Don’t deviate from the vision; focus on His Word. Set your affections on Christ and His Word, and your faith will always prevail.

🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My faith is strong and never wavers because it’s founded on God’s Word. I don’t give room to doubt and fear. My thoughts, words and actions are in sync with God's eternal Word, bringing glory to Him, irrespective of circumstances, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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Matthew 17:20; And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, 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.

Hebrews 11:1; Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

James 1:6; But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Galatians 1:1-24 & Ecclesiastes 9-12

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 2:1-15 & Jeremiah 33

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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FRIDAY 13

HIS FOCUS IS HUMAN SOULS
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📖 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost (Matthew 18:11).

Pastor Chris Says
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The most important thing to God is human souls. It’s the reason Jesus came and gave His life. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He didn’t come for the redemption of the mountains, hills and beautiful vegetation of the world. These creations, while majestic and valuable to God, were not the focus of His sacrificial mission. He came to save human beings— men, women, boys and girls!

His life, death, and resurrection were all centred on the salvation of mankind. This act of love underscores the immense value God places on each person. We must have that in our hearts and live always with the consciousness that every human being is important to God.

If you live with this understanding, it’ll shape your interactions, decisions, and priorities. It’ll drive you to live purposefully, knowing that according to the Scriptures, there's a definite number of souls that must be won to the Lord before the Rapture of the Church. Therefore, evangelism becomes your heartbeat and lifestyle.

Remain passionate and fervent in sharing the Gospel with others. Put your time, energy and resources into it. Recognize the intrinsic value of every soul and be determined to see them fulfil God’s destiny for them. Pray earnestly for the salvation of souls around the world.

Remember, the Bible says, "God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). So, in addition to fervently and radically preaching the Gospel, intercede for those who haven’t yet known the Lord that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ will shine unto them for their salvation, prevailing over darkness, idolatry and deception. Hallelujah!

🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, as your children around the world go forth preaching the Gospel today, men's hearts are open to receive the message for their salvation; they're delivered from Satan’s dominion into God’s Kingdom. I declare that in every nation in the earth, every resistance to the Gospel is broken, and the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ shines brightly into the hearts of men, women, boys and girls for a great harvest of souls into the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 3:16-17; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
[17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

1 Timothy 1:15; This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 2:1-4; I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
[2] for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
[4] who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Corinthians 12:1-21 & Ecclesiastes 3-5

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 1:8-14 & Jeremiah 31

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[20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
[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.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Colossians 1:24-2:1-5 & Isaiah 46-47

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Hebrews 2:10-18 & Lamentations 4-5

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

MONDAY 7

FERVENT IN SOUL WINNING

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...the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18).

Pastor Chris Says
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In Matthew 5:16, the Lord Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The Bible says in Romans 12:11, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”

Serving the Lord as the above verses say, the passion and inspiration of the Spirit in your life is contagious. It overflows and becomes a source of inspiration for those around you. You naturally become a soul winner. When you speak, you pour out spirit and life, impacting your hearers with the power and blessings of the Gospel of Christ.

Now, that inspiration is something you must maintain. And one of the ways to maintain it is keeping yourself filled with the Spirit always as Ephesians 5:18-21 teaches (study the entire reference). When you’re filled with the Spirit, you proclaim the Word of God with boldness. That’s the evidence of being filled with the Spirit as seen in the lives of the Apostles (Acts 4:31).

When you’re truly inspired by the Holy Spirit, you’re a bold and effective witness for Jesus Christ; you never stop winning souls. True soul winners don’t retire or grow weary in their mission; they’re forever active doing the Lord’s work. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord….” Your soul-winning efforts should always be on the increase because you’re filled with the Spirit.

If you were winning three souls per week, you should aim to increase that number, perhaps to 10, or maybe even 30. Maintain your zeal and fervour for soul winning. Remember, soul winning is God’s heartbeat; it’s the most important assignment that He committed to our trust. Therefore, do it with passion, diligence and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

🙏 P R A Y E R  ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of being a soul winner. I am inspired by your Spirit to continually share the Gospel with those around me. I refuse to grow weary or retire from this divine calling. Your Word flows through me like rivers of living water, bringing life and salvation to those in my world, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Proverbs 11:30; The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that winneth souls is wise.

Mark 16:15; And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

John 15:16; Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Colossians 1:1-23 & Isaiah 44-45

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Hebrews 2:1-9 & Lamentation 3

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SATURDAY 5

TRUE FULFILMENT IS IN CHRIST

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For in him we live and move and have our being... (Acts 17:28 NIV)

Pastor Chris Says
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Man was made in the image of God, and that’s why even the natural man possesses incredible capacity and potentials. Throughout history, we've witnessed remarkable advancements and innovations that have shaped the world. Consider man’s accomplishments through the ages in technology, arts and sciences.

These achievements are undoubtedly impressive, but there’s more to life than these. We know that despite accomplishing amazing feats, many still find themselves grappling with an underlying sense of emptiness; they create things to make life easier, thinking it will bring happiness, yet they find themselves dissatisfied.

For instance, think of a professor who has acquired immense knowledge, yet he struggles with the meaning of “life.” He has no peace or satisfaction despite his intellectual prowess and tragically decides to end his life. How sad! This stark example illustrates that no matter how much knowledge or success one attains, true fulfilment is in Christ and Christ alone.

Even today, many have gotten to a point where they’re asking, “Why are we here?” They’ve accumulated so much on earth, but they are still searching for fulfilment. Or consider those with so much fame who still find themselves asking, “Where’s the joy?” History is replete with stories of wealthy individuals who, despite their riches, felt empty and unfulfilled.

There was a very wealthy man many years ago who came from a wealthy family. Despite all his riches, he said, "I don’t know why I am not happy. Maybe I should try poverty because that is one thing I have never experienced." He gave up everything and decided to live as a hermit in isolation. But even then, he didn’t find joy because true fulfilment in life isn’t found in this world but in Christ.

Christ is the source of all joy, all peace, and all fulfilment. Outside of Him, everything is fleeting and meaningless. In Him, you find the meaning of life, the purpose for which you were created, and the true joy that transcends circumstances. In Christ, you find all of God’s goodness. Hallelujah!

🙏 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Lord Jesus, I thank you for being my source of true fulfilment, joy and peace. You’re my reason for being; my satisfaction and pure delight come from my relationship with you by the Holy Spirit. And I thank you for helping me bring many others into the same glorious life of purpose, eternal joy and true fulfilment. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY :
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John 10:10; The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Matthew 6:31-33; Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
[32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
[33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Psalm 16:11; Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Luke 12:15 NIV; Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Philippians 3:12-4:1-3 & Isaiah 40-41

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Philemon 1:10-25 & Lamentation 1

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES, DAILY DEVOTIONAL,

THURSDAY 3RD

PRAYING FOR NEW CONVERTS
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Wherefore also we pray always for you...That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).

Pastor Chris
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It’s important for us to always intercede for those who may still be ignorant or yet to come to maturity in the things of the Spirit. It brings to mind the words of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 4:19, “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” He constantly prayed for them to become rooted and grounded in Christ. This is the will of the Father.

In his letter to the Christians in Colossae, he prayed a beautiful prayer of the Spirit, saying, "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Colossians 1:9). When you intercede for fellow Christians like this, you’re actually praying the will of God.

However, there may be things in those people's lives that may prevent God's actions from taking place or even His will from being manifested. It could be their ignorance, as Hosea 4:6 states, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...,” or even their wilful disobedience. For many new converts or those still growing in the Faith, spiritual priorities may not yet be clear. They may not fully appreciate the importance of attending church services or studying the Bible regularly.

In such cases, our intercession plays a pivotal role. By praying for them, we create the avenue for God to intervene in their lives, to open their hearts and minds to His truth and wisdom. When you pray this way, Christ takes root in their hearts, and they become synchronized with the perfect will of God. As an intercessor, you’re persistent; you keep praying that they walk worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in their knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10).

Even now, spend some time to pray for new converts in your local church and around the world, that they be established in the Faith, doing the will of the Father, active in the work of the ministry, and bringing glory to God. Pray that they grow in the Word, firmly rooted and grounded inthe love of Christ, and that the Lord perfects His work in their lives for His glory. Amen.

🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I pray for those who are new in the Faith or struggling in ignorance, that they’ll be filled with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. I pray that Christ dwells richly in their hearts by faith, and that they walk worthy of you, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in their knowledge of you day by day, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Philippians 1:9-11; And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Ephesians 1:15-18; Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 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: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 2:1-18 & Isaiah 35-37

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Titus 3:1-15 & Jeremiah 51

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES, DAILY DEVOTIONAL,
TUESDAY 1ST OCTOBER

THREE KEY ELEMENTS OF 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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The nature of God has manifold descriptions, and one of such is that which demonstrates His rightness and perfection. God just can’t be wrong, because He is God. He’s the yardstick for measuring what is right; the reference for rightness. In everything and all situations, He’s perfect, just and right. That’s His character!

Secondly, righteousness is the nature of God that’s imparted to the human spirit to produce in him the rightness of God. Righteousness is a gift, and when God imparts a human spirit with it, that person will immediately have the rightness of God in his or her heart and just know what is right.

Thirdly, righteousness gives or produces right standing. Right standing is that ability to stand before God without condemnation or inferiority. No ordinary man can stand before God until God gives him the ability to stand in His presence and talk with Him without fear, inferiority, or condemnation.

Someone might ask, what if I feel condemned or inferior before God? That you feel a sense of guilt, condemnation or inferiority in the presence of God doesn’t mean you’re guilty, condemned or inferior. Let me tell you what to do if you feel overwhelmed by such negative emotions: get into the Word of God and begin studying and meditating on the Word. Before long, the Word will rid you of those wrong emotions of the senses.

The Word of God is a cleanser (John 15:3); it builds your faith and confidence (Acts 20:32). Also remember what the Bible says: “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things” (1 John 3:20). God’s Word is greater than your emotions. It imparts to you the truth about who you are. That knowledge destroys every sense of guilt, condemnation, or inferiority, and inspires the confidence of the Spirit in you. Hallelujah!

🙏 P R A Y E R
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Thank you, Lord, for the gift of righteousness. I rejoice because I have your nature in me, which produces rightness in me and gives me the ability to stand before you without fear, condemnation or inferiority. Your Word imparts to me the confidence of the Spirit, and I walk in the boldness and assurance that come from knowing that my righteousness is of you. Hallelujah!

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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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.

Philippians 3:9; 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:

Romans 8:1-4; There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
[2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
[3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
[4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 6:10-24; Isaiah 31-32

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:Titus 1:1-16; Jeremiah 49

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SUNDAY 29

THE MANIFESTATION OF TRUTH
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📖 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever (2 John 1:1-2).

Pastor Chris Says
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If you’d read the entire second epistle of John you’d observe something in the first four verses: the word "truth" is emphasized repeatedly with a total of five mentions. Clearly, there's a significance to this. Then in his third epistle, he continues with the same emphasis on “the truth.” Why so much emphasis on “the truth”?

In John 18:37, Jesus told Pilate that He came to bear witness to the truth, and everyone that is of the truth hears His voice. Pilate then asked Him, "What is truth?" John must have really pondered the answer. He must have recalled what Jesus said in the fourteenth chapter, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life..." (John 14:6). He also would have recalled Jesus' prayer to the Father in John 17, when He said, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17).

So, John wasn't merely captivated, intrigued or enthused by truth; he embraced it fully. He related and fellowshipped with “the Truth.” In 1 John 1:1-2, he talked about seeing and handling the Word of life, and the Word is truth!

So, when Jesus walked the earth, He embodied God's truth. He was the manifestation of truth, the will of the Father unveiled to us. If you ever wanted to know the will of God, look at Jesus. If it’s true that Jesus was the manifestation of the truth, what does that make you? Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:2, said something profound about himself and his companions, declaring that by the manifestation of the truth they commended themselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

What Paul was saying in essence is, "This is our life— we’re the manifestation of the truth." Yes; you are! You were born to express the will of the Father to the world. This is God's vision and plan for you. Your life and your everyday walk is the manifestation of the truth. This is how He sees you, and this is the life that you must live. When you wake up every day, declare, "I’m the manifestation of the truth. I’m the manifestation of the will of God." Hallelujah!

🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m the manifestation of the will of the Father; I live each day in alignment with God’s truth and my life reflects the glory and realities of the Kingdom of God. I’m born of God’s truth and uphold truth in every circumstance and situation, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY : ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
John 18:38; Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

John 17:17; Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

John 1:14; And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Ephesians 5:3-21 & Isaiah 27-28

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Timothy 4:1-10 & Jeremiah 47

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FRIDAY 27

A NEW PERSPECTIVE TO PRAYER
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📖 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son (John 14:12-13).

Pastor Chris Says
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The apostle John detailed Jesus' teachings on prayer in a way that isn't found in the synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark and Luke. He records for us some of the things the Lord Jesus taught with respect to prayer in the New Testament, which would be after His death, burial, resurrection, and glorious ascension to the Father—a new dimension to prayer in a new dispensation.

Jesus said, in John 16:23-24, "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." Here is the new rule for prayer today: in the New Testament, we direct our prayers to the Father in the Name of Jesus; we pray in the Name of Jesus.

This era, as described by John, is characterized by the new will or testament, certified and activated by the death of Jesus Christ, as affirmed in the book of Hebrews: "For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth" (Hebrews 9:16-17). This new will is where we live now.

So, whatever you want today, whatever your desires may be, go ahead and ask the Father directly in the Name of Jesus. You don’t need angels to pray for you. Some people ask angels to pray for them, but angels will never pray for you because the Name of Jesus was never given to them; it was given to men. You have the authority and direct access to the Father in the Name of Jesus Christ. Therefore, ask and receive, that your joy may be full. This is the power and efficacy of prayer in the New Testament. Praise God!

🙏 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege of direct access to you, and the assurance that whatever I ask in the Name of Jesus is granted me. I walk in the depth of this authority and knowledge today; therefore, my joy is full as I receive answers to prayers, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY: ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
1 John 5:14-15; And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
[15] and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Ephesians 3:12; in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Hebrews 4:16; Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Ephesians 4:1-16 & Isaiah 23-24

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Timothy 2:11-26 & Jeremiah 45

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[17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Ephesians 2:11-22 & Isaiah 15-18

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Timothy 1:1-18 & Jeremiah 43

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

TUESDAY 24

DIVINE WORSHIP
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📖 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son (Romans 1:9).

Pastor Chris Says
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What a remarkable statement Paul made in the verse above. It's amazing to serve God, not with the flesh, but with your spirit. This is true divine worship, where all you do—your whole life—is a life of worship. That's why God's people everywhere must be taught and trained to respond to Him with their spirits because faith is the response of the human spirit to the Word of God.

In the New Testament, there’re several words translated into English as "worship." One of them is 'latreuo,' which means to serve God as seen in Romans 1:9. Another word that’s more familiar to many is 'proskuneo,' which is often translated as worship and refers to an act of worship.

For example, in Matthew 4 during the temptation of Jesus, when the devil offered Him the kingdoms of the world, Jesus responded, "...Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship (proskuneo) the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" (Matthew 4:10). Here, worship is an act—a physical expression like lifting hands, singing, bowing, or prostrating oneself.

Then there's another one, which is a state of mind, described by the word 'sebomai.' This denotes a religious disposition or mindset, where one might engage in certain religious practices out of tradition or reverence without necessarily knowing or loving God deeply.

This was the case with the woman named Lydia in Thyatira, described in the Bible as one who worshipped God—a term indicating religious reverence rather than an actual relationship. Jesus addressed such practices, saying, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me" (Matthew 15:8). But she gave heed to Paul’s message and was converted (Acts 16:14).

When hearts are distant from God, worship becomes vain, as it substitutes doctrines of men for true spiritual connection. But true worship, however, involves serving God with your spirit—an intimate, heartfelt communion with Him—aligning your spirit with His in genuine devotion. Hallelujah!

🙏 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Father, thank you for revealing to me the essence of true worship. I serve you with my spirit, to live in intimate communion with you every day. My life, resources, thoughts, words and actions are a continual offering of worship, reflecting your glory and purpose. I’m empowered by your Spirit to align my heart with your Word for my worship to be acceptable and pleasing to you as a sweet-smelling fragrance, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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John 4:22-24 NKJV; You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.
[23] But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.
[24] God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Philippians 3:3; For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Mark 7:6-8; He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, But their heart is far from me.
[7] Howbeit in vain do they worship me, Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
[8] For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Ephesians 1:15-2:1-10 & Isaiah 13-14

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 6:17-21 & Jeremiah 42

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SUNDAY 22

FAITH CAN BE “SEEN”
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📖 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

Pastor Chris Says
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There's something profound about faith that needs to be clearly understood. Faith can be “seen,” howbeit, not with the optical eyes; it’s seen in the spirit. The definition of faith as read in Hebrews 11:1 is an explanation as God, by the Spirit, presents it to man. In the spirit, it's not put in those words because faith is of the spirit and can be “seen” in the spirit.

Take for example in Mark chapter two when Jesus was in a house teaching and the Bible says the place became packed with people that there was no space left, not even near the door. Attempting to press through that crowd were four men, carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. But due to the large crowd, they couldn't get through the door to where Jesus was and so decided to go up to the roof, dug through it, and lowered the paralyzed man down on his mat, right in front of Jesus. The Bible says, "When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee" (Mark 2:5).

Jesus “saw” their faith; how? In their action! Paul had a similar experience in Lystra with a certain man who was crippled from birth and had never walked. The Bible says, “The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked” (Acts 14:9-10).

Notice the Word “perceiving”; it actually means “seeing”; Paul “saw” the man’s faith in the way he listened and received the Word. The Complete Jewish Bible actually says, Paul, “...looking at him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet!” He jumped up and began to walk” (Acts 14:9-10 CJB).

Faith is seen in your words, actions, and even your disposition. Faith is not passive or docile; you prove your faith by your actions. That’s why the Bible says, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). Faith isn't a response of the brain or of the mind; it's the response of your spirit to God's Word. Hallelujah!

🙏 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Father, I anchor my faith firmly on your Word, regardless of the circumstances or reports around me. I see beyond the natural and perceive your will and purposes through the eyes of faith, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 10:17; So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

James 2:17-18; Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
[18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Hebrews 11:6; But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Acts 14:8-10 AMPC; And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
[9] the same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
[10] said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Galatians 6:1-18 & Isaiah 9-10

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 5:19-25 & Jeremiah 40

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

FRIDAY 20

PERFECT AND FULL-GROWN
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📖 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you (Philippians 3:15).

Pastor Chris Says
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Some people believe that spiritual maturity is only attainable when we get to heaven, and that on earth, we can only keep growing. But that’s not true. God’s Word encourages Christians to strive for maturity and full growth in their spiritual journey. In our opening verse, Paul uses the Greek word "teleos" to describe those who are spiritually mature and full-grown.

The goal is for every Christian to attain this level of spiritual maturity. Ephesians 4:11-12 emphasises this truth as Paul highlights the five-fold ministry offices or gifts within the Church and their distinct purposes. It says, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

The ensuing verse 13 tells us the purpose for all that we read in verses 11-12; it’s for us all to come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, perfect and full-grown: “…until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him” (Ephesians 4:13 AMPC).

This is not in heaven but in the earth! He expects us to grow to the full measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ here on earth. It is about embodying Christ's fullness in every aspect of life, reflecting His glory through your words, actions, and character.

Make this your vision of growth. Make up your mind that this would be your experience. Be determined to walk in this light—to walk in the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Christ in you is the hope of glory, in reality, and in totality. Praise God!

🙏 P R A Y E R 
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Dear Father, thank you for the assurance that spiritual maturity is attainable now. Through your Word, I’m being raised by the Spirit to be perfect and full-grown, walking in the fullness of your Spirit. Thank you for the leadership ministry gifts you have established in the Church so that we may be built up, edified, strengthened and nurtured unto maturity, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Hebrews 5:12-14; For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
[13] For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
[14] But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

James 1:4; But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Colossians 1:28; whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 4:11-13; And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
[13] till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Galatians 4:21-5:1-15 & Isaiah 3-5

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 5:1-10 & Jeremiah 38

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

WEDNESDAY 18

INTERCESSION IS FOR OTHERS
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📖 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25).

Pastor Chris Says
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Intercession involves standing in the gap between two parties or more. It's about pleading a case on behalf of someone else, often without their awareness of their predicament or their need for help. For instance, when you intercede for someone who isn't born again, they may not be conscious of their spiritual state or their need for salvation.

In such cases, you're presenting reasons to God on their behalf. You're bringing their ignorance and lack of understanding about their spiritual standing before the Lord. Consider how God described the Ninevites to Jonah—they didn't know right from wrong. But God sent Jonah to them to preach and get them to repent from their wickedness.

Remarkably, the Ninevites, from the king to the common people, took Jonah's message to heart and repented sincerely, fasting and wearing sackcloth as a sign of mourning and penitence. Their collective repentance moved God. In Jonah 4:11 (NIV), after sparing Nineveh, God explained His compassion to Jonah: "And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?"

Similarly, when we pray for sinners, we're telling God that they don't understand their situation and their need for salvation. We acknowledge that they deserve God’s judgment due to sin, but we plead our case on Jesus' sacrifice for them. We're not persuading God to save them because salvation is already available through Jesus. Instead, we're asking that the Lord will arrange circumstances that will lead them to accept this salvation.

This type of intercession extends beyond the lost to those who, even though are already Christians, may still be ignorant or struggling with their faith. It's about selflessly praying for others; advocating for them in prayer before God, whether they are aware of their need or not.

🙏 P RA Y E R
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Dear Father, I pray for those in my world who are yet to receive salvation, that their eyes and hearts be open to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that you’ll orchestrate circumstances, situations, materials, and people that’ll cause the radiant light of your glorious Gospel to shine brightly in their hearts, dispelling darkness, and ushering them into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Timothy 2:1-4; I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
[2] for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
[4] who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Romans 8:26-27 NIV; In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
[27] And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Colossians 4:3 NIV: And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Galatians 3:15-25 & Songs of Solomon 6-8

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 4:1-8 & Jeremiah 36

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

MONDAY 16

TALK FROM GOD
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📖 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall noilt live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

Pastor Chris Says
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In the New Testament, “Rhema” (Greek), translated “word,” is not applied to God talking but to man talking from God. It's always about the Word that God gave to you to speak. It’s that inspired Word of God uttered by you.

I began to practice this very early as a Christian; I knew that for any situation, I needed to talk from God. Whatever God says about the situation will not change the situation in the earth unless I speak. So, when you face challenges, the first thing is to be in sync with the Holy Spirit. This alignment allows you to speak exactly the words needed at that moment to effect a change.

As you pray in tongues, tune in with your spirit and have your spiritual antennae raised to receive divine insight. Maintain this posture until you receive the exact word needed for the situation, and the moment you do, speak it forth with confidence, knowing it’s God talking through you. The Word of God in your mouth is God talking.

Remember what God said to Moses when He appointed Aaron to assist him: “Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do. So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God” (Exodus 4:15-16 NKJV). The one who receives the Word will be as God because he has the Word. And the one who speaks it forth will be as the prophet.

But imagine when both roles are embodied in one person! That was God's original plan for Moses—to both receive and proclaim His Word—to talk from God. Practice this and use it to overcome every challenge, subdue adversaries and adversities, and live triumphantly every day.

🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for giving me a “now” word in every situation by which I triumph gloriously each day. As I pray in tongues, I receive divine insights; empowered to speak your Word with boldness and confidence, knowing it carries the power to alter circumstances and change situations to align with your perfect will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 10:8; But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Ephesians 6:17; And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Isaiah 55:11; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Hebrews 4:12; For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Galatians 2:1-21 & Songs of Solomon 1-2

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Jeremiah 34

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

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SATURDAY 14

UNDERSTANDING HELPS YOU APPLY THE WORD CORRECTLY
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📖 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart (Proverbs 8:5). 

Pastor Chris Says
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Understanding God's Word is crucial to applying it effectively in our lives. The Bible says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" (Proverbs 4:7). The Lord Jesus Himself emphasized the significance of understanding in Matthew 13:3-8 when He told the parable of the sower.

In His illustration, He explained that as the sower went forth to sow his seeds, they fell into different grounds. Some fell by the wayside and the birds of the air came and picked them up, and they had no chance to grow. The Lord Jesus however highlighted the problem of this group of people to be their lack of understanding of the Word they heard: “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side” (Matthew 13:19).

The practical application of God's Word hinges on your understanding of it. You can't put to work God's Word that you don't understand. Without understanding, it becomes challenging to implement biblical principles and teachings effectively in your daily life.

It’s one of the reasons we encourage people to study this devotional, Rhapsody of Realities, every day. It serves as a powerful tool for enhancing your understanding of God's Word. In it, we present biblical truths in simple and clear communication, making it easier for readers to not only comprehend but also apply God’s truths in practical ways. By breaking down scriptural thoughts into understandable terms, Rhapsody of Realities equips you to live out your faith confidently and purposefully each day.

2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth" (AMPC). Prioritize understanding God's Word so that you may confidently and faithfully apply it in your life, knowing that through understanding, you can fully embrace and act upon the truths of Scripture.

🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the wisdom and understanding you grant me through your Word. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who grants me deep insight into the truths and mysteries of the Kingdom. Thank you for granting me a discerning heart to comprehend and rightly apply the principles of the Kingdom in my daily life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 119:130; The entrance of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.

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.

2 Timothy 2:15; Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Proverbs 4:7; Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Corinthians 13:1-14 & Ecclesiastes 6-8

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 1:15-20 & Jeremiah 32

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THURSDAY 12

THE MISSION CONTINUES
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📖 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it (Psalm 68:11).

Pastor Chris Says
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With so many English Bible versions available today, it’s easy for many to erroneously believe that the Bible was originally given in English language. However, it was the translators who performed this crucial work, and the Holy Spirit continues to guide them even today to make the Bible and other Christian materials accessible to many more in their native languages.

Think about the fact that the sacred writings of the Scriptures were written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. But it took dedicated individuals who loved the Lord and desired to spread His message to the entire world to make it available in various languages as we have today.

This mission continues through the work of modernday missionaries and evangelists who travel to distant lands, much like those early translators. They go into remote and often challenging environments to find those who have not yet heard the Gospel, and they bring it to them in the language they best understand. The Lord Jesus instructed us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). He sent us to find the lost, to seek them out in the byways and highways.

This directive is clear in the Scriptures, and it drives the mission of Christians today. We carry on the vision that He gave us. This vision is about actively reaching out to those who need to hear the message of salvation, and this involves going beyond our comfort zones, reaching out to speakers of all languages, thus ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel.

The work is far from over, and the vision of reaching every person with the Gospel remains as vital as ever. That’s why we’re grateful to the Lord to have those who are working with us in various nations to make it possible for this devotional to become accessible in all known languages and dialects of the world, and as a result, reaching the ends of the earth before the Lord’s return.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” You too can be a part of this end-time global workforce by visiting HERE

🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I pray for translators, missionaries, and evangelists of the message of the Gospel all over the world, that they continue to be effective witnesses for Christ, making your Word known without hindrance, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Matthew 28:19-20; Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15; And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Romans 10:14-15; How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Corinthians 11:16-33 & Ecclesiastes 1-2

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Timothy 1:1-7 & Jeremiah 30

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