RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Serving In Newness Of Spirit** Wednesday 1st June . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Serving In Newness Of Spirit** Wednesday 1st June . Pastor Chris
 
For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law,that being dead wherein we were held; that WE SHOULD SERVE IN NEWNESS OF SPIRIT, and not in the oldness of the letter (Romans 7:5-6).

Our opening scripture is part of Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, where he admonished them to serve God in newness of spirit, and not according to the old ways of the flesh. To serve God in newness of spirit means to serve Him in your present state as one who’s been recreated in righteousness and true holiness, and not according to the Law or the senses.

This brings us to an understanding of what he (Paul)said in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that if any man be in Christ, he’s a new creation; old things—the old life of the flesh and everything associated with it—are now passed away, and all things have become new. Being born again, you have a newness of life; a Spirit-filled, Spirit-dominated, and Spirit-influenced life.
Romans 6:6 says, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that hence forth we should not serve sin.” The old life has been crucified with Christ. You have now put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). It wasn’t just a mere change that took place in you when you were born again; it was an actual spiritual rebirth. It was a translation, a replacement, or supplanting of the old life with which you were born by your parents, with the indestructible life of God. It’s a brand new life.

This new life in you transcends all the distractions and debilitating influences of the earthly realm. Romans 6:4 says, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” The expression, “newness of life” doesn’t refer to, or suggest, a renewed life in terms of reworking or refurbishing what was there before; no. It actually means that the old life has been completely replaced by a new one that never existed before.

Moreover, this new life is higher and different in quality from the human life, because it has its origin in God. Your old nature was taken away the moment you confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord, and now, you’ve been raised to a newness of life, to serve God in newness of spirit.

CONFESSION
Dear Father, thank you for bringing me into a newness of life, a life that transcends this physical realm! I declare that the failures, defeats, and troubles associated with the old nature are passed away, and I’ve put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. ||
|| Colossians 3:9-10 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 16:17-33, 1 Chronicles 7-8
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians15:1-10, Proverbs 28
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Be About His Work** Tuesday 31st May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Be About His Work** Tuesday 31st May . Pastor Chris
 
...This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven (Acts 1:11).

More than ever, you must take your participation and involvement in the things of God very seriously. Commit yourself to God’s vision. His vision is soul winning; He wants the whole earth to be filled with the knowledge of His glory as the waters cover the sea. Hence, everything you do must be geared towards winning souls for Jesus Christ; it’s your calling. Stay focused and committed to it
Make no mistakes, He’s coming back again, and He needs to find you busy, doing what He told you to do. He said to His disciples, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). If you truly love Him, do His will; live for Him. Don’t let your life be conditioned to this earth. Let Him come and find you doing what He’s called you to do.

You may ask, “How soon is He coming?” Very soon! It doesn’t matter if it’s in a matter of days, weeks, months or years; as long as you’re in fellowship with Him, walking in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7), when He comes, you’ll be ready. You might just be winning souls on that day, or distributing Rhapsody of Realities when that trumpet sounds, but you’ll hear it. The Bible says, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52).

Put away every distraction and be afire for the Lord, fulfilling the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Let God, and His work of kingdom expansion, be all that you live for. One day, you’re going to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, and give account for everything He instructed you to do (2 Corinthians 5:10). Let Him say to you at the end, “...Well done, thou good and faithful servant...” (Matthew 25:21).

PRAYER
Precious Lord, your zeal and passion have consumed me, and like never before, I’m spreading the message of the Gospel of Christ into the nations of the world. I’m enabled by the Spirit, to proclaim the Word with power and boldness, turning many from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, and into their inheritance in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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

Luke 21:25-27
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 15:18-16:1-16
1 Chronicles 5-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 14:31-40
Proverbs 27
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Faith Comes In The Word** Monday 30th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Faith Comes In The Word** Monday 30th May . Pastor Chris

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you (Luke 17:6).

Jesus emphasized that the smallest amount of faith can produce great results. Someone may say, "How am I sure I have faith, let alone little one?" The Bible says, "...God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3). Notice that it says, "the measure of faith"; that means there's a definite measure for everybody.

We all received the same measure of faith at the new birth, but what you do with yours is what matters; you have to make it grow. Some have made their faith grow, some others haven't; they're still living at the level of faith after many years of being a Christian. You must exercise and grow your faith by putting it to work.

When you think you don't have enough faith, then you need to hear more of God's Word; the Word will produce and impart faith to your spirit. You don't have to struggle or try to make it happen; just hear the Word, and faith will be stirred in your spirit: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

A young man walked into church some years ago, having been convinced by his friends to come. He came in with so much doubt and unbelief, but as he listened to the Word being preached, he began to have a change of heart. When I had a chat with him after the service, he said to me, "Somehow, I believed the things you preached." He believed because faith came to him in the Word.

You might have noticed sometimes, as you listen to God's Word, maybe while in church, or on your own during your personal study, the whole world suddenly seems small. All the challenges you may have been facing suddenly seem like nothing. The reason is that when the Word of God enters your spirit, it sparks up faith in you. Every time you hear God's Word, your spirit is energized; the Word becomes real in your spirit, giving you a sense of victory and dominion.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the faith that your Word bolsters in me even now! Armed with the Word in my heart, and in my mouth, I surmount challenges, change situations, work miracles, and consistently walk in victory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study: || 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. ||
|| Romans 4:18-20 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 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; ||
|| Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 15:1-17, 1 Chronicles 3-4
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 14:20-30, Proverbs 26

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **We “Prove” His Will** Sunday 29th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **We “Prove” His Will** Sunday 29th May . Pastor Chris

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

The word “prove” in our opening verse is the Greek “dokimazo,” a very interesting word. Let me get you to fully appreciate its import by painting you a picture. If you’ve ever travelled to a foreign country, you most certainly would have passed through ‘customs and immigration’ before you were allowed in. Usually, you’re made to pass through or pass your things through some machine to scan whatever you have, to be sure you’re not bringing in contraband. The ‘customs or immigration’ officials scrutinize you to decide if you’re eligible to go in. That’s “dokimazo.”
When it says, “...that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2) it means, like those officers, you’re God’s man or woman to scrutinize, decide, and choose the good things that you want to come into this world; things that conform with the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.

You’re the expression of His goodness; the vent for His glory. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” We’re the righteousness of God; His righteous ones. We give expression to God’s glory; we allow the good things of God to come into this World. It’s our calling. All of creation is in pain, groaning and waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19). And God says to us, “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” It’s our job.

Now you can further understand what Jesus meant when He said whatever you forbid on earth is forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth is permitted in heaven (Matthew 18:18). So, what are you going to allow into your world? Let good things come through you. Allow His joy, peace, prosperity, love, kindness, and righteousness, flow through you to your world. When people see you, let them see joy; joy unspeakable and full of glory. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for guiding me in the path of your perfect will for my life through the guidance from your Word, and the Holy Spirit. I express your goodness, righteousness, love, glory, and joy, filling my world with the aroma of your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:19
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Matthew 18:18
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
1 Thessalonians 5:21
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 14:15-31 1 Chronicles 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 14:10-19
Proverbs 25

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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **HE'S GIVEN US EVERYTHING** Saturday 28th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **HE'S GIVEN US EVERYTHING** Saturday 28th May . Pastor Chris

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).
The truth in our opening verse is also paralleled in 1 Corinthians 3:21; it says, “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.” Did you notice it doesn’t say “some things,” or “only the things you pray about are yours?” Rather, it says all things are yours! This is thereality. Affirm it. Believe the Word and act accordingly.

The Word of God is very clear about this. This isn’t something to argue with, doubt or negotiate. Everything you require: the money, facilities, ideas, vision, human, and material resources, etc., have all been granted you in Christ Jesus. You have everything that’s required for an extraordinary life of righteousness and glory in the earth; everything that’s necessary for you to live and excel in the God- life. This means you can live for God; you can be effective in doing things for Him, ministering to Him, and living triumphantly every day!

Knowing this, therefore, how could you be in lack? David said, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). How could you live the down life? Refuse to see the problems and lapses in this world. Live the higher life. You’re Abraham’s seed. Live above this world’s systems. It doesn’t matter the circumstances in the earth realm; you’re not of the earth. Do what the Word says, and walk your way upwards from glory to glory.

CONFESSIONI’ve been blessed and fortified in Christ Jesus with everything I need for life, and godliness; therefore, I live triumphantly today and always! I’m walking in the glory of God, pleasing Him in all things, and fruitful in every good work. He’s made my life pleasant; I’m a delightsome land, a tree of righteousness, producing fruits of righteousness. Blessed be the Lord!

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

1 Corinthians 3:21-23 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:31-14:1-14, 2 Kings 23-25

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 14:1-9, Proverbs 24

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Let Him Lead You** Friday 27th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Let Him Lead You** Friday 27th May . Pastor Chris

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Walking in the Spirit is walking in the light of God's Word. When you walk in the Spirit, no matter what your senses tell you, you'll be able to discern which direction God wants you to go. Many people live in uncertainty. But as a child of God, the Spirit of God is in your life to lead and guide you. He guides you in the perfect will of God, away from defeat, failure, and anything that hurts.

Learn to live according to the Spirit. John said we should walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7). And Jesus said, "...I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). To follow Jesus is to walk in accordance with the Word; it's to walk in the direction of God's Spirit for your life. Let Him guide you. In your job, He can tell you what to do; same as with your family, health, finances, and other areas of your life. All you need is to yield to Him.

He's your protection. He's your shield. He's your courage and your strength. He's your ability. Christians whose lives are full of struggles have one major problem: they're yet to allow the Holy Spirit fully take over their lives. You were brought into an extraordinary life of rest, glory, endless possibilities and victories when you were born again, and the One to lead and guide you in the path God ordained for you to walk, is the Holy Spirit!

When He's charge of your life, circumstances and situations will always work in your favour. He'll bring perfection to your life. He'll cause you to grow from strength to strength, from grace to grace, from faith to faith, and from one level of greatness to another. Trust Him with your life. Commit your pursuits in life to Him, and He'll lead you through victoriously. It's His joy for you to be a success and live triumphantly every day.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for showing me the path of life, wherein I have glory, abundance, health, peace, and fulfilment. I walk in the light, for your Word is a lamp to guide me, and a light for my path! I'm yielded to the guidance and rulership of your Spirit always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. ||
|| Isaiah 58:11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. ||
|| Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. || Daily

Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 13:1-30, 2 Kings 20-22
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Proverbs 23

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Value Spiritual Things** Thursday 26th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Value Spiritual Things** Thursday 26th May . Pastor Chris

And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? (Genesis 25:32).

Obadiah 1:21 tells us something striking; it says, "And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau...."Esau represents the godless, the profane or body-ruled; those who don't have value for spiritual things. Such people, the Bible says, are in the flesh and therefore can't please God (Romans 8:8).

Esau was the older brother of Jacob, and because of his profanity, he sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of food. The spiritual implication of his action didn't quite dawn on him at the time. It wasn't about the food he ate; it was about his disdain for spiritual things. The birthright was spiritual. It had a special blessing, yet Esau forfeited it to his younger brother, because of food. What he wanted was for physical gratification: what he could touch, taste, or feel at that moment. And he got it. He made a carnal choice over that which was spiritual.

Jacob, on the other hand, was smart. He wanted the blessing, and he got it. The blessing is an unseen elixir. The senses can't perceive the blessing. What you can see about the blessing are the results of the blessing. It's like the anointing of God's Spirit; you can't see or touch the anointing, but it's real, and it's supernatural.

There're some today who have no value for spiritual things; they're like Esau. They'll rather sit at home to watch a sports event at the time they ought to be in church. They'd rather accommodate social engagements when they ought to be praying. These are carnal Christians. What life are you living? What are the things that are important to you? What do you set your affections on? Does the blood of Jesus that was shed for you on the cross mean something to you? Do you meditate often on His vicarious sacrifice on your behalf? Have you sat down to contemplate and comprehend the love of God demonstrated towards you? Does He have the rulership in your life every day?
Let Christ, and the reign of His glorious Kingdom be all that truly matters to you. Let your passion for spiritual things, and love for the Master, be evident in all you do.

PRAYER
Gracious and loving Father, thank you for your love for me, and your glory that's evident in my life. Thank you for your Lordship and leadership over my life, and for your wisdom that guides me always in your perfect will. My life is for your glory, now and always, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study:Hebrews 12:15-17 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Daily Scripture Reading
*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* John 12:20-50, 2 Kings 18-19
*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* 1 Corinthians 12:22-31, Proverbs 22
*EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Born To Reign** Wednesday 25th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Born To Reign** Wednesday 25th May . Pastor Chris
 
...Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world... (John 18:37).

The Bible tells us how God appeared to Abraham when he was ninety years old, and blessed him. He said to him, “And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee” (Genesis 17:6).

Some Bible translations say, “...some kings will come out of thee,” but that’s wrong. God wasn’t thinking about the kings of Israel and Judah that would reign over His people; He was talking about a generation that’d be born as kings.
In the following verse, the Lord said, “And I will
establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.” His everlasting covenant wasn’t with Abraham’s physical, earthly seeds like Isaac, Jacob etc., who only received the blessing in part.

Galatians 3:16 says, “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” The seed He was talking about is Christ, and we’re heirs of the promises that were made to Abraham because we’re in Christ: “And if ye [be] Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29).

So, when God said to Abraham “...kings shall come out of thee...,” He was actually talking of us, the new creation. Romans 5:17 says, “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace
and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” The Greek rendering of the word, “reign” accurately means “to king.” Thus, the actual Greek construction should be, “...they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall king in life, by one, Jesus Christ.”

You were born to reign (to king) in life over demons, sickness and disease, poverty, failure, circumstances and death, because you’re Abraham’s seed, and a joint heir with Christ. Therefore, have the mentality of absolute success and dominion. Christ reigns on earth today through you.

CONFESSION
I know who I am! I’m Abraham’s seed and I reign and rule in this life. I walk in the consciousness of abundance and dominion because I’m a joint-heir with Christ; therefore, all things are mine!

FURTHER STUDY:
Galatians 3:7-9 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 12:1-19 2 Kings 16-17
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 12:12-21
Proverbs 21
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Don’t Delay** Tuesday 24th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Don’t Delay** Tuesday 24th May . Pastor Chris

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work (John 9:4).

Avoid procrastination. Don’t delay in the things you should do. Act at the right time; act while you can, because the opportunity may not always be there. What’s that vision the Lord laid in your heart at the beginning of the year? How far have you fulfilled it? It could be about your evangelical work as a Christian or a minister of the Gospel. It could be about your job or family or even your health. Don’t delay. Be about what He asked you to do, and refuse to be distracted.
Oftentimes, when you don’t do what you should do at the right time, your inaction could prevent you from getting to the next level of your life. So, do the right things at the right time. It’s one of the benefits of yielding yourself to the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God; His wisdom propels you to do the right thing at the right time, the right way, for the right purpose.
Sometimes, the consequences of delay could take several years to correct; so, take action now. Don’t delay in doing the Lord’s bidding. Once you take the step and put the required effort into that which He has inspired you to do, His miracle-power comes upon your efforts, and His glory is revealed in what you do. So, don’t delay to act on His Word. Don’t delay to act on His instructions and the inspirations that come to you.

Some people get the prompting of the Spirit to do something, but they ignore that prompting, because they want to pursue some other things first. Sadly, they often never get a second chance. It pays to know the voice of the Lord and respond promptly when He speaks. It pays to do what He wants you to do when He wants it done.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for your wisdom, glory, grace, power, and the divine enablement you’ve imparted to my spirit so as to live the victorious Christian life, every day. By your Spirit, I’m divinely positioned to fulfil my destiny in Christ, fruitful in the ministry of reconciliation, to the glory of your Name, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business?
he shall stand before kings;
he shall not stand before mean men.

Proverbs 28:19 GNB
“A hard-working farmer has plenty to eat. People who waste time will always be poor.”

Psalms 90:12
So teach us to number our days,
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 11:17-57 2 Kings 13-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Proverbs 20
Leave comments on today's devotional www.rhapsodyofrealities.org

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **You Must Keep Bearing Fruits** Monday 23rd May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **You Must Keep Bearing Fruits**  Monday 23rd May . Pastor Chris

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down (Luke 13:6-9).

The scripture above is a parable told by the Lord Jesus Christ with which He emphasized the importance of fruitfulness in God’s Kingdom. The owner of the vineyard had come seeking fruit from a particular fig tree, but there was none. Then he said to the vinedresser, “Cut it down.” The vinedresser, however, pleaded for more time to cultivate the tree some more, perhaps eventually it’d produce fruits. Otherwise, it could be cut down.
The tree was of no value in the vineyard if it wouldn’t produce any fruits. In the same way, the Christian is a tree of righteousness in the Lord’s vineyard and is expected to be productive (Isaiah 61:3). A Christian that’s not producing fruits of righteousness is like the fig tree which the owner of the vineyard said should be cut down, and to which he said, “ ...why cumbereth it the ground?” (Luke 13:7). In other words, why waste good ground for an unproductive tree?

Some Christians have been born again for a very long time, yet they’ve never led a soul to Christ; they’ve never brought someone else to church. That’s like the unproductive fig tree. If perhaps, you’ve been that way, you must make a change today! First, ask the Lord to forgive you. Then, ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you to witness to someone today about Jesus Christ. Start from today to tell others about Jesus, who He is to you, and His saving grace.

Paul said, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead” (2 Corinthians 5:14). Be passionate about bearing fruits for the Lord, because He desires that of you.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the opportunity to be inspired and instructed by your Word. I’m like a well-watered garden, fruitful at all times. I’m the fruit-bearing part of God’s vine and I’m producing durable fruits; fruits of righteousness, because I’m a tree of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
John 15:1-2
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 11:1-16 2 Kings 10-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 11:30-34
Proverbs 19
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **God's Word—The Seed Of Divine Life** Saturday 21st May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **God's Word—The Seed Of Divine Life** Saturday 21st May . Pastor Chris

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (1 Peter 1:23).

The Bible declares that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin. That's significant because the life of a human being comes from the man, and not from the woman. Howbeit, the body of a human being comes from the woman. It's therefore something extraordinary for Jesus to be born of a virgin. Where did His life come from? It came from the Word.

The angel brought words from God to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:35). Mary believed and received the Word (the see of God), and the Holy Spirit came upon her to conceive the child without the agency of the seed of man. The Word of God is the seed of God (Luke 8:11); that's the seed of divine life, just as the life of an orange tree is in that little orange seed.
When you receive God's Word, you receive the life of whatever it talks about; whatever you're hearing from God is the seed to produce in you, or for you, what it talks about. For example, when we preach and teach divine healing, the hearer receives the seed of healing and it produces healing and health. Likewise, when we teach God's Word on the subject of finances, it produces seed of financial blessings and miracles. That's the power of God's Word!

Christianity is no religion. Jesus Christ was the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14). We also were born again by the same seed (Word). That's what we read in our opening verse. You have the same life as God Himself, because you're born of the Word—God's indestructible seed (1 Peter 1:23).

You're not born of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:13). This is what makes your origin divine. 1 John 4:4 says, "Ye are of God, little children...," meaning that you hail from God; you're a partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Glory to God!

CONFESSION
I'm born of the Word and Spirit of the Lord, therefore, I'm impregnable to anything that hurts or binds, because I hail from God! I've overcome the devil and his cohorts of darkness, for the greater One dwells in me! I have the nature of God; I'm more than a conqueror; I'm an associate of the God-kind, and I'm living triumphantly every day, through Christ Jesus.

Further Study: || Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. ||
|| John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 10:1-21, 2 Kings 6-7
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 11:12-19,

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Divine Order** Friday 20th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Divine Order** Friday 20th May . Pastor Chris

For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order (1 Chronicles 15:13).

There’s such a thing as divine order. Order here, is a prescribed form of religious service or rite. Through the scriptures, we see that the Lord established definite orders and patterns for different services of spiritual importance. Even the ministries and offices of the prophets, priests, and kings had divine orders guiding their actions and in relation to one another.
In 1 Corinthians 14:40, the Spirit said through the Apostle Paul, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” When Moses was about to make the tabernacle, God admonished him to make everything according to the prescribed order: “...Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount” (Hebrews 8:5).

There’s a pattern; there’s a way; there’s a prescribed order in doing the things of God; follow it and you’ll experience His grace and blessings in your life and in your service to Him. To do otherwise is to walk against His perfect will, like what happened to David and the children of Israel when they didn’t follow the prescribed order in moving the ark of God into the city of David. The repercussion was grievous (Read 2 Samuel 6:1-10).

Follow God’s Word. Carry out His instructions according to the prescribed order. Don’t break ranks. Don’t have your own way. When instructions are given to you in the house of God, not only are you required to act on them
swiftly, let it also be according to the divine order.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the ability of your Word in my spirit. I’m a doer of the Word, not just a hearer. The results of living in, and by the Word are evidently manifested in every area of my life today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Proverbs 19:20
Hear counsel, and receive instruction,
that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
1 Samuel 15:22
And Samuel said,
Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
and to hearken than the fat of rams.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 9:1-41 2 Kings 4-5
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 11:1-11
Proverbs 16
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Word Brings You Visions** Thursday 19th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Word Brings You Visions** Thursday 19th May . Pastor Chris
 
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be (Genesis 15:5).
The Word of God brings visions to your spirit. It’s one of the important benefits and impactful ministries of the Word of God in our lives. When you hear God’s Word, watch out for the visions that it brings to you, the spiritual visions, and revelations that it conveys; accept them, and they’ll profit you.
Spiritual visions from God come to your spirit when you hear or study the Word. It’s the reason a man can see himself healed, once the Word of God for healing comes to his spirit. And when he acts, on the basis of that vision produced in his spirit by the Word, he’ll jump out of the wheel chair, or stretcher, as the case may be, and start doing the things he couldn’t do prior to hearing the Word.

We see such all the time in our meetings. Many who were carried into the auditorium, sick, and unable to walk, suddenly start running and jumping. Many of them, in their testimony say, “I just saw myself walking and running, as I listened to the Word, so I acted accordingly.”
When the Word brings visions to you, hold the picture and act accordingly. It’s one of the reasons you must soak yourself in the Word. Give yourself completely to the Word of God. Revelations, manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit, and several other blessings are activated in your life, when you listen and pay attention to the Word.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the visions of the Spirit that come to me through your Word. Thank you for the manifestations of the gifts and blessings of the Spirit that are activated in me even now, through the ministry and power of your Word in my heart, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 2:17
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Acts 14:9-10
The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 8:48-59 2 Kings 1-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 10:22-33
Proverbs 15
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Express The Love Of Christ** Wednesday 18th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Express The Love Of Christ** Wednesday 18th May . Pastor Chris

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (1 John 3:14-16).

It’s our calling to influence our world with the grace and beauty of Christ. You’re to manifest His glory everywhere, and express His love to your world. God is love (1 John 4:8 &16), and expressing His love is one of the ministries of a Christian; it sets you apart as a true disciple of Jesus Christ: “By this shall all men know that ye are my
disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).
The love of Jesus that you lavishly manifest should be the first thing that people notice about you. It should be the greatest attraction about your life. Love builds, lifts, and promotes. Let your love for those for whom Christ died be intense, and let it motivate you to intercede in prayer, and minister the Gospel to them. Let those you encounter be inspired, lifted, and challenged by your words and deeds of
love.
The Bible says the one who doesn’t love, doesn’t know God; he abides in death; spiritual death: “...He that loveth not his brother abideth in death” (1 John 3:14). You’re no longer dominated by spiritual death or the power of darkness, because you love the brethren. It’s natural for you to express love, and see the beauty in others and appreciate who they are. Love much. Love always. It’s your calling in Christ. Hallelujah.

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for your Word that’s at work and prevails in me mightily, producing in me a harvest of what it says. I’m committed more than ever, to walk in love, and express your goodness and righteousness everywhere. I influence those I meet today with your love that’s in my heart, and I make a difference in my world today, to your praise and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

2 John 1:6
And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

Jude 1:21
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 8:31-47 1 Kings 22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 10:14-21
Proverbs 14
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Our Oneness With Him** Tuesday 17th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Our Oneness With Him** Tuesday 17th May . Pastor Chris

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17).

In Christianity, what God has done is to make us one with Him. It’s the biggest thing about our salvation in Christ Jesus—our oneness with the Lord. We’re not mere followers or disciples of Jesus Christ, we’re in fellowship with Him; it’s a vital union.
When you were born again, not only was your spirit recreated, you were also immersed into Christ; you’re literally joined together with Him in an inseparable union. We’re members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones (Ephesians 5:30). We’re associates of the God-kind; partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). His character and personality are revealed to our spirits. Therefore, we can know Him, and relate to Him with and from our spirits.

God may be a mystery to the spiritually unlearned, but not to you. His ways are now your ways, and His thoughts have become your thoughts. Through His Word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, His will is unveiled to your spirit. Some people are never sure of God’s will; they imagine Him as a complex, distant, mysterious being; therefore, they’re unable to walk with Him.

God’s purpose is what He already accomplished in Christ: He brought you into oneness with Himself, so you can be synchronized with Him in thoughts and actions; so He can live out His perfect will and purposes in and through you. That’s what living by the fullness of His wisdom (Greek: Phronesis) is about. Always, you do what you ought to do, say what you ought to say, at the right time, in the right way, in the right place, for the right purpose. Hallelujah!

Become conscious of your oneness with the Lord. Cultivate an intimacy with the Holy Spirit through fellowship. Study and meditate on the Word. That way, you’ll always be synchronized with the will, purpose and timing of God, walking with Him in the realms of glory.

PRAYER
Dear Father, my joy knows no bounds, to know that I’ve been brought into an inseparable union with you, to enjoy the bliss of rich and intimate fellowship with the Spirit! My life is the expression of your perfect will, as you manifest yourself to and through me today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 5:30
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

John 17:21
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:
John 8:12-30 1 Kings 20-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Proverbs 13
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **You Have A Sound Mind** Monday 16th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **You Have A Sound Mind** Monday 16th May . Pastor Chris

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

As Christians, we have the mind of Christ, a sound mind; that means an excellent mind. It makes no difference how many people don’t think you’re sound, God says you are, therefore, see yourself in the same light, and talk accordingly.
A sound or excellent mind is one that’s fixed on the Word; one that’s controlled and influenced by the Word, and doesn’t vacillate. It’s a renewed mind that stays the course, and keeps doing the right things, regardless of changing circumstances. A sound mind thinks and produces excellence only; it doesn’t allow mediocrity and imperfection.

God demands perfection. He said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). That’s why He gave you a sound mind, an anointed mind, so you’ll be very excellent at what you do in a way that stands you out all the time. Affirm always that you’re sound. Continually say to yourself, “I have an excellent spirit, and I do excellent things, because the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of excellence, lives in me. He has anointed my mind to produce excellence.” Have this consciousness every day.

The Scriptures testify that you have a sound mind, so, don’t wait for anybody to say it about you. God said it, so you may boldly affirm the same thing: “...for he hath said...So that we may boldly say...” (Hebrews 13:5-6). So, even now, declare, “I have a sound mind. I do excellent things. I’m set apart for excellence!” Say this to yourself several times today.

CONFESSION
The Holy Spirit has made me super-intelligent; He has anointed my mind, therefore, I have an extraordinary amplitude of comprehension. I have quickness of understanding, and the wisdom of God is at work in me to produce excellent results to the glory of God.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 2:16
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Psalms 119:99
I have more understanding than all my teachers:for thy testimonies are my meditation.

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

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 7:25-8:1-11 1 Kings 18-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 9:20-27
Proverbs 12
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **HE PROVED THE FATHER'S LOVE** Saturday 14th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **HE PROVED THE FATHER'S LOVE** Saturday 14th May . Pastor Chris

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

The Lord Jesus came to show us what God is like. He revealed Himself to us to let us know how much God loves us, and how that He’s more willing and concerned for our success than we could ever be. He desires our good more than we could ever want. The human mind, however, can’t figure this out. “How could God love me?” one may ask, but Jesus proved that He does.

Jesus was different from all the patriarchs and the prophets; He was different from Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Moses, Joshua, etc. The prophets preached and prophesied judgments: “...If you sin, be sure your sins shall find you out” (Numbers 32:23). Ezekiel prophesied, “...The soul that sinneth shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). Moses commanded the children of Israel, according to the Law, to stone people to death who had committed certain sins.

But when Jesus came, He brought grace and truth: “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). The Bible says by Him, all who believe are justified from all things, from which they couldn’t be justified by the law of Moses (Acts 13:39). It’s a new day! Glory to God! Jesus proved the Father’s love.

The Father has always loved us. Jeremiah 31:3 says, “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love....” To prove His great love for us, He sent Jesus: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The Father couldn’t do any more than He did when He sent His Son, Jesus Christ. That’s all He needed to do to demonstrate His love for us, and He did it.

Enjoy the love of God today, knowing that He did the utmost that could have ever been done to prove His love for you. You’re, indeed, valuable to Him.

PRAYERLord Jesus, thank you for paying the price that I could never have paid, in demonstration of the Father’s unconditional love, mercy, and overwhelming kindness towards me. Now I live joyfully in righteousness, free to serve you without guilt, inferiority or condemnation. I walk in this consciousness. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY: Ephesians 3:17-19 1 John 4:8-10
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 6:60-71, 1 Kings 12-142 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 9:1-10, Proverbs 10

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Seize The Moment: Preach The Gospel Now. ** Friday 13th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Seize The Moment: Preach The Gospel Now. ** Friday 13th May . Pastor Chris

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2).

Our opening verse was Apostle Paul's charge to Timothy. He said, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season...." This is God's charge to you today; preach the Word, in season and out of season. There're nations today where you can't preach the Gospel openly, but some years ago, they were open. Preach the Word now before the doors of some nations are closed; some cities will be closed very soon, and you won't be able to preach the Gospel there, like you can now.

There're many ways that a nation or city gets closed. For instance, when in a country, there're cities and states where you can't organize open-air gospel meetings because of prohibitions, it means that city or nation is closed. Even when you attempt to organise such meetings, the security agencies will tell you, "We can't accept or allow you to do it." Another example is when some nations enact laws against conversion, so that it becomes difficult for a Christian to lead someone else to Christ. Some even prohibit personal conversion; meaning, no one is allowed to convert himself from the state religion to Christianity.

Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" (John 9:4). The time to preach the Gospel is now! If the Spirit of God is leading you and giving you a vision to organize soul-winning outreaches, do it quickly. Seize the moment! If you wait, it might be too late. Be relentless in your evangelical work.
Don't take it for granted if you're still able to distribute Rhapsody of Realities in your city or country; do it more now, while you can. Pray for the nations of the world, and move quickly. Treasure the freedom and opportunities you have now to preach the Gospel.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the opportunities I have to preach the Word to those around me. I move with the speed and urgency of the Spirit, guided by your wisdom in leading many to righteousness. I receive increased grace and ability to fulfil the ministry of reconciliation to those in my world, and in the regions beyond, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Further Study: || Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. ||
|| John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. ||
|| 2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 6:25-59, 1 Kings 10-11
2- Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Proverbs 9
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Being A True Minister Of The Gospel** Thursday 12th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Being A True Minister Of The Gospel** Thursday 12th May . Pastor Chris

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you (Matthew 5:11-12).
When, as a Christian you’re effective in soul-winning, ministering faith, hope and love to others, you become an easy target for persecution. Not everyone will accept you. Nevertheless, remember, not everyone accepted Christ either. That’s why He said in Matthew 10:24-25, “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall
they call them of his household?”
You shouldn’t be surprised when, after you’ve acted in love and shown kindness to some people, they turn against you and do terrible things to hurt you. It’s not right to get angry and say in regret: “After all I’ve done for them?” Remember that you did what you did in the Name of the Lord. If you did it in His Name, why do you care?

You might even think God would punish the other fellow for saying nasty things about you, but He won’t; He actually doesn’t want to punish him. The Bible says, “...it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18:14). Rather, He’s looking for someone that’ll intercede for him. Instead of thinking God will punish those who are unkind to you, pray
for them; that’s being a true minister of the Gospel.

Understand that the more committed you are to the things of God, the more His glory will be revealed in your life, and the more some people will hate and persecute you for it. When that happens, don’t respond angrily; rather, respond in love. 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
When you’re persecuted, always remember that you were sent, not in your own name, but in the Name of Jesus. Therefore, the Lord Himself shall be your defence, and reward.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the comfort of the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit strengthens me with might in my inner man, to be effective in the ministry of the Gospel of Christ, irrespective of the tests, trials, and persecutions that I may face. The love of Christ compels and controls my actions, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Matthew 10:22
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 6:1-24 1 Kings 9:1-28
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 7:25-40
Proverbs 8
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Word In You** Wednesday 11th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Word In You** Wednesday 11th May . Pastor Chris

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11).

The Lord has given us His Word. The Bible says in Psalm 107:20, “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” If you’d receive God’s Word into your heart, it’ll change your life. I’m convinced that if you’d place yourself under the ministry of the Word long enough, you’ll make tremendous progress and your life will be a display of the efficacy of the Word.
Some people may not agree with this because their experiences have been different. They’ve been in church for so long, yet they’re confused about life. They say, “I’ve been going through so much, yet nothing has changed. I’m confused.” Such people might have been long in the church, but they haven’t given themselves to the Word. They may have messages on DVD and other formats, but the message isn’t in them. You need the message in your heart, not on your shelf or device.
Until and unless the Word takes root in your heart, it won’t produce results. If you kept corn seeds in the best refrigerator or in the vault of the best bank in the world, you won’t have a crop. If you placed them on the marble floor of your room and turned on the air conditioner, you still wouldn’t have a crop. The seeds must be placed in the right environment to have a crop. You may have all the editions of Rhapsody of Realities since inception, but what really counts is that you’re reading and digesting them. The message must be inside you to produce result.

One of the first signs that the Word has taken root in your spirit is that it’ll affect your way of thinking. The Word renews your mind. If it hasn’t transformed your mind, it hasn’t entered inside you; and thus, its influence and effect in your life will be limited. So, keep the Word in you through study and meditation.

Don’t assume you know; that’s the cause of the destruction of many. They assume they know until the hour of crisis comes and they panic. Moving to the next and higher level in life means you must give more attention to the Word of God. Always meditate on the Word. Inevitably, your progress will be evident to all.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the Word, by which I’m transformed. The Word is in my heart, working on my mind and giving me the right mindset. Your Word, oh Lord, is my meditation day and night, and it produces in and through me, the character of its message, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
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.

Hebrews 4:2
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

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

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 5:31-47 1 Kings 7-8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 7:10-24
Proverbs 7
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **You Rule On His Behalf** Tuesday 10th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **You Rule On His Behalf** Tuesday 10th May . Pastor Chris

The LORD will send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thy enemies (Psalm 110:2).

Talking about the Lord Jesus, the Bible says, “...he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25). This isn’t about Him reigning in heaven, but in the earth. Legally, God has put all things under His feet. Ephesians 1:22 says, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.” So, Jesus is the head over all things.
Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder....” Notice, it doesn’t say the government shall be upon His head, but upon His shoulder. Jesus is the head; the government is upon His shoulder, that is, His body—the Church. Therefore, when the Psalmist declared, “The LORD will let your power reach out from Zion, and you will rule over your enemies” (Psalm 110:2 CEV), it’s through the Church—His body that He rules. He rules through us.

As a member of the body of Christ, you rule on His behalf. Even if you thought you were the smallest toe in the feet, you’re still above all things, because you’re seated with Christ, “far above all principality and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come” (Ephesians 1:21). Glory to His Name forever!

What this means is that in these last days, as a child of God, you’re expected to arise and take your place of dominion, and reign in the Name of Jesus over circumstances. Romans 5:17 says, “...they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” The actual Greek rendering of the word “reign” in the verse above is the verb “to king.” You’re called “to king” (reign) in life. Kings make decrees. So, speak the Word and see it happen.

The world and the fullness thereof has been given to you; so, be bold to take possession because you have the rulership. Command every contrary storm to be still in the Name of Jesus. Refuse to be sick, refuse to be poor. Be in charge and in control, winning every day. Reign and rule in life as the king that you are.

CONFESSION
I’m what God says I am. I’m a member of His body, of His flesh and of His bones, reigning, ruling, and prevailing over circumstances. By the power of God’s Spirit, I take possession of all that belongs to me in Christ, enjoying my life to the full, to the glory of His Name. Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

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:
John 5:1-30 1 Kings 4-6
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 7:1-9
Proverbs 6
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Enjoy What He’s Given You** Monday 9th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Enjoy What He’s Given You** Monday 9th May . Pastor Chris
 
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).

Galatians 4:1 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.” The heir is one who has an inheritance. However, though he owns everything, as long as he’s a child, he can’t enjoy his inheritance; rather, he’s placed under tutors and instructors, to bring him up to maturity.
This is what God does for us through the ministry of His Word. We’re taught and tutored on our inheritance in Christ. Even though all things are yours (1 Corinthians 3:21), you’ll not be able to enjoy your inheritance, if you’re not trained in the Word. It’s the reason the Lord gave the ministry gifts to the Church: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints...” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
We read in our opening verse that His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. What does that mean? It means you have everything that has to do with life; they’re yours now to enjoy! If you’re not enjoying your inheritance today as you should, it’ll be for one simple reason; something the Lord said in Hosea 4:6: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge....” It’s ignorance that makes some of God’s children walk through life, suffering and afflicted with pain.

So, refuse to be ignorant. The quality of your life is the direct result of the measure of knowledge of God’s Word in  you. You can’t have a life greater than your understanding, and application of spiritual truths. Keep living in, and growing by the Word, and you’ll live to your highest potentials in life. Keep the Word in your heart and in your mouth always, for with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. That means you appropriate your inheritance in Christ Jesus, with your faith-filled confessions.

PRAYER
Blessed Father, I thank you for giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness, freely to enjoy. You’ve made known to me the path of life; you’ve filled me with joy in your presence, and eternal pleasures at your right hand. You’re my light, and the glory of my life. In you I have health, prosperity, and abundance, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Ecclesiastes 5:18-19
Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 4:27-54 1 Kings 2-3
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Proverbs 5
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Don’t Lag In Zeal** Sunday 8th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Don’t Lag In Zeal** Sunday 8th May . Pastor Chris
 
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord (Romans 12:11).

The Apostle Paul, in our opening verse, admonishes the Church on the right and proper attitude to maintain in serving the Lord. He says, “Don’t be slothful in business,” meaning that you shouldn’t lag in zeal, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. The word “fervent” as used in this context is translated from the Greek “zeó,” which means to boil with heat for liquids, and to glow with heat for solids. That means there’s a boiling in your spirit with the Word of God, and a glow on the outside. That means you’re on fire for God.

Clearly, God wants you to be zealous in the Church. He doesn’t want you to be lukewarm or complacent. Some people are that way; they’re neither here nor there, and God doesn’t like it. His Word shows us His disposition towards spiritual lethargy and complacency. In Revelation 3:15-16, He said to the church at Laodicea, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
Be zealous about the things of God. Don’t just be satisfied to go to church once a week; get vitally involved in your local assembly. Be active in soul winning and other evangelical activities in your church. Be zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). Take up a responsibility in the house of God. Do something. Don’t wait until the pastor gives you an assignment.

The Pastor may give you an assignment, but there’re not enough assignments inside the building to give everyone. There’re however, more than enough assignments outside in
winning people, in encouraging and bringing them to church. That’s a lot of work, and a blessed opportunity for you to be an ambassador, both of Christ and of the Church.

It’s important that you work as a soul winner; be zealous to touch the lives of others with the Gospel, and take them with you to church.

CONFESSION
I’m steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that my labour isn’t in vain in the Lord. My passion for the Lord, and the things of the Spirit are fueled continually by the Holy Ghost. I’m an ambassador for Christ and of the Church, zealous in turning many to righteousness. Hallelujah.

FURTHER STUDY:
John 2:17
And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
2 Kings 10:16
And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord. So they made him ride in his chariot.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 4:1-26 1 Kings 1:1-53
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Proverbs 4
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Think Differently** Saturday 7th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Think Differently** Saturday 7th May . Pastor Chris
  
Let your conversation be without covetousness...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me (Hebrews 13:5-6).

The economic situation in the world today may have left many hopeless and terrified, but as a Christian, you must think differently, because you’re not of this world. You’re from another plane, a higher realm, where you live above the elements and rudiments of this world. Colossians 2:20 lets us know that you’re dead with Christ to the rudiments of the world. The world’s economic systems can’t work against you.
Understand that everything in this world is an instrument for your use. They shouldn’t rule over you; the economy shouldn’t dominate you, or dictate the circumstances of your existence. You’re greater than inflation and the economy. You’re bigger than this world! 1 John 5:4 says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” The world is yours and everything in it; therefore, think and function differently. Live from the mountain-top.

Job 22:29 says, “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up...” And in Jeremiah 17:7-8, the Spirit says, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” This is the reality about you, because you’re the seed of Abraham. Your success, progress, and prosperity are guaranteed, even in austere times. Hallelujah!

Economic problems aren’t new; they happened in Bible days. However, God always led His people through them victoriously. Let your mind soar beyond the country where you live. Have the mentality of a victor. Choose to see things from God’s eternal perspective, and continuously live with the consciousness that you’re from above.

You can never be disadvantaged, because you’re not of this world. You’re God’s heir; and He’s programmed everything in life to work in your favour: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

CONFESSION
The Lord God has bestowed on me favour and honour! I live a higher life, a life that’s beyond this world. I’m the blessed of the Lord! I’m prosperous and sound, and I lack nothing, for all things are mine! Glory to God!

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

Psalms 34:10
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger:
but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 3:22-36 2 Samuel 23-24
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Proverbs 3
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES** Challenges Are Your Opportunities** Friday 6th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES** Challenges Are Your Opportunities** Friday 6th May . Pastor Chris
 
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children...No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:7-11 NIV).

The Bible says, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him...” (2 Chronicles 16:9). That means He’s watching and looking for opportunities to manifest His glory on your behalf. He never leaves you alone. He never lets you down. He’s moved with the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15). He knows when you go through pain, and seeks to get you out of every predicament.
Every human need is God’s opportunity to bless. He wants to meet every human need. Actually, He’s already done that in Christ Jesus, but some are yet to fully understand and accept what He’s done. When you have a problem, when you face difficult situations that seem insurmountable, it’s an opportunity for you to experience a miracle. God never turns His back on you; His desire is for you to have a testimony from that challenge.

With this understanding, when you face tests, trials, and persecutions, when the storms and pressures of life billow against you, just know that your testimony is at hand. Many get overwhelmed by the challenges they face, not realizing that every challenging situation is a testimony in the making. The Word says, “Count it all joy when you go through diverse tests” (James 1:2).

1 John 4:4 says, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” The greater One lives in you; therefore, the challenges you face are bread for you. It makes no difference if it’s a health challenge, financial challenge, or challenges with your work; refuse to faint; rather, be strong in faith, giving glory to God. See the situation as your opportunity to demonstrate the power of God!

PRAYER
Gracious and loving Father, indeed your faithfulness and love are without end. Thank you for your strength in my inner man. Challenges are bread for me, because I’m full of the might and ability of the Spirit, who leads me in perpetual victory parade. Thank you for making me eternally triumphant, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
John 1:2-4
The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 3:1-21 2 Samuel 22
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 4:11-21
Proverbs 2

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **You're The Symbol Of Prosperity** Thursday 5th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **You're The Symbol Of Prosperity** Thursday 5th May . Pastor Chris

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29).

Psalm 1:3 says concerning the one who delights in the Word and meditates on it day, and night: "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

In the world today, many are confused, not knowing which way to go. For example, people switch jobs and businesses, looking for the one that's more "lucrative." As a Christian, you should be led of the Spirit, because you're the seed of Abraham. Anything you touch is blessed. Everything you do prospers. Your decisions or choices shouldn't primarily be motivated by financial factors, but by the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Your success or prosperity is about who you are, and not about what business or job you do. You carry a blessing. When you step into a place things start working!

Don't say, "I want to travel to such-and-such a place, because it's a good place;" no, you're the good place. You're a delightsome land! You're the symbol of God's blessings wherever you are, for you're the carrier of His presence and His grace. When you show up, blessings show up, like Joseph, in the house of Potiphar. The Bible says Potiphar recognized that the Lord was with Joseph, and that all he did prospered. Therefore, he placed Joseph in charge of his entire household and estate, and God blessed him for Joseph's sake (Genesis 39:1-5).

It's your heritage as the seed of Abraham, not only to be blessed, but also to be a blessing. Those around you—your friends, colleagues, neighbours, etc.—should notice that because of you, favour has come to them; there's expansion in their business, and progress in the entire city.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, I thank you for your wisdom that guides me, causing me to walk in your perfect will always, prospering in all that I do. Thank you for the impact of your Word in my life, and the understanding of the realities of your Kingdom, made possible by your Spirit that lives in me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Deuteronomy 1:10-11 The Lord your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. 11 (The Lord God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you!) ||

|| Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 2:1-18, 2 Samuel 20-21
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 4:1-10, Proverbs 1

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Your Mission In Life** Wednesday 4th May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Your Mission In Life** Wednesday 4th May . Pastor Chris

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:15-16).

As Christians, we’re on a mission in the earth, and the clarity of our mission is so important. Many people live without purpose, focus and direction; but when you give your heart to Christ, He gives you a clear mission, a definite purpose for living. In our opening scripture, the Lord Jesus was unequivocal about our mission; it’s for us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.

Therefore, let your life count for the Gospel. No matter who you are, where you are, what you do, and where you do what you do, your primary assignment and purpose for living is to minister God’s Word to those in your world. Your mission is to reach and win the lost to Jesus. Christianity is about soul winning. Therefore, keep talking to others about Jesus, and let your lifestyle be inspiring enough to cause sinners around you to desire to know Jesus.

Let everything about your life culminate in turning men and women to righteousness. Be focused, purposeful and resolute about your mission, which is soul-winning. Jesus said in John 4:34, “...My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” Then, in John 20:21, He said, “...Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” You’ve been sent to reach all men with the Gospel of life; let your whole life be in pursuit of this purpose! Be passionate about the expansion of God’s Kingdom, and the spread of the message of Christ’s salvation to the ends of the earth.

CONFESSION
I’m a man on a mission, entrusted with the divine responsibility of reaching those in my world with the Gospel of light. My zeal, passion, and commitment to the expansion of God’s Kingdom is rekindled today. The light of the glorious Gospel of Christ shines brightly in the hearts of men today, taking away darkness, pain, and misery, and bringing them righteousness, light, and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 5:18
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 3:6
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

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

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 1:19-51 2 Samuel 18-19
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 3:10-22
Psalm 149-150
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Look Inwards For The Perfect Glory** Tuesday 3rd May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Look Inwards For The Perfect Glory** Tuesday 3rd May . Pastor Chris

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).
Exodus 24:16 tells us how the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and the glory-cloud covered it for six days. It shows us something: the glory of God’s presence, assumed the visible form of a cloud over Mount Sinai. This physical manifestation of God’s glory was easier for the Jewish congregation in the wilderness to relate with, because they were men and women of the senses.
Today, however, there’re still some in the Church who want to relate with the glory of God from a physical perspective. For example, when you talk about the glory of God being present in a Church meeting, they expect to see a cloud or some physical manifestation as it was in the Old Testament; but God’s purpose is beyond having the glory in the building or environment.
No doubt, some people would have their faith bolstered if they saw something physical like a cloud filling the room, but it’s because they’re babes in the things of God. They’re yet to come up to the higher levels of understanding and manifestations of the glory of God. The Lord Jesus made it clear that the Kingdom of God doesn’t come with observation, nor is it something to be sought for in the environment. He said the kingdom is within you, that means it’s in your heart (Luke 17:20-21).
God’s excellent glory is in your spirit! Christ in you, is God’s perfect glory. Hallelujah! Ephesians 3:20 describes it as “...the power that worketh in us.”
The power at work in you is the Holy Ghost; He’s the glory of God, and He lives in you. Observe that it didn’t say “...the power that shall be present in your environment,” no! The anointing works from within you; therefore, look inwards, to the glory within.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for your power that’s at work in me. I’ve become the brightness and expression of your perfect glory, daily showing forth your virtues and perfections. Your glory fills my life, and I’m eternally grateful that I’ve become both the reflection, and reflector, of your excellent glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Luke 17:21
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Ephesians 3:20
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 1:1-182 Samuel 15-17
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Psalm 147-148
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RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **It's A Glorious Life** Monday 2nd May . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **It's A Glorious Life** Monday 2nd May . Pastor Chris

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).

Christianity isn't a life without challenges, and oppositions, yet it's a glorious life indeed, because irrespective of the tests, trials, and persecutions, you're always triumphant. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place." The Bible says ...we're more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Romans 8:37).

Therefore, count it all joy when you go through diverse tests (James 1:2). The Lord has said that when you go through the fire, you shall not be burnt, neither is there any flood severe enough to drown you (Isaiah 43:2). You're not an ordinary person. You're a victor everyday, and at every count, and that makes you a "wonder" to the world. David said, "I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge" (Psalm 71:7).

Some Christians think that living victoriously every day is some kind of utopia or a farfetched phenomenon; so they say, "Well, let's live in the real world!" They believe that their problems are more real than the fantastic "dream life" of the Bible; but they're wrong. Christianity is a call to the triumphant life; a perpetual walk in victory, dominion, righteousness, success, progress, peace, joy, health, and prosperity. This is the heritage of every child of God.
You have authority in Christ Jesus to reign and rule over the devil and the circumstances of life. Jesus said, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19). He lets you know that you're indestructible. Nothing, and no one, can hurt or destroy you, because Christ lives in you! Hallelujah!

CONFESSION
My life is for the glory of God! His beauty, wisdom, grace, and righteousness are expressed in, and through, me. I'm a wonder to my world. I'm more than a conqueror, a victor, and a success forever! Greater is He that's in me than he that's in the World. I'm living the beautiful life in Christ. Glory to God!

Further Study: || Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. ||
|| Romans 8:35-37 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 24:36-53, 2 Samuel 12-14

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 2:12-16, Psalm 145-146
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

MAY 2016 OUR MONTH OF BLESSINGS! Global Communion Service. With pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD

MAY 2016 OUR MONTH OF BLESSINGS!
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD ~ May 01st 2016 - Global Communion Service.
The glory of God is upon us, working inside us and all over us.
One of those few months where the communion service is on the first day.
I want you to just pray and thank him. The Lord is gracious and kind. No good thing will he withhold from you.
This month of May is a Month of blessings. The very first time that word is used in scripture
Genesis 1:20-21 KJV
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
[21] And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:22 KJV
And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
SAYING- God blessed them through his words.
He blessed them with fruitfulness and multiplication. That is to increase mightily and spread.
Genesis 1:27 KJV
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 1:28 KJV
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Genesis 1:29-30 KJV
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. [30] And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
God establishes purpose. God's got a plan. There is plan, there is purpose. Then he acted, establishes purpose for what he wanted.
God blessed them. Replenish means fix and fill. So we fix things.
This month be blessings conscious. Look out for blessings. If someone says something nasty to you, look out for the blessings.
It is wrong for a Pastor to curse members or a member of the church. He tells us to bless, and curse not. He did not give us a mouth to curse God's people.
You can't curse Israel bcs Israel is blessed. When you curse God's children you are making a terrible mistake. Because it can't work on the child of God and you got faith in it, it comes back to you. Pastor are empowered and consecrated to bless.
This month I turn to the left and right I am blessed. I look around and I am blessed. We r blessed, but there r special blessings.
In God's calendar, we are right in the position for special blessings.
Malachi 3:16 KJV
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it , and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord , and that thought upon his name.
They encouraged one another. We've been lifted by the Spirit of the living God. I'm lifted round about. The Lord is my Shepherd...He restores my soul.
I'm lifted and in my month of blessings. I refuse to accommodate the consciousness of lack. All things are mine.
Malachi 3:17-18 KJV
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. [18] Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.
I am God's jewel. He will make a distinction between the blessed and those who are not,
Hallelujah. I'm blessed. Throughout this month and everyday of the month I'm blessed. In your prayer, speak blessings.
I'm blessed with abundant supply. Walking in the glory and blessings. I am the seed of Abraham.