RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **No Lack Or Want** Thursday 1st September . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **No Lack Or Want** Thursday 1st September . Pastor Chris
       
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Paul understood the message of the new creation; notice that he didn’t say, “My God shall supply all our need....” He knew that the new creation isn’t in lack or want; the new creation doesn’t need to be “supplied”; he’s the supplier! Romans 8:17 says we’re heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. Paul, with this understanding, said to the spiritually immature, “But my God shall supply all your need....”
When you’ve come of age, you’ll realize that in Christ, we don’t have any unmet needs. Matthew 6:33 says, “...seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” When you seek the Kingdom of God first, every good thing you could ever wish for would be added to your life, without you having to ask. You won’t need to try to be happy, fulfilled or triumphant in life; you won’t need to pursue the things that the Gentiles seek: fame, money, recognition, acceptance, etc.; they shall be added unto you.

This doesn’t mean that after you’ve first sought and got the Kingdom of God, then you can go and seek other things; no. Seek the Kingdom, and you’ll get the rest of them combined. You may say, “Yeah, that’s why I’m seeking the Kingdom of God.” No, don’t seek anymore; you already found it, if you’re born again; you’re already in the Kingdom, and the Kingdom is in you (Luke 17:21). To have the Kingdom is to have all things. Glory to God!

Don’t look at what you may consider a need; look at what He’s lavishly made available to you in Christ. You were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ; that means you’ve been brought into oneness, partnership or family-union with Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9). If this is true (and it is true), what in the world could you ever be in need of? Affirm God’s Word in your life; He has said all things are yours; declare the same, because truly, there’s nothing you require that hasn’t been provided in Christ. Hallelujah!

CONFESSION
I testify that all things are mine! I lack nothing, because the Lord is my sufficiency; He makes me lie down in green pasture; He leads me beside the still waters! His divine power has given me all things that pertain to life and godliness. Glory to His Name forever!

Further Study: || 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: ||
|| Psalm 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing]. ||
|| 1 Corinthians 3:21-22 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; ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58, Proverbs 8-9
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Thessalonians 2:10-20, Jeremiah 18
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Maintain Your Confession Of The Word** Wednesday 31st August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Maintain Your Confession Of The Word** Wednesday 31st August . Pastor Chris
      
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned... (Isaiah 43:2).

When you study God’s Word, the economic problems and upheavals in the world today wouldn’t be a surprise to you. The socio-economic conditions in our world today must not dictate the circumstances of our existence. They must not control our faith in the Word of God. The Bible says those who know their God shall be strong and shall do exploits (Daniel 11:32).

As a child of God, the troubles in the world are not set against you. Your prosperity is independent of inflation, economic meltdowns and downturns. You’re not of this world. You’re the seed of Abraham. Refuse to fret or be anxious, for if you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small (Proverbs 24:10). The Lord is your strength. Remain strong in Him and in the power of His might.

Read what He says about you in the times of dryness, scarcity, and crises: “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” (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Glory to God! Let this be your testimony today and always, because it’s God’s Word concerning you. You’re a victor and a success in Christ Jesus, regardless of the crises and adversities in today’s world.

The darkness isn’t about to go away, for the Bible says, “...behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people”; but the scripture didn’t stop there; it continues, “...but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:2). In the midst of the darkness, you’ll shine brightly. Actually, the darker the night, the more brightly your light will shine. Therefore, rejoice, because the Lord your God is your prosperity. There’s no failure for you; so there’s no need to fear. Maintain your composure, and your confession of the Word.

PRAYER
Dear Father, you’re my refuge and my shield; I put my trust in you alone, knowing that in you I have life and all that I require to live triumphantly to the glory of your Name. I live above the economies and economics of this world; I’m prospering and making progress from glory to glory through the Word, and power of the Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Joshua 1:8-9 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. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest. ||
|| Hebrews 13:5 Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 15:1-34, Proverbs 5-7

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9, Jeremiah 17
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Beware Of Evil Communication** Tuesday 30th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Beware Of Evil Communication** Tuesday 30th August . Pastor Chris
     
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Through the Word of God we’re trained and cultured with good manners and godly behaviour, but some people can corrupt your good character through their unwholesome and perverse communication. Evil communication corrupts good manners. Any communication that negates, rejects or challenges the authority of God’s Word is an evil communication. Therefore, beware of such.

The Bible says, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” The wrong company can influence you to do the wrong things.

For instance, the Bible says, “Show respect to the aged; honour the presence of an elder...” (Leviticus 19:32 MSG). Ephesians 6:2 says, “Honour your father and mother.” Imagine that you have a friend who says you don’t have to do it. That’ll be an ungodly counsel. The Word says, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). But your friend says, “Must you pray all the time?” The Word tells you to not neglect church meetings, but your friend says otherwise. Don’t follow his ungodly counsel, but do the Word always.

In 1 Corinthians 5:11 GNB, the Bible says, “...you should not associate with a person who calls himself a believer but is immoral or greedy or worships idols or is a slanderer or a drunkard or a thief. Don’t even sit down to eat with such a person.” It parallels the Spirit’s admonition in Philippians 3:2, to beware of dogs, evil workers, and manipulators. It’s a stern warning from the Lord. When you see an inscription on someone’s gate that reads, “Beware of dogs,” they’re warning you of the dogs inside; not the ones outside.

Also, when it says beware of “evil workers,” the Greek rendering actually means “mischief makers”; mischievous people. The Bible wouldn’t warn you of such people if they weren’t dangerous. Therefore, if someone, whom you may even respect, tells you something you know isn’t consistent with the Word, you shouldn’t accept it. Be guided by the Word in all you do, and your life will glorify God.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I walk in the prearranged paths which you made ready for me before the foundations of the world. I’m guided by your Spirit to walk in wisdom and understanding, filled with the thoughts of righteousness. I’m guided and regulated by the Word, today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: ||Psalm 1:1 Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. ||
|| Matthew 5:29-30 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. ||
|| Psalm 26:4-5 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. 5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 14:1-40, Proverbs 3-4
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Jeremiah 16
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Be Ruled By The Word** Monday 29th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Be Ruled By The Word** Monday 29th August . Pastor Chris
     
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live (Romans 8:13).

As a child of God, you’re an ambassador of Christ. That’s how He sees you. You’re His representative. That’s why it’s important that your behaviour conforms to the Word. Be ruled by the Word. Don’t live according to your flesh. Don’t be controlled by your emotions. Give no place to carnality in your life. Be spiritually minded. Spend time on the Word and yield yourself to the Holy Spirit to work through you.

Remember, He sees your heart; if you’re hungry for Him; if you’re zealous and passionate for Him and the spread of the Gospel, He’ll see to it that you’re a success in life. So, you’ve got to align yourself with His thoughts. Let nothing stop you from living a life that’s pleasing to the Lord. Let your life be to the praise and glory of the One who called you.
Walk in the Spirit; the Bible says, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Walking in the Spirit is walking in the Word; living according to God’s Word. As long as you can have bitterness in your heart, you’re not walking in the Spirit; as long as you’re still involved in some worldly, carnal machinations, you’re not walking in the Spirit.

Refuse to be body-ruled. Live beyond the senses, for Christianity is life in the spirit. Don’t live in accordance to how you feel; live in accordance to the Word. You’re not of this world; you’re born of the Word. Jesus said, “I’m from above,” and so are you; you’re from above. Therefore, “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Don’t think, talk, or act like the world. Let the Word of God dominate your thinking and control your life.

CONFESSION
I’m born of the Spirit, and I’m fully yielded to His leading, guidance and control; I don’t fulfil the desires of the flesh. I’m fulfilling God’s perfect will, and living out my destiny in Him. I yield my spirit to Him only, to be instructed and guided in wisdom to please the Lord in all things. Amen.

Further Study: || Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ||
|| Romans 8:6-9 For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Proverbs 1-2
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 4:10-18, Jeremiah 15
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Put The Word In You** Sunday 28th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Put The Word In You** Sunday 28th August . Pastor Chris
     
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 (John 1:14).

Jesus is the revelation of God’s Word and the character of His thoughts, opinions, imaginations and entire being. He was the Word of God in flesh and a master of words. The Bible tells us how the temple guards who were sent to arrest Him, stopped to listen to Him, and upon hearing His words, went back without arresting Him.

When the chief priests and Pharisees asked why they returned without Him, the officers replied, “...No man ever spoke like this Man!” (John 7:46 NKJV). His words brought healing to the sick, restored sight to the blind, unstopped deaf ears, gave the lame new legs to walk, and raised the dead. His words were different. The Bible says He cast out demons with His words (Matthew 8:16). He ruled and reigned with words. He showed us the power of words; their value and how to use them.
Don’t just talk; speak the Word. Build yourself. Develop your spirit and distinguish yourself. Make your words different and become an excellent person. This won’t happen, however, until you feed your spirit with the right information—God’s Word. The Bible says, “...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 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” (Matthew 12:34- 35).

God gives us His Word so we can receive it, meditate on it, and let it become a part of us. Jesus said, “...Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Remember, food becomes a part of your body when you eat. In the same way, if you’d meditate on God’s Word, you’ll produce God’s words. If you don’t have it in you, it can’t come out of you.

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

CONFESSION
The Word of God is in my heart and in my mouth, and as I speak it forth, I establish the goodness of God in my world, effecting positive changes, and charting my course in glory. Blessed be God!

Further Study: || 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 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. ||
|| 2 Timothy 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; 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. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, Psalms 146-150
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 4:1-9, Jeremiah 14
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Don’t Ask God for Things** Saturday 27th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Don’t Ask God for Things** Saturday 27th August . Pastor Chris
    
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

The purpose of prayer isn’t for us to get God to do something for us. In fact, did you know your heavenly Father doesn’t want you asking for things? Someone who finds this surprising could be wondering, But Jesus said,“Ask and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9).
Yes, He did say that, but that was before the emergence of the new creation. “Ask and it shall be given you” was His teaching on faith and confidence in the Lord before His vicarious death, burial, resurrection and subsequent ascension to the Father to inherit all things in our behalf. Now, He’s made us joint-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17). The Bible says, “...his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness...” (2 Peter 1:3).

Having discovered these truths, what would you really want to ask God for? We read in our opening verse that you’ve been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Stop asking God for things in prayer. Use the power and privilege of prayer for higher purposes, like fellowship with the Father. You own the world. All things are yours (1 Corinthians 3:21), because you’re the seed of Abraham.

God already knew everything you’d ever need, and before you came on the scene, He made them available to you. He’s blessed you with all things already. There’s nothing today you’ll like to have that you don’t already have. “Yes, Pastor Chris, I know the Bible says all things are mine, but the reason I’m not enjoying them is because I really don’t have faith.”

No; you do have faith if you’re born again. You only need to act on the Word. The Bible says, “... God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). The same measure of faith was given to every one of us when we received the Gospel of Christ. Moreover, that measure of faith you received at the New Birth is enough to move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Use what you have. Exercise your faith.

Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for supplying everything I need to live triumphantly for your glory and fulfil my destiny in you! I refuse to fret or struggle for anything, for you’ve brought me into the place of rest and superabundance, where all my needs are met, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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

Matthew 6:7-8
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 11:2-34 Psalms 142-145
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Colossians
3:12-25 Jeremiah 13

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **He Wants You Successful** Friday 26th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **He Wants You Successful** Friday 26th August . Pastor Chris
    
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN (Matthew 6:9-10).

The underlined portion of the scripture above is simply amazing. If this wasn’t supposed to be answered, Jesus wouldn’t have taught the disciples to pray this way. It reveals the Father’s desire for His will to be established on earth as it is in heaven. This means it’s His will for you to prosper, be healthy and strong, vibrant, successful, fruitful and productive, for these are consistent with His nature.

There’re no obstructions, hindrances, lack or struggling in heaven. Therefore, nothing should limit you; you ought not to struggle for anything in your life! You’re called to reign and function from a position of rest. If you’re in lack or experiencing any kind of setbacks, don’t despair. Set your mind on the Word, and walk in His light, and He’ll bring you to your destiny in Christ.

3 John 1:2 says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” He’s talking to you; you’re His beloved. You may say, “I don’t experience the love of God; I don’t know if God loves me.” He already proved His love for you the greatest way: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). No wonder He wants His perfect will done in your life.

Your life isn’t for poverty, failure or defeat; it’s for the glory of God. The world is full of poor and defeated people, but we’re the ones to reach out and help them. You’re God’s channel of blessing to your world; that’s why He wants you to be successful, fruitful, and productive.

PRAYER
Dear Father, yours is the greatness, the power, the glory, the majesty, and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Your blessing brings wealth, with no painful toil for it; therefore, I refuse to struggle in life, because I’m in your rest. I’m prosperous and successful in every good work, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || 2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. ||
|| 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. ||
|| Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1, Psalms 139-141
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 3:1-11,
Jeremiah 12�EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Apply The Word For Changes** Thursday 25th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Apply The Word For Changes** Thursday 25th August . Pastor Chris
    
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

As a Christian, it’s important that you keep making progress, and using the Word of God to improve the quality of your personality. You ought to be able to testify of definite changes in your personality in recent times, through the application of the Word of God. There should be something positive and definite that you’ve built into your character or something negative that you got rid of from your character, by using the Word of God. Subject yourself to the Word for it to effect changes in your spirit and in your soul.
The change in your physical body is easy; the focus now is the change from within. You have a responsibility in building and upgrading your life with the Word of God; no one can do this for you. There’re people who haven’t changed in ten years. The same things that offended them years ago, are still offending them now. The same people they disliked years ago are still disliked today. The same issues they’ve had in five years are still there. They’ve neither changed nor grown; that’s sad.

The question to ask is, have such people acquired more information? Of course, they might have; but they haven’t acted on the information. They’ve heard and studied the Scriptures but haven’t yielded themselves to the transforming power of the Word of God to bring about lasting changes in their personality. It’s not enough to hear or gather scriptural information; you must act on the Word.
There’re those who, when they’re in church, write down everything that’s being preached and taught. They get the tapes and they listen, but they’re so used to the voice that it doesn’t mean anything to them nor effect a change in their character. They’ve become too familiar with the Word. Don’t be that way. Believe in the power and ability of the Word of God to transform your life from glory to glory. Apply the Word for changes. I’m not talking about a temporary change, but permanent changes to affect your personality.

God’s Word was given to you as a creative material. Any change you want in your life is possible; use the Word to make it happen. You can create more victories and sustain yourself in the transcendent life with the Word.

CONFESSION
The Word of God is my life and my sustenance; I’m making progress and winning everyday by the Word. Today, my life is improved and upgraded as the Word of God impacts my spirit, bringing about a transformation from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: || Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ||
|| Ephesians 4:22-23 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; ||
|| Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Psalms 135-138
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 2:16-23, Jeremiah 10-11
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **...See And Manifest The Glory** Wednesday 24th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **...See And Manifest The Glory** Wednesday 24th August . Pastor Chris
   
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee (Isaiah 60:1-2).

When, as a Christian, it seems like you’re under pressure at work, or there’s an unpleasant doctor’s report regarding your health, or your bank account is in red, don’t cry; don’t complain. Don’t fret or become despondent. Rather, get into your closet, and contemplate the glory of God. If it’s a financial challenge, declare that you’re the seed of Abraham. Abraham’s seed can’t be broke or poor! You’re the possessor of all things, because you’re an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ.

Times of challenges aren’t times for you to run helter-skelter, seeking help from man, no; trust in the Lord! He’s your help. If you have a financial need for example, declare, “I have all the money I require in the Name of Jesus; it comes to me by free course.” Make the declaration with faith, boldness and confidence, and it’ll be according to your word! Let nothing make you fret.

You’re called to manifest the glory of God. Despite the darkness and hardship in today’s world, you’re more than a conqueror. You’re a victor in Christ Jesus. You can never be disadvantaged. Christ in you is the hope of glory. See yourself in the glory. See yourself walking in the glory, carrying and manifesting the glory of God in your academics, in your job, health, family, finances, etc. See the glory in your life.

The Bible talks about the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow (1 Peter 1:11). Right after the sufferings of Christ, a life of glory ensued! He suffered so that you’d live in the glory. Therefore, live and walk in the light of your righteousness, victory, success, dominion, health and prosperity in Christ Jesus, and say “no” to defeat, failure, weakness and the down-life.

CONFESSION
I’m what God says I am! I live and walk in the light of my righteousness and glorious life in Christ Jesus. My faith is strong and effective; I’m victorious in every circumstance, making progress and advancing all the way! All things are mine, because I’m an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ. Hallelujah!

Further Study: || James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. ||

|| 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. ||

|| 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. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 9:1-27, Psalms 128-134
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 2:8-15, Jeremiah 9
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **...They Don’t Count At All** Tuesday 23rd August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **...They Don’t Count At All** Tuesday 23rd August . Pastor Chris
  
How terrible when all people speak well of you; their ancestors said the very same things about the false prophets (Luke 6:26 GNB).

God desires that every one of us be successful. And depending on your level of success, you’ll automatically become a persona non-grata to some; you’ll attract adversaries. This isn’t out of place. Never be worried, downcast, feel rejected or sad if there’re those who are against you, or those who don’t accept or approve of your success.

Actually, when you identify those who are against your success, you should be glad! The reason is that this world is so big, with a population in excess of seven billion people. Those whoare against you left everything else just to be against you; that shows you’re very important. So, get excited when you’re criticised by your adversaries.

There’s something inspiring in what T.L Osborn said several years ago; he said, “When you see a man with many or powerful or influential enemies, mark that man, for he’s going places.” How true! You measure a man’s strength, worth or value, not by his friends, but by the power of his adversaries. You measure a man’s greatness or influence, by the number or power of his enemies.
As long as you’re successful, your detractors will have you in focus. Once you’re no longer as radiant or as successful as they think, they wouldn’t care. But you don’t need to bother about them, because they don’t count. When they come out against you, they’ll stumble and fall, because the Lord is your salvation. Never give thoughts and undue considerations to Satan, and the activities of wicked and unreasonable men that seek to bring you down.
Understand this: your daily life is the fulfilment of that which has already been written. The Psalmist affirmed, “...When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell” (Psalm 27:1-2). For those who set themselves up to be your enemies, their fate is sealed: they’ll stumble and fall.

Therefore, refuse to be distracted. Focus on what you’ve been called to do. There’s no need to pray about your enemies; instead, love them as Jesus said: “...Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Luke 6:27-28).

CONFESSION
The peace of God garrisons my heart and mind in Christ, irrespective of the adversaries and adversities around me. My heart is stayed on the Lord who is my rock and fortress, my protection, and salvation. Now and always, I walk in victory, and in the dominion of the Word, reigning by grace through righteousness. Hallelujah!

Further Study: || Psalm 27:1-3 The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident. ||
|| 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries. ||
|| 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: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Psalms 120-127
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Put Your Name There** Monday 22nd August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Put Your Name There** Monday 22nd August . Pastor Chris

The elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:1-2).

The Apostle John established the fact, that above everything else, it’s God’s desire that we prosper in all things: spiritually, mentally, physically and materially. God’s dream is for us to be excellent and live in divine health always. Someone might say, “But that statement in our opening scripture was specifically addressed to Gaius; so it’s not applicable to us today.”

Well, 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God...”; therefore, this beautiful thought John penned down is from the Spirit of God, and it’s still as relevant today. Gaius has gone to heaven, the apostles have gone to heaven; we’re the ones on the scene today. Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” His Word is for now; so, 3 John 1:2 isn’t for Gaius today; it’s for you, because it’s consistent with the provisions of the Gospel of Christ.

You might as well read the entire opening verse again, and instead of Gaius, insert your name. That’s what you do with God’s Word; you make it personal to you, because His Word is to you personally. When you hear or study the Scriptures, especially the Epistles, personalize the Word; insert your name. For example, don’t just read Philippians 4:13 as though it was only for the Apostle Paul. If your name is Smith, say, “I, Smith, can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
Take possession of the Word; apprehend it and make it yours. Don’t say, “He’s talking to us”; no! Say, “He’s talking to ME!” The Word of God is for you to live in, and live by. Always personalize the Word for your progress and blessings.

Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, I yield to the Word, which prevails in my life, causing me to consistently make progress and walk in your glory. I prosper in my spirit, soul and body, and in every area of my life, 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;

Psalms 119:162
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 7:1-40 Psalms 119:113-176
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Colossians 1:19-29
Jeremiah 7

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **You’re The Blessed Of The Lord** Saturday 20th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **You’re The Blessed Of The Lord** Saturday 20th August . Pastor Chris
 
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

Notice the construction above; the Apostle Paul wasn’t praying or making entreaties or begging God for spiritual blessings, no! It’s an energetic outburst of luxuriant, profuse, and exuberant worship. He glorifies the Lord who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms. He had the mentality that he was already blessed with all spiritual blessings that exist, and became poetic in praise. This should be your testimony!

Be full of praise to God because there’s nothing you don’t have, and there’s nothing you can’t do! You’ve been endowed spiritually with all things, and for all things. Why did Paul use the phrase “spiritual blessings?” It’s because if you have the spiritual blessings, then you have all earthly blessings, because the spiritual gives birth to the physical. The lesser is included in the greater.

This world came from the spirit realm. The Bible says in the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1). God is a Spirit; so, the spirit-world pre-existed the physical world. Therefore, the spiritual blessings are greater than the physical blessings, because they’re the ones that give rise to the physical blessings. So, there’s no need to beg God to bless you; instead, become exuberant with Him in praise for already blessing you with all spiritual blessings.
He’s given you all things (1 Corinthians 3:21), and made you a partaker of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). He’s made you sufficient in His sufficiency; to be fruitful and productive in every good work. He’s given you His Spirit to lead and guide you in wisdom to fulfil your destiny in Him and be all that He’s ordained you to be. This should be your thinking, testimony, and worship.

Learn to say, “Blessed be God, who has blessed me in all things, and made me the testimony of His glory and revelation of His grace and righteousness.” You’re the blessed of the Lord, and not only that, you’re also the conveyor and vent of His blessings.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I worship and extol your Majesty today, for you’ve blessed me with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms in Christ. I’m conscious that I’m the conveyor of your blessings, imparting my generation with the blessings of your Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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. ||
|| 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 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Psalms 117-118
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Colossians 1:1-8, Jeremiah 5

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY, 19TH AUGUST. WE'RE OF THE SAME FAMILY

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES FRIDAY, 19TH AUGUST.

WE'RE OF THE SAME FAMILY.

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

God chose to identify Himself in the Scriptures, not as the God of all men but, as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In Exodus 3:15, He told Moses, “…say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” He let Moses know that the revelation of Himself that He gave to those men would be the foundation for their relationship.

You may call Him the God of Elijah; that’s okay; He indeed blessed Elijah and wrought many great works through Elijah, but He never introduced Himself as the God of Elijah. You may call Him the God of Moses, Joshua or Samuel, but He never introduced Himself as such. He identified Himself with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

You might say, “Well, it’s a family thing: father, son and grandson.” Yes, but the beautiful part is that we belong to that same family. We’re connected to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You’re connected to the most sublime, prosperous, wealthy, and blessed family that ever existed. 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.”

Notice that God didn’t say “seeds,” referring to a plurality of seed, but “seed,” referring to Christ. And the Bible says, “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). We belong to Christ. We’re in Christ. Moreover, Romans 8:17 says we’re joint-heirs with Christ, who is the heir of all things and beneficiary of the Abrahamic blessings.

We’re of the same stock; from the same lineage and family tree. Not only has God identified Himself with us, He’s brought us into oneness with Himself. We’re in union with Him. We’re bearers of His Name, partakers of His divine nature, and carriers of His glory.
   
CONFESSION
I’m the seed of Abraham and therefore an heir according to the promise. I belong to the wealthiest and most sublime family there is, and I walk in blessings untold. I’m empowered to prosper, and positioned to be fruitful and productive, glorifying God with my life, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study:
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

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

Ephesians 3:14-15 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
1 Corinthians 4:1-21, Psalms 113-116
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 4:14-23, Jeremiah 4

Read, share and also leave comments  on today's devotional. Let's keep spreading until we get into every man's world...God bless you. www.rhapsodyofrealities.org

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Express Joy** Thursday 18th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Express Joy** Thursday 18th August . Pastor Chris
 
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms (James 5:13).

Imagine that someone got the news that a kind person left him an estate worth a hundred million dollars; how do you think he’d receive the news? I’m most certain he won’t receive it with a listless “Thank you.” He’ll express much joy for what he received. Likewise, when you pray about a situation, maybe a health condition, and you believe God answered you, act like it. Express joy!

One day many years ago, I was leading the church service and had invited everyone to come forward for prayer. They all came around the altar and prayed. After the prayer, they returned to their seats as though they had just been whipped, and the Lord said to me, “They didn’t receive answers to their prayer.” He didn’t say, “I didn’t answer them,” because He always answers when we pray. But they didn’t receive because they didn’t act like people who had received answers to what they prayed about.

There have been people who received healing or other miracles in a meeting, and just as they turned to leave the venue, everything returned to what it was before. They lost the healing. Their healing was a sign; God had given them attention, and got their attention, but expected them to further act their faith. He wanted them to rejoice, testify, and be glad about what already happened, and thus keep their miracle, but they didn’t.

Many people don’t know that their expressions are a message. Faith is expressed in words and in actions. If your words and actions don’t demonstrate your faith, then there’s no faith. Every time people received something from the Lord in the Bible, they demonstrated it in their joy, and their blessing was sustained. Some actually received more as a result of their joyful testimonies and gratitude; an example is the leper in Luke 17:11-19.
The Bible says faith without works—corresponding action—is dead. If you accept what God has said about you, you’ve got to act like it.

PRAYER
I thank you Precious Father, for making my life a bundle of joy and happiness, and a testimony of your goodness. I go forth in your glory today, in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice. ||�|| 1 Chronicles 16:9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. ||
|| Psalm 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 3:1-23, Psalms 109-112
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 4:8-13,
Jeremiah 3�EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Trust... Believe... And Act On The Word** Wednesday 17th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Trust... Believe... And Act On The Word** Wednesday 17th August . Pastor Chris
 
So, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts... (Hebrews 3:7- 8 NIV).

When God’s Word comes to you, the first and important thing to do is to accept it. This may sound too simple for some people, but the things about God are so simple; He’s never complicated. If He were to come to us in His complexity, no one will even be saved. He’d remain a mystery. So, accept Him in His simplicity, and accept all that He’s done for you. That’s what it takes.

He’s called you to fellowship; accept it. He’s given you eternal life; accept it. He’s made you righteous, strong, vibrant, healthy, prosperous and influential; accept it! If you don’t accept what He’s done for you, given you, and made you—and live accordingly—you’ll be a victim in life. There’re people who say, “If God is real, let Him do something about my situation.” He already did; so stop waiting. Find out what the Word says about that situation; accept it, and live accordingly.

Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The Gospel of Christ is a message that works only for the one who believes. If you don’t believe it, it won’t work, even though it’s the power of God. Believe and accept that God has blessed you. He’s not planning to do it, He’s done it already: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

Even now, if there’s a situation in your life that you want changed, you can receive a miracle by saying “Yes” to the Word! Quit thinking, “Is there hope for me?” Yes. Christ is your hope. His Word is the answer. There have been many like you who were in similar situations and had a transformation. If the Word could produce results for them, it’ll do the same for you. Trust the Word. Believe the Word. Act on the Word.

CONFESSION
I delight in the Word of God, for it’s perfect; enriching and beautifying my life. The glorious life is mine as I acknowledge and receive every good thing that I have in Christ Jesus, walking in the light and reality of who I am in Christ. Righteousness, joy, peace, prosperity, health and strength are mine, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || 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 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. ||
|| James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. ||
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, Psalms 107-108
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 4:1-7, Jeremiah 2
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Your Right To Divine Health** Tuesday 16th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Your Right To Divine Health** Tuesday 16th August . Pastor Chris

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed (1 Peter 2:24).

Sometimes, people testify about their health and say, “I really thank God for giving me health. Where would I have been if He hadn’t given me health?” They think God looks around from time to time and says to one, “I give you health,” and to another, “I seize your health.” That’s not the way God is, and that definitely isn’t the kind of God Jesus pictured for us.
In Matthew 8:16, the Bible says Jesus healed all that were sick, revealing to us that it’s not the Father’s will for anyone to be sick. Acts 10:38 says, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” The oppression came from the devil, but it was the Father who anointed Jesus to heal all who had been oppressed.
God gave you divine health because He loves you. He didn’t wait for anyone to pray for your sins to be forgiven before sending Jesus Christ to die for you; He sent Him because He loves you. In the same way, He took sickness and disease away from you and made divine healing and health your inheritance in Christ. Thus, you have a right to health, because Jesus paid for it. He died to give you divine health.
Refuse to be sick. Don’t say, “But there’re some normal sicknesses”; there’s no sickness that’s normal. How could any sickness be normal? Just because it’s common doesn’t make it normal. Otherwise, why would people try to get rid of “something that’s normal?” Your ears are normal; that’s why you haven’t tried to have them cut off. People only cut off from their bodies the abnormal things: for example, cancerous growths; not the normal ones.
God cares about you and wants you to live healthy and strong every day. 3 John 1:2 says, “...I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

PRAYER
Blessed Father, I thank you that I live healthy and strong by the Holy Spirit. Divine life is at work in me. I manifest the virtues and perfections of your righteousness, walking in the glory and dominion of the Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Isaiah 33:24 And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein [shall be] forgiven [their] iniquity. ||

|| Romans 8:10-11 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. 11 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. ||

Daily Scripture Reading1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 1:1-31,
Psalms 104-106
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 3:13-21, Jeremiah 1
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Exercise Your faith** Monday 15th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Exercise Your faith** Monday 15th August . Pastor Chris

...according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3).

Your faith is God-given and it works. Jesus said, “...If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). Notice what He said: “If ye have...” because at one time, His disciples had no faith. That was when He asked them, “...how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). However, for us, the new creation, we were born again with faith in our spirits.

There’s no Christian that lacks faith. God gave to each one of us “the measure,” not “a measure,” of faith. He gave us all the same seed of faith, but you’re required to grow your faith and make it effective. The circumstances and the crises of life are at different levels, and require different levels of faith. There’s little faith and great faith, and then there’s weak faith and strong faith. You increase your level of faith by hearing more of God’s Word (Romans 10:17), but to improve the quality of your faith—the tensile nature—you have to exercise your faith; you have to use it.

For instance, that someone has a large body with a lot of flesh doesn’t necessarily mean the muscles are strong; you strengthen them by using and exercising them. Keep using and exercising your faith by acting on the Word; faith always works. If you acted your faith and it seemed like it didn’t work, go back to the Word and learn some more, and try again.

It’s like a child learning to walk; it gets more perfect with every step. It’ll be wrong to say of a child who’s learning to walk, “Since this child has fallen three times, I’ll never let him walk again.” The child would have to keep at it until finally, his muscles are strong enough, and that same child starts running.

Keep building and developing your faith by learning more and more of God’s Word and putting what you learn to work. Be quick to accept, believe, and do the Word. Affirm and declare the Word, irrespective of the contrary circumstances. That’s how to build strong and prevailing faith.

Prayer
Dear Father, I rejoice in your Word that’s at work in me and building my spirit strong! I’m set on the path of life, guided by your Spirit in glory, and everlasting triumph. I live the glorious life of righteousness, dominion, grace and power, today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

further study:
Matthew 21:21; Proverbs 24:10; 2 Corinthians 4:18
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
romans 16:1-27 Psalms 102-103
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Philippians 3:1-12 Isaiah 66

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **He Wants You Vibrant And Strong** Sunday 14th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **He Wants You Vibrant And Strong** Sunday 14th August . Pastor Chris

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:2).

One of the ways to improve your health is making sure you have good enough rest for your physical body, and good sleep has a role to play in this. It’s recommended to sleep for a certain number of hours every day. Although some people say, “There’re days that I sleep throughout; and then other days, I just stay awake.” That isn’t a normal lifestyle. If you’re that way, always cutting back on sleep, then you’ve got to reorder your lifestyle.

You’re not supposed to go on for several days without sleep, hoping to make up by sleeping eventually for twenty-four hours. That’s not going to work. Over time, chronic insomnia could drastically affect your health. God made day and night on purpose. Night has a cooling effect on the natural body. The biological effect of night is to cause you to sleep, to create the instincts of sleep, yet some people will still not want to give in to sleep. Such a lifestyle isn’t too good for your health, and could even impact your eyes negatively.

The Bible says, “...wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear” (Isaiah 28:12). Can you see that? He wants you to be vibrant, healthy, and strong. Therefore, He’s telling you that a good rest is a way to improve and extend your health; it’s a way to care for your physical body. Some people leave the responsibility of caring for their physical body to God; but your body is your house, and you’re the custodian of it. So, you must take care of your body.

Many get sick because they ignore simple routines like a proper rest and physical exercises. The Bible says bodily exercise profits little; it doesn’t say that it profits nothing. It’s important that you learn to keep your body healthy and strong; ensure proper hygiene, and don’t wear out your body from excessive labour. Keep your body in health, through the consistent application of the Word of God, and some basic health regimen. Make your body healthier so you can serve God better!

CONFESSION
Divinity is at work in me, in every fibre of my being, every cell of my blood, and in every bone of my body! I refuse to let sickness dominate my body, for my body is the temple of the living God, and that same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in me! I’m guided by wisdom to offer my body as a living sacrifice unto God! I live in health today, and always! Hallelujah!

Further Study: || 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. ||
|| Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ||

|| Psalm 127:2 (ESV) It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 15:14-33, Psalms 99-101
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 2:19-30, Isaiah 65
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Store The Word In You** Saturday 13th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Store The Word In You** Saturday 13th August . 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 Word of God is your source, and God’s plan is for you to be nourished and sustained by your source. You were born, not of perishable seed, but by the Word of God that lives and abides forever. Do you see why you’re unconquerable? Nothing can put you down, because you’re an offspring of the Word. However, you must keep feeding your spirit with the Word.

The Bible says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16). You become the Word of God that you receive into your spirit. As the Word of God gains the ascendancy in you, it produces in you the mind-set of victory and dominion. When you face crises, you won’t be shaken, because the Word of God is strong in you.

It doesn’t matter what’s going on around you; refuse to panic. Greater is He that’s in you, than he that’s in the world. Romans 8:28 says, “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.” You can’t know this and be a sissy or weakling that’s defeated in life. The question is: do you love the Lord? If your answer is yes, you have nothing to fear. No matter what’s happening, it’ll turn out for your good.

The Bible says, “...count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2). Keep the smile and laughter on; you’re more than a conqueror. Store the Word in you. Digest and “drink” the Word; get it into you in abundance, and your life will be an endless stream of victories and the miraculous. Hallelujah!

Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for the Word of your grace, with which my life is being built, and established in your righteousness, victory, glory, and success. I’m one with the Word; it grows mightily in me and prevails over sickness, death, failure and all negative circumstances. The Word propels and causes me to function excellently in all my affairs, in Jesus’ Name. Amen

further study:
Acts 20:32; 2 timothy 2:15
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
romans 15:5-13 Psalms 94-98
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Philippians
2:12-18 Isaiah 64

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **We Have Divine Life** Friday 12th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **We Have Divine Life** Friday 12th August . Pastor Chris

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

In our fellowship with the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, we’ve been given something free, and that’s life eternal: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:11-12). What is eternal life? It’s the life and nature of God—the quality of the divine life. In the world, there’s the animal life and the plant life. There’s also the natural human life. However, according to the scriptures, there’s the God-type of life, and that’s what He’s given us.

When you were born again, something actually transpired in the realm of the spirit. Your human life was supplanted by the divine life. This is the reality. It’s one of the reasons Christianity isn’t a religion; being born again is an actual transformation; a real spiritual birth: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The word, “creature” means “strange living thing”: something that can’t really be described; a new species or type of being that’s born of God; that’s who you are. The Bible says, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures” (James 1:18). “First fruits” means “the first and best.”
The Apostle John declared in 1 John 5:13, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” Why was it so important for him to let us know we have the God-life? It’s because you can’t enjoy the benefit, the power, and the influence of that life except you have it, and know that you have it.

Philemon 1:6 says, “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Acknowledge and affirm that you have, and can live the God-life: the life of righteousness, praise, dominion, and glory. Hallelujah.

CONFESSION
I’m a partaker of the divine nature; I have the very essence and character of divinity. The indestructible, impregnable, and indomitable life of God is in me. I’m thus programmed and positioned for the transcendent life, dispensing the realities and verities of God’s Kingdom. Glory to God!

Further Study: || John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly. ||
|| 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 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

|| Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 14:1-23-15:1-4, Psalms 90-93
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 2:1-11, Isaiah 63
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Don’t Entertain Fear** Thursday 11th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Don’t Entertain Fear** Thursday 11th August . Pastor Chris

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness (Isaiah 41:10).

Some Christians have asked, “What if there’re demons ganging up against me, shouldn’t I go for deliverance?” No, don’t go for deliverance; go for the Word! A Christian doesn’t need deliverance from Satan or anything of darkness. If he’d just learn, and apply the Word of God, he’d always win, irrespective of how many demons are out there. Think about it: How many rats will be enough to agree together to attack a cat? There’s a natural fear of the cat inside the rats.

Likewise, fear nothing, and fear no one. God has called you, and sent you as His ambassador to your world; you’re a minister of reconciliation. Everything has to respond to that call. You have a mandate from heaven, which you must fulfil; let nothing stop you, for you’re bigger, stronger, and greater than the adversary.

God said of the children of Israel as they journeyed from nation to nation, “This very day I will begin to put the terror and fear of you on all the nations under heaven. They will hear reports of you and will tremble and be in anguish because of you” (Deuteronomy 2:25 NIV). 1 Chronicles 16:20-22 also says, “And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people; He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”
Have no fear in you. Christ Jesus is greater than all. He said,“...the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me” (John 14:30). Satan has nothing in you. Give him no room. Refuse to fear.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the victory I have over the devil, the world, and circumstances. Satan has nothing to his advantage in me, because I’m born of the Word, and walk in the Spirit. Fear, doubt, unbelief, sickness, infirmity, failure, and poverty are not a part of my experience of life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || 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 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. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 12:17-13:1-14, Psalms 89
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 1:23-30, Isaiah 62
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **We’re Children Of The Covenant** Wednesday 10th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **We’re Children Of The Covenant** Wednesday 10th August . Pastor Chris

Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed (Acts 3:25).

One Bible character that’s been very popular and important through the ages is Abraham. What made him so relevant in God’s scheme of things? It’s the covenant God made with him. Abraham was God’s covenant friend. Now, I know there’re Christians who say they have a covenant with God. No, you don’t have any covenant with God. Abraham had a covenant with God, but we’re not in that covenant. Who are we?

We’re the seed of Abraham: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29).

As Abraham’s seed, we’re the children of the covenant that God had with him. This is really amazing! Let me illustrate further. Imagine a husband and his wife in a marriage covenant. Would their child or children be part of their covenant? Absolutely not! Their child would be the product of the covenant.

Books have been written about our covenant with God, but really, we’re not in covenant with God. The danger of this misleading teaching is that while praying and trying to get results on the basis that you’re in covenant with God, you’re merely trying to get what you already have. And you’ll never get it that way. There’re things people pray and struggle for that shouldn’t be, if only they knew who they are, and their positioning in Christ. We’re children of the covenant!

CONFESSION
I’m Abraham’s seed, and therefore, an heir according to the promise! As Abraham was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold, so have I been made exceedingly fruitful and rich in all things! I’m plugged to a heavenly supply, living in abundance always. Glory to God!

Further Study: || 2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. ||
|| Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 12:1-16, Psalms 85-88
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 1:15-22, Isaiah 61

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Kingdom Is Here Already** Tuesday 9th August . Pastor

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Kingdom Is Here Already** Tuesday 9th August . Pastor .

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).

Notice that in our opening verse, the Lord Jesus didn’t say, “Except a man be born again, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” He said, “he cannot see....” He’s saying, in other words, that the Kingdom of God is here present. You can’t see it, until you’re born again, and have the life of that Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is the totality of God’s influence that covers the world and heaven. It’s everywhere, but its manifestation isn’t everywhere.

God sent Jesus to establish the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of Heaven is that part of the Kingdom of God headed by Jesus Christ, established in the earth through the Gospel. You become a part of that Kingdom when you receive Jesus as your Lord, to be born again. When you’re born again, you start “seeing” differently. You see what others don’t see. You hear what others don’t hear. You know what others don’t know, and yet you may be physically in the same earthly location as they.
Remember, when God spoke to Jesus on the Cross, the people said it thundered. Some said, “An angel spoke to Him.” They didn’t understand, and yet we were given the meaning of the words.

So, really, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”; he can’t hear or know it. But when you’re born again, you have insight into divine mysteries and secrets. When you read the Bible, you can understand it, because the Spirit of God in you unveils the Word to you. He makes the mysteries of the Kingdom clear to you, for it is written,“...it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven...” (Matthew 13:11).

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for bringing me into the Kingdom of your dear Son, according to your own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. I’m grateful for your Kingdom, which is in my heart, and for the Holy Spirit in me who unveils the mysteries of the Kingdom to me, with the ability to appropriate spiritual realities, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Ezekiel 11:19-20 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: 20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. ||
|| Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 11:25-36, Psalms 82-84
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 1:9-14, Isaiah 60

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Our Call To Fellowship** Monday 8th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Our Call To Fellowship** Monday 8th August . Pastor Chris
  
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9).

Some people always see themselves as ever needing God, the ever-ready supplier, whom they have to beg continually to get something. They think He holds back, while trying to find out who deserves His help. That’s a wrong idea about Jesus and our heavenly Father. That’s not the picture the Bible paints at all. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is far beyond the matter of sin and salvation from sin. The highest and main purpose of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the call to fellowship. What does this mean?
First, it means a call to oneness, a family relationship, a unity of spirit, a joint-partnership, where everything that belongs to Him belongs to you, and everything that belongs to you belongs to Him. Can you imagine that God calls us into such a fellowship where everything He owns belongs to us as much as it belongs to Him? It’s what Jesus came to achieve for us.

We couldn’t come into that fellowship until, first and foremost, we were given a new life. He died for our sins to make it possible for us to have it. Salvation from sin was, therefore, a means to an end, not His primary purpose for coming. The end purpose was fellowship.

Our message in Christianity isn’t, “He came to die for our sins”; rather it’s, “Receive the life that Jesus has brought and walk in victory.” “(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)” (1 John 1:2).
The Gospel is God’s call to fellowship. The foregoing scripture, as simple as it is, is probably the most important thing anyone would ever discover on earth. It should be, of course; because it encapsulates the totality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s what it’s about. It’s the reason Jesus came.

PRAYER
Thank you, dear Father, for calling me into a glorious fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and your Son, Jesus Christ!I treasure my oneness with you through Jesus Christ; therefore, my source of supply is inexhaustible, because you’ve given me a privileged access to all that belongs to you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || 1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. ||
|| John 17:22-23 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 11:1-24, Psalms 79-81
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Philippians 1:1-8, Isaiah 59
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Abilities Of The Human Spirit** Sunday 7th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Abilities Of The Human Spirit** Sunday 7th August . Pastor Chris
 
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV).

The Bible shows us that there’re three important virtues that God has given to human beings. Cats and dogs don’t have them, neither do demons nor angels; only human beings express these three virtues, as clearly delineated for us in the above scripture.
Now, faith is the ability to acknowledge the invisible and to act, in spite of sensory perceptions. Hope is the ability to expect and to project into the future. Love is the ability to give and accept value, trust, and fellowship. If you observed these definitions closely, you’d have noticed the emphasis on the word, “ability.” In reality, these three are abilities; they’re important abilities and virtues.

God gave these abilities of the human spirit to us as tools. If they’re tools, then we must use them. Let’s take faith for example: Jesus was with His disciples in a boat and was sleeping at the rear. A strong wind arose, and water began to flow into the boat. Agitated, the disciples woke Jesus up and said, “Master, don’t you care that we’re in danger?” But He responded by asking them, “Where is your faith?” (Mark 4:38-40). In other words, “You should have used your faith.”

The problem wasn’t the wind, neither was it the water; it wasn’t the circumstances either. What Jesus asked for was their faith. He was saying to them, “No matter what happens to you in this world, no matter the circumstances in which you find yourselves, what you need is your faith. Always put it to work.”
The only principles that’ll exist in the world to come are faith, hope, and love. That’s why it’s essential for us to understand them and put them to work. We’ve been given abilities that aren’t unstable, but remain always. They’ll always work and produce results for us.

PRAYER
Thank you, dear Father, for your indescribable gifts and abilities at work in me. As a good steward of your manifold grace, I’m perfected in every good work to do your will, doing that which is well- pleasing in your sight, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. ||
|| Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ||
|| Hebrews 6:19 Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 9:30-10:1-21, Psalms 78
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 6:21-24,
Isaiah 58
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Wonder Of His Word** Saturday 6th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Wonder Of His Word** Saturday 6th August . Pastor Chris
 
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 (Isaiah 55:11).

It would seem paradoxical to think that some people who go to church don’t have time to listen to the Word. Some of them love the music; they enjoy the music ministrations, after which they leave the church service. They don’t wait for the message, because they have no value for the Word.

The Word of God is too important. To value the Word is to value Jesus, for Jesus is the living Word. The Bible says, “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be” (Genesis 49:10). When the Word of God is taught in church, it’s not only so we can learn it or just for us to believe and act upon it, but it’s also for the Word to reproduce itself in us. It’s the greatest benefit we derive from the Word of God. Hallelujah!

As you listen to, and believe the Word, the creative power therein comes into effect and transforms your life. That’s the mystery of the spoken Word! The ministration of God’s Word produces in you what it talks about. God’s Word has the divine power to do what it says. It’s different from man’s words. Anyone can say anything, but when it’s the Word of God, it has the power to affect our human spirits. There’s a miracle power about it that works.

Cherish the Word. Let it be what you delight in the most whenever you’re in church. As you receive the Word, it has the potentiality and capacity to make you what it talks about. That’s the wonder of God’s Word.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the wonder-working power of your Word; it heals the sick and raises the dead. The Word works in and for me always, producing the results of what it talks about, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Psalm 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. ||
|| 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. ||
|| Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 9:1-29, Psalms 74-77
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 6:10-20,
Isaiah 57EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **You’re The Expression Of Your Words** Friday 5th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **You’re The Expression Of Your Words** Friday 5th August . Pastor Chris
 
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 (Hebrews 4:12).

The most important natural gift given to human beings is the ability to talk. God gave us this special ability so we can be like Him. Words are not a language; words are spirits. Jesus said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

Your life is the character of your words. You’re who your words, your ideas, your thoughts, and your opinions express. What you see when you look at “you” every day at home, in the office, in the streets, or at the marketplace, is the outward embodiment of your words, ideas, and opinions. You are your words. No man is ever different from his words. If a man’s words are defective, then his character will be twisted. You’re the expression of your words.
In Matthew 12:37, the Lord Jesus said, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” This means if a man will be saved, it will be because of his words, and if he will be damned, it‘ll be because of his words. It’s important therefore, that as a child of God, you talk right. Put God’s Word on your lips and keep yourself in health, safety, prosperity, and victory.

You’re not the physical body that you see. The reflection you see when you look in a mirror isn’t all there is about you. You’re a spirit being, and your physical body is just your house; your domicile. In the realm of the spirit, when God looks at you, He sees your words, not just flesh and bones. When you speak, your words go into the realm of the spirit and they never die. One day, you’ll see your words and you’ll be amazed that they look exactly like you.

CONFESSION
My tongue is a tree of life, and my spirit is a reservoir of God’s Word. Out of my heart and my mouth flow the rivers of life, impacting my world with blessings, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Matthew 12:36-37 AMP But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak. 37 For by your words [reflecting your spiritual condition] you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words [rejecting Me] you will be condemned and sentenced.” ||
|| James 3:2-6 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

|| Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 8:18-39, Psalms 70-73
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 6:1-9, Isaiah 56
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **He’s The first-born Among Many Brethren** Thursday 4th August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **He’s The first-born Among Many Brethren** Thursday 4th August . Pastor Chris

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29).

As Christians, we’re not ordinary; we’re like Jesus: glorified, full of power, dominion and authority. We’re not beggars, slaves, or paupers; we’re sons and daughters of God. Some Christians act or talk like beggars when they pray; they’d say, “Father, we’re nothing before you....” How can we be nothing before one who has brought us into oneness with Himself?

Read the opening verse again; it says we were predestinated to be conformed to the image of the Son of God, Jesus Christ—the first-born among many brethren—not among many slaves. We’re His brothers and sisters. Let this understanding change your perception of God, and your opinion of yourself. Instead of praying, “Oh Lord, please help me; bless me, do this or that for me” say, “Lord, I thank you that I’m blessed in all things, and with all things, because I’m a joint-heir with Christ.”

Oh, the depth, enormity and magnitude of His love, to have brought us into such a wonderful union with Himself! What great honour to become partakers of His life, carriers of His glory, dispensers of His grace and the expression of His righteousness! His plan for us  before the foundations of the world has been fulfilled in Christ Jesus. The Bible says now are we the sons of God (1 John 3:2); not later; not when we get to heaven, but NOW! Hallelujah!
After His resurrection, the Bible no longer refers to Jesus as the only begotten of the Father. Rather, He’s called the first begotten of the dead (Revelation 1:5); that is, the first to be born again. When we were born again, we became God’s begotten children just like Jesus. He’s the first-born among a special race of super-beings, and we’re not second to Him, we’re one with Him. As He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). The Bible says, “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Hebrews 2:11).

Prayer
Father, I thank you for the privilege and honour to know that you delight in me personally. In your presence, I have mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Before I call, you answer; and while I’m yet speaking, you hear me. I’m conditioned by your love to walk in joy, victory, and prosperity always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

further study:
ephesians 2:19-22; Matthew 28:10; John 20:17
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
romans 8:1-17 Psalms 68-69
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
ephesians 5:25-33 Isaiah 55

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Faith In The Word** Wednesday 3rd August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **Faith In The Word** Wednesday 3rd August . Pastor Chris

And Jesus said unto them...If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you (Matthew 17:20).

Have you ever heard someone say, “I have faith in the Bible?” That doesn’t really make any spiritual sense. You can have faith that the Bible is true, and that it contains the Word of God, but to have faith that it’ll protect you if you place it under your pillow at night won’t work.

Don’t rest your faith on “the Bible,” but in the Word of God contained therein. Remember, we observed in our last study that the Bible is the testimony of God, but it contains the words of men, Satan, demons, and even a donkey. So to have faith in the Bible in that generic sense isn’t what works. Your faith has to be in God’s Word, and by that, faith requires to be definite and directed. True faith originates from God’s specific Word; and that’s what produces results.

The “logos” of God is life (John 6:63), but it won’t do anything for you until you receive it and act on it. For instance, there may be several electric sockets with electric power in a building, but to use the power, you have to plug an appliance into a power socket for it to work. That’s the same thing with the Word of God. The Bible says, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The whole body of God’s Word is truth, but the truth that makes you free is the truth you receive; the truth you know and live by.
The written Word doesn’t have power of itself until it comes out of the lips of a man who has faith; that’s where the power is. So, act your faith in the Word and you’ll be victorious always.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me your engrafted Word, by which I live. I succeed and make progress by the Word today, and my victorious life is evident, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || 2 Corinthians 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; ||
|| John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. ||
|| James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 7:7-25, Psalms 64-67
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 5:17-24, Isaiah 54
EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Bible Is God’s Testimony** Tuesday 2nd August . Pastor Chris

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES **The Bible Is God’s Testimony** Tuesday 2nd August . Pastor Chris

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21).

Many, out of ignorance, treat the Bible like any other book. They say, “Inspired men wrote the Bible the same way William Shakespeare was inspired to write ‘Julius Caesar.’” That’s not true. There’re different kinds of inspirations. There’s the inspiration of a poet, which has nothing to do with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. A poet could look at nature and be inspired, but the inspiration that comes from the Holy Spirit transcends such; it’s divine inspiration.

The Bible is a revelation; a compilation of the out-breathings of God; it’s God’s revelation given in words. Yes, it contains history, poetry, prophecy and so on; but these are all according to the Spirit of God and from His perspective. You’ll find in the Bible what God said; what angels said; what Satan said; what demons said; what prophets said; what men and women said, and what even an ass said. But they’re all God’s testimony of what they said.

Therefore, when we say the Bible is God’s Word, it’s true, because it contains the testimony of God. A testimony is a statement or affirmation of a fact. In a court of law, it’s the aggregate of proof offered in a case; the statement of a witness.

In Christianity, we believe and affirm that the Bible is God’s authentic declaration of Himself, of His works, of His plans and purposes, and of His views. Anyone who doesn’t believe this isn’t a Christian.

The Bible says all scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16); holy men spoke words that were carefully chosen by the Holy Spirit. This means the Holy Spirit didn’t only breathe God’s Word into the lives of these men, He actually moved them to write as they did. This makes the Bible trustworthy. You can trust its writings, because it’s more than a religious book; it’s the testimony of God.

PRAYER
Thank you precious Lord, for the revelation of your personality, will, purpose and character through the Scriptures. Your Word lightens my path and guides my life. I’m built up and energised by your Word for the ever-winning and triumphant life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || 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: ||
|| John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. ||
|| Psalm 93:5 Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever. ||

Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 6:15-7:1-6, Psalms 60-63
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians 5:9-16,
Isaiah 53EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional