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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 12TH DECEMBER 2022
POINT THEM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
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Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
Pastor Chris Says
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From a very young age, through inspiring Bible stories, first from home, and then the children's church, I began to learn about faithful Bible characters and the things to emulate from them. For example, I learnt of Samson, a legendary Israelite and a Nazarite from birth; a warrior and judge, renowned for his prodigious strength. He led and rescued the people of Israel from Philistine oppression (Judges 13–16).
Also is the amazing story of David and his decapitation of the belligerent Goliath of Gath who terrorized the children of Israel. David won the victory for Israel and brought the fear of Jehovah upon the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:20-58).
The story of Mordecai and Esther was also very inspiring to me. I read how they championed the course of the Jews amidst the threat of complete annihilation by Haman, a sworn enemy of God’s people (Esther 3:5-6). These stories of the prophets and apostles in the Bible helped to shape my mindset and character as I was growing up. Most of all was the God-evincing life of Jesus.
I was able to quickly distinguish the right role models in the Bible in my formative years. This is why it’s important to train children in the way they should go; get them exposed early to God’s Word and the right Bible characters.
We have Rhapsody of Realities for kids, early readers, and for teenagers. Use these and all our other materials for children to raise and train your children, young siblings, and other children around you. Influence them to think like champions and world changers. Position them to think differently, to be innovative and solution providers.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I pray for an increased work of grace and greater boldness in the hearts of children all over the world, and utterance to bring the message of Christ’s love to others in their schools, homes, and among their peers, with signs, wonders and miracles, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 3:15; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 22:15; Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Proverbs 23:13-14; Withhold not correction from the child: For if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
14. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, And shalt deliver his soul from hell.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 4 & Hosea 11-14
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 12:1-10 & Micah 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 10TH DECEMBER 2022
THE DIVINE “LOGOS”
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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).
Pastor Chris Says
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“Word” in our opening scripture above is the Greek, “Logos.” It describes God's Word presented to us as His opinions, thoughts, ideas, doctrines, treatise, accounts, wisdom, knowledge, plans and purposes. Thus, our knowledge and understanding of the Word is so crucial.
When God speaks His Word to you, even if all He says to you is, “Go ye therefore”; that phrase will guide and guard your life in everything. That’s because all of Him and all that He represents are in His Word (the divine logos). Hallelujah!
This Logos of God made all things: “The same was in the beginning with God; All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:2-3). Suddenly, we observe that the Apostle John gives a personality to the Logos of God; he uses the personal pronoun “Him,” instead of “it.” Then in verse 14, it becomes even clearer; it says, “And the Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
Imagine all of God's ideas, all of God's knowledge, all of God's wisdom, all of who He is: in personality, in quality, all of His ability to perceive—all of that in the divine Logos— became flesh and dwelt among us. This is Jesus! The Word that was spoken, which was “speech,” became a man; took on humanity!
Jesus is the divine Logos. When they saw Him in Bible days, as He walked by, they saw the totality of the mind of God. He was the totality of the will of the Father. He was God's message in flesh. John said, “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth!” Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for your opinions, thoughts, ideas, doctrines, treatise, accounts, revelations, and comprehension encapsulated in the Word. As I study and meditate on the divine truths and wisdom in the Scriptures, your Word puts me over and above all situations, causing me to excel in everything, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Hebrews 4:12-13; 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.
13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
John 1:1-4; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 2:18-3:1-6 & Hosea 3-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 11:1-10 & Jonah 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 8TH DECEMBER 2022
SET YOUR FOCUS ON THE WORD
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Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest (Joshua 1:7).
Pastor Chris Says
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When I was a teenager, I engaged the Spirit of God on several issues. I didn't want to live my life dabbling into different things, guessing and trying to figure out God’s purpose for my life. I wanted to know exactly where to go, what to do, and how to set my sail. I wanted to know God’s direction for my life, because I figured since He already knew my future, there wasn't anything wrong with my asking Him.
Guess what? He directed my mind and my spirit to His Word. He said to me, “My Word is your compass; it illuminates your path. If you follow my Word, you’ll never lose your way; you’ll prosper in all that you do.” That’s what He said to Joshua in our theme scripture.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” The Lord Jesus said in John 8:12, “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” He is the Word. Hallelujah!
Set your focus on the Word and you'll never fail: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night… for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8). God’s Word is absolute truth; you can depend absolutely on it.
Don't be afraid to believe God and stay on His Word. You can't do that and make a mistake or regret it. Those who regret following God's Word never really knew the Word; they weren’t following the Word but the desires of their own hearts. When you go for the Word, you stay focused no matter what tries to distract you. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, your Word is my light and the compass by which I navigate my way through life; it’s the light that guides me in the path of success, victory and greatness. Through your Word, I receive insight into the mysteries and realities of the Kingdom. Thank you for the blessing of being guided and regulated by your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Joshua 1:8 AMPC; This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
Matthew 24:35; Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Isaiah 55:10-11; 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:
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.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 1 & Daniel 11-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 9:11-21 & Amos 8-9
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 6TH DECEMBER 2022
THE ESSENCE OF HOPE
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NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses] (Hebrews 11:1 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Hope is usually in the future, something you look forward to or desire in front of you. It’s a picture or an image of a desired future; a picture of a future accomplishment, possession or fulfilment. Faith, however, is the essence of hope. In other words, until you hope, that image or picture has no life. That's why hope is so important.
Hope is powerful. When people become hopeless, they could give up, and die. But once you have hope, then the thing you’re hoping for suddenly becomes a possibility; you see that it exists.
Hope is like “potential energy”; which means it’s a possibility that could be realized if you could “look” at it with your spirit, because that's when it becomes real. This is why hope must translate to faith for it to produce results. With hope, you see the blessings that could result from acting on God’s Word. But with faith, you take possession, you walk in the blessing. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the blessed hope we have in Christ. I see pictures of possibilities as I apply your Word in my health, finances, life and ministry, and I have the confident assurance that Christ in me means glory in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Hebrews 6:18; that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
1 Thessalonians 5:8; But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3; We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
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;
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 3 John & Daniel 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 8:1-13 & Amos 5-6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 5TH DECEMBER 2022
A GOOD REPORT FROM GOD
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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report (Hebrews 11:1-2).
Pastor Chris Says
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How would you like to have a good report from God? Our opening verse says through faith, the elders in our spiritual family obtained a good report from God. If you want to be celebrated by God, if you want to have praise of Him, it’s got to be through your actions of faith. No wonder He says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him…” (Hebrews 11:6).
The Bible says, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:8-10). As a result, James 2:23 says, “…Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”
How about Enoch? Genesis 5:24 says, “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Hebrews 11:5 tells us more; it says, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hallelujah!
Read about all the other heroes of faith in Hebrews 11; the likes of Abel, Noah, Samuel, Isaac, Sarah, Joseph, Moses, Barak, Samson, etc. The Bible says they all obtained a good report through faith. However, we notice something striking that the Bible tells us: they didn’t receive the promise, because God provided something better for us: “These were the true heroes, commended for their faith, yet they lived in hope without receiving the fullness of what was promised them. But now God has invited us to live in something better than what they had—faith’s fullness...” (Hebrews 11:39-40 TPT).
Thus, we have no excuse; every day, give expression to your faith. Live the faith life. Practise God’s Word, for faith is acting on the Word! That’s the way to obtain a good report from God and walk in the glory and blessings of Christ.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My faith grows by the Word, prevails and triumphs over contrary winds and opposition. My life is regulated by the eternal realities of the Kingdom, and the blessings therein are unleashed into my world. My faith works by love, and I obtain a good report from God as I live victoriously every day, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 4:16-18; For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18. while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Hebrews 10:38; Now the just shall live by faith: But if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Hebrews 11:4-7; By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
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.
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 3RD DECEMBER 2022
PRAY ALWAYS IN THE SPIRIT
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Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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To pray always means to be in constant communication and fellowship with the Lord; it’s always ongoing. That’s what the Lord instructs us to do; He wants us in fellowship with Him all the time. It’s a continual communication of spiritual intelligence, where information is constantly being given to us to put us at an advantage.
The Amplified Classic version of our opening verse reads, “Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty....” Praying in the Spirit, therefore, becomes the accompaniment for all other kinds of prayer. Whether it’s the prayer of faith, the prayer of intercession—whatever kind of prayer it is—praying in the Spirit should be part of it.
In 1 Corinthians 14:14-15, Paul said, “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” This shows that praying in the spirit is a priority. From the Spirit, you’ll know what words to use. Your tongue will be arranged and inspired to say the right things.
As you go out to win souls, you may not know what you’re going to say right away, but pray in the Spirit first, and He’ll give you the right words. You'll say things that are consistent with His divine purpose, because you’re in timely fellowship with Him, through the Spirit.
It reminds of what Jesus said in Matthew 10:19-20: "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." Hallelujah! Therefore, make it a habit to always pray in the spirit, and with the Spirit.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for enlightening me to pray effectively in the Spirit. As I speak in tongues even now, my spirit is lifted to function from a vantage position of boldness, accuracy and victory, resulting in a life of dominion in Christ. I don’t struggle but enjoy unstoppable growth and progress as I receive guidance from you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Luke 18:1; And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Jude 1:20; But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Philippians 4:6-7; Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 4 & Daniel 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 6:11-17 & Joel 3
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS.1ST DECEMBER 2022
THE INNER SANCTUARY
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“The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly” (Proverbs 20:27).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the Old Testament, God gave Israel the tabernacle, which He divided into three parts. The first was the inner sanctuary, where the Ark of God was. It was also called the Holy of Holies or the Most Holy Place. The second part was the outer sanctuary, which was called the Holy Place. The third part of the tabernacle was the outer court, where the brazen altar and laver were.
This tabernacle of Moses gives us the picture of the human person: the spirit, soul and body. Man’s body is the outer court, the soul is the first sanctuary, while the spirit is the inner sanctuary.
The Holy Spirit resides in the inner sanctuary, which is the recreated human spirit. When a man is born again, his spirit is recreated; eternal life is imparted to his spirit and right away, the Ark of God is set up there. What was in the Ark in the Old Testament? It was the Word of God written on two tablets of stone (1 Kings 8:9; 2 Chronicles 5:10).
Where is the Word of God today? It is in our hearts, our spirits. The Lord said, “…this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts…” (Hebrews 8:10). No wonder Paul said we are the words of Christ written by the Spirit, not on tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart (2 Corinthians 3:3).
This shows us the importance of the human spirit. That is where the Word of God is today. That is where God lives. Being born again is the recreation of the inward man – the human spirit – to become God’s dwelling place; His holy tabernacle. The premium, therefore, must be on the education of your spirit, which is only achievable by receiving and meditating on the Word of God.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My spirit is God’s dwelling place, where He lives in His glory and majesty. I carry God’s divine presence in my heart and impact my world with the blessings of my divinity. I am heaven’s ambassador to this world; everywhere I go, God goes, because I am His living tabernacle, His home and headquarters. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Corinthians 3:1-3; Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
2. Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
3. forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Hebrews 10:16; This is the covenant that I will make with them After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, And in their minds will I write them;
1 Corinthians 3:16 ; If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 2:15 – 3:1-10 & Ezekiel 45-46
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Revelation 5:1-14 & Joel 1
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 29TH NOVEMBER 2022
THERE’S SOMETHING IN YOUR PATH
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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] (Ephesians 2:10 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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Every one of us has a path that’s preordained by God for us to walk in life. It’s a path of success and greatness. However, as you journey, you’ll collide with forces or situations that’ll test your faith. For David, there was a bear and a lion. Afterward, there was a Goliath and the armies of the Philistines, and then lots of other armies. But he defeated them all. Hallelujah!
I’m not sure what’s in your path, but there’s surely something in your path. But one thing is certain: you’ve already won. That’s why the Bible says “Count it all joy when you go through diverse tests” (James 1:2).
The challenges or obstacles in your path are a mirage. When you get to them, don’t cry. Don’t start begging God to do something. Don’t cower. When you meet that “masked devil,” which could mean a stumbling block in your business or job, a limitation or restriction in your soul-winning or evangelical efforts, or some issues in your health, you say, “In the Name of Jesus Christ, get out of my way!” When you say that, it may seem the obstacle is still there; refuse to recognize it and keep journeying. Don’t keep observing it; instead, close your eyes against it and begin to utter incantations of the Spirit, speaking in tongues. Then, as David charged towards Goliath, charge towards that obstacle and walk through in the Name of Jesus, as the Spirit inspires you.
God took care of it before you got there. Now you understand the reason He tells you not to worry. It’s because when you face the biggest troubles, He steps in. You don’t need to shout. You don’t need to kick. You don’t need to push. Just keep going; just walk through! Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Thank you, Father, for I walk only in the path that you’ve prearranged for me, and it’s a path of righteousness, great glory, greatness and unending victories. I’m yielded to the Holy Spirit, to His guidance, counsel and wisdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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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.
Romans 8:37; Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
1 John 4:4; Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 3 & Ezekiel 41-42
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 3:11-22 & Hosea 11-12
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
SUN. 27TH NOVEMBER 2022
THE WORD IMPARTS FAITH
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So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Word of God imparts faith. You might have noticed that sometimes as you sit listening to, or studying God’s Word, your spirit becomes energized. At such times, all the challenges you may have been facing suddenly seem like nothing. The reason is that at that moment, the Word you’re receiving stirs faith in your heart.
The Word of God is spiritual; therefore, it’s even more real than the physical things that your senses perceive. That’s why, when you receive the Word into your spirit, a spiritual reaction is ignited between your spirit and the Word of God that gives you dominion over circumstances. When that reaction takes place, faith rises in you like a giant and you have the assurance of victory.
Even if you thought your faith was little or small, Jesus said that little faith can do great things; it can literally move a mountain (Matthew 21:21). Or, perhaps, you’re thinking, “I don’t have faith”; our opening verse tells us how to get it: faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Whenever you think you don’t have enough faith, it means it’s time for you to hear more of God’s Word. The Word will of a necessity impart faith to you; it’s a principle of the Kingdom of God. You don’t have to struggle for it to happen; if you’d pay attention to the Word of God, faith will come to you.
It reminds me of a certain young man who came to one of our meetings years ago. He came in saying he didn’t believe and wasn’t going to believe any of the things we were sharing. But his friends convinced him to come nonetheless. So, he sat in the meeting, trying not to believe. But he was “hearing” the message (remember, faith comes by hearing).
Later on, when I had a chat with him, he said, “Somehow, I found myself accepting the things you shared; I believe everything you said.” He couldn’t escape it, because faith comes when you hear the Word! Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, as I study and meditate on your Word, I discover my inheritance in Christ, and I also receive the faith to relate with and enjoy all that you’ve made available to me in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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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.
Romans 4:19-20; And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:
20. he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Matthew 21:21; Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 1 & Ezekiel 37-38
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 2:13-29 & Hosea 7-8
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 25TH NOVEMBER 2022
FAITH IS THE COGENCY OF EVIDENCE
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Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see… (Hebrews 11:1 AMPC).
Pastor Chris Says
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The above definition of faith simply means that faith is the cogency of evidence. You’re convinced that something you’ve hoped for is real though it’s not visible in the physical realm. Faith is a substance; it’s the evidence of unseen realities.
Evidence is proof of something; it can be made available. If faith, therefore, is the evidence, it means there’s something it represents. It’s like when you own a property; the title deed to that property is your proof, the cogency of evidence that the property is yours. When your right to the property is contested, you simply present the evidence—the title deed.
Likewise, if at any time the devil tries to question your right to your blessings, privileges and inheritance in Christ, present your evidence, which is God’s Word. Declare with confidence what the Word says concerning you.
For example, you can present Romans 8:10-11 and 3 John 1:2 as your evidence for divine health: Romans 8:10-11 says, “And if Christ be in you, (although) the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is (gives it) life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” 3 John 1:2 says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” In affirming these scriptures, you’re putting your evidence to work. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m fully persuaded by the Word of God! I anchor my life on God’s Word, and I refuse to be swayed by contrary winds or circumstances, for my faith is the title deed of unseen realities. I walk in the light of my inheritance in Christ, in power and grace, living in divine health and supernatural prosperity. I’m victorious evermore because I live in and by the Word. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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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.
Matthew 15:28; Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Hebrews 11:1-3 AMPC; NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
2. For by [faith–trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report.
3. By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 4 & Ezekiel 33-34
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 1:1-20 & Hosea 3-4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 23RD NOVEMBER 2022
OUR ETERNAL ADVOCATE
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My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1).
Pastor Chris Says
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The greatness of the Father’s love for us is indeed beyond human comprehension. No wonder the Spirit had to pray through Paul for the Church to come to the understanding of the immensity, magnitude and unconditional love of the Father towards us (Ephesians 3:18-19). He sent Jesus to die for us; He raised Him from the dead and appointed Him as our eternal advocate. Hallelujah!
He said in our theme verse, “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous.” No one else qualifies to plead your case, except the one who died in your place; He took your place as a sinner and gave you His righteousness. No one can condemn you before the Father.
When Satan, who is described in Scripture as the accuser of God’s people, accuses you and tries to declare you undeserving of God’s blessings, the Lord Jesus, your advocate, stands up in your defence. He pleads your case. The Bible says He loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood (Revelation 1:5). His blood speaks continually in your behalf, cleansing you from all unrighteousness and every stain of sin (1 John 1:7).
Jesus did all that He did in order to present you holy, blameless and unreproveable in the sight of God (Colossians 1:22). In heaven, Jesus isn’t trying to defend you from the Father’s wrath, for the Father Himself loves you (John 16:27). The Father ordained Jesus to be your advocate—counsel for the defence. With Him on your side, it’s impossible for you to be defeated or disadvantaged. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for your grace, mercy and love by which I live a life of glory, free from sin, guilt and condemnation. Thank you for the blood of Jesus that cleanses me from all unrighteousness, making me holy, unblameable and unreprovable in your sight, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Timothy 2:5-6; For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6. who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Hebrews 12:24 AMPC; And to Jesus, the Mediator (Go-between, Agent) of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood which speaks [of mercy], a better and nobler and more gracious message than the blood of Abel [which cried out for vengeance].
John 14:16 AMPC; And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever–
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 1:22-2:1-25 & Ezekiel 29-30
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Jude 1:1-11 & Daniel 11-12
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 21ST NOVEMBER 2022
SPEAK GOD’S LANGUAGE
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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 (1 Corinthians 2:13).
Pastor Chris Says
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In Galatians 4:1-2, the Bible says, “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.” An heir is someone who has an inheritance bequeathed to him, a legal inheritor of an estate or position of high authority and wealth.
However, as long as the heir is a child, he’s not different from a servant. The word translated “child” is “nepios,” one who’s unable to talk right or communicate wisely. Someone can be forty years in Christianity and still be a “nepios”; he can’t form the right words in the realm of the spirit.
Yes, the Word says we’re heirs of God and jointheirs with Christ, but “nepios” can’t live the life of an heir. 1 Corinthians 3:21 says, “…all things are yours”; but they’re suffering through life because they haven’t matured spiritually. They use the wrong terms because they’ve never learnt God’s language.
The way to learn and speak God’s language is by studying and meditating on the Word. Our theme verse says we’re to speak words which the Holy Ghost teaches— words of wisdom from and by the Spirit. So, get yourself trained in the Word of God and have the Word in your heart and on your lips always, irrespective of the circumstance.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
I speak the wisdom of God in esoteric language. In Christ Jesus, I’ve been given dominion over circumstances, and I’m superior to Satan and the forces of darkness. The life God has given me in Christ is that of great glory and excellence, where I prosper in all things, by His Word! I’m full of wisdom, glory and strength. Hallelujah!
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1 Corinthians 2:7; but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
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.
13. 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.
Hebrews 13:5-6; Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear What man shall do unto me.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: James 4:13-5:1-20 & Ezekiel 24-26
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 John & Daniel 7-8
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 19TH NOVEMBER 2022
A ONE-TIME SACRIFICE
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Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12).
Pastor Chris Says
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The Bible refers to the first tabernacle in the old testament as that “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect…” (Hebrews 9:9). The Old Testament priests gave different offerings and sacrifices to God, such as “...meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances…” (Hebrews 9:10).
But when Jesus Christ came, His sacrifice was His own blood; He offered Himself. Whereas the priests of the Old Testament had to offer sacrifices year after year for a yearly atonement, Jesus did it once and obtained eternal redemption for mankind. The previous will—the offering of the blood of animals—wasn’t God’s best, and not what He wanted. So, Jesus said, “...Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7).
The Bible says the Old Testament priests were “... offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man (Jesus Christ), after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).
No wonder the Apostle Paul, while ministering to some unsaved Jews in Antioch, unveiled an extraordinary truth. He said, “…through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39). Blessed be God!
Tell it everywhere and to everyone: Christ Jesus has consummated man’s eternal redemption once and for all. Hallelujah!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Glorious and righteous are you, Lord, for you bore our sins and washed them away with your blood, once and for all! You paid the ultimate price for sin, which man had incurred without a means of settlement. Now, we’re washed, sanctified, and justified; free from sin, death, and destruction. Hallelujah!.
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Hebrews 9:11-14; But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12. neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
13. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14. how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
John 3:16; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: James 2-3:1-13 & Ezekiel 20-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 4:15-21 & Daniel 3-4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 17TH NOVEMBER 2022
YOU HAVE ALL THINGS IN HIM
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To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).
Pastor Chris Says
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The essence of Christianity, the glory and joy of all that Jesus came to do, is Christ in you. Christ in you is everything. Christ in you is heaven in you; it’s divinity in you. Now that you have Christ, you have everything. No wonder Paul said, “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21). Hallelujah!
Here’s something remarkable to ponder on: Romans 6:23 says, “…the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” That’s a fundamental truth of the Gospel. However, as you get higher in the understanding of the Gospel, you’d discover that Jesus really doesn’t stand away and give you eternal life; He’s Himself eternal life. In giving you eternal life, He actually gave you Himself. Hallelujah.
The moment you come to terms with this reality, it’ll change your thinking and prayer life. You’d stop asking God for things. If it’s true that you have Christ (and thank God it’s true), what then could you possibly be in need of? Christ is everything, and everything is in Christ.
Stop asking God for what you already have in Christ. For example, don’t ask God for healing; take divine health, for it’s your nature in Christ Jesus. The victorious life is yours in Christ. Everything you require for an extraordinary life of glory and righteousness is already yours in Christ (2 Peter 1:3).
Now, you can understand why the Lord Jesus said in Luke 12:22, “...Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.” He’s your sufficiency; in Him, you have all things. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Blessed Father, I thank you for giving me all things in Christ Jesus. Christ is my all; in Christ I have all that I require for life and godliness; I have all that I require to live triumphantly and please you in all things. Hallelujah!
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2 Peter 1:3; according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
1 Corinthians 3:21-22 AMPC ; So let no one exult proudly concerning men [boasting of having this or that man as a leader], for all things are yours, Whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas (Peter), or the universe or life or death, or the immediate and threatening present or the [subsequent and uncertain] future–all are yours,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 13 & Ezekiel 16
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 3:13-24 & Ezekiel 48
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 15TH NOVEMBER 2022
UNITY OF THE BODY
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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 (Ephesians 4:13).
Pastor Chris Says
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There’s a stronger unity among God’s people today than at any time in history. For instance, earlier this year, during our Global Ministers’ Classroom, we had over seventy million ministers of the Gospel from around the world who participated online, and it was a great blessing through the Holy Ghost.
It’s the same with our Global Day of Prayer, with several billions of God’s people in every nation and territory of the world praying together to establish the will and purpose of Christ in the earth. Hallelujah!
There’re two powerful forces that bind us together. Number one is the Word of God, the power of God’s Word that unites our hearts. The second force is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. These two bring us strongly together all around the world today.
Of course, I know that many of us have different ministry backgrounds and different trainings. But there’re major things that we do agree on that far more outweigh whatever differences we may have at any particular time.
I said, “At any particular time” because, given enough time, several of us will come to the same conclusions, especially when we have the same information. And that’s something that the Lord wants to see.
Ephesians 4:11-12 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.” What’s his purpose for the equipping of the Church? The next verse shows us: “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God….” This will bring about the unity of the Body of Christ. Amen.
The Bible shows us that our oneness will be a sign to the world that God sent Jesus (John 17:21). And in these final moments of the Church, God’s people are going to come together in unity for an amazing impact for the Lord, more than this world has ever known. Praise God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Loving Father, I pray for the growth, development, unity and progress of the Body of Christ around the world. We stand in one spirit, with one mind, and strive together for the faith of the Gospel, fulfilling your vision of singleness of purpose, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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1 Corinthians 1:10; Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1 Corinthians 12:12; For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
John 17:20-21 ; Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21.that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 12:1-13 & Ezekiel 11-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 2:15-29 & Ezekiel 46
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 11TH DECEMBER 2022
SINGERS OF HIS PRAISE
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Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works (Psalm 105:2).
Pastor Chris Says
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All the great men or women of God you find in the Bible were singers of the Lord’s praise. No wonder they lived an extraordinarily victorious life in every way. It’s time for us to learn to praise and sing unto the Lord Most High; we’re to sing songs of the Spirit, for we’re singers of His praise!
For example, after crossing the Red Sea and witnessing how the Egyptian warlords perished in it, Moses broke out in songs of praise: “…I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously…The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name” (Exodus 15:1-3).
When the Israelites fought against King Jabin and destroyed him, Deborah and Barak sang to the Lord with these beautiful words: “Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel…Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel” (Judges 5:2-3).
How about Miriam’s poetic acknowledgement of Israel’s miraculous deliverance from the charging Egyptians: “…Sing to the LORD, because he has won a glorious victory; he has thrown the horses and their riders into the sea” (Exodus 15:21 GNB).
Over in the New Testament, we read the prophetic utterance about Jesus that says, “...in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee” (Hebrews 2:12). The prophetic utterance about Jesus declares that He would sing praises to the Lord in the midst of the church, among His brethren. And He did. Hallelujah! The night before He was betrayed, after He had served His disciples the Holy Communion, the Bible says, “They sang a hymn and went directly to Mount Olives” (Matthew 26:30 MSG). Then in Luke 10:21, He did something beautiful: He sang a psalm. Psalms are spiritual songs. Glory to God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I praise your Name, and worship your majesty, for you’re the healer, the supplier of all good things, and you’re greater than all. Thank you for granting me the grace to prevail always over circumstances, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 150:1-6; Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: Praise him in the firmament of his power.
2. Praise him for his mighty acts: Praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: Praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: Praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6. Let every thing that hath breath Praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 9:11; Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: Declare among the people his doings.
Psalm 13:6; I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 3:7-22 & Hosea 7-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation11:11-19 & Jonah 3-4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 9TH DECEMBER 2022
INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
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Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23).
Pastor Chris Says
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In the Kingdom of God, in the realm of the supernatural, are infinite possibilities. That’s the realm in which we live; that’s the realm into which we were born. There’s no limit to your success. Hallelujah! Jesus said in our opening scripture, “All things are possible to him that believes.”
The Bible says in Romans 10:10 “With the heart (spirit) man believes”; your spirit has the capacity for infinite possibilities. When your spirit takes a hold of God’s Word, there's no telling what you can do; there's no telling what you could be; there’s no telling what you could have!
If you'd only believe, there’ll be a complete metamorphosis of your life. It doesn't matter what limits have been placed on you; whether from your family, your friends, your location, your job, or your training—it makes no difference—you’re open to infinite possibilities. If you can only believe! Dare to believe God.
Dare to believe and act on His Word, and your path in life will be one of endless progress, victories and prosperity. Every so often, declare, “I go above and beyond the limits in the Name of Jesus. All things are possible to me. I have ability for all things. Amen.”
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for your Word which brings to my heart the pictures of infinite possibilities, as there’s no limit to the extent, reach and capacity to which my spirit can envision, contemplate and create. I thank you for enlightening me to know and understand the greatness of your power at work in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 10:10; For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV; He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Matthew 12:35; A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 2:1-17 & Hosea 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 10:1-11 & Obadiah 1
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 7TH DECEMBER 2022
THE POWER OF SPEECH
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Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God… (Hebrews 11:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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Genesis chapter one shows us how God created all things; it was through words. He spoke, and everything He said, became. That’s because speech (words) create sound waves—energy. This is one reason why meditating on the Word is so important.
Meditation has three phases or levels. Level one is when you speak under your voice. Then in the second level, you’re literally talking or muttering. The third and final level is when you shout or roar; you’re talking aloud. This final phase is so important because of the power of sound or energy of words.
This is why when you read scriptures, you should oftentimes read them aloud. Read your Rhapsody of Realities aloud, including the prayers and confessions. Your affirmation of the Word is very important. God gave us a tongue so we could talk, and when you talk, energy is released.
Through the energy of words, God recreated and brought order to the world, which hitherto was a chaotic mass (Genesis 1). Ephesians 5:1 tells us to emulate Him as His beloved children. What God did in Genesis 1 was for us to emulate. With words, you’re to maintain the beauty and glory of your life, and change circumstances and situations in line with God’s will. By your words, you can chart your course in victory and success.
Jesus said you shall have what you say (Mark 11:23); so don’t keep quiet. There's a reason for speaking. Even the very principle of salvation stresses the importance of speaking. It says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). Confession here means, "saying what God has said in agreement with Him." It’s translated from the Greek word "Homologeo"—which primarily means to say the same thing as another in agreement. That’s what makes His Word effectual in your life.
It's not enough to “believe” the Word of God with your heart; you have to declare it with your mouth to experience the blessings therein. The Bible says Christ is your life. Christ is your wisdom. Christ is your righteousness. Christ in you, the hope of glory. For the rest of today, meditate on these truths about Christ, saying them aloud every so often.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, I thank you for the gift and power of speech. As I speak forth your Word, your light manifests and obliterates every form of darkness in my path. My life is beautiful, excellent and full of glory. I walk in health and strength, prospering in all that I do, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Mark 11:23; For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Proverbs 18:21; Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Matthew 12:37; For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Jude & Daniel 9-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 9:1-10 & Amos 7
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
7. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 John & Daniel 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 7:11-17 & Amos 3-4
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN 4TH DECEMBER 2022
SAMPLES AND PATTERNS
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For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).
Pastor Chris Says
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When studying the Bible, be diligent to observe principles, samples and patterns. As you read about the amazing life of the fathers, prophets and apostles, you’ll see samples of faith, and how they framed the course of their lives with the Word. 1 Corinthians 10:11 says, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
The use of the word, “ensamples” in the King James isn’t exactly the same thing as “example”; it actually means “samples.” A sample is a specimen, an original that's shown to you, like you say, “This is what it’s supposed to be.” It’s like a pattern or print given to you.
Hebrews 11 gives us a pattern. The Bible says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:1-2). When you read further, you’ll be inspired by the extraordinary feats of these great men and women of faith: what their faith accomplished for the kingdom of God (Hebrews 11:32-33).
These champions of faith subdued kingdoms and did wondrous things in their time; they ruled their world! That’s not all! Hebrews 11:3 says, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” In other words, the various eras were framed by the Word of God (the "Rhema" of God). The use of the Greek, "Rhema" here indicates that the Word of God referred to was spoken through the lips of men.
It’s vital to note in this verse that God didn’t frame the “aions”; rather, through faith, the world’s systems—with respect to socio-economic structures and environmental management—were programmed through God’s Word that came out of these men and women of faith. Hallelujah! It shows what you can do today: you can frame things in your life and in your world to synchronize with God’s perfect will by speaking forth God’s Word.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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I follow the prescribed pattern of faith and the spoken word. My mind is renewed by the Word to think the right thoughts and speak the right words that transform my life and circumstances. The structure and administration of my life are perfected in line with God’s perfect will for me, and I dwell in health, peace and abundance every day, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 3:16; All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Romans 15:4 AMPC; For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope.
1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV; These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 5 & Daniel 3-4
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 7:1-10 & Amos 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 2ND DECEMBER 2022
WE OUGHT ALWAYS TO PRAY
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And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1)
Pastor Chris Says
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Someone once said, “I have so much to do in very little time; it leaves me with very little time to pray.
So, in the mornings, I pray for only five minutes because I always have a busy day.” That’s a big mistake.
Never skip or reduce your times of fellowship with the Lord for other things you might consider “important.” The wisdom, guidance and strength you need for success comes from the Lord. Always remember that.
When you have so much to do, that’s when you need to pray. In fact, you’ll need to pray more at such times because you require spiritual help to achieve results in a shorter time and in the best way. Instead of feeling too busy to pray, a wise person will say, “I have so much work to do that I’ll need to give more time to prayer.” You receive a boost in your energy and inspiration, which will give you speed.
Jesus said men ought always to pray and not to give up (Luke 18:1), letting us know that we were made to pray.
It’s something God built within the human system. In other words, there’ll always be the need for that spiritual fellowship with God.
Through such fellowship, we can be built, encouraged, directed and obtain the Lord’s mercy, grace and intervention in our circumstances. Not only should you desire to pray, you should pray always. We don’t pray just because we require a miracle; we pray because we’re in a loving relationship with a real loving heavenly Father.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for the privilege and blessings of prayer. Thank you for the opportunity of fellowship with you, loving and gracious Father! You’re my source and ability; and I’m confident that my future is secure, as I remain yielded to your Spirit and guided by your wisdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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1 Thessalonians 5:17; Pray without ceasing.
James 5:16-18;Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
17. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
18. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Ephesians 6:18 NIV; And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 3:11-24 & Ezekiel 47-48
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 6:1-10 & Joel 2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED. 30TH NOVEMBER 2022
THE SURE FOUNDATION
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Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste (Isaiah 28:16).
Pastor Chris Says
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It matters the foundation upon which your life is built. The Bible says, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). Christ is the only sure foundation. He must be the foundation of your success. That way, when you face the adversities of life, you’ll remain standing, because you’re founded upon the Rock, Christ Jesus!
The Prophet Isaiah, in our opening verse, spoke prophetically about the “stone” that the Lord God would lay in Zion, and I want you to observe the way this “stone” is described. First, he refers to it as “a tried stone.” Then he calls it “a precious cornerstone.” Thirdly, he refers to it as “a sure foundation.”
Being a “tried stone” means it’s been tested and proven. As “a precious cornerstone,” it means it’s the most important stone for the stability of the building. As a “sure foundation,” it means you can stake your life on it. That’s who the Lord Jesus is; He’s the only true foundation upon which you should build your life.
No wonder He said in Luke 6:47-49: “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.”
Remember, the foundation is what makes the difference. Both houses in the illustration given by Jesus above were confronted by the same flood, but the one without foundations came to ruin. Let Christ, the Solid Rock, be the anchor of your life! Be a doer of God’s Word, for that’s how to build your life on the rock. That’s what will keep you standing when all else fails. That’s what will keep you in success and prosperity all your life.
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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Dear Father, thank you for your Word, which is my sure and firm foundation; upon it, I rest secure and immovable, strengthened, rooted and grounded. Your Word is the rock that holds me, for it’s dependable, reliable, and true. Thank you, Lord, for my triumphant life in and through the Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Acts 20:32; And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Mark 13:31; Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
1 Peter 2:5-6; ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 1-2:1-14 & Ezekiel 43-44
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 4:1-11 & Hosea 13-14
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 28TH NOVEMBER 2022
YOUR “NEED” ACTIVATES YOUR FAITH
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And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith (Mark 11:22-23).
Pastor Chris Says
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Someone once said, “I’ve never seen anybody move a mountain with faith; was Jesus just using symbolism or did He mean what He said in Mark 11:22-23? Can you really command a mountain to move?”
Yes, Jesus meant it. But Jesus wasn’t talking about a game. He wasn’t saying that we go out in the street and say, “I’m here to show you how powerful I am”; then you start commanding mountains and buildings to move. No!
The question is, why would you want to move a physical mountain; to what intent and purpose? Our faith is always connected to our needs. If there’s no need for it, there’ll be no faith to it. So, you may find yourself trying to make something happen that’ll not happen because there’s no need to activate faith in the first place.
Faith is activated only when there’s a need for it. When you find yourself in a situation and you have a “need,” don’t despair; that need will activate your faith. It’s like the woman who was told she’d never be able to get pregnant. That news activated her faith, and soon enough, she had her baby. Until she heard that she would never have a baby, she didn’t know she could have one with her faith.
The same can be said of the fellow who was healed of cancer; he didn’t know he could make it happen until he was told he had only one month to live. The news triggered his faith, and he began to declare, “I shall not die but live,” and indeed, he was healed. Hallelujah!
Never be overwhelmed with your need; rather, let your needs connect to your faith. Let your needs excite you. Once you connect to a need, that’s your opportunity to overwhelm your need with your faith. Praise God!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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In Christ, I’m self-sufficient. I was born into an incorruptible, inexhaustible inheritance. My faith is the victory that overcomes the world! I’ve overcome the world and its systems and structures. My path is that of glory and excellence, victory, success, joy, health, and prosperity which God has ordained for me. I walk in dominion. Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 4:19-20; And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:
20. he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
2 Corinthians 4:17-18; For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18. while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Philemon 1:6; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 2 & Ezekiel 39-40
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 3:1-10 & Hosea 9-10
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SAT. 26TH NOVEMBER 2022
DOMINION OVER DEATH AND HELL
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I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:18).
Pastor Chris Says
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Following Adam’s disobedience, the Bible says death came upon all men: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). Death was associated with sin, so when Adam committed high treason back in the Garden of Eden by obeying Satan, death began to work in every man. Satan gained liberty to afflict men with sickness, disease, destruction and ultimately death, at his will.
But when Jesus came, things changed. Men and women who were all their lifetime subject to bondage because of the fear of death were liberated through the victory of Jesus Christ over death and the grave (Hebrews 2:14-15). Jesus went right into hell—Satan’s domain— paralyzed Satan and his cohorts, and obtained the keys of death and hell! He dealt with the problem of death when He triumphantly rose from the dead and ushered man into a new life.
Today, anyone who’s born again needs not fear death, for death has been defeated by Jesus. No wonder the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, “...Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
He’s given us victory over death and the grave. Today, Satan can no longer take anybody’s life at will because he doesn’t have the power of death anymore. Christ has given us life to live to the full. In His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures evermore: “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” (John 10:10 AMPC).
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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I’m crucified with Christ, nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God! I’ve been brought into life and immortality. I’m fearless, for death has been paralysed—defeated by Jesus, and when He did it, I was in Him! Hallelujah!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Romans 6:9-11; knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Timothy 1:8-10; Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9. who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10. but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Hebrews 2:14-15; Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15. and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 5 & Ezekiel 35-36
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 2:1-12 & Hosea 5-6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 THURS. 24TH NOVEMBER 2022
THE BIBLE EXPLAINS IT ALL
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Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (Hebrews 11:3).
Pastor Chris Says
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The statement above is so powerful. It lets us know that from invisible things, the visible things of this world are created. It brings to mind a major fundamental principle upon which modern physics is based: the wave– particle duality. It’s the confusion as to whether subatomic particles (if they should be called particles, electrons or protons) are waves or particles, because of a mysterious result in their experiments.
They demonstrated with an electron and found out it had, and produced, the characteristics of waves when you weren’t looking at it. In other words, if the observer or the one carrying out the experiment wasn’t looking at the electron, it produced waves. They thus concluded that the electron is a wave. However, the moment you turned to look at it, it seemed to know you were looking, and before you could see it, it became a particle.
How could it produce such patterns and characteristics of waves? How could it be that intelligent? Now, here’s something very interesting: if it’s a wave, it’s got energy, and energy isn’t matter; so, it’s not a particle. If it’s a particle, then that means it’s not a wave. It’s one of both, but it turns out to be both.
This is one of the most mind-blowing experiments scientists have carried out, and for so many years, they’ve had no explanation for it. But all the explanation is in the Bible. It’s so simple. Think about it: When you’re not looking, it’s energy; when you turn to see it, it’s matter!
And what does the Bible say? It says, “Now faith is the substance of things in hope”; meaning that while you’re not looking with your physical eyes, the thing is real inside your spirit; it is substance; it exists as the Word of God! Since faith is the “substance” of hope, it means it has energy; it’s based on the Word of God. The Word of God is sound; God spoke and creation came to be. Sound wave is where the energy is. So, if scientists want to understand this stuff, they need to get out of New Age and get to the Bible; the Book explains it all. Hallelujah!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear heavenly Father, just as you spoke creation into being, I chart the course of my life with your Word which details your perfect will, plans, and purposes. Even now, I create prosperity and release words of promotion into my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Psalm 33:6; By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; And all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Mark 11:23; For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Hebrews 11:3 AMPC; By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 3 & Ezekiel 31-32
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Jude 1:12-25 & Hosea 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 TUES. 22ND NOVEMBER 2022
HE’S THE FIRST AND THE LAST
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I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).
Pastor Chris Says
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As you study Jesus in the Scriptures, you come to an unequivocal conclusion: He is Himself God! He’s the First and the Last, the beginning and the ending. He’s the One described by Daniel as the Ancient of days.
John the Apostle, while exiled on the Island of Patmos, received revelations from the Lord. He said, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last…” (Revelation 1:10-11). That’s Jesus!
The Lord also said to him, “…Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen…” (Revelation 1:17-18). The only one who fits this description is Jesus. He’s the One that died but is alive forever more. Hallelujah!
Now, if He’s the beginning and the ending, that means you have nothing to fear or worry about in your journey of success. He’s with you, and in you. As you start, He’s right there. On the way, He’s right there. At the end, He’s also there. He absolutely got you covered. He’s with you at every phase of your journey.
No wonder the Bible says in Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith….” That means you don’t need to worry about the future; from the very beginning, He already knows the end, and He says, “Fear not.” Therefore, be bold and confident always, knowing that you’re in Christ, and He’s in you, and He’s perfected all that concerns you. He’s the author (beginning) and perfecter (ending) of all things. Blessed be God!
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Precious Lord Jesus, you’re glorious, you’re great and mighty; you’re righteous, holy, pure, and true. You’re the Alpha and Omega, the author and perfecter of all things! I rejoice evermore, knowing that you’re in me and with me always, guiding me in the path of life, to fulfil your perfect will. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Colossians 1:16-17; for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17. and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
1 Timothy 6:14-16; that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15. which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of Lords;
16. who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath
seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Colossians 2:9-10; For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 1:1-21 & Ezekiel 27-28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 3 John & Daniel 9-10
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 SUN. 20TH NOVEMBER 2022
WE’RE MINISTERS OF RECONCILIATION
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And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18)
Pastor Chris Says
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In the New Testament, you’d observe that the word “minister” is copiously used. It’s however important to note that there’re three Greek words from which it’s translated. The first one is “doulos,” which is like a servant or a slave. Paul sometimes called himself a “doulos” (a bondservant)—a slave or servant of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1).
Then another Greek word for “minister” is “huperetes,” which refers to the office of ministry, like we find in the story of the conversion of the Apostle Paul on his way to Damascus. During that conversion, Jesus said to Paul, “…for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen…” (Acts 26:16).
Jesus appeared to Paul and called him into an office of ministry. We also find the same word in 1 Corinthians 4:1: “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers (huperetes) of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”
However, the third meaning of the word “minister” is the one every Christian has been called into, “Diakonia” (Greek), which refers to a person who serves, like someone who’s a waiter. In Acts 6:4, it was used to describe the ministry of the Word: “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” We all have the responsibility to be servants of Christ, servants of His message and of one another. You have a responsibility to be a witness for Christ, to deliver the Gospel to other people.
God has made you a competent minister of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 3:6 NIV). So, go wild for the Lord! Open your mouth and declare His Word of salvation boldly anywhere you find yourself. He’s counting on you.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Thank you, Father, for counting me faithful and worthy to be a minister of reconciliation. I’m passionate about the Gospel, and I preach it with boldness to everyone in my world, catapulting sinners from the domain of darkness into your Kingdom of light, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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2 Timothy 4:1-2; I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2. preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
1 Corinthians 9:16; For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
2 Corinthians 3:6 AMPC; [It is He] Who has qualified us [making us to be fit and worthy and sufficient] as ministers and dispensers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not [ministers] of the letter (of legally written code) but of the Spirit; for the code [of the Law] kills, but the [Holy] Spirit makes alive.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: James 3:14-4:1-12 & Ezekiel 22-23
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 5:1-21 & Daniel 5-6
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 FRI. 18TH NOVEMBER 2022
THE LAST DAYS
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First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will come scoffers who will do every wrong they can think of and laugh at the truth. This will be their line of argument: “So Jesus promised to come back, did he? Then where is he? He’ll never come… (2 Peter 3:3-4 TLB).
Pastor Chris Says
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It’s not uncommon to hear some people scoff when they hear the term, “the last days.” They doubt its certainty because they think they’ve heard about it for too long. To understand what the Bible says about the last days, you’d have to first recognize that the term has several applications in prophecy. Secondly, you’ll need to know whom the prophet or writer was addressing with the term.
For instance, in addressing the Jews, the Apostle Peter’s use of the phrase was very accurate, because he wasn’t dealing with the last days of the Church but the last days of Israel. They were in their last days, yet they didn’t realize how close they were. Someone may be wondering, “But Peter said these things almost two thousand years ago. So just how close were they?”
The end of their calendar had come very close. Daniel’s prophetic writing stated that 70 weeks of years were determined for Israel, leading up to the establishment of the millennial reign of the Messiah. God had been running a calendar with them until the Messiah was cut off in the 69th week.
Between the 69th and the 70th week came the Church Age. So, Peter was correct to have told the children of Israel they were in the last days at the time because they were already in the 69th week.
Today, not only is Israel in its last days, but the Church Age is also rounding off. We’re in a period that’s considered the fiercest part of the battle of the ages. We’ve however been trained and equipped for these times, and we’re carrying out a great onslaught against the forces of darkness as we get men and women in every nation ready for the soon return of our Lord and Master. Be sure to be a part of this great work, and win souls to Christ. (Read Luke 12:39-46).
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Dear Father, thank you for choosing me as your vessel to take the Gospel to my world in these last days. You’ve anointed me to deliver men from bondage into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Your precious Spirit guides me to accomplish great exploits as I establish your Kingdom and righteousness in the hearts of men, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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1 John 2:18 NIV; Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.
Ephesians 5:15-16; See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16. redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Philippians 4:5; Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: James 1; Ezekiel 17-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 4:1-14 & Daniel 1-2
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 WED 16TH NOVEMBER 2022
JESUS CHRIST IS THE JUDGE OF ALL
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…he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness… (Acts 17:31).
Pastor Chris Says
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The verse above says Jesus will judge the world in righteousness. He is the judge. The Father judges no man; He committed all judgement to Jesus: “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22).
Also, in Acts 10:42 NIV, we see that Jesus was appointed by God to be the judge of all men. A similar thought is communicated by the Spirit in 2 Timothy 4:1 NIV through the Apostle Paul: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge.”
The Judgement Seat of Christ is described in 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” The Judgement Seat of Christ is the judgement of God’s people—Christians— where we each receive our rewards from the Master Everyone will be praised (1 Corinthians 4:5).
At His return to the earth, Jesus will judge all nations: “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:31-32).
Then, in Revelation 20, we find Jesus executing the most terrifying of all judgements, which are reserved for sinners. It’s called The Great White Throne Judgement: “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them” (Revelation 20:11). These judgements aren’t far away. Therefore, serve the Lord truly and live for Him every day as we await His soon return.
🙏 P R A Y E R
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Precious Father, I thank you for the opportunity of service in your Kingdom and the privilege to impact my world with the message of salvation as I look forward to the glorious appearing of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Revelation 20:11-12; And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Revelation 22:12; And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 12:14-29 & Ezekiel 13-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 3:1-12 & Ezekiel 47
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
📅 MON. 14TH NOVEMBER 2022
THE SPIRIT AND THE WORD
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And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light (Genesis 1:2-3).
Pastor Chris Says
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When you read the Psalms, you’d notice that David knew the value of words, and he taught his son, Solomon, the same. It was Solomon who said, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21). David his father taught him that. David knew that death and life weren’t in the power of the sword; they’re in the power of the tongue. And he proved it when he confronted Goliath of Gath. You need to understand how he defeated Goliath.
It’s easy to think that he defeated Goliath with a smooth stone and a sling. But no; it was with words! Study the account in 1 Samuel 17. He was sure of defeating Goliath because he put his faith in words. He used the tools as guided by the wisdom of God. He had the stone and sling and words coming out of his mouth. He knew he didn’t take Goliath out with a stone; the Spirit of God was upon him, and the Spirit of God uses words.
Words release spirit-power. Without words, the Spirit will do nothing. Read our theme verse again. The Spirit was all over the world, but nothing changed. Then the Bible says, “And God said…”; suddenly, the Spirit acted and whatever God said became! Hallelujah!
At the second coming of Jesus, the Bible says He’ll smite the AntiChrist “...with the spirit of his mouth...” (2 Thessalonians 2:8), which refers to the sword of the Spirit, which is the “Rhema” of God—words coming out of His mouth (Revelation 19:15, Ephesians 6:17).
When you speak the Word, you release the power of God into action on your behalf. So, when you face crises in life, don’t cower. Don’t panic. Speak words! Speak and effect a change. Jesus said you shall have whatsoever you say (Mark 11:23). Remember, words are powerful, but God’s Word is all-powerful. Glory to His Name forever!
🗣 C O N F E S S I O N
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My words release spirit-power to build and programme me for success, victory and progress. As the Word of God dwells in me richly through study and meditation, I speak faith-filled words, releasing the power of God into action on my behalf, charting my course aright in life. Glory to God!
📖 FURTHER STUDY:
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Mark 11:23; For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Matthew 12:37; For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Joshua 1:8; This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 11:17-40 & Ezekiel 8-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 John 2:1-14 & Ezekiel 45
EXCERPT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional